Tag: apples

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Apples ?

“An apple a day, keeps the doctor away.” Everyone must have heard this. But is it true for guinea pigs ? Can guinea pigs eat apples ? Are apples safe for them ? Allow us to enlighten you on the fact that guinea pigs can in fact eat apples but with some restrictions. If you pet a guinea pig and are curious to know about their diet then you have come to the right place. Come on, let’s have a look.

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Apples ?

Yes, guinea pigs can eat apples. But listen guinea pig owners, this is for you. You certainly can give your pet apples. But first you just have to take care of the conditions which come with feeding apples to your guinea pig. Here we will tell you all about guinea pigs and apples. This is the perfect guide for your pet regarding apples.

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Are Apples safe for Guinea Pigs ?

Yes, apples are safe for guinea pigs but only in moderation. Apples contain a high sugar content which is not considered appropriate for guinea pigs. Here are some listed conditions to take care of before serving apples to guinea pigs.

  1. Apples are safe for guinea pigs but the stem and the seeds  of the apple can have a damaging effect on their health. The seeds contain enough cyanide to have an adverse effect on their health but not enough to kill them. The main reason to not feed apple seeds to guinea pigs is that they might choke on them.
  • Guinea pigs can have apples in a small quantity. Excessive feeding can lead to various problems like diarrhoea and other health issues.
  • Apple skin contains most of the nutrients which are good for guinea pigs. They can eat apples with their skin on and enjoy the  crunchiness of the fruit. Apple skin or peel contains fibre which is good for their health. Unwashed for waxed skin may damage their health.
  • Guinea pigs do like apples, but ensure that you feed them as a treat and not include them in their daily diet.
  • In addition to the crunchy fruit you can also feed them apple leaves. Apples contain calcium which is good for guinea pigs.
  • Unripe, sore or rotten apples can also damage guinea pigs’ health.
  • Guinea pigs enjoy the hard fibrous core of the apples, but make sure they are seed free and not so sour to eat.

What happens if a guinea pig eats too much Apple ?

If your pet ate too much apple, it’s nothing to worry about. It may have a bit of diarrhoea, but it will be fine. Don’t worry about taking it to the vet because there will not be any long-term problems.

Consider feeding them small apple chunks. Since apples are high in sugar content you may want to restrict their diet of apples to once a day or maybe only 2-3 a week.

Too much of an apple to guinea pig may lead to bloating. You may also want to know that Vitamin C is the most important ingredient in a guinea pigs’ diet. And apples have a higher Vitamin C content than most fruits. Apples are considered to be safe and enjoyable for Guinea pigs but they are not the best diet for them.

Till now we have made sure that you know the answer to the main question, which is, “Can Guinea Pigs eat apples ?” Now coming on to the types of apples they can consume and how you should feed them.

Which Type of Apples can Guinea Pigs Eat ?

Apples are the most diverse fruit. It comes in many types, about 2500 different varieties. Let us have a look on which type of apples your furry pet would like to munch on.

Guinea pigs can eat both red and green apples. But as green apples are much more sour than the red ones, your pet may not like them.

Apples come in many varieties, textures and flavours, so you might want to know the preference of your pet before feeding them.

How Much Apple Should a Guinea Pig be Given ?

Guinea pigs can eat apples, but that doesn’t mean they can eat a whole one of them. You should not give your pet a whole apple to eat, maybe not even a half. Guinea pigs like to be served with small chunks of apples for them. Giving anything in excess to them is a health hazard. And as well as apples are not an essential part of a guinea pigs’ diet.

Guinea pigs can also be fed different snacks of apples like apple sticks, apple leaves and many more for your pet. So now, are you sure about your answer to the question, “can guinea pigs eat apples ?’

Most guinea pigs like eating this crunchy food but as we humans, these furry animals are also moody and some of them may not like apples. But it is certain that yes, guinea pigs can absolutely enjoy apples.

An Apple A Day Keeps The Doctor Away- Fact or Fiction?

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Remember the classic theory of the law of gravity that Sir Issac Newton came up with when an apple fell upon his from the tree. This lead to the unfolding of a whole new dimension of Physics. Apple is also supposed to be the forbidden fruit of Eden. This English proverb is of Welsh origin.   

  Apples originated in the mountainous region of present-day Kazakhstan. They are a symbolism of health, love & fertility. It is the national fruit of Austria & its scientific name is Malus domestica. Apples are a part of the rose family just like pears & plums. This deciduous tree is widely grown that takes 4-5 years to produce its first fruit. The tree prospers by bee pollination & is considered to have a life expectancy of 30-35 years. 

  Often called a “miracle food” & “nutritional powerhouse,” an apple a day really may keep the doctor away. As one is quite aware of this well-known expression, have you ever really given a thought as to why it is said so? A 2015 study found no evidence that the proverb was true. The study only found that people who ate an apple a day used fewer medications. The proverb basically persuades for the intake of this nutritious fruit that will make one healthier.

   Apples are found to be loaded with Vitamin C, especially in the skins accompanied by a low content of micronutrients. Pectin, a soluble fiber is found to be present in this fruit that can help reduce cholesterol levels. A medium-sized apple is considered to have an average of 80-95 calories. 

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   Below mentioned are some key health benefits that might push to pick one daily:

 1. Aids Weight Loss 

 As apples contain a bulk of fibers, this makes it difficult & takes a rather long time to be digested in the stomach. Therefore this keeps one satiated and prevents from binging on other junks. 

 2. Smoothens the Digestion process 

 Pectin a soluble fiber draws water from the digestive tract and forms a gel, thus helping to lag digestion and pushing stool through the intestines. The apples are also said to contain malic acid, which is again a useful digestive aid. 

 3. Boost Brain Power

 Apples fasten up acetylcholine production, which helps in strengthening the communication between nerve cells and the brain that further improves memory and lower the chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease. 

 4. Stronger Gums & Healthy Teeth

 The malic acid that boosts saliva production, hence removing bacteria from the mouth. Additionally packed with vitamins and minerals that promote healthy teeth. 

 5. Bone Strengthening

 Certain flavonoid phlorizin, found in apple skin, may help prevent bone loss during menopause. 

 6. Beneficial for Diabetic patients 

 The fructose and antioxidant polyphenols in apples improve the metabolic balance thus the lagging rate at which sugar is absorbed in the body making it especially effective for Diabetic patients. 

 7. Relieves from Constipation and Diarrhoea

 The high concentration of pectin fiber not only aids digestion but also causes to regulate smooth bowel movements. 

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  One may recall days from his childhood when people mocked that eating the apple seeds may cause one to develop a tree in his stomach. Funny right?! But scientifically it’s dreadful. This is because apple seeds are poisonous. Unaware of the fact, people don’t mind gulping down these pips down their esophagus. 

  These seeds contain a chemical compound called amygdalin, which can release cyanide, a powerful poison when it comes into contact with digestive enzymes. It’s unharmed if the whole seeds pass through the digestive system relatively untouched, but if one chews the seeds then it may cause to be exposed to the toxins. 

   Apples typically have about eight pips. One or two will not be harmful, as the body can handle small doses of cyanide. So one would have to eat seeds of 18 apples in one sitting to get a fatal dose.

   So don’t forget to grab a fruit every day if not an apple. This shall ensure introduction & a perfect regulation of all elements in the body. Since more or less every fruit has health benefits that can knowingly or unknowingly aid to fight against diseases. One can happily opt to have it in breakfast or post midday meal. And probably the best way to have it is to make a mixed fruit salad as this shall ensure all benefits to clog in the body.