Guinea pigs can eat summer squash, but it must be given in moderation. Excessive amounts may cause an upset stomach. Also, make sure to use fresh and uncooked summer squash. Summer squash is a treat for guinea pigs. It does not replace other fruits and vegetables.
Have you been cooking up some tasty summer squash dishes while your little guinea pig stares at you? Have you wondered if you can toss your piggy a little bite? Well, wonder no more!
It is fine for guinea pigs to eat summer squash; however, keep a few things in mind before feeding it to your guinea pig.
What You'll Learn
Give Squash in Moderation!
Guinea pigs are individuals. Each guinea pig may react to summer squash differently. Therefore, it’s important to provide new foods in moderation. After all, if you were first trying new food, you probably wouldn’t fill your plate with it. In fact, you might not try it at all!
Guinea pigs develop food preferences like their human friends, so you should introduce them to squash as early as possible. They are more likely to try it and like it if it is fed to them at a young age, before they are set in their old ways.
When feeding summer squash to your pig, start with small portions. It is recommended that guinea pigs get around 1 cup of fresh vegetables per day. Therefore, start with just one small bite of summer squash rather than filling a whole cup. Mix it in with their favorites, like fresh leafy greens.
Ensure The Food is Fresh and Clean
When giving your guinea pig summer squash, ensure it is fresh. Not unlike yourself, guinea pigs can become sick from rotten or moldy food. Aside from that, they can be finicky when it comes to food. Would you eat wilted lettuce? If the answer is no, your guinea pig may think the same thing.
Tip: Remember to remove the fruits and vegetables if they have not eaten them after a day. Fresh produce turns quickly, so it’s wise to keep an eye out for rotten food in your guinea pig’s cage.
When feeding summer squash (or any other fresh produce item) to your pig, something else to keep in mind is that human food contains chemicals, especially pesticides. Pesticides and other harsh chemicals can irritate your guinea pig or make them ill. When providing fresh vegetables for your guinea pig, ensure they have been washed thoroughly.
Squash is Technically a Fruit!
Humans eat squash like a vegetable, combining it with savory dishes, but did you know squash is actually a fruit?
It’s sweet, which may recall some favorite dishes where your grandmother drizzled maple syrup over roasted butternut squash (which is a winter squash) for the holidays.
Guinea pigs will probably like the sweetness of summer squash, but keep in mind that, like us, they can gain weight and even get diabetes from excess sugar. Do not overfeed summer squash to your guinea pigs.
Squash Has Vital Nutrients.
Squash is naturally low in fat and carbs, making it a nutritious choice for a guinea pig. It contains essential nutrients for your guinea pig, such as vitamin C.
Guinea pigs need lots of vitamin C because their bodies cannot create or store it as other animals can. Vitamin C contributes to a healthy nervous system in your guinea pig. It helps maintain healthy skin and joints. It also plays an instrumental role in preventing infections and diseases, such as scurvy.
Note: Do not rely only on squash to give your guinea pig the vitamin C they need. In fact, according to Sharon L. Vanderlip, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, guinea pigs should get a daily vitamin C supplement.
What are some other vitamins and minerals in squash that benefit your pig?
Squash is an excellent source of vitamin A, which is important for a guinea pig’s vision, skin, and smooth fur. It will bolster the immune system, keeping your little pig healthy.
Furthermore, it contains essential minerals like magnesium, which helps maintain strong muscles. It will keep your pig’s heart strong and keep diabetes at bay.
Squash also contains iron, which will foster healthy red blood cells. Lastly, potassium in summer squash reduces the chances of high blood pressure.
Guinea Pigs Need More Than Just Summer Squash
Your piggy will not appreciate eating only squash. Aside from all the other points mentioned, your pig needs other nutrients in its diet.
Hay
Hay is one of the most important foods in a guinea pig’s diet. Their teeth are continuously growing, and the hay is fibrous enough to keep the teeth worn down. In the absence of hay, teeth may overgrow, resulting in dental issues and an inability to eat. As we all know, a lack of eating can lead to a host of other problems, including death.
Pelleted Guinea Pig Food
Guinea pig food can be found in pet stores or online. It contains the essential nutrients your guinea pig needs that he may not get from hay or fruits and vegetables.
In her book, The Guinea Pig Handbook, Dr. Sharon L. Vanderlip cautions that pelleted food needs to be fresh. Vitamins and nutrients, especially vitamin C, lose their potency over time.
Alfalfa Hay
Alfalfa hay is considered a high-quality source of protein. While they probably do not need this every day, they need a consistent amount every week.
Vegetables
Provide fresh vegetables every day, especially to aid in their vitamin C intake. Fresh vegetables provide a lot of other nutrients that will keep your little pig strong and healthy.
Fruits
Fruits are considered treats, but they also have nutritional value. Giving your little pig treats in the form of fruit can also strengthen your relationship, but don’t overdo it. Excess sugar causes weight gain and diabetes in your guinea pig. If you stick to a couple treats per week, your guinea pig will be in good shape (and so will your relationship).
Summer Squash is Safe and Nutritious
Guinea pigs are delicate individuals with food preferences and sensitivities. Be mindful when giving them a newly introduced food. Summer squash is a safe and nutritious treat for your guinea pig, but give in moderation. It’s actually a fruit, so it has sugar in it and should be enjoyed as a treat. Guinea pigs need hay, pelleted guinea pig food, and fresh vegetables to make up the bulk of their diets.
