Can Guinea Pigs Eat Orange Peels? Simple Truth For You!

Can guinea pigs eat orange peels? Rest assured, guinea pig owners, because your furry little friends can safely eat orange peels if prepared just right for them.

However, many guinea pigs don’t prefer the taste of orange peels, so don’t worry if your pets won’t eat the orange peels you’ve prepared for them.

Orange peels, although not a regular snack for guinea pigs, are very healthy and have tons of health benefits for your pets.

When feeding your fuzzy pets, always note that orange peels are rich in Vitamin C, so remember not to feed them these peels frequently.

However, before feeding the orange peels to your pet guinea pigs, safety precautions are most definitely advisable. Always remember to wash the orange peels to avoid the risk of exposure to pesticides, chemicals, and dirt.

Health Benefits Of Feeding Guinea Pigs Orange Peels

Can guinea pigs eat orange peels? Feeding orange peels to guinea pigs comes with various health benefits. Let’s know more!

• Rich in nutrients

Orange peels contain proteins, carbohydrates, and calories.

All of these elements make the orange peel so nutritious and healthy.

• Scurvy prevention

Scurvy is also known as Vitamin C deficiency. When your guinea pigs eat the orange peel, they gain more Vitamin C, preventing scurvy.

Scurvy can be so horrible and painful for your little pets because it causes diarrhea, loss of appetite, rough fur, and internal bleeding.

• Cancer prevention

Orange peels contain flavonoids, phytochemicals, and limonene.

When combined, these three will most definitely help prevent your guinea pigs from acquiring most cancers.

• Promotes better sleep and prevents stress

Giving your pet orange peels as treat can be a way to make your guinea pig happy and relaxed which eventually contributes to stress-free life and better sleep. 

Orange peels are rich in the B6 vitamin that is responsible for all of the mentioned health benefits.

• High levels of antioxidants

The immune system of guinea pigs is highly sensitive, so it needs to be healthier.

Antioxidants protect the structural integrity of cells by neutralizing the free radicles formed during metabolic activities.

With high levels of antioxidants from the orange peels, your guinea pigs will have a boost in their immunity as well as healthier organs.

• No cholesterol

Orange peels can help your little pet guinea pigs lower their cholesterol levels and result in a healthier cardiovascular system for their bodies.

• Better digestive system for guinea pigs

Diarrhea can be avoided for your pet guinea pigs when they eat orange peels. Orange peels are rich in fiber and can help improve the digestive system for better digestion.

Nutritional facts about orange peels

Guinea pigs can eat orange peels. But, it’s not exactly a treat. Most guinea pigs don’t like to eat them mainly due to their rough texture and bitter taste.

What’s ironic is that my pet, Ginger, loves orange peels and the orange fruit itself.

Despite this, research states that orange peels have more nutrients than flesh. They contain 65 mg of Vitamin C, more than the base, which only has 71 mg.

Additionally, they have low sugar content and no cholesterol.

But, orange peels are highly acidic; thus, limiting the amount your guinea pig can intake.

Specifically, they contain:

• Flavonoids – Hesperidin and poly-methoxy-flavones are a few of the flavonoids peels contain. These are the ones responsible for better blood circulation and reduced inflammation.

• Phytochemicals – these can avert cancer and heart issues. It also enhances eyesight and immunity.

• Vitamin C – Vitamin C is essential for a guinea pig’s diet, and peels have an abundance of it.

• Calories – it has an average amount of 97 calories in a serving of 100g. Taking into account that your guinea pig won’t eat 100g of peels in one feeding.

• Fibers – are integral to healthy digestion and waste secretion for your guinea pigs. It contains 10.6 g of dietary fibers in 100 g.

• Riboflavin – helps in breaking down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It allows improved oxygen flow in the body.

• Thiamin (Vitamin B1) – handles issues regarding the nervous system and metabolizing of fats.

• Niacin (Vitamin B3) – reduces cholesterol levels and alleviates body pain.

• Vitamin A – Vitamin A is another vital part of a guinea pig’s diet. It enhances immunity and retains skin, eye, and muscle health.

• Vitamin B6 – This aids in the production of serotonin. Therefore, decreasing stress and anxiety while boosting happiness. All of this leads to a relaxed sleep.

• Calcium – It is a much-appreciated mineral during the growth of guinea pigs. One whole peel is equivalent to 10 mg of calcium.

Generally, you can feed them peels the size of a wedge at most four times a week.

Risks To Consider

Out of its benefits come some major risks. Here are the following:

• Stones

Orange peels have calcium, and although that’s usually good in adult guinea pigs, not so much.

Excessive calcium may deposit in the urinary tract anywhere from the kidney to the urethra and poses the risk of urinary stones. It is a painful condition and your guinea pig may squeal due to pain while urinating.

 Knowing the signs of kidney stone help in early diagnosis and treatment.

If left untreated, it could be one of the reasons your guinea pig died. 

• High acidity

It’s well-known that oranges are highly acidic, and that extends to the peel.

Besides upsetting their digestive system, increased levels of acidity in guinea pigs can irritate their lips or throat. It runs the risk of sore mouths and the potential for fungal infections.

• Chemicals

Often, chemicals are used in plants to keep pests away. The peel is the most infected area and is likely to have remnants.

Though you could wash it, some of the chemicals have soaked deep in the skin.

It can develop respiratory issues and digestive disorders. As much as possible, purchase organic ones.

Are Orange Peels For Guinea Pigs?

Your pet guinea pigs can most certainly enjoy orange peels because of their fruity and citrusy taste.

Along with their high levels of Vitamin C, that makes orange peels all the more healthy and a perfect snack option for your little pets.

Some guinea pigs tend to go crazy for the orange peel taste because they love it so much.

Many people claim that guinea pigs can devour orange peels in seconds from their deliciousness.

However, please take note that it is not the best idea to give your guinea pigs the whole orange peel because it may be too big for them to chew, so always prepare it in small serving amounts.

Are orange fruits available for guinea pig consumption?

Like peels, oranges contain high levels of Vitamin C, making them a good idea for your guinea pig to eat.

The fruits are safe and contain no toxic substances that can harm your little friend. The fruits are also sweet and have an appealing taste to your pets.

Are guinea pigs allowed to drink orange juice?

Although orange fruit and peels are available for guinea pigs’ consumption, we don’t recommend drinking their juice. The juice contains exceptionally high sugar levels, which is not suitable for the pig’s digestive system and may cause health issues. 

The increased sugar content can also lead to excessive weight gain and subsequent medical problems.

My friend once offered her pet orange juice, thinking that it was good for their health, but it turned out otherwise.

How to make my guinea pig eat orange peels for the first time?

Whatever food you may introduce to your pet for the first time, you need to follow the same process—trial and error. Give your cavy tiny bits and pieces and check their reactions, whether it appeals to their sense of taste.

If the reaction is positive, you are allowed to make them grow accustomed to the taste slowly. Continue giving your pigs a few pieces at first and gradually increase the portion size.

If negative, change the diet and try other courses of action.

There are many fruits available so, don’t stick with something that can harm your pet.

Keep in mind that despite early positive reactions, we cannot rule out the possibility of change. Pay close attention to your pet and if unusual symptoms persist, consult a vet.

Getting the oranges ready

In eating, the most important thing to remember is to rinse the fruit thoroughly with water.

Cut the fruit open and remove the seeds since they can result in choking. If the fruit is too big, cut it into bite-sized pieces so your pet can quickly eat them.

How much orange is right for my pet?

Orange is a citrus fruit that has large amounts of acid. This means that too much orange intake may be inadequate for your pig’s health.

It gives several benefits, but make sure to eat it in moderation.

Usually, it is recommended to give orange flesh once or twice a week to your guinea pig to avoid the possible risks.

Conclusion

Can guinea pigs eat orange peels? Guinea pigs can eat orange peels and even their fruit but cannot drink its juice.

This food contains several health benefits but may cause health problems including kidney and bladder stones and high acidity if consumed improperly and in inadequate amounts. 

As long as you feed in moderation and understood this article, you can do an excellent job making your little friend happy. Good luck and thank you for reading!