Do you have a guinea pig and are you wondering can guinea pigs eat grapes?
In this article, we answer that question by providing more information such as serving size, nutritional information, and much more.
Furthermore, we cover what types of grapes are okay for your guinea pig and other types of food that should be included in their diet.
Let’s dive right in.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Grapes?
Guinea pigs can eat all types of grapes, but should only eat red grapes.
Green grapes have fewer antioxidants and contain more sugar compared to red grapes.
For that reason, green grapes can cause harm to your guinea pig’s digestive system if eaten in excess.
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Are Grapes Good for Guinea Pigs?
You might be surprised to know that grapes are toxic for many animals.
Dogs and cats cannot eat grapes, not only because they present a choking hazard but also because grapes are toxic to them.
Types of Grapes
Grapes are found in most parts of the world.
There are almost 8000 different types of grapes.
All have health benefits.
Some types of grapes are considered good for winemaking, some types are served as fresh fruits and some types are good for raisins.
Which Grapes Guinea Pigs Can Eat?
It’s somewhat difficult to explain which color grapes are healthy to guinea pigs.
But according to scientific research sweet grapes are not harmful to guinea pigs’ health.
Guinea pigs can enjoy green grapes, purple grapes, or red grapes, but all in moderate amounts.
Purple is better than green grapes because it has a lower content of sugar as compared to others and higher antioxidant content than green grapes.
Red grapes are better than any other type as they are enriched in antioxidants and also a source of resveratrol (we will later discuss resveratrol).
But don’t feed your guinea pigs with more than 1-2 grapes per week.
Overeating makes guinea pigs obese and they become lazy and less active.
Obesity is the root cause of many diseases.
To keep guinea pigs fit, serve them good quality food in accurate quantities.
What Are the Nutrients in Grapes?
Grape is a fruit that humans enjoy in various forms.
Its sweet taste makes it so yummy and refreshing.
Here we will describe the health benefits of grapes for little fluffy guinea pigs.
We all know fruits are packed with high nutrients but it does not mean you can give them as much as you want to your guinea pigs.
A serving of 150 grams of grapes may contain:
- Protein (1.09mg)
- Potassium (0.54mg)
- Calcium (15mg)
- Sodium (3mg)
- Zinc (0.11)
- Vitamin C (4.8)
- Vitamin K(22 mg)
- Folate(3mcg)
- Iron(0.54)
- Magnesium(11mg)
- Phosphorous(30mg)
- Fiber(1.5g)
It is recommended to serve grapes to guinea pigs in small portions.
Are Grapes Beneficial for Guinea Pigs?
Little guinea pigs will get a lot of nutrients from grapes.
You will be surprised how much this fruit is beneficial to your guinea piggy’s health.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an essential vitamin and antioxidant.
It improves a guinea pig’s immune system and gives them strength to fight against the common cold and other viruses.
This nutrient is important for guinea pigs because they love to spend time outside and become prone to illnesses.
The essential nutrient in grapes is vitamin C, which enhances the production of serotonin, which is a happiness hormone that helps in boosting mood.
Vitamin C also improves your guinea pigs’ energy, maintains blood pressure, and improves overall performance.
It fortifies cells, if damaged, and stops the formation of cancerous tumors.
Vitamins are essential for the proper functioning of your guinea pig’s body.
Magnesium
Magnesium helps the growth of bones in your guinea pigs and protects them against injuries.
It is also helpful in boosting the mood of little guinea pigs, encouraging them to learn about the environment.
Magnesium relaxes muscles, reduces tension, and lowers anxiety.
Calcium
Calcium is good for your guinea pig’s bones and teeth.
Strong bones help guinea pigs run actively around.
However, foods rich in calcium are also dangerous for adult guinea pigs as it helps in the formation of bladder and kidney stones.
For that reason, it is important to maintain a balance in your guinea pig’s diet, as only a balanced diet is a healthy guinea pig diet.
Iron
Iron is helpful in the creation of red blood cells and improves the circulation of blood in the body.
Also, it enhances energy levels and improves inhale/exhale of oxygen in guinea pigs.
Potassium and phosphorus
Phosphorus and potassium are also found in grapes.
Potassium is good for the kidney and bladder whereas phosphorus is good for teeth and bones health.
Resveratrol
Resveratrol is found in red grapes.
Resveratrol enhances the efficiency of the mitochondria (energy factories for the cell).
Resveratrol is antioxidant that also helps to remove toxins from the body.
Fiber
Grapes are a good source of fiber, which is an important part of your guinea pig’s diet.
What is the Proper Serving Size of Grapes for Guinea Pigs?
1-2 medium size grapes per week are good for guinea pigs.
You shouldn’t be feeding guinea pigs with grapes every day.
Grapes should be a rare treat for your pets.
Always monitor the amount and type of food you are giving to your guinea pigs.
Don’t choose unripe or rotten grapes and always wash them thoroughly to remove all pesticides.
How Much Nutrition Do Guinea Pigs Need?
Don’t give processed food to your guinea pigs.
Processed human foods contain substances that are harmful to your pets.
You need to feed your guinea pigs with food that has nutritional benefits for them.
Grapes can be given as they are not only natural but good for your guinea pigs.
Can Baby Guinea Pigs Eat Grapes?
Yes, small guinea pigs can eat grapes.
However, feed your guinea pigs with small quantities of grapes and monitor them carefully for any side effects.
If it causes any distress, stop giving grapes to your baby guinea pigs.
Cautions
Though serving grapes to guinea pigs is a good idea, keep in mind the following:
- Grapes have a high amount of sugar, and due to the small size of guinea pigs this amount of sugar is not good for them
- You should limit your guinea pig’s sugar intake
- Everything should be given in a small portion in moderate amounts
- Feed them perfectly ripe fruit
- Don’t serve them the remains of any of your meals
- The main source of food for guinea pigs should be hay
- Don’t give fruit or vegetables to your guinea pigs as the main course
- Wash your guinea pigs’ feeding bowls daily
- Keeping a guinea pig makes you happy, at the same time makes you responsible for your guinea pig’s health
- Always have guinea pigs only if you have time to deal with them
Can Guinea Pigs Have Grapes Every Day?
No, guinea pigs shouldn’t eat grapes every day.
if you think grape is so small in size that it may cause distress to guinea pigs then check the size of guinea pigs.
Grapes may be equal to watermelon for them.
Imagine how you would feel if you’d eat a huge watermelon daily.
Serving
Guinea pigs have sharp teeth, which help them to cut food in small parts and lower the risk of choking.
If you are still concerned then cut the grapes in two halves and serve them.
If you love feeding them from your hands, cut the grapes and hold them in your palm.
Guinea pigs love to lick it and then chew it slowly.
This way you can create a friendly bond with your guinea pigs.
Ok, you can peel the grape then serve, peeling will decrease the risk of choking to almost 0%.
Now you can feed without any guilt.
But in this way, you will decrease the amount of fiber that pigs will get from grapes.
You can’t ignore the health benefits of fiber.
It improves blood pressure as well as is good for the digestive system.
It is also good for cleaning teeth.
You can serve them in a small food bowl, but get a sturdy bowl so it may not flip over, and create a mess.
It should be tip-proof and made with good quality material.
Before serving a new meal wash or clean the bowl.
Any residue of food may build up bacteria.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Grape Seeds?
Guinea pigs cannot remove grape seeds, they just swallow them.
Therefore, grape seeds present a choking hazard for guinea pigs.
Any small seed may look tiny to you but it is big for a tiny guinea pig.
If you find removing grape seeds difficult, you can choose seedless grapes.
Do Guinea Pigs Like Grapes?
Some guinea pigs like to eat grapes but not all like this fruit.
To check their liking, offer them a few pieces of grapes and see their reaction if they only nibble at grapes and then leave it.
Don’t force your guinea pigs to eat grapes, as it might cause serious discomfort to them.
You can serve other fruits as well like apples, strawberries, apricots, watermelons, etc.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Grapevines?
No research evidence helps us to conclude whether leaves are good for guinea pigs.
Not all types of grass or leaves are good for guinea pigs.
Although grape leaves are not poisonous, it’s best to avoid feeding your guinea pigs grapevines.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Raisins?
No, guinea pigs shouldn’t eat raisins.
While guinea pigs eat grapes in moderation without any health hazards, raisins can be extremely dangerous to them.
To learn why exactly guinea pigs shouldn’t eat dried grapes, check out our article that explains it in detail.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Vegetables?
Yes, we can offer vegetables to guinea pigs but not all vegetables are good for them.
You can give them lettuce, red tomatoes, and pepper.
Vegetables are more healthy than fruits.
You can offer these vegetables and fruit as treats to make little pigs’ lives a little bit colorful.
Offer them vegetables more often as vegetables don’t have a high content of sugar.
What Should I Avoid Giving to My Guinea Pigs?
Don’t feed guinea pigs with any type of chocolate, potatoes, nuts, mushrooms, onions, garlic, avocado, etc.
These things are poisonous to your guinea pig.
So kindly avoid these foods as much as you can.
Try to keep these things away from guinea pigs.
So they do not eat them accidentally.
Vet’s suggestions:
Mostly, vets don’t recommend high sugar food (grapes, carrots) to tiny creatures as it may harm your guinea pigs’ lifespan and also lead them to obesity, which makes life more miserable.
There are many foods available that you can use as an alternative to grapes.
Consider giving them other options which contain less sugar.
What Type of Fruits Can Guinea Pigs Eat?
If you think that guinea pigs should avoid grapes due to their high sugar content.
Then there are many other fruits that pigs can enjoy: apples, kiwi, and blueberries as they have lower sugar content.
You can also serve fruits with rotation.
In this way, you can give grapes in moderation and at the same moment, the pig will not get bored with similar food daily.
Grapes can be a reward food.
Grapes are not refreshing for only humans but also guinea pigs.
They love eating grapes.
Some pig owners say that once pigs get taste buds of grapes, they can do anything for grapes.
So keep grapes as a reward while guinea pigs train.
You should offer grapes only when guinea pigs listen to you.
You should offer them seedless variety.
Remember:
- Guinea pigs can eat grapes
- Serve them in moderate quantities
- Feed them according to the food chart
- Feed them only hay
- Give them fruit and vegetables as a treat every week
- Offer food after completing research
- 1-2 grapes per week are more than enough
- Give them grapes but feed them properly
- If you notice any change in their behavior then don’t offer them
- You can feed grapes to baby pigs too
- Offer them food in small quantities
- Don’t give them too much to avoid the mess
- Pigs like grapes as we love treats
- Grapes are not toxic to guinea pigs
- Grapes help you in training them
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Last update on 2023-05-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Final Thoughts
Yes, a guinea pig can eat grapes but only in moderate quantities.
Grapes are enriched with vitamins and other minerals.
Grape seed should be removed.
Don’t feed them grapevine, it may cause indigestion.
Pigs can’t eat dried grapes.
Whenever you introduce your guinea pigs to a new diet, monitor them closely, their behavior changes, stool colors, sleeping patterns, etc.
