Guinea Pigs should consume 10-20% of their caloric needs from fruits and vegetables each day – approximately 1/4 to 1/2 cup worth.
Strawberries contain high concentrations of Vitamin C, an essential nutrient for your pet’s wellbeing. In addition, potassium provides essential support in terms of fluid balance and blood pressure regulation.
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They’re low in calories
Strawberry fruits and stems can be given as treats to guinea pigs safely as long as it’s given in small doses and only occasionally. They contain Vitamin C – something all animals require – as well as antioxidants which can reduce inflammation and balance free radicals in their bodies.
However, strawberries contain too much sugar for their own good and should only be fed occasionally to guineas to avoid weight issues, diabetes and other health conditions that could ensue from overeating them. It is wiser to limit strawberries consumption to no more than one or two per week for best results.
Guinea pigs can also gain from feeding them the leaves and stems of strawberries, as these contain more fiber than their fruit counterpart. Furthermore, their less acidic nature allows you to offer this treat to any guinea that suffers from mouth sores due to certain foods. Just ensure they’ve been cleaned carefully of pesticides or chemicals before giving to your guineas; cut up into bite-sized pieces so as to lower risk of choking.
They’re high in vitamin C
Guinea pigs are herbivores and their bodies don’t produce vitamin C naturally, making it essential to provide them with a diet rich in this nutrient for good immune system functioning and absorption of other essential vitamins like B9. A strawberry is a good source of both Vitamin C and other vital vitamins like B9 as well as potassium which plays an essential role in maintaining fluid levels.
Strawberrys offer half the sugar of blueberries and one third that of grapes, making them a healthy treat for your pet. Just be sure to serve in moderation and check that all berries are completely clean before giving your strawberry treats to your pet; otherwise they could pose a choking hazard!
Guinea pigs should receive at least 1/4 – 1/2 cup of fresh fruits and vegetables per day in addition to their pellets and hay diet, such as strawberries. Strawberries provide many essential vitamins and nutrients needed by guinea pigs in their daily diets.
They’re rich in antioxidants
Guinea pigs require antioxidants to defend themselves against disease. One excellent source of these anti-oxidants is strawberries. Strawberry skins contain quercetin, an anti-inflammatory agent which reduces inflammation and heart health issues while protecting from oxidative damage.
However, be careful not to give your guinea pig too many strawberries; they contain high levels of both sugar and acid which is harmful for their health. High sugar levels may lead to diabetes or obesity in your pet while acid can cause sores in the mouth that prevent eating altogether.
Before feeding strawberries to your guinea pig, make sure they have been properly washed to rid themselves of chemicals or pesticides and cut into bite-size pieces to ensure they’re safe for consumption. Leave the berries in their cage for several hours so your pet can nibble at their own pace; also provide clean fresh water in either a bowl or bottle and change it at least once daily.
They’re low in calcium
Strawberrys do not contribute enough calcium for guinea pigs to thrive as an essential diet item; other minerals, like potassium and sodium are necessary in order to regulate fluids properly and ensure balanced feeding habits.
Guinea pigs enjoy eating an assortment of fruits, vegetables, and Timothy hay to meet their nutritional needs and remain happy and healthy pets. Furthermore, their teeth must be chewed frequently to keep from growing too long.
Strawberry and other high-sugar foods should only be given in moderation to guinea pigs, as their digestive systems cannot handle such quantities of sugar. Doing so could cause indigestion and obesity as well as increase acidity levels in their mouths resulting in sores forming.
If you do want to give your piggies strawberry treats, ensure it is washed thoroughly and cut into bite-size pieces that they can enjoy easily. Also remove any uneaten fruit after several hours so it doesn’t rot in their cages.
