The Healthiest Fruits You Can Feed Your Pet Guinea Pig (And How To Do It Safely)

Guinea pigs are some of the best pets for kids and families who may be new to pet parenting. They are not only absolutely adorable, but they are extremely social, affectionate animals, and their care is relatively simple and affordable as far as pets go — the amount you'll spend on your guinea pig each month is between about $172 and $450. In addition to hay and guinea pig pellets, which should be their main source of nutrition, your guinea pigs can eat lots of different human foods. 

You can share some of your favorite fruits with your guinea pig. Fruit should be given to guinea pigs a few times a week or up to once a day as a treat. The healthiest fruits for guinea pigs are those that are high in vitamin C, as pet guinea pigs commonly have a vitamin C deficiency and require daily supplements. Some fruits loaded with vitamin C that make great treats for guinea pigs include kiwis, strawberries, and oranges. While citrus fruits are bad for dogs, they can be a beneficial addition to your guinea pig's diet.

Blueberries, bananas, and apples are great options too. Melons, mangoes, peaches, plums, and grapes are also safe for guinea pigs. The only fruity things you really want to avoid giving guinea pigs are avocados, which contain persin, a compound that can be toxic to small animals.

Even if your guinea pig loves it, fruit should only be a very occasional treat and make up no more than 5% of your pet guinea pig's diet. One small piece of fruit a few times a week is probably just fine, but you don't want to give them too much more than that. The vast majority of their diet should be grass hay like Timothy hay, orchard grass, or something similar that's made for guinea pigs. Pellets can also be a regular part of your guinea pig's diet, and they can also have up to one cup of mixed vegetables per day.

However, fruit is high in sugar and it doesn't have a ton of nutrients that are beneficial for your guinea pig, so it should be given sparingly. Regardless, you shouldn't be afraid to give them a little treat now and then! Guinea pigs are extremely social pets who respond well to affection, attention, and a little doting.

When introducing your guinea pig to new fruits, start with a small amount — a small slice of apple, half a wedge of orange, a slice of kiwi, or a few blueberries. Introduce one at a time and monitor your little one for loose stool or diarrhea, since fruit can cause gastrointestinal issues. If your guinea pig's stomach becomes upset, you want to be able to know exactly which fruit it was that caused the tummy trouble. In addition, if they do have a bad reaction, you may want to test your pet for food allergies and intolerances.

When serving your guinea pig apples, some suggest peeling them, claiming that helps keep the stomach issues at bay. However, others argue that the peels have beneficial nutrients. It's all about watching your guinea pig for signs of intestinal distress to see what they are able to tolerate — and what they like best. You'll also want to peel things like oranges, mangoes, bananas, and other fruit that you yourself would peel before you eat. Remove pits, seeds, and cores as well. Basically, don't give your guinea pig any part of the fruit that you wouldn't want to eat. Once prepared, you and your guinea pig can enjoy a fruity snack together.