Last Updated on March 9, 2023 by Woody Pet

Can guinea pigs eat watermelon? Surprising facts

Watermelon is a fleshy and juicy fruit that is very popular, especially in the summer. But can guinea pigs eat watermelon? Yes, guinea pigs can eat watermelons but only in moderation due to the high sugar content. In fact, the green part of the watermelon is much better to feed guinea pigs because it has more water content and less sugar.

Read on to find out the health benefits, nutritional value risks involved, serving size and frequency, preparation of watermelons for guinea pigs, and more. 

Health benefits of watermelons for guinea pigs

• Helps in hydration 

Apart from the water you give your guinea pig, it also derives water from the food it eats. Watermelons are among the most succulent fruits and will help your pet to stay hydrated. This is a good option to complement the hay food.  

• Prevents malignancy 

Watermelons contain compounds such as lycopene that play a critical role in the prevention of malignant cells. In particular, lycopene is known to prevent the growth of cells in the digestive system by limiting the insulin growth factor. 

• Improves cardiovascular health

Some compounds in watermelon such as lycopene help to lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels. These are some of the biggest causes of heart problems. Additionally, watermelons contain citrulline which helps to increase nitric oxide. This is an essential amino acid that will help your guinea pig maintain optimum blood levels. 

• Boosts immunity 

Watermelons are packed with vitamin C which helps to strengthen the white blood vessels. This not only helps prevent diseases but also keeps your pet’s health intact. Vitamin C will also help your guinea pig absorb iron. 

• Relieve inflammation 

Inflammation can be as a result of diseases and injury. This is normal and manageable unless it turns out to be chronic. Watermelons are rich in antioxidants that help in alleviating inflammation.

Nutrition facts about watermelon for guinea pigs 

Watermelons are endowed with numerous nutrients that are very beneficial to your guinea pig’s health. Here are some of the main nutrients found in watermelon 

• Vitamin C- This is an essential nutrient that guinea pigs require. Lack of it can cause a wide range of problems such as scurvy, anemia, weakness, etc.
• Vitamin A- It has an impact on the health of the skin, brain, kidneys, vision, lungs, and the immunity of the guinea pig 
• Citrulline- This is an amino acid that improves the health of the heart and blood vessels. Also, it can boost the immunity of your cavy. 
• Lycopene- This is a powerful antioxidant that can reduce the risk of some malignant cells. Besides, it improves heart health.  
• Flavonoids- Reduces the risks of severe diseases such as stroke, cancer, and heart disease and also protects the brain health of your cavy. 
• Iron- Removes weakness, and fatigue boosts immunity, and prevents anemia. 
• Vitamin B6 has- Positive impact on the quality of sleep, reduces stress, and creates a happier mood by boosting the production of the serotonin hormone. 
• Zinc- Improves the immunity to fight off infections and diseases. Also, it helps in the growth and development of the body.
• Riboflavin- Also known as vitamin B2, it helps breaks down consumed food into energy and to improve oxygen flow.  

Potential risks of feeding watermelons to your guinea pig 

• Urinary tract problems 

While calcium is an essential mineral, too much of it can cause urinary tract infections. Like most fresh fruits, watermelon contains calcium, so you should not feed it every day.

• Ingestion of pesticides 

If you don’t wash the watermelon properly with several rinses, there is a risk that your guinea pig will eat chemicals from pesticides. Nowadays, most fruits are sprayed with pesticides, which can be very dangerous for your guinea pig. 

• High sugar content 

The pink part of the watermelon contains a lot of sugar than the white rind. Too much sugar is not good for your guinea pig and causes problems such as flatulence, cramps, pains, and diarrhea. So, make sure you don’t feed your guinea pig a lot of the pink fleshy part. 

Serving quantity and frequency of feeding watermelons to guinea pigs 

• Serving quantity 

The serving quantity will mainly depend on the part of the watermelon you are feeding your guinea pig. If it is the pink fleshy part, you should only serve a small piece. However, make sure you have removed all the seeds. As for the rind, you can serve a bigger portion but sliced it into smaller pieces. 

• Frequency 

It is not advisable to feed watermelon to your guinea pig every day. The best serving frequency should be twice or thrice a week in controlled quantities. 

How to prepare watermelons for guinea pigs 

• Step 1: Choose the right watermelon 

Select a ripe watermelon because unripe ones can be unfit for your guinea pig. Also, choose a fresh watermelon and not a rotten one. 

• Step 2: Wash 

The second step is to wash the rind of the watermelon thoroughly to remove dirt and chemical residues. Preferably, it would be best if you opt for an organic one.

• Step 3: Slice into smaller pieces 

It is good to slice the watermelon into smaller pieces to serve the recommended quantity. Also, slicing the watermelon enables the guinea pig to eat comfortably. 

More information on watermelons for guinea pigs 

• Are watermelon seeds safe for guinea pigs? 

No, watermelon seeds are not safe for guinea pigs. Therefore, you should remove all the seeds before feeding them to your pet. The seeds can cause the guinea pig to choke and even die if you are not careful. 

• Can guinea pigs drink juice?

If it is homemade watermelon juice diluted with water, there is no problem, and you can give it to your guinea pig. However, you should never attempt to give your pet watermelon juice from the store. It contains a lot of sugar and other components that may be ideal for your guinea pig. 

Can guinea pigs eat watermelon conclusion? 

Watermelon is a great summer treat for your guinea pig. It contains high water content that will make your pet stay hydrated and feel revitalized. At the same time, it is a source of essential nutrients. However, it contains a lot of sugar, and you should serve only the recommended amount.