The simple answer is yes! Guinea pigs can eat cantaloupe. Just like with most fruits, it’s best to feed your guinea pig this fruit in moderation! There are also several different benefits and drawbacks to consider before you decide to include them in your piggy’s diet. Doing thorough research is the best way to have a happy and healthy guinea pig!
We've also got a Fruit Master List that lists common fruits that your piggy can and can't eat!
What vitamins and other nutrients does honeydew melon contain?
Vitamin C
This helps with the formation of collagen, which accounts for some of the body’s protein, and helps provide structure and support to your guinea pig’s skin, muscles, bones, and connective tissues! It’s important that collagen is able to form in order to help with the maintenance of all these things.
The absorption of iron is also aided by vitamin C, which is important for maintaining the health of your guinea pig’s blood in order to ensure oxygen transport is working as it should. Vitamin C also boosts the immune system and helps equip the body for fighting off illnesses and infections that can sometimes be life-threatening to your guinea pigs! There is 18 mg in a 100 g portion.
Potassium
This is useful for muscle and nerve function, which is important because we want our guinea pigs to be as active as they can be in order to maintain their health no matter what age they are! It also helps regulate heartbeat and oxygen transport, and aids in the creation of protein and carbohydrate use. These proteins are important components of your guinea pigs’ blood and the oxygen transport that we mentioned previously.
It’s important that all parts of your guinea pig’s body are receiving the necessary components that they need in order to function properly. We want to make sure that your guinea pig’s body is able to stay as healthy as possible, and in order to do that, all bodily functions should be running smoothly. There is 228 mg in a 100 g portion.
Phosphorus
This helps with filtering out waste in the kidneys and plays a key role in how the body uses energy! It’s important that your guinea pig’s body is able to properly filter waste out of the body, otherwise it could lead to things like renal failure that has a number of detrimental symptoms that can severely decrease your guinea pig’s quality of life.
It’s also important that your guinea pig’s body is able to properly allocate energy that is necessary for the different bodily functions, whether it’s breaking down different nutrients in the food that they need, or their cells filtering out the carbon dioxide from their oxygen—all processes need energy! There’s 11 mg in a 100 g portion.
What other benefits does honeydew melon provide for your guinea pig?
Honeydew melon is a fruit that has a low amount of fat and cholesterol! You can feed it to your guinea pig without having to worry about those aspects of their nutrition. They also have enough fiber to help improve your piggy’s digestive system. However, too much fiber can lead to constipation, so make sure to moderate how much you give them!
What are the downsides about honeydew melon for guinea pigs?
For a fruit, honeydew melon has a high sodium level which will cause your guinea pig to be thirsty and require a little extra water. This isn’t something super bad, but it’s something to keep in mind! On the flipside, the level of sugar content can pose a bit of a problem just because guinea pigs can’t process sugar as well as their human friends.
Feeding them this fruit in moderation is the best way to prevent any issues having to do with too much sugar.
Guinea pigs can eat honeydew melon, but do they like it?
They do! And some guinea pigs have been said to enjoy the rind as well. Just make sure to clean it well if you’re choosing to include it in their diet.
How should you go about feeding your guinea pig honeydew melon?
We recommend feeding them honeydew up to twice a week! However, the serving size should be around a one-inch cube. You don’t have to worry too much about removing the rind, as they enjoy that part as well, but do take care to remove the seeds!
Overall, it is OK to feed your guinea pigs honeydew melon!
Make sure to remember that guinea pigs need one cup of fresh fruits and vegetables to supplement their regular diet of hay and pellets! A variety is best in order to balance out all the nutrients that need to get from their foods.
What else can guinea pigs eat?
Check out our Fruit Master List for quick facts on common fruits that your guinea pig can and can't eat.
