There are different foods that are poisonous and toxic to the body system of some animals. For guinea pigs, potatoes , iceberg lettuce are one of such foods. Guinea pigs cannot eat potatoes.This is because potatoes contain substances that are very poisonous to the health of guinea pigs when taken in large quantities. Here are some chemical substances that potatoes contain that make them toxic to guinea pigs.
They contain alkaloid
Potatoes are very high in alkaloids, which is very toxic to guinea pigs. This substance is also not too good on humans, but the human body can find its way around it while the guinea pig body may not. Serving your guinea pigs potatoes exposes them to the high content of alkaloid content, which might damage their health. Guinea pigs eat potatoes at a high risk of death.
Contains a large amount of Calcium
Foods that are high in Calcium might be fine for adult humans, but it is not good for adult Guinea pigs. Calcium is good for the Guinea pigs in the early days of their lives. They need it for bone formation and to balance their diet. But the need for Calcium reduces for an adult guinea pig, and having much of it in their diet could be problematic.
Potatoes contain a high level of Calcium, and this makes it unfit for the diet of Guinea pigs. This can cause urinary issues to guinea pigs. Many guinea pigs tend to experience different urinary complications like urinary pain, unitary infection, or even urinary stones from consuming potatoes.
Contain excess fructose
Guinea pigs are known to process a very fragile digestive system, which makes it react to various substances. The digestives system of guinea cannot handle sugar in excess. The intake of substances that are high in sugar can be harmful to Guinea pigs.
Potatoes, on the other hand, are high in fructose, which is a form of sugar. Potatoes have the ability to cause Guinea pigs diabetes and many other health complications that can be caused by a high intake of sugar.
Abnormal excreta
Intake of the potatoes in any form can affect the health of the Guinea pigs in great ways. The potatoes plant can affect the Guinea digestive system and can cause abnormal poop. The alkaloid in potatoes affects the digestive system of Guinea pigs.
Far from this guinea pig can eat sweet potatoes not potatoes. Avoid giving guinea pig Potato, it is bad for their health.