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plums

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Plums?

Apart from their regular diet based on fresh grass hay and water, guinea pigs also enjoy other foods that are given to them as occasional treats. There are different types of fruits and vegetables that your guinea pig can eat.

Most guinea pig owners are not sure if their pets can eat plums. In this article you will get the answer to this question.

More About Plums

Plum is a fruit of the genus Prunus. It is an oval fleshy fruit that can be reddish, purple or yellow and it contains a flattish pointed pit. Plum fruits are medium sized, with smooth peel and juicy flesh. They are relatives of the nectarine, peach and almond. Plum is a favorite fruit of many people.

There are also dried plums called prunes. Not only are plums delicious, but they also have many health benefits for people. Plums are rich in vitamin C which is needed for a strong immune system. Also, plums have the ability to increase the absorption of iron in the body.  But, are plums also healthy for guinea pigs or they can be harmful?

Are Plums Safe for Guinea Pigs?

The answer is yes. Plums are not on the list of foods that are toxic to guinea pigs. But, before feeding your guinea pig plums, remember that plums are rich in sugar, so it is important to limit the amount that you give to your guinea pig.

It is known that too much sugar is not good for guinea pigs, so you should feed them plums sparingly. Plums are rich in fiber and they also contain a hint of phosphorus and calcium, as well as vitamins A and C. Guinea pigs can also eat cherries that are rich in vitamin C.

Due to its high nutritional content, plums can be beneficial for guinea pigs if they are used in moderation. It is recommended to feed your guinea pig plums once or twice a week. If you give your guinea pig large amounts of plums, it could cause some problems in the gastrointestinal tract of your guinea pig. Plums are also quite acidic and they can cause bloating if consumed in high amounts.

If plums are used in the long run and if you feed your guinea pig large amounts of this sugary fruit, it could lead to diabetes in your pet. You can give your guinea pig the skin of a plum, but don’t give him the pit, because guinea pig could choke on with it. Also read our article about strawberries and guinea pigs.

Summary

In this article you have seen that plums can be a tasty occasional treat for your guinea pig. But, you should always have in mind that moderation is the key. As all other fruits, plums contain too much sugar, which can be harmful to your guinea pig.

To avoid any side effects, use plums only as an addition, not as a regular part of your guinea pig’s diet. You should always have in mind that clean water, fresh grass hay and quality pellets are the most important in guinea pigs diet.