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Nectarines are small and sweet fruits that are often available at affordable prices at most local grocery stores. This has led many people to wonder whether these orange fruits are safe for their Guinea Pigs. Can Guinea Pigs eat nectarines? Are they safe? Do Guinea Pigs even like nectarines? These are all good questions to ask, and you should get the answers before trying to feed your Guinea Pig any new type of food that you are not fully familiar with.
Yes, guinea pigs can eat nectarines in moderation as an occasional treat, but it should not be a regular part of their diet due to the high sugar content. This brief guide has everything you need to know about feeding your Guinea Pig nectarines, including the nutritional benefits, the downsides, and the best feeding practices.
Guinea Pigs Can Eat Nectarines
If you are worried about feeding your Guinea Pig nectarines, don’t be. Guinea Pigs can eat nectarines. They are not poisonous, toxic, or dangerous for cavies. Nectarines have some benefits, including some potent nutrients. However, they also have a few downsides that need to be considered as well. Like any treat or non-standard food, nectarines should be fed sparingly and in small quantities. Nectarines can make a sweet and sticky treat for your Guinea Pig from time to time.
Do Guinea Pigs Like Nectarines?
Yes. Guinea Pigs like to eat nectarines. The fruit is sweet, crunchy, and brightly colored. Guinea Pigs will absolutely love to check out and chow down on some nectarines. Guinea Pigs are not particularly picky eaters, but they will turn their noses up at certain foods. However, nectarines are generally not one of them.
Benefits of Feeding Nectarines to Guinea Pigs
Nectarines have a few key nutrients in them that are good for Guinea Pigs. Nectarines have ample amounts of vitamin C, calcium, and phosphorus. Each of these ingredients is good for Guinea Pigs.
Nectarine Nutrient Density
| Nutrient | Amount Per 100g |
| Vitamin C | 5.4 mg |
| Calcium | 6 mg |
| Phosphorous | 26 mg |
Vitamin C helps Guinea Pigs recover from illness and helps with tissue regeneration. Calcium helps maintain healthy bones and muscles. Phosphorus helps animals break down carbohydrates and process food into energy.
Nectarines are best for Guinea Pigs when fed in moderation. If you give your Guinea Pigs too many nectarines, you can actually start to see some negative side effects.
How to Feed Your Guinea Pig Nectarines
The best way to feed your Guinea Pig nectarine is to peel the nectarine and then chop it into small cubes or slices. Chopping the nectarine gives your Guinea Pig small amounts to snack on, and it helps you remove any seeds or pits that might be lurking inside.
You should only feed your Guinea Pig nectarines once per week to prevent giving them too much sugar. You can chop up one or two slices of nectarine into three to six chunks and feed them straight to your Guinea Pig.
Downsides of Nectarines
Nectarines have a couple of key downsides that you need to be aware of before you feed them to your Guinea Pig. First, some nectarines have seeds or pits inside of each slice. Some nectarines are seedless, but not all of them are. You want to remove any seeds from the nectarine before feeding it to your Guinea Pig.
Second, nectarines are very high in sugar. Guinea Pigs are used to eating diets that are high in leafy greens, hay, and seeds. Their digestive systems are not formulated to digest sugar very well. If you feed your Guinea Pig too much sugar, they can end up with stomach aches and even urinary issues.
Final Thoughts
Guinea Pigs will love receiving nectarine chunks as an occasional treat. Due to the high sugar content, nectarines should not be fed regularly or in large quantities. They will make a nutritious and sweet treat for your Guinea Pig once a week. Make sure to cut the nectarines into chunks and remove any peels or seeds before feeding. Your Guinea Pig will thank you.
Featured Image Credit: MERCURY Studio, Shutterstock
