Can Guinea Pigs Eat Potato Skins
Can guinea pigs eat potatoes?
Are they safe? What are the risks, and what should guinea pigs swallow?
All these are questions a new or seasoned guinea pig owner may take.
Please proceed reading to find out more about potatoes for guinea pigs and what are the safe foods for guinea pigs.
Tin can Guinea Pigs Eat Potatoes?
No, guinea pigs shouldn't eat potatoes. Potatoes contain likewise many carbohydrates, and guinea pigs' digestive systems can't handle too high amounts of circuitous carbs.
Potatoes also contain alkaloids, which are toxic to republic of guinea pigs and could lead to severe wellness issues.
And lastly, potatoes contain high amounts of calcium, leading to bladder stones and urinary bug in guinea pigs.
Can Guinea Pigs Swallow Irish potato Leaves?
No, cavies shouldn't swallow tater leaves. Potatoes belong to the nightshade family of plants that are known to comprise a toxin known as solanine.
This toxin causes severe digestive problems, sore throats, inflammation, and diarrhea in republic of guinea pigs.
Can Guinea Pigs Consume Potato Chips?
No, guinea pigs shouldn't eat spud chips. Spud chips are deep-fried and incorporate too much salt.
These ingredients are too complex for the republic of guinea pig'south digestive organisation to assimilate, and then avert potato chips at all costs. The same instance applies to French fries.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cooked Potato?
No, cooked potatoes are not safe for guinea pigs, even though they're just boiled.
While cooking may neutralize some toxins, cooked potatoes nonetheless contain also many carbohydrates, which aren't suitable for guinea pigs.
Y'all should avoid feeding your guinea pigs any cooked nutrient since they can't digest information technology, and the additives involved in cooking may be toxic and could atomic number 82 to astringent digestive issues.
READ MORE: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cucumbers?
Tin Guinea Pigs Eat Potato Peelings?
No, they shouldn't. While the peelings may be a good source of Vitamin C, minerals, and fiber, they are still toxic to guinea pigs, and they also contain excess starch.
The best source of fiber and Vitamin C for guinea pigs should be hay (more on this later).
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Baked Potato?
No, baked potatoes aren't condom either. Raw potatoes are toxic every bit they are.
Baking will only worsen them since they now have more sugar, more starch, and more additives.
Avert all forms of potatoes, including foods with potato flavors.
Can guinea pigs have potato sprouts?
Sprouts are those shoots that develop at the potato eyes, and they are toxic to humans, let alone republic of guinea pigs.
Can Guinea Pigs Have Sweet Potatoes?
Yep, you can feed guinea pigs sweet potatoes.
However, they should be fed in moderation since sugariness potatoes incorporate likewise much sugar, fat, and oxalic acid.
While they share a proper noun, potatoes and sweet potatoes belong to different genetic families.
Sweet potatoes belong to the Convolvulaceae family, and they don't comprise alkaloids, solanine, or other toxins found in potatoes.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Sweet Potato Leaves?
Aye, sweet potato leaves are safe for guinea pigs. They don't contain solanine similar in Irish potatoes.
But they aren't that nutritious compared to veggies or hay, so feed them a few leaves a few times a calendar week.
Do Republic of guinea Pigs Like Potatoes?
Some guinea pigs may like them. Some may not. But generally, republic of guinea pigs are curious and will nibble and chew on anything they find.
You lot could exist peeling potatoes for dinner as your piggy gives you company, and she takes a bite.
So it's your job every bit the republic of guinea pig possessor to make sure they don't take access to any toxic foods.
Are potatoes Good For Republic of guinea Pigs?
Potatoes aren't all toxic and unsafe.
The fact that y'all would love to feed some to your guinea pigs means y'all enjoy cooking them, or you enjoy French fries, mashed potatoes, or any other class of potatoes.
Did you also know that both guinea pigs and potatoes originated from Peru?
According to this study, they adult solanine as a defense mechanism against rodents such as guinea pigs and attack past fungi or diseases.
Are they suitable for guinea pigs? No. Due to the risks involved, it'due south best to avert them and look for healthier alternatives (I will share some soon).
But Before I discuss these risks, let's first review some of the nutrients potatoes contain.
Vitamin C
According to a Nutrition and Consumer Protection Division of FAO report, potatoes are very rich in Vitamin C.
Guinea pigs need Vitamin C in their diet since they can't synthesize it. And it helps in bone formation, blood vessel integrity, and overall health.
A deficiency in this Vitamin C could atomic number 82 to Scurvy, a status characterized by joints and bone bug. Unfortunately, potatoes can't form office of their diet.
Fiber
According to this study, potatoes are as well loftier in dietary fiber, which helps in digestion and maintains gut health.
Fiber besides helps eliminate backlog cholesterol, and it helps forestall constipation.
Carbs and Starch
Carbs or starch make near 70 pct of all dry matter that makes up potatoes.
Guinea pigs need carbs for free energy, while starch is good for digestion and controlling blood sugar and insulin sensitivity.
However, potatoes comprise excess starch, which isn't suitable for guinea pigs.
Minerals
Potatoes are rich in potassium, magnesium, copper, and calcium. Potassium helps fight centre diseases and control blood pressure, calcium helps strengthen basic and teeth, and copper facilitates the formation of carmine blood cells.
Copper also prevents anemia and works together with Vitamin C to facilitate the assimilation of iron into the guinea squealer'southward torso.
Other Vitamins
Potatoes are also good sources of Vitamins B1 (Thiamin), B3 (Niacin), B5 (Pantothenic acid), and B6.
Vitamin B1 keeps torso organs such as the heart, nerves, and digestive system healthy.
Vitamin B3 is essential in controlling cholesterol levels and arthritis pain levels. Vitamin B5 facilitates metabolism, while Vitamin B6 helps minimize body stress.
Risks OF Feeding Guinea Pigs Potatoes
Below are some of the health bug y'all may face up once they feed on this vegetable.
- Digestive issues
- As mentioned earlier, potatoes contain too many alkaloids and solanine, which cause diarrhea, stomach upsets, and in worst-case scenarios, death.
- Alkaloids are harmful to humans too. It's just the amounts in fresh potatoes aren't enough to cause harm.
- According to healthline.com, y'all should not eat potatoes with turned green or spud sprouts because they contain concentrated amounts of these toxins.
- Complications in the urinary tract
- Calcium is essential in the formation and strengthening of bones.
- Nonetheless, besides much of it binds with oxalates to class kidney stones in the kidney and along the urethra.
- These stones cause astringent pain, blood in urine, and inflammation, as explained by the Unusual Pet Vets.
- Rapid Weight gain
- Guinea pigs contain a lot of carbs, calories, and a considerable amount of saccharide.
- These are some of the primary reasons guinea pigs gain likewise much weight, which brings along centre diseases and other health issues.
- The saccharide content in the class of fructose besides causes digestive issues in guinea pigs.
- They may not have as much saccharide as strawberries, just it'south all the same more than guinea pigs need.
What To Exercise If Your Guinea Pigs Eat Potatoes?
As mentioned earlier, guinea pigs will chew on anything that looks like food.
And then don't exist surprised when they consume potatoes or potato peelings or any other part of potato plants. In some cases, nothing may happen.
Merely observe your pet for a few hours.
IF y'all discover lethargy, loose stool, pain, claret in their urine, or any other change in their health, make sure they get enough fresh water and contact your vet as before long equally possible.
How Often Should You Feed Guinea Pigs Potatoes?
Again, never feed your guinea pigs potatoes. While they have some health benefits, they are not nutritionally suitable for guinea pigs.
Other Foods Guinea Pigs Shouldn't Swallow?
Below are more than foods that are toxic to republic of guinea pigs.
Animal Products
Guinea pigs are herbivores. They survive on foliage, leaves, and twigs when in the wild.
They're also lactose intolerant. Therefore, beast products such as meat, milk, foam, fish, yogurt, cheese, or eggs are new to their digestive systems, and they can't digest them.
Candy Nutrient
Foods such as chocolate, ice foam, bread, pizza, or any canned or frozen fruit or vegetables are as well harmful to guinea pigs.
Near of these foods contain animate being and dairy products. Others contain table salt, sugar, sodium, preservatives, and other additives that aren't suitable for your cavies.
Rhubarb
This perennial constitute with cherry-red stalks and green leaves is too very toxic to guinea pigs.
It contains too much calcium and oxalic acid, which, as I've already mentioned, are the leading causes of bladder sludge.
Rhubarbs are also rich in sugar, phosphorous, fatty, salt, and acids, which don't fare well with republic of guinea pigs. If you accept this institute o your garden, don't let your guinea pigs graze.
Nuts and Seeds
Avoid feeding your guinea pigs whatsoever seeds or nuts since they comprise also much fat, and guinea pigs can choke on the larger seeds.
Seeds are ofttimes included in pellets, so make certain the product you purchase doesn't include them.
Rabbit food
Rabbit, or whatever other minor pet food, isn't suitable for guinea pigs; ever look for guinea pig-specific foods. All of these pets have different dietary needs.
For instance, guinea squealer foods are fortified with Vitamin C since republic of guinea pigs can't brand their ain.
Simply you'll observe other pet food with low amounts of Vitamin C and a high amount of another food which cavies don't may non need.
What Should Guinea Pigs Eat?
Now that you lot know that guinea pigs shouldn't eat potatoes, and other foods that they shouldn't eat, let's review what they should consume.
Hay
According to Tamara Labelle, author at EXOTICDIRECT, hay or grass should grade most of the piggy'southward nutrition.
It'southward their primary source of dietary fiber, Vitamin C, proteins, minerals, and all other nutrients that they may demand.
It's also low in fatty, carbohydrate, and calories.
That's why they can feed on it 24/seven without suffering from whatsoever health problems. Too nutrients, hay also helps maintain their dental health and overall mental health.
Timothy hay is 1 of the all-time varieties to feed your cavies. Other varieties include barley, grassy, and oaten.
Y'all should avoid alfalfa and Lucerne hay due to the high amounts of proteins and calcium.
The only exception is when dealing with underweight, pregnant, or very young piggies.
If your guinea pigs are tired of hay, you tin can include some corn husks, which are also excellent sources of fiber.
Commercial Food
To ensure they get enough nutrients, especially Vitamin C, the Man Lodge advises guinea sus scrofa owners to feed their pets at to the lowest degree ane/viii of a cup of Vitamin-C fortified pellets daily.
As mentioned earlier, make sure they don't have seeds or basics.
Vegetables
Tamara also notes that it's important to include vegetables in your guinea pig's food. Co-ordinate to Human Gild, you should feed your guinea pigs at least one loving cup of vegetables and fruits daily.
This cup should include leafy greens such equally romaine lettuce, a few pieces of your piggy's favorite fruits, and other types of vegetables.
Beneath is a list of other vegetables you can include;
- Corn – For servings, benefits, and risks, check out this comprehensive mail – Can guinea pigs eat corn?
- Asparagus
- Cilantro
- Kale
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Parsley
- Carmine and green foliage lettuce
Some fruits for guinea pigs include;
- Apples
- Apricots
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- All types of melons
- Bananas
- Papaya
- Mangoes
As mentioned before, always feed your republic of guinea pigs fresh veggies and fruits. Avoid cooked forms, dried fruits, or canned forms.
Other Guinea Pig Feeding Tips
- Make sure they accept a continuous supply of fresh water.
- Get rid of pellets, vegetables, and other food leftovers from the muzzle later 24 hours.
- When introducing a new food, start with small amounts and increment gradually.
- Seek medical advice before introducing a new food, especially if your pet is suffering from whatever medical condition.
Can Republic of guinea Pigs Consume Potatoes FAQs
Tin can potatoes kill guinea pigs?
Yes, they can, especially those with high concentrations of alkaloids and solanine toxins.
What can kill guinea pigs?
Some highly toxic foods that could impale cavies include caffeinated products such as chocolate, plants such as avocados, Iceberg lettuce, garlic, onions, potatoes, and mushrooms.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Yams?
Yep, yams are safety for guinea pigs. They incorporate beneficial amounts of Vitamin C, antioxidants, and Vitamin K, as established by Dr. Charlotte Day. However, they have backlog calories, which could pb to obesity. And they incorporate too much calcium, which causes kidney stones and other urinary issues. Therefore, y'all should feed them a few pieces of yams at least in one case or twice per week.
Terminal Thoughts
And at that place y'all have it, all forms of potatoes, including raw, cooked, baked, or mashed, are not safe for guinea pigs.
This is due to the excess starch and the presence of toxins. On the other paw, yams and sweet potatoes vest to a different genetic family.
A guinea grunter's diet should include hay, vegetables, fruits, pellets, and freshwater. Before feeding any food, check how safe information technology is for guinea pigs and the ideal serving size.
References
- FAO / Giulio Napolitano to increased demand for processed potatoes. 2007. "FINALE POSTER INGLESE." http://www.fao.org/murphy-2008/en/white potato/IYP-6en.pdf.
- "Green Potatoes: Harmless or Poisonous?" 2017. Healthline. September vii, 2017. https://www.healthline.com/diet/green-potatoes#TOC_TITLE_HDR_7.
- "Guinea Sus scrofa Feeding." 2018. The Humane Guild of the United States. 2018. https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/republic of guinea-grunter-feeding.
- Haberfield, James. 2016. "Causes of Urinary Stones & Sludge in Guinea Pigs & Rabbits." The Unusual Pet Vets. Apr 29, 2016. https://www.unusualpetvets.com.au/urinary-stones-sludge-rabbits-republic of guinea-pigs/.
- "Solanine Poisoning – How Does It Happen?" n.d. MSU Extension. Accessed June 16, 2021. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/solanine_poisoning_how_does_it_happen.
- Upilio. 2020. "Can My Guinea Pig Eat Yam?" Upilio. Baronial 9, 2020. https://world wide web.upilio.io/can-my-guinea-grunter-eat-yam/#:~:text=Yams%20are%20rich%20in%20Vitamin.
- "What Tin can Republic of guinea Pigs Consume?" due north.d. Exoticdirect. https://www.exoticdirect.co.united kingdom of great britain and northern ireland/news/what-tin-republic of guinea-pigs-eat-nutrient-unsafe-food-and-dietary-requirements.
- "What Is the Difference between Sweet Potatoes and Yams?" n.d. Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. 20540 USA. Accessed June sixteen, 2021. https://www.loc.gov/everyday-mysteries/item/what-is-the-deviation-betwixt-sweet-potatoes-and-yams/#:~:text=The%20many%20varieties%20of%20sweet.
Can republic of guinea pigs swallow potatoes? What are your thoughts nigh it? Share with us!
Peter
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