Chips are one of the most delicious snacks available. It’s ideal for any occasion, and even if you’re not hungry, you can eat chips indefinitely.
Guinea pigs cannot eat chips. The chips are processed and prepared foods, which guinea pigs cannot digest correctly. Furthermore, their stomach is overly sensitive to high levels of fat and salt, both of which are included in chips. That’s why I never let them eat it.
Table of Content
Nutrition Facts on Chips
These are the nutrition facts for 100 g (3 oz) of chips, salted, plain:
- High in calories – 547
- High in carbs – 49.7g
- Proteins – 6.6g
- Fiber – 4.4g
- Sugars – 0.4g
- High in fat – 37.5g
- Vitamin C – 31%
- Thiamin – 4%
- Vitamin E – 34%
- Vitamin K – 28%
- Riboflavin – 14%
- Niacin – 21%
- Vitamin B6 – 36%
- Pantothenic acid – 43%
- Calcium – 2%
- Iron – 1.6mg
- Magnesium – 17%
- Phosphorus – 15%
- Potassium – 47%
- Zinc – 16%
- Copper – 20%
- Manganese – 33%
Can Chips Be Bad for Guinea Pigs? | Possible Risks
Calcium and phosphorus are found in chips. However, they are the two nutrients that inflict the most harm to guinea pig health. If your cavy consumes too many of these minerals, they will build up in his urinary system. Then there’s the possibility of bladder and kidney stones, as well as bloody urine, urinary tract infections, and painful urination.
The guinea pig will have difficulty digesting chips. Because it is manufactured food, this snack is high in fat and salt. Guinea pigs cannot eat cooked meals at all, and adding salt and oil to cooked foods makes a huge mess for the unfortunate cavy! It will experience cramping, gas, or diarrhea. Chips also contain sugar, which will aggravate the guinea pig’s digestive problems.
It is common knowledge that chips are not the healthiest or most diet-friendly snack. In fact, when it comes to weight issues, chips are at the top of the list of unhealthy foods. The oils from cooking prevent fat cells from melting, while the salt induces water retention, resulting in weight gain.
What Can My Guinea Pig Have Instead of Chips?
The guinea pig should not eat chips, although certain potato chips are permitted. Sweet potatoes are totally appropriate for your guinea pig.
With sweet potato chips, the guinea pig may have its own snack made of nearly the same vegetable, but much healthier. However, don’t overfeed them; once a month is the best rule. Mix in some more veggies that the cavy can eat to make this meal more appealing.
Fun Facts on Chips
- The first recipe for chips was named ‘fried shavings.’ It was published in a cookbook back in 1824.
- For making 2.500 lbs of chips, you need 10.000 lbs of potatoes.
- During WW2, chips were considered unnecessary food and they were not made for some time. People protested, and chips were produced again!
- An average person consumed circa 6 lbs of chips per year.
- The Potato Chip Day is March 14th.
- Chips bags are so full of air because the air makes a protective cushioning to prevent the breaking of the chips.
- The largest bag of chips in the world had the same weight as a car! Back in 2013, Corkers Crisps owned the record for the largest chips bag worldwide. It was 18 feet in height, and it had more than 2.515 lbs of chips!
- In the USA, the most favorite flavors are plain, then BBQ, then sour cream, and onion.
- Back in 1953, a woman named Laura Scudder invented the chips bag. Before her, the chips were scooped out of barrels and they were placed behind glass counters.
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
Nutrient Requirements of Laboratory Animals: Fourth Revised Edition
The Effects of Diet on Anatomy, Physiology and Health in the Guinea Pig