Beans are a good source of nutrients for both animals and human beings. They have been for a long period and have become a household name in most homes.
Can guinea pigs eat beans? Guinea pigs can eat beans. However, you should try and regulate the number of beans that you feed. Too many beans will not benefit the guinea pig because they can cause side effects such as digestive problems.
Read on to learn more about beans, including their benefits, nutrition facts, and risks for guinea pigs.
Table of Content
Are Beans Good for Guinea Pigs? | Health Benefits
There are numerous benefits that beans have for guinea pigs. Some of the best reasons or benefits why you should feed your cavy with beans include the following:
- Beans are rich in antioxidants that aid in the elimination of free radicals from guinea pigs’ bodies. Free radicals can be harmful if present at high levels. The free radicals also tamper with the normal body processes, and that is why they need to be always removed.
- It is a source of active protein. Beans are very rich in protein since they have many amino acids. It is the amino acids that are responsible for the formation of proteins.
- Improves heart health. Beans have been tested and proven to help in maintaining heart health and reduce the chances of heart failure. Cavies, in most cases, have an average immune system, and feeding them with beans helps prevent complications like these.
- Prevents fat accumulation. Beans help to prevent fatty liver and accumulation of fats in other body parts.
- Helps to control appetite. Beans, being proteins, tend to have the ability to fill the stomach thus boosting satiety. Also, the starch and fiber in the plant can limit the amount of food taken in.
- Helps in weight loss. Since beans can make one feel full and satisfied, it is the ideal choice to regulate your cavy’s weight. This is because it will prevent your guinea pig from overeating and thus, can maintain low-calorie content in its body.
- Beans have been proven through research, to prevent gut-related problems and defects. Something that helps guinea pigs live a healthy life.
- Helps with digestion. Dietary fiber that is readily found in beans helps cavies to have a natural digestive process in addition to enabling easy bowel movement.
- Reduces the levels of cholesterol in the body. Cholesterol is a compound that is readily found in the body and can affect the overall health of a guinea pig. One way to reduce this occurrence is to feed your guinea pig with beans. Soluble fiber that is found in beans also plays an equally important role in regulating the levels of cholesterol in a cavy’s body.
Nutrition Facts of Beans
Beans have an array of nutrients that are beneficial to the guinea pigs. The following are some of the nutrients that are present in the plant:
- Protein helps to boost satiety thus reducing the intake of excess calories into the body and it is also the best energy source for guinea pigs.
- Dietary fiber is useful in digestion among many other uses in the life of a guinea pig.
- Zinc
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Antioxidants prevent the accumulation of free radicals in the cavy’s body.
Are Beans Bad for Guinea Pigs? | Possible Risks
Beans are nutritious and have numerous benefits to cavies, but you cannot dispute the following possible risks with their usage:
Allergic Reactions
This is something that varies from one guinea pig to the other. There are some that may not face any allergies, and there are others that may be affected by the allergic reaction due to beans.
Depending on which case it is, you should be observant and carefully note any signs and symptoms of reactions. This may be manifested through vomiting or even diarrhea.
Beans Are Gassy
Beans can lead to a flatulence problem. It is not a significant health risk but might cause a bit of discomfort for the cavy. Rinsing and boiling the beans helps to reduce this occurrence and prevent it from being too gassy.
May Interfere With Vitamin Absorption
This is not a problem that is caused by all bean types but specific variants like soybeans. This variant contains substances that may inhibit the absorption of vitamin B12 and D. However, this can be solved through boiling which eliminates most of these substances.
Related Questions
Can I Feed My Guinea Pig Green Bean Leaves?
The leaves of green beans are healthy for cavies, and you can freely feed them. Remember that guinea pigs enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables and the leaves being vegetables can benefit your cavy.
However, you should check if there are any allergies and stop administration right away if any are present.
Can I Feed My Guinea Pig Frozen Beans?
You should not feed your guinea pig frozen beans. Feeding your cavy cold food can cause health problems and even lead to diarrhea. This is something that can be avoided by thawing the food a little bit and then feeding it to the cavy.
Quick Facts on Beans
Beans have amazing facts that you probably didn’t know. The following are some of the facts:
- There are large bean pods that have the potential to grow up to 5 feet.
- Beans were used for picking leaders in ancient Greece. This was done by making contestants place their hands inside a bean machine that had one white bean and several black beans. The contestant that managed to pick the white bean.
- Beans are used as a good luck charm for newly-wed couples in Nicaragua.
- Human beings have cultivated beans for over 6,000 years now.
- National bean day falls on January 6th.
We have also made a full list of foods that guinea pigs can and can’t eat (150+ Types of Foods). Be sure to also check our recommended products page for everything you will ever need to assure a happy life for your guinea pigs. Hope this information was helpful and you have found the answer you were looking for.
List of Sources
Vitamin C Requirements of the Guinea-Pig
Nutrient Requirements of Laboratory Animals: Fourth Revised Edition
The Effects of Diet on Anatomy, Physiology and Health in the Guinea Pig