Can Guinea Pigs Eat Mango?
This page contains affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post through our independently chosen links, which earn us a commission. Learn More
When it comes to tropical sweetness, mango is tough to beat!
This sweet, juicy fruit is favorite with many people, but is it OK for a cavy to have? Can guinea pigs eat mango? If so, how much can they have and how often can they eat it?
In case you’re looking for a quick answer, here it is: Yes, guinea pigs can eat mango.
But they can’t have very much at all, nor can they eat it that often! Keep reading for all the answers. Soon you’ll know all about mango for guinea pigs.
Mango Nutrition Stats
Ripe mangos are super sweet – no wonder this fruit is a favorite! Mango is a bit higher in calories than some other fruits are but still, it gives you lots of great nutrition.
A one-cup serving of chopped mango offers approximately:
- 107 calories
- 28 g carbohydrates
- 3 g fiber
- 1 g protein
- .4 g fat
Mango Nutritional Facts
Mango is a great source of antioxidants including quercetin, beta-carotene, and zeaxanthin, along with lots of vitamins and minerals.
That same delicious cup of cut mango gives you about:
- 46 mg vitamin C
- 1262 IU vitamin A
- 8 mg vitamin E
- .2 mg vitamin B6
- 9 mcg vitamin K
- .2 mg copper
- 23 mcg folate
- 257 mg potassium
- .1 mg thiamine
- .1 mg riboflavin
Can Guinea Pigs Have Mangos?
Yes! Guinea pigs can have a little bit of mango. You’ll want to offer them only the ripe flesh, not the seed or the skin.
Are Mangos Good For Guinea Pigs?
Lots of pets can eat mangos, guinea pigs included – but are mangos actually good for cavies?
Mangos are a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C. Since guinea pigs can’t make their own vitamin C and will get scurvy without it, it’s a very important nutrient to include in your cavy’s diet.
Mangos are also brimming with antioxidants, so they’re a good choice overall. And as sweet treats go, they’re far better for your guinea pig than options made with added sugar!
Do Guinea Pigs Like Mangos?
Almost all guinea pigs will show interest in mango. Although a few will turn their noses up, most cavies really like mangos.
How Much Mango Can A Guinea Pig Eat?
If your cavy likes mango, they’re not going to like this answer: “Not much!”
Here’s how much mango a to feed your guinea pig:
| Age | Amount |
| Baby guinea pig | None |
| Adult guinea pig | 1 ½ inch thick slice of mango, about a tablespoon’s worth |
Why feed guinea pigs just a little mango at a time?
The answer lies with this fruit’s sugar content. Guinea pigs aren’t designed to metabolize large quantities of sugar at once, even when the source is completely natural.
If your guinea pig already eats fruit and sweet veggies, it’s OK to give them a full serving of mango. If this is the first time they’re trying something sweet, offer only half the recommended amount.
Either way, watch for signs of digestive upset including diarrhea and bloating. So long as nothing unusual happens, you can add mango to your guinea pig’s regular treat rotation.
How Often Can A Guinea Pig Eat Mangos?
Since mango is so sweet, it should only be offered once a week, and not on the same day as other high-sugar foods.
The Correct Diet is Important
There are no mangos in a guinea pig’s natural diet – but we’re pretty sure that wild cavies would eat mangos if they could get their paws on them!
Wild guinea pigs eat a variety of low-growing plants, with an emphasis on grasses. Because a guinea pig’s digestive tract depends on long grass fibers, it’s important to provide an unlimited amount of fresh Timothy hay, which replaces the grasses guinea pigs eat in their natural habitat.
Here’s what else to feed a guinea pig each day:
- Guinea pig pellets with vitamin C (The package label will provide information about how much your pet should eat)
- About one cup of fresh food per day, preferably divided into two or three smaller servings; crunchy and green veggies should be the focus
- An unlimited amount of fresh, clean water. Remember to rinse and refill your guinea pig’s water bottle every day
What Are Other Healthy Alternatives To Mangos In A Guinea Pig’s Diet?
Guinea pigs will happily eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, so you have lots of different options about what to include in your cavy’s diet!
Here’s a quick list of some vegetables guinea pigs like best:
- arugula
- swiss chard
- spinach
- endive
- escarole
- cabbage
- butter lettuce
- buttercrunch lettuce
- bibb lettuce
- rocket
- cabbage
- basil
- cilantro
- mint
- parsley
- broccolini
- cauliflower
- brussels sprouts
- bok choy
- yu choy
- watercress
- asparagus
- artichoke
- carrot
- carrot tops
- romaine
- beets
- beet tops
- green beans
- cucumber
- bell pepper
- zucchini
- summer squash
- parsnip
- pumpkin
- sweet potato
- tomato
- broccoli
Also Read: What Do Guinea Pigs Eat?
Your guinea pig will appreciate your thoughtfulness – and might even show that appreciation by popcorning when you show up with a few treats!
Remember to research each new food you plan to offer your guinea pig to ensure that it’s safe.
Research will also provide insight into how much of the food to feed your guinea pig as well as how often you can add each item to their diet.
For now, give your guinea pig mango (just a small amount!) and see if they approve!
FAQ
Are mangos safe for guinea pigs?
Absolutely! So long as you offer just a little at a time, mangos are a fantastic natural treat for guinea pigs.
Can mangos make my guinea pig sick?
Since guinea pigs don’t eat lots of sweet foods in their natural environment, their bodies don’t deal well with sweets – even natural ones. Too much mango can cause digestive distress, so stick to the recommended serving size even if your guinea pig seems to be begging for more!
Can guinea pigs eat mango skin?
No. Mango skin shouldn’t be part of your guinea pig’s diet, and here’s why: Mangos are usually treated with pesticide and this is absorbed by the fruit’s skin. You don’t want your guinea pig to eat pesticide since it can cause illness.
