Fruit, How Often?

[Moo]

I was wondering how much fruit do you give your piggies and which types, how often and what portion size? My boys love it, but I only give them a small slice of mainly apple, or pear once a week as I worry about their teeth.

 

[Swissgreys]

I don't think it's a tooth problem, but more of a weight gain and too much sugar issue.
Plus some pigs get mouth sores if they eat too much fruit or acidic food.

My lot do get very small slices of apple and watermelon 2 - 3 times a week (in total), but the amounts are tiny.

 

[artcasper]

i only give fruit about 3 times a month... usually when i eat an apple / banana ! not a fan lol !

 

[Freela]

Teeth aren't really the issue, as guinea pigs have open-rooted teeth that constantly are worn down and then regrow. They are not really subject to acid erosion/cavities in the way that animals who have only one set of permanent teeth are. However, fruits are high in sugar/calories. I find that my pigs like veggies more than fruit anyhow, so they get daily veggies but fruit once or twice a week or so- usually a chunk of apple or watermelon, and one of them loves banana.

 

[ayemee]

Mine only tend to get fruit as a treat once every couple of weeks. Like Freela said mine tend to prefer veggies anyway

 

[VickiA]

Mine only get fruit as an occasional treat. This week they have had a small bit of watermelon twice but they hadn't had any fruit in over a fortnight before that. The issue is it can lead to obesity and also the acids can cause sores around,their mouths, so I tend to avoid fruit except as a special treat.