Can Guinea Pigs Eat Satsumas? (Explained Here)
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So you’re rummaging through your kitchen, looking for snack for your piggies when you stumble upon a few satsumas. They’re there, sitting innocently on the counter just waiting to be eaten. So you wonder if guinea pigs can eat satsumas, and the answer is…
Yes, guinea pigs can eat satsumas safely. They’re filled with immune-boosting Vitamin C, fiber, and potassium. They’re easy-to-peel and tasty. As long as you only feed them once or twice a week as a an occasional treat, your guinea pigs can enjoy this juicy orange fruit.
In this blog post you’ll learn all about satsumas, guinea pigs, and the nutritional benefits of this tasty fruit.
So keep reading to find out more!
What Are Satsumas?
Satsumas are spin off variety of mandarin oranges. They’re a type of citrus fruit that is low in acid and tastes mildly sweet. They’re typically eaten peeled and segmented as a snack or dessert.
A satsuma is a type of fruit that does not need other fruit to grow. It can grow without being pollinated by another type of fruit.
Satsumas are thought to have come from China, but they were first mentioned in Japan more than 700 years ago. George R. Hall documented them for the first time in Florida in 1876.
If you want more information on the different types of fruits that guinea pigs can eat, check out this post: What Fruits Can Guinea Pigs Eat? (What You Need To Know) and What Citrus Fruits Can Guinea Pigs Eat? (Find Out Now)
Are Satsumas Good For Guinea Pigs?
There’s plenty of reasons why you should consider giving your guinea pigs a satsuma as a treat. Let’s take a peek at a few of them.
1. Strengthens Guinea Pig Immune Systems
When it comes to guinea pigs, Vitamin C is a superstar nutrient. It’s essential for keeping their immune systems strong and helping them fight off infection and sicknesses like upper respiratory infections and simple colds.
Satsumas are a great source of Vitamin C, providing your fur babies with approximately 48.8 mg per fruit.
So when you give your little friends a satsuma, you’re not only feeding them a tasty treat but also helping to keep them healthy and strong.
2. Scurvy Repellant
Unfortunately, cavies can’t make their own Vitamin C, and that makes them vulnerable to a horrible disease called scurvy.
Scurvy is an often deadly disease that results from a deficiency of Vitamin C.
It causes weakness, swollen joints, gum disease, and in extreme cases can even lead to death.
Just a tiny bit of Satsuma can help to ward off scurvy in guinea pigs.
There’s a wide variety of fruits and vegetables that your little friends can eat. Experiment with which ones they like, and work the ones with a high Vitamin C content into their diet to help keep them healthy.
3.Keeps Guinea Pigs Hydrated
Satsumas are over 80% water. And that’s a good thing.
Some cavies that aren’t prone to drinking from their water bottles or bowls get the bulk of their liquids from the food they eat.
So by feeding them satsumas (and other piggie-friendly produce), you’re helping to keep your guinea pigs hydrated and healthy (and that’s something that every piggie parent wants, right?)
Risks Of Feeding Satsuma To Guinea Pigs
The main reason that guinea pigs have bad reaction to the foods that they eat is because some piggie parents aren’t always sure how much to give them.
Then overfeeding happens and…well, KA-BOOM! Next, thing you know , you’re at the vets office with a sick guinea pig.
Remember that the risk of feeding satsumas revolve around feeding your cavies too much of it. As long as you only give them a satsuma or two as an occasional treat, you’re good to go.
1. Mouth Sores and Ulcers
Satsumas are acidic and cavies have a tendency to get mouth sores and ulcers when they eat things that are too acidic for them.
And like all fruits, satsumas have a slightly high level of acidity. It’s not as bad as lemons, but it’s not as good as the watermelon.
If you’re going to give your guinea pigs a satsuma, make sure that they’re not already suffering from mouth ulcers.
If they are, then hold off on giving them the fruit until their mouths have healed. Or better yet, avoid them completely. Some cavies have a sensitivity to citrus fruits.
2. Digestive Problems
Like all fruits, satsumas contain sugar and have a high water content..
And guinea pigs can’t process large amounts of sugar the way that humans and other animals can. And water…well, loosens up everything in a digestive system.
The sugar mixed with the water overloads their digestive system and they start to experience problems like diarrhea and stomach pain.
But, this can be avoided if you only give your guinea pigs a satsuma or two as an occasional treat (perhaps you’re noticing a trend here?).
3. Obesity
If you overfeed your guinea pigs on satsumas, they will become obese. Like I said before, there’s a high amount of sugar in satsumas (at least from a guinea pig’s perspective).
And when they eat too much sugar, their bodies store it as fat.
Just like with humans, guinea pigs who are overweight are at a higher risk for developing health problems such as heart disease, diabetes and even cancer.
A little is fine. A LOT is just…too much.
Go easy on the portion sizes.
When it’s time to introduce a new vegetable to your guinea pigs, make sure that you start with a small amount and work your way up. Some guinea pigs can have a bad reaction to new vegetables, just like humans do.
How Much Satsuma Should I Feed My Guinea Pigs?
As with all treats, moderation is key. Don’t go overboard and feed your guinea pigs a satsuma every day.
A small slice once or twice a week is plenty.
Keep in mind that your piggies are tiny animals. What looks like a small slice to you might be a lot for them.
So, if in doubt…give them less.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat the Peel and Skin of Satsumas?
Guinea pigs can eat satsuma peel safely. As long as it’s been washed thoroughly and there’s no pesticides lingering on the skin, your guinea pigs can enjoy a nice crunchy snack.
The skin of the satsuma is also a good source of fiber, which is something that all guinea pigs need in their diet.
So go ahead and let them have at it.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Satsuma Seeds?
Typically, satsumas are seedless, so you don’t have to worry about your guinea pigs eating them.
But if you do happen to find a satsuma with seeds (anomalies do happen) , just remove them before giving the fruit to your guinea pigs. The seeds can be a choking hazard and no one want to have to do the Heimlich with a guinea pig.
Can Guinea Pigs Drink Satsuma Juice?
No, guinea pigs shouldn’t eat satsuma juice. The high level of acidity and sugar can cause stomach problems and digestive issues in your guinea pigs.
Plus, the juice is just too sugary for them and will make them gain weight.
So, stick to giving your guinea pigs slices of the fruit itself and avoid giving them juice.
Fresh, clean water is the best thing for guinea pigs and they should have unlimited access to it.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Frozen Satsuma?
Frozen satsuma should never be eaten by guinea pigs. Their digestive systems are pretty sensitive to changes in temperature and the frozen fruit might give them stomachaches and diarrhea.
Plus, there’s always that risk that the fruit you give your piggies is so cold that their lips and tongue might freeze to it.
Not exactly the best way to start your piggies day.
If you serve room temperature fruit and veggies to your little friends, you won’t have to worry about this happening.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Satsuma Canned?
Canned satsumas are a no-no for guinea pigs. The sugar and acid levels in canned satsumas are too high for guinea pigs and can cause stomach issues. When it comes down to it, there’s very little nutritional value in canned satsumas for guinea pigs.
So, it’s best to just avoid them altogether.
Can Baby Guinea Pigs Eat Satsuma?
Guinea pigs can safely eat satsuma. When cavies are born, they’re usually able to start eating solid foods right away.
But, you might want to wait until your baby guinea pigs are about two weeks old before you start introducing fruits to them.
Around that time their moms stop nursing them, and they’ll be a lot more interested in trying solid foods. ‘ll be ready to start eating solid foods on their own.
Can Pregnant Guinea Pigs Eat Satsuma?
Since satsuma is filled with so many good nutrients, pregnant guinea pigs can safely eat it. The calcium and Vitamin C in satsuma will help strengthen the guinea pig’s bones and teeth.
Plus, satsuma is a great source of antioxidants, which can help keep both the mom and baby guinea pigs healthy during pregnancy.
How To Prepare Satsuma For Your Guinea Pigs
There’s no big mystery to preparing satsuma for your little friends. Just follow the steps below and you’ll be good to go.
- Wash the fruit thoroughly under running water
- Cut into small, bite-sized slices
- Remove any seeds that might be in the slices
- Place the slices in a bowl or dish and serve at room temperature
That’s it! Your guinea pigs will love getting a taste of this delicious citrus fruit.
What Other Kinds Of Citrus Fruits Can Guinea Pigs Eat ?
Lots of guinea pigs enjoy citrus fruits. There’s a lot more for your piggies to enjoy…as long as you keep an eye on how much they eat.
Satsumas are healthy for guinea pigs to eat, but there is more than just these. Some other fruit options for your guinea pig include:
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Grapefruit?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat grapefruit without any major worries. It’s another nutritious alternative for piggies to consume as a nibble. It provides your piggies with all of the Vitamins C (as oranges), B-complex vitamins, Vitamin A, and other vital minerals they require to be happy and healthy.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Lemons?
Unfortunately, lemons aren’t good for guinea pigs to eat. Even though they have a lot of Vitamin C, the high acidity is too much for them and it can cause mouth sores and ulcers. It is better for them to eat fruits that have a lower acid content.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Tangerines (or Mandarin Oranges)?
Yes, tangerines can be eaten by guinea pigs. They’re a type of orange, so if you can feed them oranges, you may also give tangerines to them. Tangerine peels are good for them to eat as well. Just go easy on the portion sizes and your little friend will be fine.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Blood Oranges?
Aside from the gruesome name, blood oranges are a good citrus fruit for guinea pigs to eat. They are packed with Vitamin C, as well as potassium, magnesium and other antioxidants. Just make sure your guinea pig isn’t allergic to oranges before you feed them one of these!
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Clementines?
Clementines are a type of mandarin orange, so they are a good option for guinea pigs to eat. They are slightly less acidic than other oranges, so they’re easier on their stomachs. And like all citrus fruits, they’re high in Vitamin C.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Oranges?
Guinea pigs can eat oranges. If you do, they’ll get decent servings of fiber, Vitamin C, antioxidants and other nutrients from the fruit. Orange skin and leaves are both fine for them to eat.
Just be careful with the seeds – make sure you remove them before giving them to your pet.
Things To Remember
So, can guinea pigs eat satsumas? The answer is yes – guinea pigs can safely eat satsumas.
Satsumas are a good source of nutrients like calcium and Vitamin C, which help strengthen guinea pigs’ bones and teeth. They’re also a great source of antioxidants, which can help keep guinea pigs healthy during pregnancy.
As long as you avoid giving your guinea pigs too much citrus fruit, they can enjoy a variety of different fruits like grapefruits, lemons, tangerines, blood oranges and clementines. Just make sure to carefully monitor their diet to make sure they’re getting the right balance of nutrients.
Thanks for reading!