Will Eating Mango Hurt Your Guinea Pig? (Explained Now)
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Can guinea pigs eat mangos? This is a question that many guinea pig owners have asked themselves, and rightfully so!
Guinea pigs can eat mangos, which are high in fiber, Vitamin C, and other essential nutrients. However, mangos also have a high sugar content, so it should only be eaten once or twice a week as a special treat. A one-inch inch cube is a perfect serving size for an adult guinea pig.
When served appropriately, mangos can be enjoyed as part of a healthy and well-balanced diet. Think of it like sweets and chocolates for children. So, let’s go deeper; keep reading to find out how Guinea pigs can enjoy mango safely.
What Are Mangoes?
Mangos are a small, round orangish fruit that grow on trees. The most popular variety is the Indian mango (the one with a green skin and yellow flesh).
There are many different kinds of mangoes in the world. Different types of mangoes have different shapes, colors and sweetness. Some have yellow skin, some have green skin.
Mangos only grow in warmer climates and are now grown in various countries including the US, Mexico and the Caribbean.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Mangos?
So, can guinea pigs safely eat mangos?
The key to sweet fruits like mangos is to give your guinea pig limited amounts, typically around one to two one-inch chunks.
And only once or twice a week. This is important.
The sugar content of mangoes is too high to serve it more frequently. If you do, your piggie could become obese or suffer from other health issues.
To keep your piggies healthy, you should be feeding them a well-balanced diet. This diet should consist of:
- a cup of fresh assortment of vegetables and fruits
- unlimited piles of hay
- a few herbs
- 1/4 to 1/8 cup of Vitamin C-enriched pellets (don’t give your piggies the pellets added junk like seeds and nuts)
Don’t forget that you should think of mangos as treats. They’re high in sugar and guinea pigs should not be eating as many mangos as they want.
If your guinea pig doesn’t eat all of their fruit or vegetables, then make sure to throw out the remains after 24 hours. Old veggies rot pretty quickly.
Some pet parents worry when their guinea pigs refuse to eat fruits. But, there’s no need to try to get your guinea pigs to eat things they don’t want. In the grand scheme of things, high amounts of fruit aren’t that good for them anyway. Instead, you could try experimenting with different herbs and vegetables.
In What Way Is Eating Mango Risky?
Generally, mangoes pose the same hazards to guinea pigs as any other fruit you may feed them.
However, since proper precautions can be taken for these dangers, it doesn’t seem that mangoes pose any additional risks to a guinea pig’s health.
Keep the following points in mind to provide a safe mango treat for your guinea pig:
- You could feed them too much. Mangos have a high sugar content. So it is best to limit the portions of mango pieces (or any other food) given to your guinea pig for nutrition and safety reasons.
- They could have an allergic reaction. Just like people, some guinea pigs might be allergic to this fruit. If you are making your pet eat this for the first time, watch them closely after they eat it. Give them just a tiny bit and then see if they get sick or act strangely. Do that for every new food that you give your pet. If you see any signs of a reaction, stop feeding the mangos to guinea pigs and contact a vet immediately.
- They could choke. Guinea pigs shouldn’t eat mangos skin, seeds, or pits because they are choking hazards. Many pet parents remove seeds in bell peppers, pumpkins, and other produce for this reasons. Plus, if you cut the pieces too big, then your pet could choke on them.
Guinea pigs can eat mangos. They’re no different than other piggie fruits or veggies like bell peppers, apples, or romaine lettuce. To be safe, test for allergies, watch out for choking hazards, and feed them the right amount. If you do those three things, then your little friend can enjoy a many treat.
Do Guinea Pigs Like Mangos?
I manually sourced a poll to see how many guinea pigs enjoyed eating mangos. I initially thought that there’d be a high number of guinea pigs that like them.
I mean, who doesn’t like a little something sweet, right?
But, I found that 59% of pet parents said that their piggies liked mango while 41% said that they didn’t.
It’s common some piggies to run from unfamiliar foods and look at you like you’ve tried to serve them the Black Plague. Since guinea pigs are creatures of habit, they don’t often like to try different vegetables or fruit. Even with proper motivation, piggies can be stubborn. Some foods have to be offered a few times before your little friends will even try them.
How Nutritious Are Mangos for Guinea Pigs?
Though mangos are very sweet, they have some health benefits for guinea pigs. And your furry friends need to be healthy to have a happy life.
Mangos contain calcium and Vitamin C which are essential nutrients for your guinea pigs. They also may have some other potential health benefits for your pets.
Here’s a table that shows the basic nutritional values of a guinea pigs:
| Carbs | 19g |
| Calories | 60 kal |
| Protein | 0 |
| Fat | 0 |
| Sugars | 17g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Calcium | 14mg |
| Vitamin A | 67mcg RAE |
| Vitamin C | 45mg (50% of the Daily Value) |
But, let’s take a closer look at some of the key nutrients in mangos.
Calcium
As we have found out, mangos contain levels of calcium. Your guinea pig needs to have the right amount of calcium, mainly to keep their bones healthy and strong.
Mangos are a great source of calcium; however, you need to be careful; too much calcium can lead to bladder stones or kidney stones. Those conditions are painful and dangerous to guinea pigs.
However, calcium is an essential part of a your piggie’s diet. It is necessary for growing healthy, strong bones, healthy teeth and is needed for the guinea pig’s nervous system.
If their diet lacks the right amount of calcium, then medical issues can arise. Some furry friends have physical issues, which can be linked to a lack of calcium. These issues sometimes include:
- Loss of appetite
- Being more lethargic
- Muscle spasms
- Paralysis in some limbs
- Weakened bones, teeth
- Brittle bones or teeth
Calcium is an essential part of a guinea pig’s diet, but you have to be careful about how much calcium they eat. Too much runs the risk of bladder stones or other issues with their health. Calcium rich foods like dill, parsley, and spinach should only be fed once a week or once every two weeks. Balance is key with guinea pig diets.
Fiber
Like with us, fiber is essential for your guinea pig’s health. Fiber helps your furry friend’s digestive tract run smoothly and efficiently.
The fiber is important because your piggie’s diet is mainly hay. And your pet guinea pig needs A LOT of help to digest it.
There are two types of fiber that are consumed in mango:
- Insoluble fiber: The fibrous vein-like parts that get stuck in people’s teeth are insoluble fiber. These rigid stringy parts protect the cells within the fruit.
- Soluble fiber: Soluble fiber is the soft part of the fruit that you can chew easily. In plants, the water-filled cells inside of them have a lot of soluble fiber. This type of fiber holds on to fluid in cells, so they stay hydrated and nourished.
Piggies are grazers. They eat constantly to keep their digestive system moving. When it (their digestive systems, that is) doesn’t work, then your little friends get very sick. If you notice that your piggie isn’t eating or pooping, get her to a vet quickly.
Antioxidants
Mangoes have many different types of polyphenols. These are compounds that work as antioxidants. They help keep cells healthy and prevent illness.
Free radicals in the body can damage cells and lead to signs of aging and chronic diseases, but the polyphenols in mangoes can stop this from happening.
Antioxidants also help your guinea pig maintain a healthy immune system and lower damage to their cells.
This means that your piggie is less likely to get sick. And if your little friends do get sick, they’ll recover faster.
Antioxidant benefits are also found in other piggie-friendly fruits like blueberries and raspberries.
Vitamins
One thing that is great in mangoes is the amount of vitamin C that they contain. Vitamin C is one of the most essential parts of your little friend’s diet, so it should be included. The bodies system needs to run correctly.
One cup of mango contains nearly 70% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) for Vitamin C. It also helps bodies absorb iron and promotes growth and repair.
Like with humans, it’s important for piggie bodies and supports a healthy immune system. Since piggies can’t make vitamin C naturally, they can only get it from their diet.
Mangoes also contain reasonable amounts of vitamin A and B-6, which like vitamin C, help our pets grow correctly and help maintain a healthy metabolism.
An added bonus of Vitamin A is that it will increase your guinea pig’s eye health. Guinea pigs don’t have the best eyesight. They need all the help they can get in that area.
Magnesium and Potassium
These two minerals are essential for your fur babies and both can be found in mangoes.
These minerals help your guinea pigs’ cardiovascular system by keeping it functioning correctly. They work to maintain the blood pressure and keep their blood vessels working correctly.
Bananas and oranges are also rich in potassium. But, these fruits should be fed sparingly because of their high sugar content.
Why Vitamin C Is Essential For Guinea Pig Health
According to Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents, the average adult guinea pig needs 10-30 mg/kg of Vitamin C daily to stay healthy. However, pregnant piggies or ones that are old or sick might need more.
Mangoes are a great source of vitamin C.
Like humans, pigs are unable to produce their own Vitamin C. That makes them susceptible to scurvy.
Scurvy is a disease caused by a Vitamin C deficiency. Unfortunately, scurvy is a common ailment of guinea pigs with unbalanced diets.
When piggies develop scurvy, they can experience the following health conditions:
- excessive bleeding
- achy, swollen joints
- diarrhea
- bleed easily and excessively
- their gums bleed and bruise
- internal bleeding
Yep, you read that right. Undiagnosed scurvy will make your pig sick and it may eventually kill them.
Luckily mangoes are high in vitamin c so adding some to the diet of your piggie can help prevent this – as well as making them happier and healthier!
What Type Of Mango Should Guinea Pigs Eat?
Organic mangoes are best for your fur babies to eat because they’re free of pesticides and herbicides. So, less worry about cleaning on your end.
Also, you’ll want to feed your piggie a ripe piece of fruit. An unripe mango is rock hard and should be left to ripen at room temperature. When ripe, a soft fruit should give when you press it lightly.
To speed up the ripening process, put the mangos in a paper bag and leave them on a table (at room temperature) for 2 days.
How To Serve Mango To Guinea Pigs
It’s pretty simple to serve mango to your little friends.
Make sure that you have a sharp knife and a clean cutting board, then follow the steps below:
- Wash the skin thoroughly. Rinse your mangoes under water before you cut it. Rub the the fruit with your hands and fingers to make sure there is no bacteria on the fruit. The skin is inedible, but you should wash it.
- Decide which cutting method you’d like to use. Watch this video on different ways to cut mango. I prefer the first cutting method in the video. It allows you to easier measure out one inch chunks. However, go with the one that feels right for you. (Note: Ditch the mango pit and skin.)
- Place one of two pieces of fruit into the enclosure. Then watch them enjoy or completely reject the fruit. Both reactions can be equally entertaining depending on the personality of your piggies.
- Dispose of what’s left. To avoid pests and mold in your piggie cage, remove any uneaten mangoes.
Want more information on what kind of fruit guinea pigs can eat? Check out this post: What Fruits Can Guinea Pigs Eat?(What You Need To Know)
How Much Mango Should A Guinea Pig Eat?
A healthy, adult guinea pig should only have a one-inch cube of mango once or twice a week.
Baby guinea pigs (six months or younger) shouldn’t have mango at all. Their digestive systems are still developing. So, you don’t want to give them something might give them an upset stomach.
| Guinea Pig Age | Portion Size |
|---|---|
| Baby guinea pigs (0 to 6 months old) | Not suitable for baby guinea pigs |
| Adult guinea pigs (6+ months old) | 1-inch cube of fresh mango, only to be eaten 1 to 2 times a week. |
Are The Seeds and Pips Edible?
Your fur babies shouldn’t the seeds or pits for one simple reason:
They could choke.
The seed/pips can be a choking risk as well as with the skin. They’re hard and slippery. They might get caught in your pet’s throat.
Guinea pigs should never be given these things. Please them out of reach of your pets!
Are Mango Skins Safe for Guinea Pigs?
Like many fruits available, the skins can be coated in harmful chemicals. These chemicals are used when the fruit is growing and are often sprayed pesticides to keep the fruit healthy.
These chemicals are not suitable for your piggies to consume. The skins can also pose a choking hazard as the skins are tough and not easily chewed.
Make sure you peel off the skins before giving the fruit to your little friend. And even though you’re not eating the skins, you should still wash the entire fruit carefully before you begin cutting into it.
Are Mango Leaves Safe for Guinea Pigs?
Mango leaves are perfectly safe for guinea pigs to eat.
In fact, they may have a lot of health benefits, such as the ability to regulate blood sugar, anti-inflammatory properties, and healthy skin support.
Some guinea pigs will love the leaves and happily chomp, whereas some will much rather eat the fruit.
Try them with your pet and see what they think.
Can You Give Your Guinea Pig Dried Mango?
Guinea pigs shouldn’t eat dried mango. Fresh is always better for your pet than dried fruits, which can contain higher sugar levels. If you feed the dried fruit to your piggies, it defeats the purpose of giving guinea pig a healthy snack.
Some dried fruits also contain preservatives to help keep them fresher for longer. These additives can be harmful to your pet. So, they should be avoided whenever possible.
There are plenty of healthy fruit and vegetable options for your little friends. Let’s stick with fresh choices to keep your furry friends as healthy and happy as possible.
Can You Give Your Guinea Pig Frozen Mango?
Fresh is best.
Like with dried mango, the frozen kind isn’t the best option. Frozen or just very cold food can lead to an upset digestive system, so it’s best to avoid it.
Can Guinea Pigs Drink Mango Juice?
Please don’t give your guinea pig mango juice to drink. Their primary fluid should be water.
The sugar content of a mango is very high. And the juice of 5 to 6 of them needed to make the juice is way too sweet for your fur babies.
Fresh water should be your furry friends’ main beverage.
Should You Give Mango to Your Guinea Pig?
It is, of course, up to you whether you want to feed your pet mango or not. I suggest you always consider and weigh up the advantages and disadvantages before introducing it into their diet.
But, honestly, the benefits outweigh the tiny risks of letting your piggie try mango.
Just remember that this fruit should be fed as a treat and not as a staple of their diet.
Small amounts every so often is perfectly safe if done correctly.
But if you are worried or noticed any change in their behavior, don’t hesitate to contact your local vet, as this could save your pet’s life.
If Your Piggies Don’t Like Mango, Try Something Else
If your piggie doesn’t care for mango, there’s plenty of other fruits to try. Perhaps they’ll be more receptive to bananas, strawberries or even guava.
I’ve included a few more alternatives below. You can include the following in your guinea pig’s diet once or twice a week:
Just to clarify, when it’s said one serving of fruit once or twice a week, this means to only give one fruit to your guinea pig once (or twice) for that period of time. You don’t want to give a servings a multiple types of fruits all in one week. That’s way to much sugar for your little friends. Limit the sweet treats.
Final Thoughts
So, if you’re a guinea pig owner and you’re wondering, “Can guinea pigs eat mangos?” the answer is yes…with a few precautions
The pit, seeds, and skin should not be served to your little friends because they’re choking hazards.
Mangoes are high in fiber, Vitamin C and other essential nutrients; however it should be eaten just once or twice a week as its sugar content is high.
Cubes of the fruit should be occasional treats in your piggie’s diet; not a daily occurrence.
Additionally, a one-inch cube is perfect for an adult guinea pig.
It is important to always watch what your furry friends eat. Even if they are eating healthy food, it can be bad for them when they eat too much of it.
Make sure that your fur babies have a decent diet that will keep them healthy.
And please avoid foods that are bad for them like diary products like ice cream, peanut butter, and other junk foods.
Keep all of these things in mind, so that your beloved friend can enjoy a taste of mango safely