Last updated on January 22nd, 2023 at 07:31 pm
Guinea pigs are small rodents that amaze us with their appearance and habits.
They are very fun and anyone who has a guinea pig, surely often rejoices, because these pets are simply very nice and pleasant.
Guinea pigs require care and attention, and of course nutrition, which is certainly one of the most important things to be healthy and happy.
Often when you eat pretzels, you probably wonder if you should give a little to your pet as well.
Do guinea pigs eat pretzels? The answer is yes, guinea pigs eat pretzels, but only if they are unsalted and do not have any other additives. Pretzels do not have the nutrients needed for guinea pigs, so they should be given very rarely from time to time, never as a regular diet.
In today’s article, we will learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of giving pretzels to the diet of guinea pigs.
Can guinea pigs eat pretzels?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat pretzels, but only if they are without salt or other additives, and in very small quantities so as not to affect their health.
Pretzels can be given as a dessert to your pets, but you must be careful about the amount because they contain calories, sugar, fat, and other substances.
These ingredients cause diabetes, obesity, and possible problems with the cardiovascular system of your furry friends.
Will guinea pigs want to eat pretzels?
Yes, guinea pigs will surely like to eat pretzels, because they will like their taste.
But we all as guinea pig owners need to be careful not to let them eat pretzels often.
How many pretzels can guinea pigs eat?
Because guinea pigs do not have any particular health benefits, they should eat them very rarely.
Only a small amount of unsalted pretzels is enough for them, there is no need to give them larger amounts of such food.
Can guinea pigs eat salty pretzels?
No, guinea pigs should not eat salty pretzels, they are harmful to their health.
If they eat salty pretzels, guinea pigs can only get health problems, such as bladder stones.
The problem is in the salt (sodium) that they do not need, they already get it by eating hay and pellets, which are a major part of their diet.
Salt can also lead to dehydration of your pets, which then manifests itself in major health problems.
Guinea pigs do not need to eat food with too much salt, because there is no way to consume too much salt because they do not sweat like us humans, so they can not use the greater amount of salt.
Unsalted pretzels are the only food that guinea pigs can eat.
What are the benefits of pretzels for guinea pigs?
As we mentioned, pretzels do not have any special nutrients that are important for your pets, but there are some.
Here they are:
- carbohydrates and proteins – help guinea pigs have more energy and strength.
- fiber – although not in large quantities can still help better digestion and the digestive system of guinea pigs.
- Iron – helps guinea pigs have healthier blood, and protect themselves from anemia.
What are the side effects of pretzels for guinea pigs?
If guinea pigs eat pretzels can have more side effects, here are some of them:
- diabetes – due to the presence of sugar, which is harmful to their health.
- obesity – calories, fats, and sugar contribute to weight gain and the risk of disease.
- bladder stones – most often occur if guinea pigs eat salty pretzels and too much salt they contain.
What happens if guinea pigs eat too many pretzels?
If guinea pigs eat too many pretzels, nothing terrible is likely to happen to them, but that does not mean the same thing should happen again.
In such a situation, the most important thing is to give more water to your pet, so that he can easily process a large number of pretzels.
There may have reactions like diarrhea, but it will return to normal in a few hours.
If the condition does not return to normal within 24 hours, take your guinea pig to a veterinarian.
Can baby guinea pigs eat pretzels?
No, baby guinea pigs should never eat pretzels.
In the first few weeks of their lives, they should eat only special foods for them, breast milk and water. Only after a few weeks should they start eating other foods, but of course, they should not eat pretzels.
Baby guinea pigs need foods rich in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to grow and develop well.
read more: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Asian Pears?
What to give the guinea pigs to eat?
In addition to the regular and main diet with hay, pellets, etc., guinea pigs should eat other foods that will help them get enough nutrients.
Fruits and vegetables are a great solution for healthier foods than pretzels, which will benefit from many vitamins and minerals.
read more: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Figs? All You Need To Know
Conclusion
Guinea pigs can eat pretzels, but only unsalted, in no case should they eat salty, sugary, or with any other additives.
Pretzels have few nutrients that are good for guinea pigs, they can do much more harm to your pet. That is why pretzels should be given to your pets very rarely for eating, such food is best avoided.
You can rarely give them unsalted pretzels, they should be a dessert, but never the main dish.
read more: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Pomegranate? Benefits And Risks
