Guinea pigs are common pet animals in many parts of the world, and some people think they may be able to eat eggs. But can guinea pigs eat eggs? And if so, how do you know if they’re capable of digesting them? Are there any health concerns that people should know when feeding guinea pigs with eggs?
The answer to the question Can guinea pigs eat eggs? is a NO. Guinea pigs are herbivores and have adapted to the diet of vegetables, fruits, and grasses. They also can digest carotenoids, which are found in many types of fruits and vegetables. However, they will not eat eggs when they are given to them.
Eggs should be solely avoided, even in small amounts. There are several reasons why guinea pigs will not eat eggs. The most common reason is that the yolk of an egg contains a large amount of cholesterol and fat. These fats can cause digestive problems in guinea pigs, leading to death if left untreated.
Another common reason why guinea pigs will not eat eggs is that the white eggs section contains a substance known as avidin, which can cause serious health problems for the guinea pig. When a bird or mammal digests an egg white, it may bind to the protein in their body and lead to illness or death.
Eggs are Bad for Digestion when Fed To Guinea Pigs
Eggs are not good for guinea pigs, as it has been stated as one of the common reasons to avoid them. They can even be harmful. The yolk of an egg contains a lot of cholesterol and fat, which can cause digestive problems in guinea pigs.
This can lead to death if left untreated. Additionally, eggs have no dietary fiber, necessary for a healthy digestive system. Without dietary fiber, the body can not properly absorb nutrients from the food. However, if you already know that your guinea pig is allergic to eggs, then it would be best to avoid feeding them at all.
Guinea pigs are also very sensitive to the smell of eggs and could react by vomiting or having diarrhea. Therefore, it is always important to keep the animal sources of proteins away from guinea pigs.
Eggs Cause Cardiovascular Problems to Guinea Pigs
Another reason that eggs don’t seem to be wanted by guinea pigs is that they contain high cholesterol levels and other nutrients that can cause cardiovascular problems in guinea pigs. For example, a study published in the Journal of Veterinary Medicine found that feeding eggs to guinea pigs increased their risk of heart disease by 30 percent.
This research was conducted on animals already at risk for heart disease because they had high cholesterol levels. The study also found that eggs were a major source of fat for these animals. The majority of the food these animals ate came from eggs.
In addition, another study published in the Journal of Experimental Biology found that when rats were given eggs as part of their diet, they developed heart conditions such as congestive heart failure and stroke. The researchers believe that the rat’s small intestine does not digest eggs well.
Eggs Cause Urinary Problems to Guinea Pigs
Another reason why guinea pigs will not eat eggs is that the eggs have a high amount of sodium and calcium, which can cause urinary problems in guinea pigs. This is because the high amounts of these nutrients can irritate the kidneys and lead to urinary tract infections.
Additionally, if your guinea pig eats a lot of eggs, then it will also have a higher risk of developing bladder stones caused by the high calcium levels. Otherwise, calcium is good for bones and teeth but not beneficial to adult guinea pigs.
Do You Know?
Guinea Pigs can eat a variety of foods, we have researched lots of them. Check out this one here: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Red Bell Peppers?
Eggs have no Vitamin C for Guinea Pigs
Eggs do not contain any vitamin C. As a result; the meal loses its meaning for the pigs. Guinea pigs cannot produce Vitamin C, yet it is vital for their well-being. Failure to have sufficient vitamins results in Scurvy, which has the following symptoms,
- Weakness and inability to stand up
- Pale gums
- Hair loss
- Hoarse breathing
- Marked weight loss.
If a guinea pig does not receive adequate vitamin C, it will eventually die. Vitamin C also aids in the absorption of iron, which helps in the production of hemoglobin necessary for blood oxygenation.
Dealing with the Risks
It is important to be aware of the risks of eggs feeding guinea pigs. When responding to can guinea pigs eat eggs, the most important thing to remember is that guinea pigs are herbivores and have adapted to a diet that includes vegetables, fruits, and grasses.
They also can digest carotenoids, which are found in many types of fruits and vegetables. However, they will not eat eggs when they are given to them. It is vital to contact a veterinarian if you notice any unusual behavior or health issues in your guinea pig when he or she eats eggs.
