Watermelon is one of the highlights of summer in many households. You may be wondering if guinea pigs can eat watermelon too, and if so, how much you can give them so they can enjoy this summer treat too.
The Short Answer: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Watermelon?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat watermelon. However, it must be given to them only in moderation due to its high sugar and water content to avoid potential health problems no one wants to give their guinea pigs.
Can Guinea Pigs Have Watermelon Rind Too?
Yes, guinea pigs can have watermelon rind. In fact, the rind contains less sugar, so it’s better for them in many ways than the flesh is. However, the same serving information applies to the rind as it does to the pink flesh.
Can My Guinea Pig Eat Watermelon Seeds?
Remove all seeds from the watermelon you give your guinea pigs whenever possible. The seeds are hard and just the wrong size for your guinea pig. Plus, the seeds can lodge in their throats and cause damage.
Serving Sizes of Watermelon for Guinea Pigs
Watermelon is high in sugar, so moderation is key. Even with a small serving size, you should avoid giving your guinea pig watermelon more than once per week to limit the potential sugar problems.
The fleshy part of the watermelon is where most of the sugar is, but guinea pigs love it. To serve it to them, carve one-inch cubes and remove the seeds. Each guinea pig can have at most two one-inch cubes.
To serve guinea pigs the rind, ensure you wash it well to remove any residues from growing and transportation that could harm your guinea pigs. Then, cut the rind into 1-inch squares. Each guinea pig can have up to two squares safely.
Nutrition in Watermelon
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is critical for your guinea pig, and watermelon is a decent source of the vitamin. However, unlike humans, guinea pigs cannot make their own vitamin C and must get it from food. This fact is part of why a varied rotation of fruits and vegetables is vital for overall health.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A helps keep your guinea pig’s body functioning in a healthy manner. This vitamin delivers vital components to support vision, overall growth, immunity, and cell functions within your guinea pig.
B Vitamins
Watermelon contains several B vitamins, all of which help the enzymes in your piggle’s body function appropriately. Appropriate levels of all B vitamins are critical to helping your guinea pig have a long, healthy life.
Copper
Copper performs vital functions in the nervous, immune, muscular, and metabolic systems. In most mammals, perhaps the most noticeable thing copper does is support brain development and function.
Magnesium
Magnesium supports healthy muscles, nerves, and energy levels. While it’s often a trace element in food for guinea pigs, it makes an enormous difference in their quality of life and should be considered when you make diet selections.
Potassium
For mammals, potassium helps maintain the proper fluid levels in cells. While this may not seem like a big deal, it helps your guinea pig’s cells function properly so all the body systems work as they should for your piggle.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is necessary for repair throughout the body. Over time, your guinea pig’s tissues and cells will need repairs. Phosphorus is necessary for these repairs along with its role in supporting DNA and RNA.
Water
Watermelon, as the name suggests, contains a lot of water. While too much water can cause diarrhea in guinea pigs, as long as you moderate the serving size, watermelon can help your guinea pigs stay adequately hydrated.
