Can Guinea Pigs Eat Dates
Dates are highly delicious and nutrient-dense fruits with many valuable health benefits. They are among the sweetest fruits in the world, and they are believed to have originated from Arab countries. They are the fruits of the date palm tree and have been the staple food of Middle Eastern countries for centuries. Date fruit is called date because it resembles human fingers, therefore, it derives its name from the "dakt" word root which means digit (finger).
These fruits differ in size and color depending on their variety and taste. It contains several nutrients which are used for the following benefits in humans; Regulation of Cholesterol Levels, Bone and brain improvement, prevention of inflammation, support for a healthy pregnancy, promote skin health, etc. However, do these benefits also extend to guinea pigs' health? Can guinea pigs even feed on dates? Answers to this question and other questions will be answered in this article.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Dates
Yes, guinea pigs can eat dates but only in moderation. Dates is one of the fruits known to be enriched in various beneficial nutrients for your pets, and these nutrients like vitamin C, antioxidants, calcium, fiber, etc are essential in keeping the diet of your guinea pigs healthy. You will also find them free from toxic substances. However, because of the presence of the high proportion of sugar, phosphorus, and calcium present in them, they can cause serious health risks if fed in high amounts. This is why as a pet owner you need to follow the right proportion at which you can feed your guinea pigs. Continue reading to find out how to feed it to them.
In What Proportion Should Dates Be Fed To Guinea Pigs
Yes, Dates fruit is safe for your pets because it does not contain toxic substances. This is because it is known as a nutritional and easy fruit that contains a high amount of sugar content which makes it an addictive fruit to pets. Guinea pigs should only be given one or two dates of fruit per month, and that alone with mixing vegetables that are low in sugar is enough to fill their stomach. Too eating of this fruit can lead to digestive issues. Feeding them more than this standard amount for your pets is very dangerous for your pets hence, you should follow the correct proportion. You should also make sure to remove the pits before feeding them to them.
What Are The Beneficial Nutrients Of Feeding Dates To Guinea Pigs
Dates like other fruits also offer different types of benefits to guinea pigs because of the beneficial nutrient they contain. Continue reading this article to be aware of those benefits for your guinea pigs.
Rich in calcium
Calcium is a nutrient that is essential for the growth and development of young guinea pigs. Fortunately for pet owners, dates have a decent amount of calcium to last them for a whole day. You should know that when feeding dates to your pets, you should balance it with food that has less amount of calcium compared to dates. Some of the general benefits of calcium to your pets are that they are responsible for strong bones and teeth and also essential in their development
Rich in calories
Dates are known to be enriched with a decent amount of calories, carbs, and fats. This is good for pets that are too small, and their owners are looking for food that can give them a little fat. Therefore, they can also help your guinea pig gain weight
Rich in Fiber
Dietary fiber is the nutrient responsible for aiding digestion. They are essential for maintaining a balanced bacteria flora in the guts of your guinea pigs and also for the stimulation of their gastrointestinal motility. Fortunately for your guinea pigs, dates are enriched with a decent amount of dietary fiber.
Other nutrients present
Other nutrients like phosphorus, magnesium, protein, iron, and little amount of vitamins are also present in dates. These benefits are to improve their immune system, protect them from any form of deadly illnesses, and also help in their regular blood flow.
Possible Health Risk Of Feeding Dates To Guinea Pigs
We have established that dates are rich in nutrients that are considered essential for the well-being of a guinea pig. Thereby indicating that the fruits are safe for pets when given to them in the right proportion. The question is what possible health risks can arise from overfeeding your pets the fruits? Before answering the question, you should know that dates contain too much sugar, and in the body of a guinea pig its effects can vary from mild to detrimental which is listed below
Scurvy
There is little to no amount of vitamin C present in Dates. Vitamin C is one of the essential nutrients needed to keep your guinea pigs healthy daily since they can not produce it by themselves. Therefore, not mixing a vegetable with a high amount of vitamin C with Dates may lead to Scurvy for your pets.
Diabetes
Little proportion of sugar is only required for a healthy guinea pig, but when it gets fed to them in high proportion, your guinea pigs may suffer from diabetes. A pet owner should know that their guinea pigs have a sensitive stomach therefore, only a little amount of each food should be given to them
Obesity
There is a decent amount of fats, carbs, and calories present in dates. However, if pet owner chooses to serve their guinea pigs with more than the expected amount, then they should be ready to cater to overweight pets.
Choking hazard
You will find a pit inside the fruits of the date, this pit can lead to your guinea pigs choking on them if it is not removed before it was given to eat. This is because the pit is big and hard, hence, it will be difficult to chew your pets
Kidney or bladder stone
Your pet is prone to kidney or bladder stones if fed in high proportion. This is because dates contain calcium, and this is the major cause of this health risk in your pets
Conclusion
Some pet owners will argue that Dates fruit should not be fed to guinea pigs because of it high amount of sugar present. You should know that any good that does not contain a toxic substance can be fed to your pets in the correct proportion. Dates fruits are one of them. To know more about this fruit's benefits, its health risks, and how to serve them to your guinea pigs, read this article.
