Can Guinea Pigs Eat Strawberries?
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Ah, strawberries! There’s nothing quite so nice on a warm spring day.
You know that strawberries can be a healthy snack, but should you share them with your guinea pig? And – if it’s OK to give a cavy strawberry, how much should you offer?
Your guinea pig will be happy to hear that strawberries are fine to eat – but before you run for the produce aisle, stick with us for a minute.
Our guide to strawberries for guinea pigs answers all of your questions.
Strawberry Nutrition Stats
Not only are strawberries sweet, they’re very nutritious. At the same time, you get quite a bit of satisfaction while consuming a fairly low number of calories.
The average one-cup serving of strawberries contains:
- 46 calories
- 1 g carbohydrates
- 9 g fiber
- 1 g protein
- .4 g fat
Strawberry Nutritional Facts
Strawberries sit near the top of the list of the world’s healthiest fruits, thanks to all the antioxidants they provide. They’re an excellent source of the vitamin C your guinea pig needs, and there are plenty of other vitamins and minerals inside, too!
When you eat a cup of strawberries, you get approximately:
- 2 mg vitamin K
- .6 mg iron
- 220 mg potassium
- 6 mcg folate
- 7 mg vitamin C
- .1 mg vitamin B6
- .6 mg manganese
- 7 mg magnesium
- .1 mg copper
- 6 mg phosphorus
Can Guinea Pigs Have Strawberry?
Yes, you can give strawberry to guinea pigs, so long as you’re careful with the amount. There are a couple of other things to remember if you decide to give your cavy strawberries as a treat:
First, be sure to wash the berries very well, just as you would do when eating them yourself. Strawberries tend to harbor quite a bit of dirt simply because they’re grown very close to the ground.
Second, ensure that you feed only fresh strawberries. Don’t give your guinea pig frozen strawberries or cooked strawberries, particularly if they have added sugar of any kind.
Are Strawberries Good For Guinea Pigs?
In small amounts, strawberries are great for guinea pigs! You’ll want to be really carful not to offer them too often – and not to feed more than recommended.
Do Guinea Pigs Like Strawberries?
Most guinea pigs go bananas for berries of all kinds, including strawberries! Don’t worry if your cavy doesn’t seem interested though; guinea pigs are individuals with unique taste.
You can always try other treats like banana, watermelon, grape, or blueberry!
How Much Strawberry Can A Guinea Pig Eat?
Even though these bright red berries are nutritious, moderation is the key to success.
Here’s how much strawberry a to feed your guinea pig:
| Age | Amount |
| Baby guinea pig | None |
| Adult guinea pig | 1 medium strawberry or 2 small strawberries |
One strawberry… That’s not much! It might not sound like a lot to you, but the truth is that’s all your guinea pig can really handle.
When introducing strawberries to your cavy for the first time, start with about half a small strawberry or a quarter of a medium-sized one. Watch carefully for about 12 hours. If you notice that your guinea pig has diarrhea, then strawberries probably shouldn’t be on their menu.
If everything is normal, then you can gradually increase the amount of strawberry you offer next time, until your furry friend is eating an entire strawberry at one go.
How Often Can A Guinea Pig Eat Strawberries?
Since strawberries are fairly acidic, it’s not a good idea to offer them on a daily basis. These treats are best for occasional enjoyment – once or twice per week is plenty!
Be sure not to give your guinea pig strawberries on the same day other sweet treats are offered.
The Correct Diet Is Important
We humans and our friends the guinea pigs have something in common: We can’t make our own vitamin C!
That’s why it’s so important to give your guinea pig a daily serving of guinea pig pellets with added vitamin C. Without it, they can become very sick and even die, so don’t skip it! The package will tell you how much food your cavy should be eating.
There are a couple of other things your guinea pig needs to eat every day:
- Fresh hay – unlimited amount
- About one cup of fresh vegetables daily, preferably divided in two and offered as smaller meals; offer different foods a few times per week to prevent oxalic acid buildup that can cause kidney stones
- Fresh water – unlimited amount; remember to rinse and change the water in your guinea pig’s drinking bottle at least once each day
What Are Other Healthy Alternatives To Strawberries In A Guinea Pig’s Diet?
You’ve got tons of choices when it comes time to decide what to add to your guinea pig’s dish each day!
Cavies enjoy a variety of fruits and veggies including:
- artichoke
- romaine
- carrot
- carrot tops
- cilantro
- mint
- parsley
- beets
- beet tops
- basil
- arugula
- spinach
- swiss chard
- endive
- bell pepper
- cabbage
- parsnip
- butter lettuce
- summer squash
- cucumber
- buttercrunch lettuce
- bibb lettuce
- escarole
- rocket
- green beans
- zucchini
- pumpkin
- tomato
- broccoli
- broccolini
- brussels sprouts
- bok choy
- yu choy
- asparagus
- sweet potato
- cauliflower
- watercress
Remember to offer a wide variety of foods including leafy greens and crunchy veggies throughout the week!
Your cavy will enjoy having different foods to eat and you’ll have fun watching them nibble and squeak enthusiastically!
Giving your guinea pig strawberry is a nice way to build trust while treating your pet to something special. Just remember that a little goes a long way!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are strawberries safe for guinea pigs?
So long as you introduce them gradually and offer only small amounts occasionally, strawberries are fine for your guinea pig to eat.
Can strawberries make my guinea pig sick?
Yes – just like other sugary fruits, strawberries can cause diarrhea if your guinea pig eats too much at once. You’ll want to ensure that your guinea pig eats only small amounts of fruit in general, since too much can lead to obesity and diabetes. Both of these issues can leave your guinea pig feeling uncomfortable and might even shorten their lifespan.
Can I give strawberry leaves to a guinea pig?
Yes! It’s perfectly fine to offer a fresh strawberry leaf to your guinea pig after it’s been thoroughly washed. If you have strawberry plants, feel free to add a few leaves to your guinea pig’s dish every few days. These are wonderfully nutritious and most cavies really enjoy them.
