Quinces are fruit which are related to closely to apples and pears.
They have smooth, fragrant texture when they are ripe and have a golden yellow skin.
However, because the flesh is very hard and bitter, it is only eaten cooked by humans. Once it is cooked the flesh has a more deeper flavour and goes a pink colour. They are often used for jams and jelies.
So can guinea pigs eat quince, and if they can, how much of it can they eat?
Lets take a look at its nutritional data and find out a bit more about this fruit.
As per usual, we’ll look particularly at its calcium, acid, sugar, fat and phosphorus content which are particularly pertinent for guinea pigs.
A good amount of vitamin c and a is also very beneficial for guinea pigs.
Energyt238 kJ (57 kcal)
Carbohydratest15.3 g
– Dietary fibert1.9 g
Fatt0.1 g
Proteint0.4 g
Thiamine (vit. B1)t0.02 mg (2%)
Riboflavin (vit. B2)t0.03 mg (3%)
Niacin (vit. B3)t0.2 mg (1%)
Pantothenic acid (B5)t0.081 mg (2%)
Vitamin B6t0.04 mg (3%)
Folate (vit. B9)t3 μg (1%)
Vitamin Ct15 mg (18%)
Calciumt11 mg (1%)
Iront0.7 mg (5%)
Magnesiumt8 mg (2%)
Phosphorust17 mg (2%)
Potassiumt197 mg (4%)
Sodiumt4 mg (0%)
Zinct0.04 mg (0%)
(source: Wikipedia)
As you can see quince contains a little bit of phosphorous, and calcium, is a little acidic and contains a hint of fat.
This makes it pretty good for guinea pigs. In fact they can eat it twice a week if need be. It contains a very good amount of vitamin c which will help them with the vitamin deficiency that piggies have.