For most of us, french fries are a real treat because they are crunchy, salty, a little greasy and oily, and the ideal comfort food for any occasion or mood. Even our pets want to be treated as equals and try the foods we enjoy. But, it is not the same for guinea pigs.
Guinea pigs cannot eat french fries because this is processed food that has been fried and heavily salted or seasoned. For guinea pigs, the digestion of french fries will be slower and more complicated, with possible aches, gas, bloating, and in the worst cases, diarrhea and vomiting.
Nutrition Facts of French Fries
The following are the nutrition facts for 100 g (3 oz) of french fries that are fried from fresh potato:
- Energy – 196 kcal
- Protein – 1.93 g
- Total lipid (fat) – 13.1 g
- Carbs – 18.5 g
- Dietary fiber – 1.6 g
- Sugars – 1.25 g
- Calcium – 9 mg
- Iron – 0.64 mg
- Magnesium – 23 mg
- Phosphorus – 52 mg
- Potassium – 401 mg
- Sodium – 141 mg
- Vitamin C – 9.7 mg
- Vitamin B-6 – 0.265 mg
- Vitamin E – 1.56 mg
- Vitamin K – 16.3 µg
- Thiamin – 0.073 mg
- Riboflavin – 0.03 mg
- Niacin – 1.215 mg
- Lutein + zeaxanthin – 13 µg
It’s important to say that the nutrition facts of frozen fried potato and some brand french fries, such as McDonald’s or Burger King, are different from the above mentioned.
Risks to Consider When Feeding French Fries to Guinea Pigs
- Digestion Problems – The digestive system of animals, especially guinea pigs, is not meant to digest certain things like sugars, fast foods, seasoned and salty foods, and anything similar. Also, there is a high amount of fibers in french fries and they are responsible for making digestion slower and harder.
- Urinary Problem – In french fries, there is also calcium. Excess calcium results in bladder or kidney stones, painful urination, and even blood in the urine. All of this can lead to a fatal outcome or at least renal failure.
- Weight Problems – In french fries, there is a high amount of fat. This nutrient is vital but in excess, it’s just unhealthy. French fries contain the bad type of fats, and in high amounts, your guinea pig will have problems with weight gain.
- Cardiovascular Problems – French fries are very caloric, and that amount of calories is too high even for humans. They are fattening and not good for the cardiovascular system or digestion of guinea pigs. Also, a lot of calories and fat aren’t good for healthy blood, blood vessels, and normal blood pressure levels.
Avoid french fries in guinea pig’s diet. Also if a guinea pig accidentally tries a small piece of french fries there is no need to panic as it is not the end of the world. Just keep your eye on the guinea pig. If you notice some symptoms, like diarrhea and vomiting, call your veterinarian.
Quick Facts on French Fries
- There are many different names and types of french fries.
- No one knows where french fries were invented. People presume that they were made in Belgium, France or Spain.
- Thomas Jefferson has brought french fries to America.
- McDonald’s has the world’s most famous french fries.
- There’s a museum called the Frietmuseum in Belgium, dedicated to french fries.
- In 2011 the Burger King has changed its french fries recipe for the first time since 1998.
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
Fried Food Consumption and Cardiovascular Health: A Review of Current Evidence