Nuts contain high amounts of fat that can pose serious health risks to guinea pigs. This includes fat accumulation in their bloodstream, weight shifts and exhaustion. They’re also rich in calcium – leading to white or milky urine production as well as bladder stones and urinary tract infections in some instances – while being rich in oxalates which act as antinutrients that harm their digestive systems.
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They are high in fat
Guinea pigs cannot digest large quantities of fat. As such, it accumulates in their bodies, leading to weight gain that eventually affects their overall health and causing irregular and painful bowel movements. Nuts contain fatty acids which do not sit well with their digestion systems and may lead to serious illnesses in guinea pigs.
Nuts contain high amounts of calcium, which guinea pigs need for optimal health; however, too much calcium can lead to the formation of bladder stones and lead to irregular urinary schedules and an overall feeling of lethargy in them.
Instead, guinea pigs should be provided with an assortment of leafy green vegetables, herbs and fruits along with plenty of water and wood shavings for digestion. This diet will help wear down their teeth so as to prevent serious dental issues in the future, while providing roughage that keeps them mentally sharp and calm.
They are high in salt
Guinea pigs are grazers and therefore avoid overfeeding on nuts in favor of vegetables and high-fiber hay, fruits and herbs – keeping themselves healthy while warding off diseases.
Nuts contain high concentrations of fats, salts and other nutrients that can cause serious digestive issues for guinea pigs. Their digestive systems were never meant to break down such components efficiently, leading them to become overweight and unhealthy; furthermore consuming too many nuts could even cause heart conditions in them.
Avoid feeding your guinea pig nuts and foods high in fat, salt, and sugar; instead provide fruit treats regularly as snacks; make sure that this includes small slices of apples or oranges, several kiwi slices or handfuls of blueberries each day as snacks. Introduce any new fruits or veggies gradually so they do not experience diarrhea – borage, marigolds and nasturtium are great herbs high in Vitamin C that might also work!
They are high in calcium
Guinea pigs are herbivores by nature and have evolved to consume a diet composed of plant material. Guinea pigs require roughage for chewing purposes to wear down their teeth and prevent dental issues; as well as vegetables to ensure they get sufficient vitamins and minerals; nuts are high in fats, salts, sugars and calcium which could potentially pose health concerns to these little guys.
Too much calcium in a guinea pig’s diet can result in white or milky urine and bladder stones that can be painful for them to pass and can even lead to serious health complications for them, including repeated urinary tract infections and blood in their urine.
To prevent this from occurring, it is recommended that guinea pig owners provide their pet with a diet composed of leafy green vegetables and fruits; no meat should be given as they cannot digest it properly. Also important is ensuring their diet contains an ideal ratio of calcium-to-phosphorus intake.
They are high in oxalates
Guinea pigs’ bodies cannot break down certain nutrients when they consume too many, leading to health issues like kidney and bladder stones that are extremely painful for these creatures. Therefore, it is best to restrict or avoid giving nuts altogether.
High cholesterol levels are another potential drawback to feeding nuts to guinea pigs, leading to heart disease, weight gain and even diabetes in some instances. While occasional treats of raisins might be acceptable as part of a balanced diet plan, this should not become part of their staple food source.
While guinea pigs cannot live without peanut butter, there are other foods they should snack on instead. Fresh veggies such as lettuce, carrots and cucumbers should be provided along with plenty of hay as well as small fruits such as apples or papayas for them to enjoy!
