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Kiwi is an amazing fruit that tastes great alone, in a salad, or as a drink. Since it is so healthy for humans, it’s natural to wonder if it’s also good for your guinea pig. Fortunately, the answer is yes. Not only can your guinea pig eat kiwi, but it also has health benefits. If you are interested in giving this fruit to your pet, keep reading while we look at the nutritional value along with the pros and cons of feeding your guinea pig kiwi.
The 3 Reasons Kiwi Is Good for Guinea Pigs
1. Vitamin C
Your guinea pig does not make enough vitamin C and will require supplements in their diet, so any snacks that contain it are preferred. A lack of vitamin C can lead to scurvy which can be life-threatening if not caught early. Some vitamin C deficiency signs include a lack of energy, difficulty walking, rough hair, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. Kiwi contains 92.7 milligrams of vitamin C per 100 grams of fruit, so it is well worth feeding your pet.
2. Other Vitamins and Minerals
Kiwi also contains several other vitamins that can help boost the immune system and improve blood clotting. The other vitamins and minerals you can find in kiwi include vitamins E, K, and B6. It also contains small amounts of magnesium and iron.
3. Potassium
Potassium is important to maintain blood pressure, and it helps regulate the heart. Including potassium-rich vegetables in your guinea pig’s diet can help reduce the risk of heart-related issues later in life. However, it’s important to offer these foods in moderation as part of a well-balanced diet.
The 3 Reasons Kiwi Is Bad for Guinea Pigs
1. Sugar
The main problem with feeding your guinea pig fruit or any other fruit is that it contains a lot of sugar. Obesity is on the rise with all pets, and guinea pigs are no exception. Overweight pets have shorter lifespans which can lead to multiple health problems, including heart disease and liver problems.
2. Acidity
Kiwi is a very acidic fruit, and while guinea pigs can safely eat small amounts, the acidity can irritate the sensitive tissues in your guinea pig’s mouths. This may lead to soreness, reduced appetite, or drooling in some guinea pigs, especially if fed too frequently. To avoid irritation, kiwi should be offered only occasionally and in tiny portions, always monitoring for any signs of discomfort after feeding.
3. Calcium
Kiwi contains calcium ,which is good for humans but can lead to bladder stones in your guinea pig. If your pet gets bladder stones, you will need to get them surgically removed. Since this issue is common with these pets, experts recommend keeping a close eye on the calcium you provide and avoiding it when possible.
How Should I Feed My Guinea Pig Kiwi?
To feed kiwi to your guinea pig, you will need to remove the skin, but your pet can eat the seeds. Keep the amount small, no more than a teaspoon-sized portion, especially if it’s your pet’s first time trying it. If no digestive upset or mouth irritation occurs, you may offer it occasionally in slightly larger portions. To avoid health issues like weight gain or bladder stones, it’s best to limit kiwi to no more than once a week as a treat.
Final Thoughts
Kiwi can be a healthy and tasty treat that you can provide your pet to give them something sweet and wet, especially on a hot day. In our experience, most guinea pigs enjoy it and will come running to eat some, but we’ve also had several that didn’t like it, so don’t be surprised if your pet is indifferent. We put a few small pieces in a salad once a week for the pets that do like it, and they always eat it first.
We hope you have enjoyed reading over this guide and learned some new facts about this Chinese fruit.
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