Last updated on January 22nd, 2023 at 07:35 pm
Guinea pigs eat a wide variety of foods, including fruit, but can they eat applesauce?
Raising guinea pigs brings many responsibilities, especially for nutrition; we must be careful what we give them. Are all types of food suitable for them?
Guinea pigs mostly eat hay, grass, vegetables, and fruits, this kind of food has a low level of sugar that suits them, while applesauce has much more sugar.
Can guinea pigs eat applesauce?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat applesauce, but in very moderate amounts, never on a regular diet. Applesauce offers the benefits of vitamins and minerals to improve their health, but if they eat a large part, they can only gain weight and get diabetes.
In today’s article, you will learn how much applesauce guinea pigs can eat, as well as the benefits and risks it brings to the health of our pets.
What is applesauce?
Applesauce is made from previously grated apples, and a sweetener can be added for a better taste.
It can be made by boiling or baking the apples with peeled or unpeeled apples, but the seeds are removed.
Applesauce is popular and cheap; therefore, it is often used in the preparation and as an addition to various dishes.
Making applesauce dates back a long time ago, from the Middle Ages.
Most applesauce is consumed in North America and some European countries.
Can guinea pigs eat applesauce?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat applesauce, but in tiny quantities, primarily due to the presence of sugar.
Sugar can cause diabetes, obesity, and other health problems.
Guinea pigs can eat applesauce; however, very rarely, never as a regular diet; it is best if this sauce is a dessert and nothing more.
How much applesauce can guinea pigs eat?
As we said, applesauce cannot be regular food for guinea pigs, only an occasional treat.
Guinea pigs can eat one teaspoon of applesauce per week to get health benefits and make the most of the nutrients.
Giving them more can only be harmful, which none of us wants for our guinea pig.
Benefits of applesauce for guinea pigs?
If guinea pigs eat small amounts of applesauce, they can have health benefits, as minerals and vitamins are in this sauce.
Here are some of the benefits:
- Fibers – improve the digestion of food in our pets, thus enabling the correct and normal function of the entire digestive system. This is important because the food is processed better and all the nutrients are used.
- Vitamin C – is the essential vitamin for the health of guinea pigs, which they do not produce themselves, so they have to get it through food. It helps protect them from scurvy and improves the immunity of the whole organism against colds and diseases.
- Carbohydrates – help guinea pigs have more energy and strength to run and play throughout the day.
- Calcium – is an essential mineral that, when taken in moderate amounts, helps in the proper growth and development of bones and teeth in guinea pigs.
- Antioxidants – help fight free radicals that attack cells in guinea pigs. Antioxidants prevent cancer and slow the aging of guinea pigs, which increases their lifespan.
- Calcium is also suitable for blood pressure regulation in our furry pets.
- Magnesium – helps improve the function of the nervous system and muscles in guinea pigs, giving them more energy to run and play.
- Vitamin A – helps to maintain and improve vision in guinea pigs, as well as for the proper functioning of the kidneys and cardiovascular system.
- Vitamin B6 – gives our pets stronger immunity and much better circulation.
- Potassium – is a vital mineral that prevents the appearance of kidney stones and, at the same time, regulates blood pressure and keeps the body of guinea pigs hydrated.
Side Effects of Applesauce for Guinea Pigs?
If we give them large amounts of applesauce, we will make a mistake; instead of benefits, they will have side effects on health.
Here are some of them:
- Diabetes – more significant amounts of sugar are harmful to guinea pigs and contribute to diabetes, leading to other diseases.
- Obesity – too much sugar, apart from diabetes, will also cause problems with the weight of the guinea pigs; they will gain weight. Obesity will only make it difficult for our pets to move and balance; they will be slow, which is certainly not good for their health; they need regular movement and play.
- Diarrhea – too much applesauce can only cause stomach problems and diarrhea, which can be very dangerous for guinea pigs.
Can guinea pigs eat unsweetened applesauce?
Guinea pigs can only eat a small amount of unsweetened applesauce because this sauce contains a lot of sugar.
It is best to give them boiled unsweetened applesauce, as the boiled sauce is unsuitable for their digestive system; guinea pigs cannot eat much cooked food.
We recommend paying attention to the amount you give them and avoiding applesauce for your pet as much as possible. However, this sauce is not a portion of suitable food for guinea pigs’ health.
Can adult guinea pigs eat applesauce?
Technically YES, but still avoid giving applesauce to older guinea pigs.
Applesauce is only best for young guinea pigs as they have the most robust digestive systems.
Older guinea pigs will have more difficulty digesting the sugar in their stomachs, so avoiding it in their diet is recommended.
What if guinea pigs overeat applesauce?
If the guinea pigs overeat applesauce, the most important thing is to give them more water to more efficiently process the sugar.
Their digestive system can hardly process a large amount of applesauce, but you should not panic, probably nothing terrible will happen to them, but of course, this does not mean that the same thing should be repeated in the future.
Diarrhea and stomach problems may occur, but all this should pass within 24-48 hours. Otherwise, it would help if you took your pet to the vet.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cinnamon Applesauce?
No, under no circumstances should guinea pigs eat cinnamon applesauce.
Cinnamon is too harmful to their health, and their digestive system cannot handle this ingredient.
Cinnamon is so dangerous that it can cause damage to their organs, and even cause death in guinea pigs.
Whether there is a small or large amount of cinnamon in the applesauce, the guinea pigs will have significant health problems.
Can baby guinea pigs eat applesauce?
No, baby guinea pigs cannot eat applesauce, at least not at the beginning of their lives.
In the first few months, they should consume their mother’s milk, water, and food specially designed for their age; only then, after prior consultation with a veterinarian, should they start eating other food.
However, let them start eating applesauce when they grow up.
read more: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Asian Pears?
Can guinea pigs eat apples?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat apples in moderation to get the best benefits. Apples have vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, essential for guinea pigs.
Apples also contain a lot of water, which is good for hydration and better functioning of their digestive system.
One piece of apple per week is enough for guinea pigs to benefit their health.
When eating apples, you should remove the seeds because they are harmful to guinea pigs, they have cyanide, which is very dangerous for them, so you need to be very careful.
read more: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Pineapple?(Benefits and Risks)
Conclusion
Applesauce can be given to guinea pigs in strictly defined amounts and should never be part of the regular diet.
Applesauce is made by boiling, and therefore it is not a very good food choice for guinea pigs, who have a hard time processing cooked food; of course, the sugar in this sauce is another reason for caution.
Their digestive system is not adapted to eating cooked food, so this sweet treat should rarely be given to your furry friends.
Eating apple sauce in moderation still has specific benefits for the health of bones and teeth, better digestion, more energy, and hydration for the body.
If they overeat applesauce, they will get diabetes, obesity, and problems with the digestive system.
Finally, sometimes give applesauce to guinea pigs as a dessert, but never plan for it to be a regular part of their diet.
