Drinking orange juice, especially after a stressful day, can make you feel refreshed and full of energy. In fact, orange juice contains important vitamins that are useful for guinea pigs’ health.
Since this highly nutritious drink contains vitamin C, can guinea pigs drink orange juice?
Yes, guinea pigs can drink orange juice. It is a rich source of vitamins A, B, and C, which your cavies need to grow healthily.
However, ensure the juice doesn’t contain artificial sweeteners and preservatives. Preferably, prepare the orange juice by yourself and dilute it with lots of water.
Do not forget that citrus juice contains too much sugar which can cause diabetes, and diarrhea in guinea pigs. A little amount at a time is great for your little furry friends.
I believe you now know that orange juice is safe for your cavies. It is a sweet drink that your cavies will enjoy, especially when mixed with water.
But apart from being sweet, what are the benefits of orange juice to your tiny pets?
Read on to find out the answer to this question and more in this guide.
Table of Contents
Benefits Of Orange Juice to Guinea Pigs
In its natural form, orange juice contains lots of nutrients that offer lots of health benefits. Here are some of them:
Prevents Anemia
An important nutrient that is found in orange juice is vitamin B9. Also known as folate, vitamin B9 allows the growth of new cells and also creates DNA in guinea pigs.
Also, folate helps to build red blood cells, which supply body parts with oxygen thereby preventing anemia.
As a result of this, your cavy’s body metabolism will continuously improve.
Lowers the Risk of Cancer
Vitamin A is a major nutrient that can be found in orange juice. It is an antioxidant that helps to prevent cancer in guinea pigs.
Antioxidants prevent healthy cells from developing into cancerous cells.
Also, vitamin A boosts the immunity of your small pets. It does this by destroying free radicals in the body of guinea pigs before they can cause harm.
Furthermore, vitamin A has been proven to improve eyesight. It protects the cornea (eye surface) from diseases.
Prevents Kidney Stones
Orange juice is also rich in potassium. It works together with calcium in urine thereby preventing kidney stones in guinea pigs.
Kidney stones can be very painful for your cavies and should therefore be avoided.
Some of its symptoms include:
- Painful urination
- Bloody urine
- Tiredness
- And releasing small drops of urine.
In addition, potassium reduces water retention in the body which then prevents stroke in your small pets.
Prevents Scurvy
Vitamin C is a major nutrient found in orange juice. In fact, it is very important for the general health of guinea pigs to prevent scurvy.
Lack of vitamin C in your guinea pig’s diet can result in scurvy. Common symptoms of this serious disease include sudden weight loss, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and bleeding.
Unfortunately, your cavies cannot produce it and so you need to feed them diets or drinks containing this major vitamin.
Reduces Inflammation
Generally, citrus fruits have anti-inflammatory properties. Since oranges are a member of this group, the juice helps to reduce inflammation.
Fatty diets and sugary foods can cause inflammation in guinea pigs. Diabetes is one of the results of this health problem.
With a moderate amount of orange juice, the chances of your little furry friends having inflammation will be little.
How Often Can Guinea Pigs Drink Orange Juice?
Serve your cavies orange juice, not more than once a week. While the drink offers health benefits, it contains excess sugar.
Too much sugar in guinea pigs can cause diabetes, diarrhea, obesity, and digestive problems.
Even after mixing the orange juice with water, too much of it can harm your cavies in the long run.
Therefore, while serving your little pets orange juice, practice moderation.
How To Prepare Orange Juice For Guinea Pigs
Preparing orange juice for your cavies is simple. Just follow the processes below:
1. Pick The Right Oranges
Whenever you want to shop for oranges, ensure you make the right choice. Avoid picking overripe or unripe oranges as they are unhealthy for guinea pigs.
For example, unripe oranges can cause mouth sores in guinea pigs as they contain too much acid.
2. Peel Off The Orange Skin
Remove the orange skin and cut it into small pieces. Then carefully pick out the seeds to prevent a choking hazard.
Besides, removing the seeds will make your guinea pigs enjoy the juice.
3. Blend Or Squeeze The Oranges
Put the small pieces of oranges into the blender and add some water. Once you notice the juice is produced, pour it through a sieve.
Another option is to use a handheld juicer if you don’t have a blender.
Cut the orange into pieces, place it on the juicer, and press. While squeezing the fruit, its juice will be coming out slowly.
4. Serve The Juice
Now that the juice is ready, you’re free to serve it to your guinea pigs. Add as much water as possible to it and taste to ensure the sugar content is less.
Serve your cavies little juice at a time, especially if it’s their first time drinking it. And understand that some guinea pigs may not drink the juice, which is perfectly normal.
Watch your cavies’ reaction for 24 hours after giving them orange juice. If you notice anything unusual, call your vet doctor.
Final Thoughts
Take note of some major points in this article before you leave.
Giving your guinea pigs orange juice will not harm them if it is in small amounts.
When served in moderation once in a while, orange juice can lower the risk of cancer, and kidney stones in cavies.
Finally, avoid serving your guinea pigs orange juice more than once a week. Bear in mind that water is a healthy and perfect alternative for guinea pigs at all times.
Do you want to know the other types of oranges guinea pigs can eat?
Read our full guide about Can Guinea Pigs Eat Oranges?
