Strawberries are red aromatic fruits which have a smooth feel and also have a sweet taste. The fruit is consumed in its fresh and dry form and is also used to prepare other foods like jam, ice-cream, cornflakes, milkshakes, and juice.
Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, minerals and manganese. They also contain other vitamins, fiber, and unsaturated fatty acids.
This fruit has a special charm that causes human beings to crave for it; you could also be wondering if it can be shared with your pets. Can guinea pigs eat a strawberry?
Definitely yes, guinea pigs can eat strawberries because they are highly nutritious and therefore good for your guinea pigs’ health.
You need to find out the benefits of strawberries before feeding them to guinea pigs. Therefore can guinea pigs eat strawberries to benefit them in any way?
5 Benefits Guinea Pigs Can Get from Eating Strawberries
Strawberries are highly nutritious fruits that are also safe for your guinea pigs. They promote many health benefits to your pets.
The vitamin C in the strawberry strengthens the immunity of guinea pigs. It also has fiber to help digestion and aiding bowel movement. The antioxidants in the strawberries also help to clear off waste from the guinea pigs system. Generally, Strawberries have important benefits to help the guinea pig stay healthy.
Below is a detailed highlight on the health benefits of strawberries to guinea pigs.
Enhances proper digestion
Strawberries are high in fiber content which aids the guinea pigs in the digestion process. Digestion is important because it is from it that essential nutrients can be absorbed by the body.
Strawberries provide essential nutrients like vitamin C and also aid proper digestion and absorption of such nutrients. Guinea pigs also benefit from fiber in the strawberries to aid a smooth bowel movement. Proper digestion promotes the general health of a guinea pig.
Strawberries also have unsaturated fats which are also beneficial in digestion because it enhances the absorption of minerals and vitamins in the body of guinea pigs.
Strawberries boost the immunity of guinea pigs
Guinea pigs can neither produce nor store vitamin c in their bodies. For a strong immune system to help them fight diseases and infections they must-have vitamin C. This can be gotten from eating strawberries, though the guinea pigs can only eat the strawberries in small quantities.
Strawberries lower the risks of heart attacks
Guinea pigs have a high risk of suffering from heart attacks, and most of them die from it.
Luckily, Strawberries are filled with unsaturated fatty acids which help in lowering the cholesterol levels and risks of heart attacks.
Feeding strawberries to guinea pigs helps to maintain good levels of cholesterol in their bodies.
Regulates blood sugar levels
Strawberries have a substantial amount of dietary fiber which regulates the amount of blood sugar in guinea pigs. Balanced sugar in the body promotes proper body metabolism in your guinea pigs.
Strawberries improve the sight of guinea pigs
Strawberries are filled with vitamin A which boosts the vision and sight of guinea pigs. When your pets have proper sight they can visualize any danger around them so that they can act appropriately.
Can Guinea Pig Eat The Strawberry Leaves?
It is important to further look at other parts of the strawberry plant that can be fed to your guinea pigs. Guinea pigs enjoy feeding on strawberry leaves just like any other leaves for fun. Some pet owners have noticed that their guinea pigs eat the leaves more than the fruit itself.
The question can well be answered that yes guinea pigs can feed on strawberry leaves. The leaves enhance proper digestion in guinea pigs just like the fruit does.
Strawberry leaves are rich in antioxidants which are beneficial to the health of a guinea pig. The leaves relieve the guinea pigs from diarrhea and other minor ailments.
The green tops of the leaves are the best for your guinea pigs to feed on. They should be cleaned well enough to get rid of herbicides and pesticides to prevent any health effects on the pets. The guinea pigs can eat 2 to 3 leaves in a day, though they should not be given every day.
Let your guinea pigs eat the leaves but only in moderation and it should not replace the strawberry fruit.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Strawberry Stems?
There is no harm when the guinea pigs feed on strawberry stems. They are excellent additions to a guinea pigs diet. Just like the fruit, they are filled with vitamin C and high fiber content.
It is even better than the fruit due to its low sugar levels which is a great choice for the cavy when you are trying to avoid feeding it with a lot of sugar.
The stem cannot replace the strawberry fruit; the guinea pig can only eat it for fun. The stem of the strawberry fruit is only used as an alternative and a snack if the fruit itself is lacking.
Conclusion
In conclusion, can guinea pigs eat strawberries? Yes, guinea pigs can eat strawberries because they are safe and highly nutritious.
Always choose strawberries that have ripened well and acquired a red color. They must also be fresh. They should be cleaned properly before feeding it to the guinea pigs to avoid any health issues.
Guinea pigs must, however, eat the strawberries in moderation because overfeeding causes health problems. Strawberries can only be given to guinea pigs as a supplement to the main diet and not as a staple food.
It is also important to note guinea pigs will differently to strawberries. I would advise that a plan that works well for your guinea pig is incorporated when feeding it with the strawberry. All the health benefits resulting from strawberries should be realized and any adverse health effects because of the strawberry must be avoided.
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