The diet of guinea pigs is very diverse. In addition to all kinds of green fodder such as clover and hay, it also includes vegetables and fruit. Read here whether guinea pigs can also eat bananas.
In a nutshell
- Bananas allowed conditionally for feeding
- small amounts recommended due to healthy ingredients
- However, they also contain a lot of sugar and starch
- bowl also suitable for consumption
Table of Contents
- Bananas allowed
- Note the sugar/starch content
- vitamins and fiber
- Don't throw away banana peels
- frequently asked Questions
Bananas allowed
Guinea pig like to eat fruit, but different tastes are normal even among them. If the little rodents like bananas, they can eat them. However, there are a few details worth knowing and observing.
Note the sugar/starch content
Bananas contain a relatively large amount of sugar/fructose (ten percent) and starch. Both are harmful to the health of guinea pigs in large quantities. The starch content is particularly high in green, unripe bananas. Overripe bananas, on the other hand, contain the most sugar. Consumed in excessive amounts, both substances lead to digestive disorders and can cause serious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The following therefore applies: only occasionally feed small amounts of bananas and not unripe or overripe specimens to avoid risks such as
- constipation
- obesity
- diabetes
- Joint problems from being overweight
- loss of appetite
- stomach pain
- abdominal cramps (when eating too much fiber)
to avoid.
Tip: As if guinea pigs around the harmful effects of starchy and sugary ingredients would know, they usually only eat a little of a banana on their own and leave the rest lie. If this is the case, you should quickly remove the remaining banana pieces in case the rodents should be tempted again.
vitamins and fiber
A balanced, species-appropriate diet is just as important for a healthy life for guinea pigs as it is for any other creature. The most important ingredients include vitamins and roughage, which should not be missing in a guinea pig feed. Because these are contained in bananas, they should even be fed as a small snack in between. The healthiest ingredients for guinea pigs in a banana include:
- 2.6 grams of fiber per 100 grams is good for digestion
- Magnesium for muscle and nerve functions as well as energy supply and electrolyte balance
- Potassium especially to prevent kidney and bladder stones
- Vitamin C to strengthen the immune system
- Vitamin B6 for healthy skin and coat
Don't throw away banana peels
the banana peel Although it has significantly fewer healthy ingredients than the banana itself, it also contains less sugar and starch. If the pet likes it, it can also eat banana peel and even a bit more of it. Again, you should only give the peel of ripe fruit, because unripe peels due to their Structure and cellulose difficult for the small gastrointestinal tract of a guinea pig to digest are.
Tip: If you want to feed bananas from the supermarket or discounter, you should definitely wash them off beforehand or buy organic goods straight away. Many bananas have been sprayed or passed through other people's hands. Spare your loved ones that.
frequently asked Questions
In order to absorb sufficient amounts of vitamins and roughage, a smaller banana slice, about one to two centimeters thick, is sufficient as a daily ration. If you haven't given a banana before, it's a good idea to start with a tiny piece of banana. If you do not notice any signs of intolerance within 24 hours, you can then slowly increase the amount.
You can if you like these. But feeding dried bananas is not recommended. These usually have an even higher sugar content than when they are fresh and are therefore not healthy for guinea pigs.
Apples, pears and oranges are among the healthiest alternatives. But the same applies here: the quantity makes the difference, because these types of fruit are also relatively high in sugar. You should therefore only feed them as an alternative to bananas and not in addition to them on the same day. If possible, a daily change is ideal. This gives your guinea pig a change of flavor every day.
