Also called a pepper squash or a Des Moines Squash, the Acorn Squash is dark green in colour with an orange spot of the side or the top. Although it is considered a winter squash, it is actually belongs in the same species as summer squashes such as Zucchini.
It is usually baked, microwaved, steamed or sauteed. However it is also known to be stuffed with vegetables, and other concoctions in culinary dishes.
So if we can eat them, can guinea pigs eat Acorn Squash?
Lets take a look at its nutritional data to find out a bit more about it.
As per usual we’ll take a look in particular at its fat, calcium, sugar, phosphorus and oxelate acid content as they are most pertinent for guinea pigs.
Calories 40
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0.1 g 0%
Saturated fat 0 g 0%
Polyunsaturated fat 0 g
Monounsaturated fat 0 g
Cholesterol 0 mg 0%
Sodium 3 mg 0%
Potassium 347 mg 9%
Total Carbohydrate 10 g 3%
Dietary fiber 1.5 g 6%
Protein 0.8 g 1%
Vitamin A 7%
Vitamin C 18%
Calcium 3%
Iron 3%
Vitamin D 0%
Vitamin B-6 10%
Vitamin B-12 0%
Magnesium 8%
source usda
As you can see Acorn Squash contains a hint of calcium which is all the bad stuff it has in it. It contains no phosphorus, sugar, or acids.
It also contains a very good amount of vitamin c.
This means it is great for guinea pigs to eat and they can eat it 3-4 times a week as it is so beneficial for them.
A real find in the piggie food world!!