The answer to this question is not exactly clear but affirmative. They can either be beneficial or harmful to your guinea pig. Yes, almonds are safe as long as taken in a very small amount. But you should limit the number of almonds offered to the pet and set how often they should consume them.
Almonds contain lots of nutritional value so it becomes necessary to provide nuts to pigs but very often and in a limited amount. Almonds can also boost the metabolism rate in guinea pigs.
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Method to Feed Almonds to Guinea Pigs
The best way to feed almonds to the guinea pigs is to boil the almonds before serving them. This will make the Almonds softer and there will be no change in the nutritional value and could be easier for the pet to consume and digest.
Nutritional Value of Almonds for Guinea Pigs
Generally, almonds have very high nutritional value but out of them, some nutrients are important for guinea pigs while some are harmful, especially in the large amount. So here is the list of nutrients present in the almond.
- Protein – 21 grams
- Fiber – 12.5 grams which are very high
- Water – 4.5%
- Sugar – 4.4 grams
- Calories – 579 which is extremely high
- Calcium – 268mg
- Potassium – very high at 732mg
- Phosphorous – 481mg
- Fat – 49.9 grams
- Magnesium – 270mg
- Vitamin C – 0mg
Benefits of Almonds for Guinea Pigs
Almonds are beneficial for guinea pigs but if fed in very limited quantity. Here we will discuss the benefits of almonds when consumed by guinea pigs.
- Control Blood Sugar
Almonds are very rich in Vitamin E which helps in controlling blood sugar levels. Almonds contain around 26mg of vitamin E which helps in promoting insulin in the blood, therefore, preventing the risk of diabetes in the guinea pigs.
Also, vitamin E protects the cells and avoids oxidative damage which could be dangerous for the health of guinea pigs if not taken care of properly. It also helps to reduce free radicals from the body of guinea pigs because they are rich in antioxidants. Now you can understand why almond is necessary for guinea pigs to control their sugar level.
- Helps in Digestion
Almonds help in the digestion of guinea pigs because it is rich in dietary fiber and contains about 12g of dietary fiber which is a very good quantity. It can also make the digestive tract healthy and clean. Guinea pigs have a great excellent food absorption system if they do not have any problem in their digestion like constipation. Guinea pigs will not suffer from a disease like constipation if they consume almonds which are rich in fiber.
- Helps in Weight Loss
Almonds contain around 21 -22g proteins and also promote satiety which increases the feeling of satisfaction in guinea pigs which makes them eat less and make them feel full. It helps when guinea pigs are overweight because it is dangerous for their health. So the benefit of feeding almonds to them helps to reduce their weight.
- Reduces Cholesterol Level
High cholesterol is risky for the health of guinea pigs which leads to fatal diseases. Almonds have the properties to reduce and control the cholesterol level of your lovely pet because almonds are known to prevent the spike in cholesterol levels.
So if you don’t want that to happen with your pet, make sure that you remember feeding them with such kind of food that will reduce their cholesterol level, like almond. So feeding almonds once in a while is very beneficial for the guinea pigs.
Health Issues due to Almond in Guinea Pigs
Sometimes nuts are very harmful to guinea pigs because they can cause many harmful and chronic diseases. This is because when you feed almonds in very high quantities. So the major health issues that arise due to almonds are:
- Allergies
Some guinea pigs might be allergic to nuts. When you feed almonds to them, they can show some typical symptoms like sneezing, breathing difficulties, itching, etc. In this case, you need to visit the vet immediately.
- Poor Digestion
Excess consumption of almonds can disturb the digestive system of pigs because almonds are highly nutritious having complex carbohydrates and unsaturated fats which can destroy the digestive system of guinea pigs very badly and can also cause inconsistent intestinal mobility. Also nuts contain sugar which is not very harmful but when combined with other harmful nutrients it will also cause damage to the digestive system of guinea pigs.
- Obesity
Almonds contain a high amount of calories and regular consumption of such amounts of calories can increase the chances of obesity in guinea pigs. Obesity in pigs creates a lot of fats that can accumulate in the arteries and in various organs of guinea pigs which increase the chances of a wide range of diseases like it can block the bloodstream, exhaustion, and blood clotting.
- Bladder Stones
Guinea pigs require a low calcium diet but on the other hand nuts like almond contains a very high amount of calcium around 268 grams. Consumption of such an amount results in kidney and bladder stones which are painful for guinea pigs. So it would be better to feed almonds in very low quantity and occasionally.
- Urinary Complications
Minerals are very harmful to guinea pigs as it restricts their development and their growth. Almonds are made up of mineral calcium. These minerals are suitable only when they are young but as they grow up it causes the problem of piles in the urethra of your lovely pet. It can also cause kidney and bladder stones which block the urinary tract infection or blood in the urine which remains untreated and leads to kidney failure.
- Choking
Almonds are very small nuts which could be dangerous for the guinea pigs because they can stick to their throats so it is advisable to feed small and narrow almonds to them and keep a check. If they are choking, make them drink water to wash the almond down from their throat otherwise take to the pet immediately to the vet.
How Often Guinea Pigs Eat Almonds?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat almonds, but fed only if necessary like if there could be a lack of calcium, minerals, etc. Almonds should be served once or twice a month. Excess feeding of almonds is harmful and can cause many serious problems in your lovely pet.
One more important thing you have to remove the skin of the almonds while feeding to guinea pigs and make sure almonds should be long and narrow because shorter and wider ones are bitter almonds and they could be poisonous.
Concluding Lines
Can guinea pigs eat almonds? Yes, of course, they can have almonds but in limited quantity, as they are loaded with a high amount of calories and fats. They are also beneficial for pigs in many ways but make sure to provide them only once a week or twice a month.
Sometimes guinea pigs started choking while eating almonds but you don’t need to panic just give sufficient water or pat on the back until it gets released. Therefore it is advised to feed long and narrow almonds to the guinea pigs. And also one or two almonds a few times monthly will not cause any harm to the guinea pigs.
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