Can Guinea Pigs Eat Pineapple? Let's Find Out -

Last updated on June 30th, 2023 at 11:10 am

Guinea pigs can eat different types of fruit, in addition to the main food, namely hay.

I wanted to give my guinea pig some pineapple, but as always, first I wanted to find out if it was okay and if he could eat pineapple.

Can guinea pigs eat pineapple?

Guinea pigs can eat pineapple in moderation and take advantage of the vitamins C, A, and other minerals and nutrients from this delicious fruit.

But they must never eat too much pineapple because it has a lot of sugar in its composition.

In today’s article, you will find out if and how much pineapple guinea pigs can eat, the benefits and risks of this fruit, and other related issues.

Table of Contents show

Can guinea pigs eat a pineapple?

The guinea pig can eat pineapple, after all your sweet pet will enjoy this dessert. However, you as owners should be careful to give a moderate amount, small amounts of pineapple.

First, you need to see if he likes this fruit at all, just like humans, a guinea pig can eat and may not eat.

It is very important that the pineapple is not the first fruit he tastes at all, start with apples or grapes first because they are easier on his stomach, and only then try the pineapple.

Cut a few small cubes and let them taste the pineapple. If he agrees to eat, wait 12-24 hours to see if he will have any reactions.

If all goes well then you can feed your guinea pig twice a week (never two days in a row).

About 10% of vegetables and fruits should be present because that way they will use the necessary vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C, of course, the others are no less important.

What is the composition of pineapple?

For example, in a cup cut into pineapples, there are:

calories 83

fiber 3 g
fat 2 g
protein 9 g

In terms of vitamins and minerals, pineapple in one cup contains the following values:

calcium 5 mg
potassium 180 mg

iron 5 mg
Vitamin C 9 mg
magnesium 8 mg

phosphorus 2 mg

How to properly feed your guinea pigs with pineapple?

The first thing you need is for the pineapple to be fresh and ripe and to be at normal room temperature. Then cut the pineapple in half and then in a quarter, remove the hard part, also the peel.

To make it easier for the guinea pig to eat, cut the piece of pineapple you need to eat into several small pieces.

It is not bad if you mash or grind the pineapple, and it will be great to make it easier for the guinea pig to eat and enjoy this fruit.

If there are pieces of pineapple left in the cage, then you should take them out, because if the pineapple stays for a long time, it will not be good for eating and it can also attract insects and bugs in the guinea pig cage.

Can baby guinea pigs eat pineapple?

Baby guinea pigs should not eat pineapple. They need nutrition for their age, including breast milk and alfalfa hay.

Alfalfa hay is very important because it has the calcium they need when they are young and growing.

After a few months, when they grow up, they can start eating other foods, including pineapple.

Can guinea pigs eat canned pineapple?

No, guinea pigs should never eat canned pineapple. Because this pet is not good at all eating processed food, not only pineapple, but any other processed food is not good for his health.

Canned foods also contain additives and other chemicals that are harmful to guinea pigs.

Can guinea pigs eat pineapple leaves and peel?

The guinea pig should not eat either the bark or the pineapple leaves. The reason is that they are difficult for the guinea pig to digest, you will only cause problems with its stomach and digestion.

There is another danger of pineapple leaves and peel, it can also cause suffocation of your pet, so you should not take any risks at all.

Pineapple peel additionally has small thorns that can cause bleeding in your sweet pet’s mouth and throat.

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Pineapple Tops?

You cannot feed your guinea pig with pineapple tops.

The reason is that tops have a rough and hard texture and can make injury to your pet’s mouth.

Pineapple tops also may include some chemicals that are a possible reason for causing more problems with the health of guinea pigs.

Can guinea pigs drink pineapple juice?

Guinea pigs should not drink pineapple juice. The reason is that canned juices contain a lot of fructose and preservatives that are dangerous to their health, so it is best to drink water.

The only way to give them pineapple juice is to squeeze the juice directly from the fruit, without adding additives, and mix it with a little water.

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Pineapple Core?

Guinea pigs cannot eat pineapple core because it is hard, and also the taste is not so sweet.

Maybe pineapple core is not such dangerous food for guinea pigs, but we recommend avoiding giving it to your little pet.

Just stay with the flesh, that is the best part of pineapple for guinea pigs.

Pineapple health benefits for guinea pigs?

When consumed in moderation, then the benefits of pineapple for guinea pigs are best used. The benefits are great if you give pineapple to the guinea pig, but let’s go in order.

Vitamin C

Is the most important vitamin for your pet, because it will improve his immunity, which will protect him from many diseases and infections.

The only way to get vitamin C is through food alone, otherwise, you may get scurvy.

Many foods for guinea pigs have a vitamin C supplement, precisely because of the importance of this vitamin for your pet’s health.

We must mention that potassium is well present in pineapple, while it has little sodium.

Pineapple also has sugar, so we must be careful about the amount we give it, not to overdo it so that our pet can gain weight or get diabetes. In addition to vitamin C, pineapple contains vitamins A, K, B6, folic acid, and more.

read more: Can Guinea Pigs eat Pickles?

Pineapple is good for the heart health of guinea pigs

Because pineapple is low in fat, it is a great food for your pet. Less fat allows normal artery function and blood flow to the heart and blood vessels.

The magnesium content of pineapple helps your guinea pig strengthen its heart, allowing better blood flow and oxygen to its body.

Stronger immunity

This is where vitamin C, found in large quantities in pineapple, comes into play, which will strengthen the guinea pig’s immunity and make it more resistant to diseases.

Vitamin C successfully prevents scurvy, which is common in guinea pigs.

With pineapple, the guinea pigs will be resistant to disease

Initially, vitamin C was the one that helps the guinea pig’s body to deal with various diseases more easily.

We must also mention manganese as an excellent antioxidant, which is also great for better immunity, but also for fighting free radicals, which can cause guinea pig cancer. Manganese slows down your pet’s aging, thus extending its lifespan.

Pineapple improves the cardiovascular health of guinea pigs

Pineapple, like most fruits, is low in calories, which is a great health benefit for your pet’s cardiovascular system.

Against scurvy in guinea pigs

By consuming pineapple, the guinea pig will be protected from scurvy. Scurvy is called when we are deficient in vitamin C, which leads to fatigue, leg pain, anemia, dental problems, and more.

Fortunately, by consuming pineapple, the guinea pig will be resistant to scurvy.

Better blood clotting by eating pineapple on the guinea pigs

Pineapple benefits for guinea pigs are the vitamin K found in pineapples. By taking this vitamin, your pet will have no problems with blood clotting.

The paleo acetic acid in pineapple will also help to form healthy blood cells. The presence of magnesium is additionally a supplement for a healthy heart and a healthy cardio system in your pet.

Can pineapple harm guinea pigs?

Pineapple can harm your pet if you give him too much. In such situations, digestive problems, diarrhea, and bloating may occur.

Too much pineapple can cause dehydration and electrolyte disturbance in guinea pigs.
Due to the high sugar content of pineapple, it can cause diabetes in your pet.

Occasionally there is a sore throat in a guinea pig due to the acids in pineapple, but only if you give it too much.
Too much pineapple can cause kidney stones in guinea pigs.
Specifically, too much calcium intake is the mineral found in pineapple), which can cause urinary problems.

If you notice any problems, you should contact a veterinarian immediately to examine your pet.

What else can a guinea pig eat?

The guinea pig will enjoy if you give it to eat the following types of food:

basil
mint
parsley

asparagus
carrot
cucumber

beets
broccoli
spinach

cabbage
green beans
pumpkin

sweet potato
tomato
broccoli

cauliflower

Conclusion

Guinea pigs can eat pineapple but in moderation. Twice a week is ideal with small pieces of pineapple, so you can make the most of the health benefits of guinea pigs.

Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are important for guinea pigs, which they will consume by consuming pineapple in their body.

Pineapple leaves and the peel should never be eaten by guinea pigs.

Pineapple juice should not be given because of the preservatives and chemicals it may contain.

Adverse effects of consuming too much pineapple on guinea pigs include diarrhea, indigestion, kidney stones, and the like.

Finally, pineapple is a dessert food, and never a staple food for your guinea pig.

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Pineapple? Let’s Find Out