Among many questions, one question often pops up in a guinea pigs owner’s mind “Can guinea pigs eat cucumbers?” Well, the short answer is yes.
However, as a responsible owner, it’s crucial to comprehend the health benefits that cucumbers provide for guinea pigs. So, let’s delve a little deeper into the advantages of cucumbers for the health of guinea pigs.
Is Cucumber Safe for Guinea Pigs?
As I said above, Cucumbers is totally safe for guinea pigs. But don’t feed guinea pigs cucumbers as their primary food like hay and pellets, as cucumbers cannot fulfill nutritional requirements like hay and pellets do.
Instead, cucumbers should be given as a treat, in moderation about 1-3 tablespoons every 2-3 days. Overfeeding can upset your little furry friend’s tummy.
While cucumbers contain few nutrients, they can still contribute to the well-being of guinea pigs.
Vitamins that Contribute to Guinea Pigs’ Well-being
- Vitamin C: Cucumbers contain 2.8mg of vitamin C per 100g of cucumbers. which is beneficial for guinea pig health. Unlike humans and some other animal species, guinea pigs cannot internally produce vitamin C due to the absence of necessary enzymes. Hence, including supplementary sources of vitamin C in their diet, like cucumbers, is essential for their overall health.
- Fiber: Cucumbers contain 0.5 g fiber per 100mg cucumbers. Their digestive system relies on fiber for optimal function.
- Calcium: Cucumbers contain 16mg calcium per 100 mg cucumbers. As we all know calcium helps to maintain bone health.
- Other nutrients: Cucumber also contains some small amount of additional nutrients, which are not significant enough to mention separately. But they also contribute to the well-being of guinea pigs. For example: Vitamin K, Vitamin A, Potassium, Magnesium, B vitamins, etc.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cucumber Skin and Seeds?
The peel of a cucumber is safe for guinea pigs and the peel contains more nutrients than the flesh. So obviously guinea pigs can eat cucumber skin.
Potential Pitfalls of Cucumber Consumption
There is no adverse effect of feeding cucumbers to guinea pigs. However, it’s important that you are not upsetting their digestive system by overfeeding.
Ok, Cucumber is safe for Guinea pigs, but do they like it?
Yes, typically guinea pigs like the cucumbers. But their preference can vary, for example, some may prefer the peel, while others may prefer the flesh.
