Can Guinea Pigs Eat Mushroom

 

As you may have stumbled upon the available food that can be given to guinea pigs. You may also be wondering about the various nutrients your little cavies needed to remain healthy. Among that is can guinea pigs eat mushrooms? Mushrooms are fungi organisms (they are not planted because they cannot photosynthesize). They contain a high amount of water content, they are also rich in fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals, selenium, potassium, and copper. 

According to statistics, Mushrooms are considered good for health because they have a very low content of gluten and sodium. It is also low in fat and free of cholesterol and this can help with weight loss. Other benefits are that they are good for diabetes, healthy heart, increase immunity and prevent damage to cells. With all the benefits listed above, can guinea pigs eat mushrooms? What are the health benefits of feeding mushrooms to guinea pigs? Answers to these questions and all other questions will be reviewed in this article

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Mushrooms

Yes, guinea pigs can eat mushrooms but only in moderation. Mushroom can also is categorized into fleshy plants, and these fleshy plants do not contain many nutritional benefits, therefore, it is essential to serve them as an occasional treat or snack for your little cavies. However, some varieties of mushrooms, like wild mushrooms can be toxic for your pets even when serve in small proportions. Instead, feed white, button, and portabella to your pets in small quantities since they do not contain many nutritional benefits. Continue reading to learn more and how you can feed it right to your guinea pigs.

In what proportion should mushrooms be served to guinea pigs 

Mushrooms should not be part of your little cavies' diet because of the low nutrient found in them, however, if you choose to feed this fleshy fungus to your little cavies then you must be aware of the correct standard proportion of serving this food. Failure to follow the instruction can lead to severe health risks. In the meantime, a small amount of raw mushroom should be given to your guinea pigs as a treat, 2-3 times a week. However, do not try to feed cooked mushrooms to your pets. This is because there is no nutritional value present in them, also, they can not secrete enzymes that can digest them.

In addition, if you are just feeding mushrooms to your pets, you need to feed them in a tiny amount and also place them under 24-hour supervision in case of any peace of allergy reaction in them.

Can guinea pigs eat a wild mushroom?

Guinea pigs can not eat all varieties of mushrooms, while some of them are considered safe for guinea pigs especially when fed in small proportions, others are extremely dangerous for their health. However, the wild mushroom is not the type of variety that should be given to them because they are a toxic substance that can not be digested by their stomach. It is often regarded as a poisonous mushroom. 

Can guinea pigs eat button mushrooms?

Yes, guinea pigs can eat button mushrooms but only in moderation. It is one of the popular mushrooms, they are also known as white mushrooms or white buttons. They contain nutrients like antioxidants, fiber, protein, etc which makes them a suitable occasional treat for your little cavies. The brown color of this mushroom is known as crimini or baby below, and it can also be given to your guinea pigs as a treat.

Can guinea pigs eat portobello mushrooms?

Yes, guinea pigs can eat portobello mushrooms, but it can only be in moderation. Portobello mushroom is also enriched with a decent amount of nutritional benefits just like a button mushroom. They are also known for their unique taste and soft texture, and this is good for your pets. However, do not feed cooked portobello mushrooms to your pets because it will harm their digestive system. 

Can guinea pigs eat oyster mushrooms?

No, guinea pigs can not eat oyster mushrooms. Oyster mushroom is a type of mushroom that looks like an oyster shell, they are usually found in the wild environment, therefore they may contain some nutrients that will cause severe health risks for your little cavies. Other mushrooms that have proven to be toxic for guinea pigs are Shiitake mushroom, Maitake mushroom, Enoki mushroom, and chestnut mushroom.

What are the health benefits of feeding mushrooms to guinea pigs

Unlike other plants (vegetables, fruits, and hay) that guinea pigs can eat, these fleshy plants contain a little number of nutritional benefits. However, this does not mean those nutrient present can not provide numerous health benefits for your pets. These are some of the health benefits of feeding mushrooms to guinea pigs

• The fibers and other enzymes are present in a mushroom which reduces the cholesterol level. It lowers the risk of several diseases such as atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke for your little cavies

•  It contains a high source of potassium which controls and regulates the blood pressure of your guinea pigs

• Mushrooms have very low calories food that has no fats, high protein, vitamins, or minerals. They also have natural insulin and enzymes to control the sugar level in the blood.

• They are considered a source of calcium and this is necessary for making strong bones which lowers the risk of osteoporosis in your pets. It can also reduce joint pain.

• They also contain antioxidant which is beneficial for reducing inflammation all over the body of your pets. They also have anti-aging effects.

• Mushroom contains vitamin B which are essential for maintaining the functions of the nervous system. It also contains vitamin B12 and folates which are used to increase the production of red blood cells which maintains the hemoglobin level.

Possible health risks of feeding mushrooms to guinea pigs

There is a lot of health risks attached to feeding mushrooms to guinea pigs, but these are the list of the major health risk. Kidney and bladder stones are caused by excessive calcium, and overfeeding mushrooms to pets can cause this.  They also contain a high amount of fiber, and this leads to weak digestion if it is overfed. Lastly, various versions of stomach upset can be caused by overfeeding mushrooms to your guinea pigs.

Conclusion

Mushroom is not an ideal food for your pets although if they are served in the correct proportion they may contain beneficial nutrients. Varieties like button mushroom and portobello mushroom are edible for your plants in small proportions, while others are toxic for them.