Like is the case for most fruits and vegetables, guinea pigs can eat watermelon, but it’s important that they only have it in moderation. There are plenty of positives and negatives alike, but it’s good to know everything there is to know about this fruit to decide whether or not you should feed this fruit to your piggy!
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 watermelon contain?
Vitamin C
This is helpful for protecting them from suffering due to infections and other illnesses that they could catch. Guinea pigs are susceptible to infections, which is what makes this vitamin so important. On top of this, secondary infections almost always occur after the first, and it’s there where it can become dangerous for your guinea pig very easily.
This is why it is vital that your guinea pig’s body is equipped to fight infections off and for the recovery process! Vitamin C also helps with preventing scurvy, which can make it pretty uncomfortable and painful for your guinea pig to eat, as well as causes skin injuries such as scrapes and cuts to bleed more than what is normal, and a multitude of many other symptoms. There is 8.1 mg in 100 g of watermelon.
Potassium
This is important for the regular function of all cells, and it also helps with regulating heartbeat, proper function of muscles and nerves. It’s important that your guinea pigs have enough potassium in order to work with other nutrients in your guinea pigs body that regulate different functions and processes.
We also want to make sure that your guinea pig doesn’t have any muscle cramps that keep your guinea pig from being as active as they want to be. Keeping your guinea pig active throughout their lives is very important because it ensures that they are staying healthy for as long as possible. Potassium also aids with making proteins and using carbohydrates. There is 112 mg in 100 g of watermelon.
Phosphorus
This works in tandem with calcium to keep your guinea pig’s bones strong! This is vital for your guinea pig no matter what age, sex, and health condition that your guinea pig is in! Despite some of the drawbacks of calcium, it is still important for several of the guinea pig body processes in conjunction with phosphorus.
It also helps remove waste and repair damaged tissues in your piggy’s body. Overall just make sure that you’re feeding your guinea pigs the calcium-phosphorus combination in moderation and making sure they’re not overconsuming. There is 11 mg in 100 g of watermelon.
What other benefits does watermelon provide for your guinea pig?
Watermelon, as the name suggests, is water-rich, meaning that it can help with keeping your guinea pig hydrated. If for some reason your piggy isn’t drinking enough water, they can also get it from their foods. There is also a good amount of vitamin A, which is great for promoting your piggy’s good eye vision, and maintaining their skin. Also, the rind of the watermelon is even better for your guinea pig than the flesh, because it’s got a lot less sugar!
What are the downsides about watermelon for guinea pigs?
Unfortunately, even if this water-rich fruit is great for hydration, too much watermelon can lead to an upset stomach and diarrhea, which then ends up with dehydration—it’s a full circle. It’s important to make sure that your guinea pig isn’t eating too much watermelon so they can avoid this! Watermelon is also high in sugar content, which can lead to some stomach issues because they’re not able to process sugar as well as we can.
Guinea pigs can eat watermelon, but do they like it?
Yes, because it’s sweet and juicy!
How should you go about feeding your guinea pig watermelon?
If you’re choosing to feed your guinea pig the rind of the watermelon, make sure that you’re washing the outside thoroughly to get rid of any pesticides that could make your piggy sick! What part of watermelon can guinea pigs eat? Make sure to take care to remove all the seeds, as they are a choking hazard. You may be wondering, how much watermelon can I give my guinea pigs? Our recommended serving size would be two or three square-inch cubes, once a week at most. It’s important to only feed this fruit to them in moderation.
Overall, it is OK to feed your guinea pigs watermelon!
Just make sure that you’re only feeding it to them once in a while—this can prevent any health issues associated with consuming watermelon too much! It’s the best way to keep them happy and healthy.
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.
