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If you’re curious about whether guinea pigs can eat plums, the short answer is yes, they can. However, you should keep in mind that the plum is a sweet fruit. That means your guinea pig can only enjoy an occasional small amount of this fruit.
Plums can provide your Guinea pig with a small boost of fiber and vitamins A and C. When feeding plums to your guinea pig, be sure to remove the pit and stem. You’ll also need to cut the fruit into small pieces to avoid it becoming a choking hazard.
Are Plums Safe for Guinea Pigs?
As long as the plum is pitted and doesn’t have any added sugar, your guinea pig can enjoy a small slice of this fruit as a treat. Like with any new food, though, introduce plums to your guinea pig slowly to avoid upsetting their stomach, because in addition to containing sugar, it is also slightly acidic.
Start with a small piece of plum, and watch your guinea pig for any signs of digestive distress. If all goes well, you can offer additional pieces of plum as part of a healthy diet.
How Many Plums Should a Guinea Pig Eat?
While plums are not toxic to guinea pigs, they should only be given in moderation due to their acidity and high sugar content. About a teaspoon-sized portion of a plum or 5-7 grams in weight, cut into small pieces can be offered once every week or two. This will be more than enough for one guinea pig, as their diet should be based on timothy hay, dark leafy greens, and vitamin C-rich vegetables. Be sure to remove the pit and stem before feeding your guinea pig the fruit.
What Other Foods Can Guinea Pigs Eat?
Guinea pigs can safely eat several kinds of fruits and vegetables, including apples, bananas, carrots, celery, and green beans.
These critters are herbivores, so their diet should consist mostly of hay, fresh vegetables, and a small number of species-specific pellets. However, they can still enjoy the occasional treat! Here are a few ideas for safe, healthy snacks for your guinea pig:
- About 20-30 grams of green pepper cut into small pieces, daily
- A slice of a carrot, once or twice a week
- About a teaspoon of of apple once a week
- A slice of a cucumber three times a week
- A small handful of pellets
As you can see, there are many options for safe, healthy snacks for guinea pigs. Just be sure to avoid giving them too many sugary or acidic foods, as these can cause health problems later.
A Healthy Guinea Pig Diet
As any pet owner knows, a healthy diet is essential to an animal’s well-being. When it comes to guinea pigs, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to ensure that your furry friend stays healthy and happy.
A critical component of a guinea pig’s diet is hay. It provides essential nutrients, like fiber, and helps keep their digestive system functioning properly. You should offer your guinea pig unlimited access to fresh and clean hay daily.
In addition to hay, fresh vegetables should be included in a guinea pig’s diet. Vegetables like green peppers, zucchini, carrots, broccoli, and leafy greens like parsley, kale, and spinach are all suitable choices. Be sure to wash the vegetables thoroughly before feeding them to your guinea pig, to remove any potential toxins or pesticides.
Finally, a small amount of fruit can also be offered as a treat. While most fruits are safe for guinea pigs to eat in small, occasional amounts, avoid giving them grapes or raisins, as these can cause digestive problems. If you’re ever unsure about what you can and can’t feed your guinea pig, it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian to get the most accurate information.
Conclusion
So, can guinea pigs eat plums? Yes, they can! In fact, plums are a safe occasional treat for guinea pigs as long as portions are controlled. Just make sure to remove the pit and stem before feeding them to your guinea pig. You can offer a variety of small pieces of fresh fruits in moderation, as treats as long as you include tons of hay and a rotation of vitamin C-rich leafy greens and vegetables as part of a well-balanced diet.
Related Reads:
- Can Guinea Pigs Eat Nectarines? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition Facts & FAQ
- Can Guinea Pigs Eat Almonds? Nutrition Facts & Alternatives
Featured Image Credit: Rebecca Matthews, Unsplash
