Figs are slightly sweet and are a very nutritious fruit. They are known as "the patron saint of human health in the 21st century". Figs contain active anti-cancer substances such as psoralen, bergamot lactone, and benzaldehyde. These substances have a significant inhibitory effect on cancer cells and can prevent cancer cells from synthesizing proteins, causing cancer cells to lose nutrients and thus die. This mostly takes place in the body system of a human being. What about guinea pigs?
Figs are also rich in lipase, hydrolase, protease, and other enzymes, which can reduce blood fat, break down fat, relax blood vessels, reduce the deposition of fat in blood vessels, and are very beneficial to the health of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular. Do figs offer the same beneficial nutrients to guinea pigs as that human beings? Continue reading this article to find out
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Figs
Yes, guinea pigs can eat figs but only in moderation. Figs is a naturally bred fruit that is enriched with a lot of beneficial nutrients that are essential in keeping your little cavies healthy. They are known to contain vitamin C, one of the essential nutrients that the body of your guinea pigs can not synthesize, they also contain dietary fiber. They are very caloric and are rich in carbohydrates, you will also see them containing a high proportion of sugar and acidic content, therefore, making them an occasional treat and not a regular food for your cavies. To know the correct portion it should be fed to your pets, continue reading this article.
Can guinea pigs eat the various types and parts of figs
Figs are edible, but are all the parts and their various types edible to your guinea pigs? It has been discussed above that guinea pigs can eat figs, however, it has not been mentioned the specific types of figs they should or should not eat and also the various part of the fruits that may be beneficial or hazardous to their health.
Dried figs
No, guinea pigs can not eat dried figs this is a result of too much sugar content found in them. Fresh figs contain a high amount of water and sugar content of about 80%, and the figs getting dried up will reduce the amount of water and increase the amount of sugar. This may then lead to serious health risks if given to your pets
Frozen/preserved figs
Yes, guinea pigs can eat frozen or preserved figs but only in moderation. Fig fruit is generally known not to bear fruits all year round therefore, this may warrant pet owners to freeze the one they have left. Before you serve frozen figs to your cavies, then you should allow them to return to room temperature since guinea pigs' digestive systems can not digest frozen foods.
Fig tree leaves
Yes, guinea pigs can not eat fig tree leaves because they contain toxic and poisonous substances in them. The toxic substance is known to be white latex in ficus sap. They are known for causing irritation and severe pain and discomfort when served to your cavies
Fig seeds
Yes, guinea pigs can eat fig seeds but only in moderation. Fig seeds are small, crunchy, and edible hence, they can be easily ingested and digested by their digestive system.
Fig skin
Yes, guinea pigs can eat fig skin but only in moderation. Although their texture may not look edible or pleasant to the human eye, they are quite nutritious to eat, and they do not contain any toxic substances. However, the stem should be removed since the remaining part of the sap is present in them.
What is the correct proportion of feeding figs to guinea pigs?
It is essential to be aware of the right proportion that figs should be served to your cavies. Yes, it has been discussed that they can be very nutritious and provide nutritional benefits for your cavies. However, if it is fed in the wrong proportion, it may result in a very harmful situation, this is because of its sweetness and acidic nature. 1-2 small figs or a few chunks is enough to feed you cavies for 1-2 times a week. Anything other than being an occasional food may result in digestive or health issues for your cavies
What are the nutritional benefits of feeding figs to your cavies
Figs is a nutritious fruit therefore, there is a lot of hath benefits your Guinea pigs can derive from them if given in adequate proportion. Some of the benefits are listed below
Rich in vitamins
Figs are high in different amounts of beneficial nutrients like vitamins A, and C. Guinea pigs can not produce vitamin C which makes them prone to a deficiency called scurvy. Feeding them a small number of figs is enough to cover the amount of vitamin C they needed for that day. They also contain a high amount of vitamin A which is good for keeping your pets from poor eyesight
Rich in antioxidants
The presence of antioxidants in the nutrient of your guinea pigs' food will help them free radicals in their body. These free radicals are known for causing harm to their body system and making them prone to illness. Since antioxidants are present they will neutralize their power and thereby, keep the pets healthy. They are also used as anti-aging and provide good immune system and eyesight for your pets
Rich in fiber
Dietary fiber is known for excellently aiding digestion in your guinea pig's body system. Figs are known to contain a decent amount of these nutrients
Health risks of feeding figs to guinea pigs
There are possible health risks that may arise from feeding these nutritious fruits to your guinea pigs, and they are
- Kidney or bladder stone: Figs are enriched with a decent amount of calcium and too much of this nutrient in their body system may result in kidney or bladder stone
- Digestive problem: Figs contain a high amount of sugar, and this can lead to diabetes, gut infections, and other digestive issues that are from too much sugar level. This is because their digestive system can not digest them.
Conclusion
Figs are one of the nutritious fruits you can provide for your guinea pigs. However, it should be thoroughly washed, and the tree branches with the stem should completely be removed to avoid the toxic substance present in them. Other information needed concerning figs has also been explained in this article.
