Eggplant also known as aubergine is a nutritious vegetable and does have a place in a well-balanced diet, they are known to be one of the members of the nightshade family. There are some nutritional benefits in eggplants that other vegetables don't offer such as beta-carotene, potassium, and vitamins A, C, E, and K. However cooking eggplant can cause it to lose some of these nutrients humans like to consume. Eggplant contains manganese, folate, potassium, and vitamins K and C in reasonable amounts for the total calories present.
Eggplants offer various beneficial nutrients for humans however, some people have a negative opinion about eggplant because its taste is often compared to that of onion or garlic even though it has been used in the Middle East for centuries, you will see them not as popular among Westerners. Do your cavies have the same reservation as humans? Can your guinea pigs eat eggplants? Do eggplants offer beneficial nutrients to your guinea pigs? The answer to this question and all other questions will be explained in this article.
Can guinea pigs eat eggplants?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat eggplants but only in moderation. Guinea pigs are known to be natural grazers, they munch on hay and veggies all day. That means it is important to keep fresh food available constantly. Also, guinea pigs can not formulate their Vitamin C, and this type of vitamin is essential in keeping guinea pigs away from various diseases, this is why your cavies always tend to look for food that is enriched in this nutrient. Fortunately, Eggplant is a vegetable, and they contain a decent amount of nutritional benefits like vitamin C, which makes them an excellent meal for your pets. However, not only does eggplant have beneficial nutrients, but you will also see them having side effects if it is not given in the right proportion, and that is why you should know everything about eggplant before tossing it into your cavies.
In what Proportion should Eggplant be given to guinea pigs
Guinea pigs are one of the animals that have a sensitive digestive system, this is why it is important to have understood the nature of their digestive system and also the food you are giving to them to avoid causing health risks. The proper word which can be used to feed eggplant to your guinea pigs is that they should be fed in moderation. What moderation means in this article is to serve eggplant in small quantities like a few bites or small pieces per serving one or two times a week for a healthy diet.
However, if you are just introducing this vegetable to your guinea pigs, you should offer a little portion out of the recommended portion to your guinea pigs, and also keep them under close observation for the next 24 hours after feeding them. Make sure you look for symptoms of an allergy reaction, discomfort, or another type of uncommon behavior to know whether to keep serving it to them or not.
Can Guinea Pigs eat various parts of eggplant (skin, seed, leaves)
It is of great importance to understand the benefit that different parts of eggplants can provide for your guinea pigs to avoid loss, and it is also of utmost importance to understand the dynamics of your guinea pigs' digestive system with feeding them eggplants to avoid serious health risks for your pets
- Eggplant leaves: No, guinea pigs can not eat eggplant leaves because of the toxic substances they contain. Failure to heed instructions can lead to your pets suffering from health risks, and in the process, it can lead to an untimely death for them
- Eggplant skin: Yes, guinea pigs can eat eggplant skin but only in moderation. Eggplant skin contains a substance called Nasunin. This substance is known to be a free radical, and they are responsible for providing colors to the plant. However, your guinea pigs' digestive stomach can not digest them hence, they should stay away from them.
- Eggplant seed: Yes, guinea pigs can eat eggplant seed. Guinea pigs can only eat seeds that have a soft texture, are small, and can be edible. Fortunately, eggplant seed is all of this, and hence, your guinea pigs can eat and digest them.
what is the nutritional benefit of serving eggplant to guinea pigs
If you are looking to serve fruits or vegetables to your guinea pigs, the first thing you should consider is the nutritional benefit it will offer to your guinea pigs. The following bullet points will highlight the reason you should consider feeding eggplants to your cavies
Rich in dietary fiber
Dietary fiber is the nutrient in charge of aiding digestion. This is because the digestive system can be sensitive, and that is why they need something or nutrients that can help them easily digest hard particles of food without the stomach getting disturbed. They are also essential in helping with bowel movements and function
Contain antioxidant
Eggplant also has a decent amount of antioxidants, and they are known for removing free radicals which are known for causing cancerous diseases in the body system. They are also helpful in boosting eyesight, eye health, and heart-related organ
Contain low cholesterol and fats
The cholesterol and fats found in eggplant are very low, thereby, preventing diseases like heart palpitations or failure for your guinea pigs. The low fat also reduces the risk of obesity
Rich in manganese
Eggplant is enriched with manganese which is essential for healthy bone keeping. They also help other nutrients related to providing good bone development (e.g calcium, phosphorus, magnesium)
Possible health risks of serving eggplant to guinea pigs
Eggplant offers a lot of beneficial nutrients which have been explained above, you will also see them causing serious health risks if the food is not fed in the right proportion. However, these are some of the possible effects of feeding eggplant wrongly
- Frequent feeding may lead to regular diseases because they have a low amount of vitamin C.
- Allergy reactions may arise hence, you should feed a little to them when you are just introducing it to them
- It may cause digestive problems like diarrhea, diabetes, and stomach upset if fed in a high proportion
Conclusion
Guinea pigs can eat eggplants but only in moderation because of the number of nutrients they possess. The correct proportion and the possible health risk, and benefits have also been discussed in this article. To avoid unnecessary health risks, you should read through this article for enlightenment.
