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 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. Water Content
Kiwi is mostly water. If your pet hasn’t been drinking or is suffering from constipation, treating them with kiwi can be a great way to get them hydrated. However, too much water can cause an upset stomach or diarrhea. If you feed your guinea pig kiwi, you’ll need to start slow and see if there is a negative reaction before increasing portion size.
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.
The 5 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. Magnesium and iron levels are also boosted by eating kiwi.
3. Potassium
Potassium is important to maintain blood pressure, and it helps regulate the heart. It can help reduce the risk of heart-related problems later in life, so most experts recommend adding it to your guinea pig’s diet as often as possible.
4. Fiber
Fiber is an important nutrient for your guinea pig because it can help balance the digestive system. Fiber helps reduce the risk of constipation and diarrhea by maintaining a proper amount of water in the intestines. It also helps reduce the risk of colon cancer by quickly expelling harmful ingredients from the body.
5. Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates provide your guinea pig with the energy they need to stay active, and without them, your pet may spend more time sleeping. However, too many carbs can lead to obesity, so you will want to make sure you pay attention to how many carbs your pet eats.
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 your guinea pig doesn’t have any problems, you can increase the portion size slightly. We recommend limiting this treatment to no more than once a week to avoid weight gain and bladder stones.
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. If we have convinced you to give it a try, please share this guide to feeding your guinea pig kiwi on Facebook and Twitter.
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