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What do you eat for breakfast? Of course, it’s cereals or oats! Is there any truth to this claim that oats are highly nutritious for guinea pigs? This post will look at whether oats are beneficial to guinea pigs and what health advantages they may receive in certain circumstances, as well as nutritional facts and the dangers of providing a guinea pig with oatmeal. So, let us find out can guinea pigs eat oatmeal.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Oatmeal?
Oats, better known as “groats,” are a starchy cereal grain that we’ve appreciated, despised, and eaten for ages. When the oats’ hulls are removed, they’re known as oatmeal.
There are several types of oats, but for the purpose of this post, we’ll lump them all together. Although Oats are somewhat thick, they have a lot more digestive starch than many other starchy dishes.
Is it true that guinea pigs can eat oats? In an unambiguous sense, the resounding response is no, guinea pigs do not need to or require oats in any way. Let’s have a look at some of the reasons why. Guinea pigs are primarily herbivores and not grain-eaters. Second, oats are high in phosphorus, with 458 mg of phosphorus per 100 g. Phosphorus is a mineral that has been linked to damage to the urinary system in many studies.
Furthermore, because oats are high in carbohydrates and other nutrients that can cause rapid weight gain, they should be avoided. Gaining weight is only “good” if your guinea pig is really malnourished. This is also why, in rare circumstances, some veterinarians recommend that guinea pigs be fed oats; However, oats (or oatmeal) are not recommended for a healthy guinea pig.
Oats, which are considered to be the healthiest breakfast for humans, may not be suitable or nutritious food for our pet guinea pigs. It is only acceptable to feed oats to your guinea pig if it is severely underweight or, in the worst-case scenario, if the guinea pig has cancer and is losing its appetite as a result.
The following are some of the health advantages of oatmeal that a guinea pig can receive under specific circumstances:
Healthy Weight Management For Underweight Guinea Pig
Oats are a wonderful way to encourage your guinea pig to eat more. Oats can be especially beneficial for thin guinea pigs or those who don’t have an appetite. Guinea pigs, on occasion, may have illnesses that reduce their appetite and weight (cancer is one example). The veterinarian may prescribe oats when this occurs.
Helps Guinea Pigs Suffering From Skin Issues And Hair Loss
Owners claim that giving oats to their guinea pigs helped cure their guinea pigs’ skin problems and hair loss. It made the cavy’s coat shinier and thicker, while also making the skin beneath the bald places much softer.
When you’re done roasting, add a combination of three parts water and one part milk to the pan. Simply sprinkle a couple of tablespoons of oats over the pellets after that. The usual frequency is twice a week.
Potential Risks Of Eating Oatmeal For Guinea Pigs
Risk Of Obesity
Oats are said to be high in calories and carbohydrates, which can lead to weight gain. The main causes of obesity or weight increase are calories and carbs. Because oats are high in carbohydrates and devoid of fiber, they should not be fed to guinea pigs that are overweight. Your guinea pig will become chubby if you feed it oatmeal, and this is not just a cosmetic issue. It has an impact on the heart as well as the entire metabolism.
Urinary Issues
Oats are high in calcium and phosphorus. These nutrients may be beneficial to the bones of young guinea pigs. However, they’re only helpful when they’re small and growing.
Digestive Problems
Oats are also somewhat fibrous. Fiber is necessary for regular bowel movements and rapid digestion. Excess fibers, on the other hand, or excessive consumption might irritate the cavy’s stomach, causing indigestion or loose stool.
Quick Question- Can guinea pigs at leeks and eggplant? Find the answers through the links.
Nutritional Points Of Oatmeal
Nutritional Data For 3 Oz (100 g) Oats
Calorie Count
Calories – 389
This is a lot for humans, but it’s more than enough for people who work out (but not much for guinea pigs). You can’t even fathom how difficult it is to feed a guinea pig, which requires a very rich diet in even small amounts.
Proteins And Carbs
Oats are similar in terms of calories and proteins to the ones listed above. Carbohydrates make up 66.3 g, while proteins account for 16.9 g. This is a wonderful nutritional boost for the start of a day for a human, but it’s only necessary when a guinea pig’s cavy is underweight or has lost its hair!
Fiber
Fiber – 10.6 g
Oat fiber is quite rigid, which is great for proper digestion. However, too many fibers may cause poor digestion or loose stool in a guinea pig. Fat content: 6.9 g This isn’t excessive fat; it’s just the right amount to maintain good cardiovascular health.
B1 Vitamin
Thiamin – 51 Percent
Vitamin B1, or thiamine, is a water-soluble vitamin. This vitamin transforms carbohydrates into energy. Oats are high in carbs, which makes this important. This vitamin protects the heart, nerves, and muscles
B6 Vitamin
Vitamin B6 – 6%.
Vitamin B6, commonly known as pyridoxine, is a mineral that increases levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin. It also helps with sleeping and anxiety.
Calcium
Calcium – 54 Mg
This is a large amount of calcium, which is not good for the guinea pig. Small cavies require calcium to grow and develop. However, it causes urinary difficulties in adult guinea pigs.
Iron
Iron – 26 Percent
This herb corrects anemia and maintains a healthy level of blood.
Magnesium
Magnesium – 44 Percent
Magnesium is a mineral that helps to decrease and remove pains throughout the body, especially in the muscles and heart muscle. As a result, it also maintains the health of the heart!
Cholesterol
No cholesterol
Oats are still not very beneficial to guinea pigs, despite the fact that they are good for their cardiovascular system.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus – 52 Percent
It is basically the same as calcium since they both aid in the formation of strong bones. However, it has comparable negative impacts on guinea pigs to what calcium has.
Zinc
Zinc – 26 Percent
Plant-based Vitamin K2 is a crucial component of the immune system, and it’s also required for cellular development. It promotes faster wound healing and increases resistance to injury.
Manganese
Manganese – 246 Percent
It is also a potent antioxidant that protects you from diseases caused by free radical damage.
Do you know whether guinea pigs eat kiwi, mango, and raspberries not? Find out through the links.