Fresh Food Papayas for digestive health?

[Gigabyte]

Oxbow makes papaya tabs that my vet recommended for my pig's digestive system, but last time I tried to feed them to him...it didn't go well. So I went out and bought a fresh papaya. But I've never eaten or bothered with one in the slightest.

How do I feed him this? How much and how often? How do I know this thing is ripe? It's green and a bit yellow and it looks fresh, I guess.

Also, is the occasional green bean an okay treat?

Sincerely,
Confused and feeling rather stupid.

 

[bpatters]

Don't feel confused and stupid -- as far as I'm concerned, your vet's suggestion wasn't a good one.

Guinea pigs only need very occasional bits of fruit. Hay is what keeps their digestive tracts moving -- they should never be without it.

Treats are not necessary for guinea pigs, unless we're talking fresh herbs. They love dill, cilantro, basil, thyme, etc.

Humans sometimes eat papaya to ease constipation, but that's a problem I've never heard of in a guinea pig.

 

[pandaloki]

Green bean is okay, I feed mine the flat pea pod kind. You'll know when papaya is ripe when it's mostly yellow, if you feel it, the outside shouldn't be soft and squishy. Cut it cross wise with a huge knife exposing the hollow core, then scrape the seeds off. You can easily scoop the meat off with a spoon. Since it's piggies first time to eat it, I guess you should give him a tiny amount of it first so his tummy can adjust. Papaya is sweet hence it should be treated as a treat. Papaya is known for making poop softer/cure to constipation.