Can Guinea Pigs Eat Purple Cabbage? (Serving Size, Risks, and More).
Guinea Pigs, which are popular as a 'Pocket Pet' are easy-going because of their receptive and cheerful nature.
They're small in size so they need special care and attention but that doesn't make them less demanding.
They have short limbs and short ears but their head and eyes are large, giving them a resemblance to other cavies having a vigorous and robust body.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Purple Cabbage?
Yes, Guinea Pigs can eat Purple cabbage but there are so many other factors that need to be addressed.
Firstly, we can see the nutrients in the Cabbage and its types.
Cabbage And Its Nutrients.
Cabbage is a type of the cruciferous vegetable family and it is a green leafy vegetable.
The color of Cabbage can vary from green to red and purple. It is round or oval.
Its scientific name is Brassica Oleracea var. Capitata.
https://plants.usda.gov/java/ClassificationServlet?source=profile&symbol=BROL&display=31
Cabbage is rich in Vitamin K, Vitamin C, and Vitamin B6.
Manganese, Dietary Fiber, Potassium, Vitamin B1, Folate, and Copper are also present with Choline, Phosphorus, Vitamin B2, Magnesium, Calcium, Selenium, Iron, Pantothenic acid, Protein, and Niacin.
Let's take a look at the nutritional profile of cabbage.
Principle Nutrients Nutrient Content
Carbohydrates 5.16 g
Protein 1.14 g
Total Fat 0.09 g
Dietary Fibre 2.5 mg
Energy 22 kcal
Vitamins
Folates 38 mcg
Niacin 0.234 mg
Vitamin A 98 IU
Vitamin C 32.6 mg
Vitamin K 69 mcg
Electrolytes
Sodium 16 mg
Potassium 151 mg
Minerals
Calcium 36 mg
Iron 0.42 mg
Magnesium 11 mg
Phosphorous 23 mg
Zinc 0.16 mg
https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/169975/nutrients
Every nutrient present in the cabbage is a great source of providing a healthy diet. Let's discuss the benefits of cabbage so as we come to know its benefits for Guinea pigs.
Benefits Of Cabbage
Cabbage is low in calories but excessive and rich in nutrients. Its nutrient profile is impressive.
Cabbage is rich in fiber and contains powerful antioxidants that protect the body from damage that can be inflicted by free radicals.
Lower Risk Of Cancers
We all know about the benefits of Vitamin C that it can protect us against cancers so its existence in cabbage makes it a great supplementary vegetable.
A diet that is rich in Vitamin C can lower the risk of certain cancers.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4532989/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10088626/
Helps In Digestion
Cabbage also helps in improving digestion because it contains insoluble fiber. It also helps to release constipation.
It helps in maintaining a healthy digestive system. The presence of fiber enables the release of the toxins through stool.
As a low-calorie vegetable, it contains many nutrients that are of great health benefits, so the cabbage should have a great part in our everyday meal.
Brain Health
Cabbage is also beneficial in terms of brain health and keeping the brain healthy. It helps in enhancing memory and also optimize blood flow to the brain. It also makes the mind sharp.
Heart Health
The anthocyanins in red cabbage that help protect against cancer assist to prevent the inflammation that may lead to heart disease.
The increased amount of polyphenol in cabbage might also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by prohibiting platelet buildup and it also reduces blood pressure.
Anti-Inflammatory
Cabbage is known to be as anti-inflammatory as it contains a compound naming Sulforaphane, which helps in reducing inflammation.
Consuming cabbage helps to reduce irritation, allergies, and various skin disorders.
Healthy Bones
Cabbage is a great source of minerals, like calcium, magnesium, and potassium as other cruciferous vegetables.
The above three fundamental minerals are vital in the safety of bones from degradation. It also helps in preventing the conditions like osteoporosis and weakening of the bones.
Cabbage has a good amount of vitamin presenting it. Vitamin K-rich foods help to strengthen bones, cartilage, ligaments, and muscles.
https://spinehealth.org/eat-to-strengthen-your-bones-ligaments-cartilage-muscles/
Types Of Cabbage
There are different types of cabbage, each with healthy nutrients. Below we are going to discuss the types of cabbage also following the diet of guinea pigs.
•Green Cabbage
•White Cabbage
•Savoy Cabbage
•Purple Cabbage
•Sweetheart Cabbage
•Chinese Cabbage
Green Cabbage
Green Cabbage is the King of Cabbages. It has innumerable pale green color leaves that are thick.
It has many health benefits due to the presence of powerful nutrients such as Vitamins C, Vitamin K, and B-complex Vitamins. It also contains potassium and folate, also with minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus.
It is also an abundant source of polyphenols and sulfur compounds.
Guinea pigs can eat green cabbages but in moderate quantity to avoid bloating and indigestion.
White Cabbage
White Cabbage is also called Dutch Cabbages.
White Cabbage is a type of green cabbage having very pale colored leaves. It's healthier and tastier.
It contains a lot of vitamin C, dietary fiber as well as vitamin K, selenium, potassium, and magnesium.
The amount of calcium present in it is low so white cabbage becomes the finest choice for guinea pigs.
Savoy Cabbage
Savoy Cabbage is curly with deeply ridged leaves. The color of the leaves is deep green. It's crispy in taste.
It is a bit more delicate distinguished from other cabbages and has a crunchier taste with an excellent source of Vitamin C and Vitamin A.
Savoy cabbage has a high amount of vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber. It's also a very great source of fiber, manganese, folate, vitamin B6, potassium, and omega-3 fatty acids.
The quantity of Calcium present in it is low so make it a good diet for guinea pigs as the excessive amount of calcium in guinea pigs can lead to bladder stones.
Purple Cabbage
Purple Cabbage is also known as Red Cabbage having dark red/purple-colored leaves.
It is identical to green cabbage except for its color and it has moist-looking leaves.
Its dark leaves signify the presence of a higher level of anthocyanins, an antioxidant that is specifically found in purple cabbage and has extraordinary health benefits.
Purple Cabbage is healthiest among all as it contains a good amount of fiber, vitamin C, and anthocyanins.
It helps to decrease blood cholesterol levels, reduces inflammation, and it also lessens the risk of heart and liver damage.
Purple Cabbage is a great choice for guinea pigs' nourishment because of its impressive nutrients.
Sweetheart Cabbage
Sweetheart Cabbage is sweeter and soft than normal cabbage.
It is green and leafy and rich in Vitamin K, Vitamin C, and Folate containing healthy benefits.
Guinea pigs should be given sweetheart cabbage but in small quantities because of the surplus presence of Vitamin K that can become bad for their health.
Chinese Cabbage
Chinese Cabbage has a large head with tightly packed green leaves.
It is low in calories and rich in Vitamin C and other nutrients such as Folic Acid, Vitamin B making it a perfect choice for guinea pig diet but in minimum quantity.
There are two other types of Chinese Cabbage naming Napa Cabbage and Book Choy Cabbage.
Is Cabbage Safe For Guinea Pigs?
Can Guinea pigs eat cabbage or Is Cabbage safe for guinea pigs is the question to which many want to know the answer.
Yes, guinea pigs can eat cabbage but in moderation. Anything that is given in excess leads to problems so this is the same with the guinea pigs in terms of eating cabbage.
Cabbage is an excellent source of Vitamins and Minerals so it plays a major role in the healthy development of guinea pigs.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K helps in preventing excessive bleeding, improving digestion, boosting immunity, and preventing inflammations.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C comprising in cabbage helps in preventing scurvy in guinea pigs as deficiency of Vitamin C can cause scurvy in them because guinea pigs are generally prone to scurvy.
Potassium
The presence of Potassium in Cabbage is also essential for guinea pigs. Potassium helps to maintain their blood sugar consistent.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is also present in Cabbage. It repairs tissues and cells of the body. phosphorus contributes to managing good It also maintains health by stocking energy too in the body.
Minerals
The minerals present in cabbage helps to keep their heart healthy and control their cholesterol level.
Calcium
The presence of the excess amount of calcium helps in the development of teeth and bones in young ones and babies guinea pigs but its additional amount can become risky for the adult ones.
Adult guinea pigs can form bladder stones due to intake of excess amount of calcium so this should be in mind while feeding cabbage to guinea pigs.
Another downside is that cabbage can cause bloating and diarrhea too in guinea pigs.
So, while giving cabbages to guinea pigs, their possible risks should also be noted.
https://helpsmaster.com/can-guinea-pigs-eat-cabbage/
Possible Risks With Cabbage For Guinea Pigs?
•Bladder Stones
Cabbage consists of calcium, which can lead to urinary stones in guinea pigs when fed in an abundant amount.
Guinea pigs cannot regulate calcium and they absorb it into their systems so when there is too much calcium in their bodies it can form painful kidney and bladder stones.
•Bloating And Indigestion
Cabbage can also result in stomach upsets in guinea pigs.
Due to the elevated calcium amount, it can cause indigestion and bloat in guinea pigs, even in human beings too.
The digestive systems of guinea pigs are sensitive so it's easy for their stomachs to get bloated. Too much intake of cabbage can make them feel full of gas.
So, feeding too much cabbage to guinea pigs can lead to putting them at risk. Cabbage can be given to them but in moderate quantity.
How Much Cabbage Should We Serve To Guinea Pigs?
Feed Once Or Twice A Week
Guinea pigs should be given cabbage once or twice a week.
It shouldn't be given too frequently as the risk of gas and bloating due to calcium. So, their feeding schedule should be monitored.
Cabbage can be included in their diet once or twice a week but it shouldn't be a part of their daily diet.
According to experts one to two small leaves of cabbage should be enough in a guinea pig's diet.
Serving Size
According to the age of guinea pigs, serving size may vary.
Young guinea pigs can be given cabbage in a little excess amount but the older guinea pigs should be fed in moderation to avoid urinary stones.
Purple Cabbage As Guinea Pigs Diet.
Purple Cabbage
Purple Cabbage is also known as Blaukraut and Red Cabbage. The color of its leaves is dark red/purple.
It is found in Northern Europe, throughout the Americas, and in China.
We can see the nutritional data of Purple Cabbage.
Red cabbage, raw
Amount Per 100 grams
Calories 31
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0.2 g 0%
Saturated fat 0 g 0%
Polyunsaturated fat 0.1 g
Monounsaturated fat 0 g
Cholesterol 0 mg 0%
Sodium 27 mg 1%
Potassium 243 mg 6%
Total Carbohydrate 7 g 2%
Dietary fiber 2.1 g 8%
Sugar 3.8 g
Protein 1.4 g 2%
Vitamin A 22%
Vitamin C 95%
Calcium 4%
Iropigs'
Vitamin D 0%
Vitamin B-6 10%
Vitamin B-12 0%
Magnesium 4%
https://tools.myfooddata.com/nutrition-facts/169977/wt1
Purple Cabbage and Guinea Pig Diet
Purple Cabbage is best for guinea pigs' diet. When there are many options to select which type of cabbage to serve guinea pig, purple is the best among them.
Purple Cabbage is filled with various nutrients that are beneficial for pigs' diet and are even more nutritious than green cabbage.
Purple cabbage is filled with several impressive nutrients.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C exists more in purple cabbage than the green one. Purple cabbage is an ideal source of Vitamin C for guinea pigs as they can't synthesize and store Vitamin C in their bodies just like humans. So, Red Cabbage is a great source of vitamin C for them.
Vitamin C maintains a strong immune system. Lack of Vitamin C can develop scurvy so Vitamin C should be present in the diet of guinea pigs.
Vitamin A
Purple Cabbage has a great amount of Vitamin A which is essential for guinea pigs as it makes vision and immune system healthy and it is also good for the skin.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays an essential role in maintaining the health of guinea pigs.
Purple cabbage contains more Vitamin K than the other cabbages so that makes them a good diet for guinea pigs. It helps in maintaining the blood clot.
Health Benefits Of Purple Cabbage
Purple cabbage has many health benefits. We are going to discuss some of them below.
Helps In Digestion
Guinea pigs have a hard time digesting because of their weak digestive system.
Red cabbage helps them in eliminating digestive relating issues because Red Cabbage is rich in fiber.
Reduces Inflammation
As Red Cabbage consists of antioxidants, it helps in dealing with inflammation such as infections, diseases, or injuries.
The right amount of Red Cabbage in guinea pigs' diet assists in dealing with chronic inflammation.
Develop Strong Bones And Teeth
The existence of Vitamin K in Red Cabbage leads to stronger bones and teeth in guinea pigs.
Including Red Cabbage in guinea pigs' diet can help on developing their stronger bones and teeth.
Cardiovascular Protection
The anthocyanins and antioxidants present in red cabbage provide cardiovascular protection.
It also protects red blood cells. Due to the intake of red cabbage,
blood levels of beta-carotene, lutein, and total blood antioxidant improve, while oxidized LDL has been found to decrease.
LDL refers to low-density lipoprotein— if LDL is excessively present in its oxidized form, it can become harmful and can create problems for blood vessels. So the reduction in oxidized LDL is a good thing.
Boost Immunity
Vitamin C presence in Red Cabbage ensures boosting the immunity of guinea pigs.
A healthy immune system helps in fighting diseases and infections, so the addition of Red Cabbage in guinea pigs' diet increases their immunity level.
Eliminate Free Radicals
Free radicals can cause cells to damage as they are created by the metabolic process in the body.
Red Cabbage helps eliminate free radicals from the guinea pigs' bodies.
Prevents Cholesterol Oxidation
When Cholesterol becomes oxidized in the body, it becomes harmful. It can cause heart diseases and other complications in the body.
An antioxidant naming Flavonoid is present in purple cabbage that prevents the oxidation of cholesterol. So, guinea pigs can be protected from heart diseases and other complications by adding the source of Flavonoid into their diet that exists in Purple Cabbage.
Lowers Blood Pressure
Purple Cabbage is a good source of potassium, manganese, and iron. These minerals help in regulating the blood pressure at an optimum level.
If the blood pressure is not at the optimum level in guinea pigs or can create complications like stroke and many others related to the heart. The minerals present in Purple Cabbage keeps the blood pressure level optimum and have a good impact on the health of their heart.
Weightloss
Purple Cabbage has a great amount of dietary fiber so it helps in weight loss.
It stimuli the deterioration of calories in the body so the weight of the guinea pigs remains in control.
How Much Amount of Purple Cabbage Should Be Serve To Guinea Pigs?
Here comes the question that how much amount of Purple Cabbage should be given to guinea pigs?
Let's discuss its answer below.
Feed Twice Or Thrice A Week
Guinea pigs should be served purple cabbages 3 to 4 times a week
Purple Cabbages should be given to guinea pigs but not in large amounts for it can cause gas, indigestion, and bloating. Overfeeding of Purple Cabbages can also lead to urinary stones due to the excess presence of calcium.
So, Purple Cabbages can be given to them twice or thrice a week.
Serving Size
Purple Cabbage can be given to them by chopping the cabbage leaves into smaller pieces. A small number of cabbages can't harm them and don't acquire any negative side effects.
Even the cabbage having less calcium should be given in small and moderate quantity especially if you are introducing cabbage to guinea pig for the first time.
Even if they enjoy eating cabbage, keep serving size small to avoid any possible side effects and risks to their bodies.
Wash Thoroughly Before Using
It should be washed thoroughly before using and giving to guinea pigs because of the possible presence of insecticides and other chemicals that are used during harvesting.
Other Vegetables With Cabbage
You can give guinea pigs other vegetables too so they have an intake of healthy and proper nutrients.
Possible Risks Related To Purple Cabbage In Terms Of Guinea Pigs Diet
Many factors should be encountered before giving an excessive amount of Purple Cabbage to guinea pigs.
Purple Cabbage is safe for guinea pigs except for it can have some risks as follows:
•Indigestion And Bloating
The weak digestive system of guinea pigs can cause problems for them if we overfeed them purple cabbage.
Too much eating of purple cabbage can cause gas and bloating in them, although a small intake of purple cabbage can be easier for them to digest.
•Kidney Issues
The high level of calcium in purple cabbage is helpful for young guinea pigs but can be risky for adult pigs.
It is due to calcification that can trigger the formation of urinary tract stones.
So it should be served to guinea pigs but in small portions, for it can serve as a great nutritional supplement when given in moderate amounts.
Conclusion
Guinea pigs are popular pets due to their docile nature. They are small in size so can be easily handled.
One needs to know the nutritional supplement they should be given before taking them as a pet. In this article, I have discussed Cabbages and their benefits as well as its risk related to the guinea pigs' health.