We all know that our pet guinea pigs are herbivores, but that doesn’t mean that every fruit or vegetable is safe for them. Yet, we love sharing food with our precious fur babies. If you’ve been eating a lot of apples lately, you might wonder: Can guinea pigs eat apples too?
In this article, we’ll discuss the parts of the apple your guinea pig can and can’t eat, how often guinea pigs can eat apples, and more.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Apples?
Guinea pigs can eat all apple varieties but only the flesh and skin. Never feed your guinea pig apple pits, stems, or seeds, as these parts are toxic.
So, if you were going to throw your apple core to the piggies after you’ve eaten your snack, stop! Instead, cut them off a small slice to share.
Remember to only feed fruits to your guinea pigs in moderation. While an occasional bite of an apple is great, eating half an apple isn’t–nor is eating an apple every single day. This is because apples contain a lot of sugar, which can cause health problems like an upset stomach.
How Much Apple to Feed Your Guinea Pig
Feed your guinea pig one small slice of apple a few times a week at most. If feeding apples this often, avoid other fruits and sugary vegetables such as carrots. You don’t want them to have too much sugar in their diet!
Something you may not know about guinea pigs is that their produce should always be washed before they eat it. Make sure to wash your apple with water to rinse away any pesticides and other chemicals that might be on the skin. Slice the apple as normal, then check the slice for seeds and remove them if needed.
Apples for Guinea Pigs: Benefits vs Risks
Health Benefits
The benefits of apples for guinea pigs are all of the vitamins and nutrients this fruit contains. Apples are a good source of fiber, which guinea pigs need plenty of in their diet–though they’ll get most of their fiber from their hay. Fiber keeps the digestive system moving.
They’re also rich in vitamin C. Though apples shouldn’t be your guinea pigs’ only source of vitamin C, this makes them a great addition to the diet–and a good fruit to serve in a pinch if you’re running low on your usual daily veggies.
Apples also contain potassium, copper, and vitamins B1, B6, E, and K. Many of these nutrients are contained in the apple skin, so there’s no need to peel the apple. However, you should definitely wash it to remove pesticides.
Risks
As we discussed above, the seeds, stem, and core of the apple are toxic to guinea pigs–and humans! Eating them can cause cyanide poisoning.
Although humans would have to eat a lot of apple seeds to be poisoned, guinea pigs are much smaller and thus more at risk.
Another risk is baked goods that include apples. If you’re going to feed apples to your guinea pig, serve them plain, fresh fruit only. Apple desserts may contain seasonings and other ingredients that are toxic or unsafe for your guinea pig to eat.
Lastly, make sure to wash apples before feeding them to your guinea pigs, as the chemicals used during farming can make them sick.
What to Feed Your Guinea Pig Daily
While apples are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and more, they’re too sugary for daily consumption. Here’s what your guinea pig should be eating daily:
- Grass hay such as timothy or orchard grass – in unlimited amounts
- A variety of dark, leafy greens – one cup per guinea pig per day
- Bell pepper for vitamin C – green is the healthiest, but all colors work!
- Plain, timothy-based guinea pig pellets – ⅛ cup per guinea pig per day
It’s best to provide variety in your guinea pigs’ diet, but make sure not to add too many foods at once. For instance, if your guinea pig has never eaten vegetables, you might want to start with 1-2 options, such as romaine lettuce and bell pepper. This helps to prevent stomach upset from a fast change in diet.
While fruits are a great treat for guinea pigs, they should only be eaten a few times a week at most. The same goes for carrots and other vegetables that are high in sugar.
Another thing to watch for in your piggies’ diet is the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. Too much calcium, without phosphorus to balance it out, can cause health issues such as bladder stones.
Other Fruits to Try With Your Guinea Pig
While guinea pigs shouldn’t eat fruit daily, you can try new fruits as often as weekly. It’s fun to see what they devour, what they turn their nose up at, and the differences in your guinea pigs’ tastes.
Here are some fruits that are safe for guinea pigs:
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Grapes
- Kiwis
- Oranges
- Pears
- Mangos
- Cantaloupe
- Watermelon
Remember to wash the fruit and cut it into small pieces before serving. For most fruits, you’ll want to remove the pit, stems, and seeds, as they may be toxic. Cut round fruits like grapes in half to prevent choking.
What to do if Your Guinea Pig Eats Too Much Apple, Or the Pit
If your guinea pig has eaten too much apple, monitor them for signs of stomach upset. You might notice softer poops in their cage or signs of discomfort, such as hiding more than usual. If this continues, call your vet to set up an appointment.
If your guinea pig stops eating or pooping, see a veterinarian immediately. Just 6-8 hours without food can cause GI stasis, which can be deadly.
Another emergency condition to watch for after your guinea pig eats a lot of sugar is bloat or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). This condition causes a guinea pig’s stomach to swell. They may also seem restless, lethargic, or hunch over in pain. Bloat kills guinea pigs very quickly, often causing sudden death–so if you spot symptoms, rush them to the vet immediately.
If your guinea pig eats an apple pit or seeds, call a pet poison hotline or your local exotic pet veterinarian for help. Let them know how much your guinea pig ate, when they ate it, and whether they’re showing any symptoms. They can give you tailored advice for your specific situation. Never try to induce vomiting in guinea pigs to remove toxins, as they cannot puke.
