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Can Guinea Pigs Eat Clementines?

Can guinea pigs eat clementines? The answer is undeniably a yes. In fact, it is good for them as long as you follow the proper serving. Otherwise, it could cause some major health risks.

Since clementine is also a type of orange, it only means that it also contains a high percentage of vitamin C which makes it good to feed to your guinea pigs.

can guinea pigs eat clementines

Unlike humans, guinea pigs cannot synthesize vitamin C themselves. As such, they need to take regular supplements of this vitamin.

And like how it works with humans, overeating can be risky. That is because clementines have quite acidic content, which can damage your pets’ intestines.

Aside from that, it also contains a bit high sugar, so again, too much serving won’t be good for rabbits.

Know more about the right serving size, as well as the risks of serving your guinea pigs with clementines; if you want your guinea pigs to be healthy as my ginger, scroll down and read until the end of this post.

Serving Size Of Clementines

Can guinea pigs eat clementines? Too much of everything can be bad. So when feeding your guinea pigs with this type of orange, avoid giving them too much.

A couple of slices every week would be the best serving size. Any amount exceeding that can be bad for their tummies.

can guinea pigs eat clementines

Sometimes, ginger would act as if it was hungry even if I fed it already. It can be quite tempting to add more to your pet’s meal, believing it will make your cavy healthier. But trust me, as a pet owner, always feed in moderation.

Serving this food in moderation helps in creating a well-balanced diet for your guinea pigs. Do not increase quantity more than the minimum serving size because it might upset their digestive system. That is true for all kinds of oranges that are acidic.

Another negative factor of clementines is their sugar content. The excessive amount and regular feeding might lead to health diseases and obesity. Of course, we do not want that.

The key to safely feeding this fruit is to make sure that you occasionally serve it to them. It should not be more than twice a week. Also, keep in mind to feed small slices or pieces one at a time and remove the seeds before serving.

It would help if you also kept your eyes on your pets as they eat and be keen enough to see any signs that their delicate mouths are hurting due to acidity.

As soon as you notice any irritation or bleeding in your pet’s mouth or instances of them having trouble eating, make sure to see your veterinarian.

Are Clementines Good For Guinea Pigs?

Yes, clementines are a great source of vitamin C that is essential to their diet.

This vitamin helps in preventing Scurvy. Such a disease is typical among guinea pigs.

Are Clementines Good For Guinea Pigs

Other than that, this fruit also contains an adequate amount of vitamins A and B6, maintaining a well-balanced diet. They contribute to a better metabolism too.

Furthermore, all kinds of oranges also contain calcium and other good minerals for pregnant and young guinea pigs.

Can Guinea Pigs Eat The Peels Of Clementines?

Yes, you can feed your cavies with the peel of clementines. Eating small amounts of it is not harmful to them. In fact, the peel also contains plenty of vitamin C.

But just like the clementine itself, excessive intake can also hurt them. I would try this sometimes with my pet, but of course, in small amounts and only occasionally.

Yes, the flesh contains vitamin C. The same is true with the peel; it is loaded with such vitamins. Meaning to say, if you let them eat the peels as well, they can obtain an extra amount of vitamin C.

So if your guinea pigs need vitamin C in their diet, you might as well let them eat the peel. This act can be applied only if it is not critical for them.

Risks Of Serving Guinea Pigs With Clementines

All fruits included in the citrus family are naturally acidic. Your guinea pig cannot consume excessive amounts of clementine or any acidic food.

That is because guinea pigs are sensitive, particularly when we talk about their dietary needs.

A small amount cannot bring trouble, but it is safe if it is not included in their regular diet. Acidic foods tend to cause mouth sores, diarrhea, and intestine diseases.

Risks Of Serving Guinea Pigs With Clementines

Some cavies might have higher tolerance towards it, but others don’t.

As mentioned earlier, it also contains some sugar that can lead to diabetes and obesity. Apart from that, it has a fair share of calcium content.

At some point, this element helps in balancing other parts of their diet.

However, high calcium intake can be harmful to their health.

How To Prepare Clementines For Guinea Pigs?

Preparing clementines for your guinea pigs might look simple for others, but for some, it could be a bit challenging. So stay with me because I will lay down the steps in this section.

#1 Opt for the right clementines

Firstly, you need to ensure that you will choose the right clementines for your cavies. It is a must that you get those that are fresh and ripe. It would help if you did not get those green or stale oranges because it can lead to health-related issues.

#2 Wash the clementine thoroughly

Then, you should wash those fruits properly. All kinds of oranges are sprayed with chemicals to protect them against pests. They are sometimes coated with some compounds so that the outer skin will be shinier.

So it would be best if you properly wash them before serving, mainly if you also feed them with their peel. I mean, we would always wash fruits before we eat them, so do it with your pet’s food too.

#3 Remove the peel

The next thing that you should do is to remove its peel. After doing so, make sure to select a small slice of clementine only. Remember to remove any seeds before serving them to your pets.

Remove the peel

 

#4 Serve the fruit

You can now serve the little clementines to your guinea pigs! It’s either you feed them directly through your hands or use a food bowl.

For sure, they will love that treat. If you like, you may also toss some clementine peel. But serve a small amount only.

#5 Clean after eating

Take note that you need to remove any remaining fruits that your guinea pig did not eat. This is a typical safety precaution in preventing bacteria.

If you failed to do so, this could be harmful since it can cause many bacterial diseases, mostly when your cavy eats them later.

Can Guinea Pigs Have Clementine Juice?

It is strictly forbidden to give clementine juice to guinea pigs as it contains a very high amount of sugar in it. Foods with high sugar content 

is difficult for guinea pigs’ stomachs to process.

So, clementine or even any type of orange juice is not recommended for guinea pigs.

Conclusion

Can guinea pigs eat clementines? Yes, it is good to serve them with this fruit for their vitamin C needs. But remember to serve them in small amounts only. I suggest that you start with tiny portions first. Otherwise, it can lead to high risks of tummy issues and diarrhea.

It is also a good idea to notify your vet that you will be feeding your pet with clementines. This is not a must, but it is not bad to be cautious.

Thank you for reading!

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