How much does it cost to declaw a cat? Apples are a popular fruit, but how safe are they for your guinea pigs? Let’s take a look at what types of apples can be given to guinea pigs, how much and how often they should have it, and what parts of the apple are safe for your guinea pigs to eat.
Can guinea pigs eat apples?
We don’t recommend giving cooking apples, such as Bramleys, to your guinea pigs due to the high acidity. Eating apples are much safer for them to consume.
Yes, guinea pigs can eat cooked apples. In fact, cooked apples are a great source of vitamin C for guinea pigs. Just be sure to remove the seeds and core before feeding them to your guinea pig.
Can guinea pigs eat apples with the skin on?
The skin of an apple contains lots of fiber and nutrients, so it is most beneficial to give a piece of apple to your guinea pigs with the skin on. However, make sure you wash it first!
The next time you’re at the grocery store, try to buy organic and unwaxed apples for your guinea pig. If you can’t find or afford organic apples, don’t worry – they’ll still be fine to give to your guinea pig with the skin on, as long as you wash them really well first.
Guinea pigs apple cores
No, guinea pigs cannot eat apple cores. The seeds of the apple can be poisonous to guinea pigs, and the apple cores can be a choking hazard.
Apples contain a lot of fibre in their cores, which we might not enjoy chewing on, but guinea pigs have teeth that are tough enough to handle hay. So don’t worry, they’ll have no problem getting into the core of the apple.
Eating foods that are fibrous helps a guinea pig wear down his constantly growing teeth and keeps them healthy. In fact, if you eat an apple, give them the core or part of the core when you are finished rather than throwing it away. This is a great way to help your guinea pig stay healthy and have strong teeth! We recommend feeding your guinea pigs apple cores no more than once or twice a week.
Guinea pigs can’t consume apple seeds
People often believe that guinea pigs can’t consume apple seeds, when in fact they can. Many guinea pig owners avoid feeding their pets apple seeds because they think the seeds may pose a choking hazard, but this is not the case. Apple seeds are not a choking hazard and they are not likely to get stuck in your guinea pig’s teeth.
Apple seeds are dangerous for guinea pigs
The reason why people think apple seeds are dangerous for guinea pigs, is because the seed contains a naturally occurring chemical compound, called amygdalin, which turns to cyanide when crushed or chewed and digested.
Try offering your guinea pig a few different types of apple
There are many varieties of apples, with different tastes, textures and colors, so your guinea pig may like some more than others. Try offering your guinea pig a few different types of apple and see which ones they prefer!
As a general rule, green apples are tarter while red apples are sweeter. However, there are always exceptions to the rule. For example, Braeburn, Red Delicious, Pink Lady, Golden Delicious, and Granny Smith apples are all quite tart; whereas Fuji, Gala and Honeycrisp apples offer a much sweeter taste.
As flavors and textures can differ significantly, you may find that your guinea pigs have a preference for certain types of apples over others.
Final Thought
It’s important to keep your guinea pig’s diet varied. Just like you, they get tired of eating the same thing every day. Timothy hay should be their mainstay, but they’ll also enjoy daily side salads and the occasional strawberry for dessert. This way, you can be sure that your furry friend is getting all the nutrients they need while still enjoying their meals.
A guinea pig’s diet should be carefully balanced and they should never eat actual bread or butter. They should also avoid mushrooms, iceberg lettuce, and onions. No piggy can process junk food, and too much salt will make him sick, so it’s important to give them the right foods to help them live a long and healthy life.