Can Guinea Pigs Eat Blueberries?
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You’ve probably heard that berries – particularly blueberries – are one of the healthiest fruits to eat. But what about blueberries for guinea pigs?
Is it OK to offer your cavy a blueberry or two, or is it safer to keep all those tasty berries for yourself?
The quick answer is “yes!” Guinea pigs can eat blueberries and as sweet treats go, they’re among the best.
Don’t run for the fridge just yet though; there’s a little more information to be aware of.
Keep reading to learn all about blueberries for guinea pigs.
Blueberry Nutrition Stats
Low in sugar and high in antioxidants, blueberries are among the healthiest fruits on the planet. You (and your adorable little friend) get plenty of flavor and a ton of nutrients every time you choose blueberries.
A one-cup serving of blueberries contains:
- 84 calories
- 21 g carbohydrates
- 6 g fiber
- 1 g protein
- .5 g fat
Blueberries Nutritional Facts
Even though they are fairly low in sugar and calories, blueberries are a great source of important nutrients including vitamin C. We humans aren’t capable of making our own vitamin C, and neither are guinea pigs.
A one-cup serving of blueberries offers approximately:
- 5 mg manganese
- 6 mcg vitamin K
- 4 mg vitamin C
- .1 mg vitamin B6
- .1 mg thiamine
- .8 mg vitamin E
- .1 mg riboflavin
- .1 mg copper
There are quite a few trace nutrients in blueberries as well: You get a little bit of iron, some phosphorous, some magnesium, a bit of zinc, a little niacin, some folate, and quite a potent cocktail of antioxidants and phytonutrients every time you snack on these yummy berries.
Can Guinea Pigs Have Blueberries?
Absolutely! Blueberries are a nice, natural treat for guinea pigs.
Be prepared though: If your guinea pig has light-colored fur, the dark berry juice might temporarily stain the area around your pet’s mouth!
Are Blueberries Good For Guinea Pigs?
Since they’re lower in sugar than many other fruits while offering loads of nutrients, blueberries are among the best fruits for guinea pigs.
Do Guinea Pigs Like Blueberries?
Try giving your guinea pig a blueberry to find out! Most guinea pigs really enjoy eating blueberries but there are a few who don’t like them.
If your guinea pig nibbles the berry and then moves away, wait just a while to see if they return. It might take a little time to get your guinea pig used to the idea of eating blueberries.
How Many Blueberries Can A Guinea Pig Eat?
That’s a good question! Here’s how much blueberry to feed your guinea pig:
| Age | Amount |
| Baby guinea pig | None |
| Adult guinea pig | 1 to 2 large blueberries or 3 to 4 small blueberries |
One or two big blueberries might not sound like much to you, but it’s actually quite a nice treat for your guinea pig! Don’t give them more than the recommended amount, since upset tummy and diarrhea could occur.
When giving a guinea pig blueberries for the very first time, start with a small amount – one little berry is plenty. Watch to ensure that your guinea pig doesn’t develop diarrhea within about 12 hours of eating the berry.
If their poo remains normal, then you can give them 2 small berries or 1 large one next time. If everything stays normal, you can continue increasing until you’re up to a full (guinea pig sized) serving of blueberries!
How Often Can A Guinea Pig Eat Blueberries?
You can give a guinea pig blueberries once or twice a week, but not on the same day you offer other high-sugar treats.
The Correct Diet Is Important
Your guinea pig should follow a natural diet based mostly on fresh hay and green, leafy plants. Treats such as blueberries should be only a small fraction of their daily intake.
Grasses – like Timothy hay – keep your guinea pig’s digestive tract running smoothly while constant nibbling prevents your pet’s teeth from becoming painfully overgrown.
Here’s a list of what to feed your guinea pig each day:
- Fresh, clean water; fill their water bottle at least once a day
- Fresh hay such as Timothy, plenty for nibbling and tunneling in
- Guinea pig pellets fortified with vitamin C (See the package label for specific serving size information since recommended amounts vary by brand)
- About one cup of fresh veggies, preferably divided into two small meals; remember the importance of offering different veggies and leafy greens on a rotating basis
What Are Other Healthy Alternatives To Blueberries In A Guinea Pig’s Diet?
Guinea pigs love lots of different foods including veggies, so you’ll find that it’s pretty easy to offer different items on a regular basis.
Here’s a quick list of guinea pig veggies:
- carrot
- carrot tops
- mint
- butter lettuce
- buttercrunch lettuce
- cucumber
- beets
- beet tops
- cabbage
- green beans
- arugula
- parsnip
- rocket
- zucchini
- pumpkin
- summer squash
- romaine
- bell pepper
- tomato
- broccolini
- bok choy
- broccoli
- brussels sprouts
- cauliflower
- sweet potato
- watercress
- swiss chard
- spinach
- parsley
- artichoke
- cabbage
- bibb lettuce
- escarole
- cilantro
- endive
- basil
- asparagus
- yu choy
There are lots of natural guinea pig foods here but this is by no means a complete list – after all, the world is full of yummy veggies and most of them are OK for your pet to eat.
Be sure to double check before you offer anything new, though – there are also quite a few vegetables, herbs, and fruits that are toxic to guinea pigs.
Giving your guinea pig blueberries is a fantastic way to show affection while treating them to a little bit of variety in their diet. They’re sure to appreciate the snack!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are blueberries safe for guinea pigs?
Absolutely! Blueberries are safe for your cavy so long as you provide the right amount. Giving too many blueberries at once can spell serious discomfort for your guinea pig while increasing the risk of a serious illness.
Can my guinea pig eat dried blueberries?
Dried blueberries are fine for guinea pigs so long as they don’t contain added sugar. Stick to the recommended serving size if you give dried blueberries to your cavy: No more than 2 large or 4 small berries!
Can blueberries make my guinea pig sick?
Yes – unfortunately, your guinea pig can only tolerate a certain amount of sugar each day – barely any! Just like other sugary foods, blueberries can lead to diarrhea. And even though the sugar in blueberries is all natural, a guinea pig that eats too many berries and other sweet treats on a regular basis risks obesity and diabetes. Both of these health conditions can lead to a shorter life span.
