Avocados are a super fruit for human beings. It contains a lot of Vitamins, Minerals, and fatty acids needed by our bodies. But Can guinea pigs eat avocado? is avocado safe for them? It is a question that mind boggles a lot of guinea pig owners. So, I decided to do some research, and here is what I found out!
No, guinea pigs cannot eat avocados. Avocado contains a fatty acid like chemical called persin, which can be harmful to your guinea pig’s digestive system. It can lead to Diarrhea and other digestive issues in guinea pigs. Although a small bite of flesh won’t harm your guinea pigs; however, it is best to avoid it altogether.
Avocados contain a lot of fatty acids, which can cause digestion problems and intestinal issues in guinea pigs. Apart from that, Persin is also one such chemical present, which is terrible for our guinea pigs. Although cats and dogs can tolerate it in small quantities, our guinea pigs definitely struggle with the same.
So, now that you know we cannot feed avocados to our guinea pig’s let us see what nutrients do they possess and what are the potential hazards to look for if you have fed it to your guinea pigs. We will also look at other excellent fruits that we can supply to our guinea pigs.
Nutrition in avocado
Avocado contains a lot of Vitamins, Minerals, and Antioxidants. Let us check out some major nutritional value of 100 grams of avocado below:
| Vitamin C | 10 mg/ 100 g |
| Vitamin K | 21 mg/ 100 g |
| Vitamin E | 2.07 mg/100 g |
| Vitamin A | 7 µg/ 100 g |
| Calcium | 12 mg/ 100 g |
| Phosphorous | 52 mg/ 100 g |
| Potassium | 485 mg/ 100 g |
| Carotene, Beta | 62 µg |
| Carotene, Alpha | 24 µg |
| Folate | 81 µg |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 271 µg |
| Fiber | 6.7 g/ 100 g |
| Sugar | 0.66 g/ 100 g |
| Protein | 2 g/ 100 g |
| Carbs | 8.53 g/ 100 g |
| Calories | 160 Kcal |
| Fat | 14.66 g/ 100 g |
| Water | 73.23 g/ 100 g |
Source: USDA National Nutrient database
As you can see, avocados contain a lot of Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in it. However, they are also rich in Carbs and Fatty acids, which are not suitable for our guinea pig’s health.
The risk to consider if you fed avocado to guinea pigs?
Digestive issue
Avocados are rich in potassium and Persin, which can cause a lot of digestive issues in guinea pigs. Guinea pigs have a sensitive digestive system that can get off-balanced quickly.
So, if you end up adding avocados in your guinea pig’s diet, then your guinea pigs will suffer from various digestive issues, including diarrhea and slow digestion.
Intestinal issue
Some guinea pigs do have a sensitive digestive system. While some can digest all kinds of food, others can’t.
There have been instances when guinea pigs were fed avocados, and the food got stuck halfway in the intestine of the guinea pigs.
They were taken to the vet immediately, and the food was removed via minor surgery.
Obesity
Avocado is rich in carbs and fatty acid, which can build up quickly in guinea pigs.
That can lead to obesity in guinea pigs, which can further give rise to various health issues in them.
Guinea pigs and Avocado: FAQ
Can guinea pigs eat avocado leaves?
No, guinea pigs cannot eat avocados leaves as it contains Persin in high quantity. Consuming such a high amount of Persin in the food can lead to poisoning in guinea pigs.
Can guinea pigs eat avocado pit?
No, guinea pigs cannot eat avocado’s pit as it contains persin in it as well.
The pit also possesses a choking hazard in guinea pigs and must be avoided entirely.
Can guinea pigs eat avocado skin?
No, guinea pigs cannot eat avocado skin. Avocado skin has a rough texture, which can get stuck in your guinea pi’s throat.
Apart from that, it also contains persin in high volume, which is fatal anyway.
Can guinea pigs eat raw avocados?
No, guinea pigs cannot eat avocados at all, as it is terrible for their health. However, if you feel like tossing some, you can serve a tiny bit of flesh, which is fully ripe.
However, make sure you just give a small bit once in a blue moon. Avocados should never be a part of your guinea pig’s regular diet.
What are other fruits guinea pigs can eat? (Best alternative to avocado for guinea pigs)
So, by now you have already understood that avocado is one such fruit which you should completely avoid. But what are some alternative fruits which you can feed to your guinea pigs?
Let us have a look at some fruits which are safe for guinea pigs. They also possess some great nutritional value in them which is much needed by our guinea pigs.
Apple
Apple is an excellent addition to our guinea pig’s diet. It is rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, which are essential for our guinea pigs.
It does contain a small amount of sugar and calcium in it, but all in all, it makes a significant part of the guinea pig’s diet. You can learn more about serving size, hazards& more from our in-depth guide:
Banana
Bananas are a rich source of fiber, Vitamin A, and other essential nutrients needed by our guinea pigs.
It is also rich in Vitamin B-6, which helps in maintaining their skin & fur soft and healthy. However, it is rich in sugar; thus, it should be fed only in small quantities.
You can learn more about serving size, hazards, and more from our in-depth guide:
Blueberries
Blueberries are also an excellent treat for your guinea pigs. It is rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin K, and Vitamin C, which is essential for our guinea pigs.
Blueberries also contain a lot of antioxidants and minerals, which are further benefits for our guinea pig’s health.
However, just like other fruits, it should be served in small quantities to avoid severe health issues. If you want to learn more about it, you can read our guide:
Can guinea pigs eat blueberries?
Strawberry
Strawberry contains a colossal amount of Vitamin C in it, which is essential nutrients for our guinea pigs.
As guinea pigs cannot synthesize their own Vitamin C, they need food rich in Vitamin C to keep up with their nutrients upkeep.
Not only strawberries are rich in vitamins, but they also contain a lot of antioxidants, which helps in keeping our guinea pigs healthy and robust.
Learn more about strawberries for guinea pigs from our guide:
Can guinea pigs eat strawberries?
Kiwi
Kiwi is an excellent source of Vitamin C and potassium in guinea pigs. These vitamins help in the prevention of scurvy, prevention of bladder stone, and smooth functioning of their body.
However, we can only serve a limited quantity of kiwi to our guinea pigs because of high sugar content in it.
If you want to learn more about serving size, benefits, and hazards of serving kiwi, then refer our guide at:
Orange
Orange is an excellent treat for your guinea pigs. Oranges contain a lot of Vitamin C and Vitamin A in them.
These vitamins are essential for guinea pigs as it helps in the overall development of their body and prevention of scurvy in them.
However, being a citrus fruit, we can only serve it in small quantities as overfeeding can lead to mouth sore and digestive issues in guinea pigs.
Learn more about oranges for guinea pigs from our guide:
Watermelon
Watermelon is one of the best summer snacks for our guinea pigs. Although not rich in nutrients, it does contain Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and other nutrients in small quantities.
It is rich in water and thus helps in keeping our guinea pigs cool & hydrated throughout summer. However, it should be served in moderation to avoid any health issues in our guinea pigs.
To learn more read our in-depth guide:
Can guinea pigs eat watermelon?
Grapes
Grapes are a rich source of antioxidants, Vitamins, and minerals in guinea pigs. Although not the best in terms of vitamins, it is a tasty snack for our guinea pigs.
Guinea pigs love to munch on these small berries whenever they can. But at the same time, it also contains 16% sugar, which is harmful to your guinea pigs. So, we should only feed it sparsely.
You can learn more about serving size, benefits, and hazards of serving grapes to your guinea pigs from our guide:
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