Can guinea pigs eat strawberries?
There are a dozen tasty fruits and veggies that we would happily have any time and day, and guinea pig parents often wonder if their babies can join in.
Your Guinea Pig can eat strawberries, but this has to be in small portions limited to once or twice in a week.
You are in the right place to have your question answered.
Strawberries are not only inviting with their colorful nature, but they are also rich in vitamins and contain fewer calories.
Pet parenting has its do’s and don’ts. Luckily, eating these berries is not among the don’ts.
As exciting as this answer sounds, there are some crucial recommendations.
This article has everything you should know about guinea pigs and strawberries; read on till the end.
How many strawberries can a Guinea pig eat in a day?
It is advisable to give your Guinea pig strawberries once or twice a week, and do not exceed this limit.
And 1 to 2 small bit sized strawberries in a day. To limit the sugar intake.
Are strawberries poisonous for guinea pigs?
Strawberries are not poisonous for your guinea pig as they offer tremendous nutritional value. But the intake should be limited to one or twice a week.
What fruit can Guinea pigs eat?
Guinea pigs can eat a list of fruits and vegetables, from watermelon, Bananas, Green peppers, Tomatoes, Cantaloupe, parsley, Strawberries, leafy lettuce.
Can Your Piggy Eat Strawberry Tops?
Yes, the tops have a higher nutritional content than their inner counterpart. They feature lower sugar levels with lots of vitamin C and minerals.
Most guinea pigs prefer the tops to the juicy part of the fruit. As a matter of fact, green and leafed tops are these piggies’ favorite.
Still, we can’t ignore that 20.3% of guinea pigs won’t be charmed by the sweetness of red berries.
Are Frozen Berries Okay For Guinea Pigs?
Yes, if they have been defrosted to room temperature. But always remember that raw and fresh veggies and fruits are the best.
Can Your Guinea Have Strawberry Jam?
No! It has a lot of unhealthy content like excess sugar that may jeopardize your pet’s health. Processed and cooked foods are highly discouraged.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Strawberries?
Ideally, your furball requires a healthy diet of 80% hay, 20% pellets, veggies, and fruits.
Among the fruits can guinea pigs eat watermelon? Dive in and find out.
If you are adventurous, you can let your cavy try new varieties of fruits and vegetables weekly.
But for today, our eyes are on the soft and delicious bright red berries.
Strawberries give off a wonderful smell in their ripe stage and have tiny seeds.
So, can your furry friend have strawberries?
Yes!
They are highly nutritious but need to be given only in small amounts weekly or bi-weekly.
Why Strawberries Over Other Fruits?
These berries have a lot of health perks, and the pros include:
Low sugar content
It’s no secret that strawberries are pulpy and sweet.
Still, they have less sugar compared to other fruits.
Take an example, a hundred grams of bananas contain 15 to 17 grams of sugar, while a similar amount of berries has seven to eight grams.
This is almost half the amount!
That means choosing strawberries minimizes the chances of diabetic progression and obesity.
Additionally, this fruit has a low glycemic index.
This keeps the blood sugar levels from spiking, reducing the risk of diabetes.
Dose of vitamin C
Guinea pigs are prone to scurvy.
A lack of vitamin C brings about scurvy, and it can be fatal without early treatment.
In the past, most pirates suffered from deficiency due to a lack of fresh food during their journey.
In contrast to humans, these furballs don’t produce the vitamin and depend entirely on their diet.
The excellent news is strawberries have loads of vitamin C.
It boosts your pet’s immunity to reduce the risks of diseases and infections and increases white blood cell production.
While we like to relate these vitamins with oranges, strawberries of the same amount have higher levels.
Thus if your wondering why is my Guinea pig Sneezing? Consider adding some vitamin C.
Keep your adorable pig’s blood pressure in check
Compared to bananas, strawberries have less potassium. Still, it’s adequate to meet your pet’s health needs.
Potassium assists in regulating your furry friend’s blood pressure.
Minimize inflammation and free radicals
The red berries are filled with antioxidants that minimize inflammation and clear free radicals in your pet’s body.
Boosts a healthy heart
Strawberries contain anthocyanin and quercetin, chemical compounds that lower your furball’s cholesterol levels.
This promotes a well-functioning heart and longevity.
The fiber content for good digestion
The digestive systems of guineas are susceptible to complications like constipation.
That’s why keeping up with your pet’s nutritional needs is crucial.
Strawberries consist of fiber, which fosters efficient digestion and regular bowel movements.
Are There Instances Where Strawberries Are Risky For Your Pet?
As earlier said, strawberries have less sugar content.
Still, your pet especially your cute Hairless Guinea Pig should not have a large number of strawberries.
Excess sugar causes diarrhea, intestinal bacteria imbalance, and in some cases, diabetes and obesity.
When piggies eat these berries in excess, bladder stones are another possibility due to excess calcium accumulating in the kidneys.
This is a severe condition that needs surgery for treatment.
Therefore, this sugary treat should be offered in moderation and given infrequently. It’s also important to note that organic berries are the best.
Strawberries are exposed to pesticides and other chemicals on the farm.
Washing them thoroughly under running water before letting your pet eat them is highly advised.
Otherwise, you may be risking food poisoning and digestive issues. Cleaning also clears dust and dirt as berries are ground-growing fruits.
Is Your Pet Ready For A Taste?
Guineas are one of the sensitive pets and are often at the mercy of food allergies.
Unfortunately, strawberry is a candidate. Just like any other new food, you should give them in small amounts, preferably your fingernail size.
Once they have a taste, keep an eye on them to see how they behave and look out for any diarrhea traces.
Your friend has another occasional treat with no strange or abnormal reactions or stomach upset!
The opposite applies if you notice any of these signs.
In the first case, you can start giving your pet a half strawberry per week or slice it and offer it as a bi-weekly treat.
A small strawberry can be given in one go.
Is Your Fur Baby Under Beta-Blocker Medication?
If your fur friend is undergoing treatment with beta-blocker medicine, you are highly discouraged from feeding them berries.
The medicine alters how your cavy processes potassium.
What Is The Nutritional Content Of 100g Of Strawberries?
While we can all attest to the great taste of a strawberry treat, they are rich with nutritional constituents, including:
Calories 35 Cal
Fiber 1.8g
Carbs 7.6g
Protein 1g
Sugar 5.3g
Fat 0.4g
Vitamin K 2.1mg
Vitamin C 56mg
Vitamin B6 0.035mg
Iron 0.28mg
Calcium 12mg
Potassium 89mg
How To Store Strawberries And Extend Their Lifespan
Fetch a large bowl and fill it with two and a half cups of water and a half cup of distilled white vinegar. (Vinegar maintains the freshness of the berries for much longer without interfering with their sweet taste).
Dip the strawberries for a few minutes in the mixture.
Put the fruits in a single-layered container.
Use a plastic wrapper or lid to cover the fruits and put them in the fridge. Now you have approximately a week before they become stale.
If you notice any bad or moldy berries, throw them away.
So, Can guinea pigs eat strawberries?
Yes.
Strawberries are a great and healthy treat for your guinea pig that should be given once or twice a week in small amounts.
This will prevent digestion issues, bladder stones, diabetes, and obesity. Besides, it contains numerous vitamins and minerals.
Most importantly, schedule a visit to your veterinarian doctor before altering your pet’s diet.