Can Guinea Pigs Eat Blueberries?

Last Updated on March 9, 2023 by Woody Pet

Guinea Pigs Eat Blueberries? Blueberries are packed with antioxidants. The main antioxidant is anthocyanin which protects against diseases.

It is low in calories so it’s easy to digest and guinea pigs loved them to eat too as it is guinea pigs’ favourite food.

This snack is ideal to offer once a month as a treat as they are high in sugar.

Understanding the fact that what can guinea pigs eat is necessary as they can get sick or ill if overdosed or fed wrongly. Also, keep an eye on mouth sores too.

If sores appear stop giving them food instead provide them with oranges or citrus foods only. Guinea pigs are susceptible to scurvy which occurs due to a lack of vitamin C so it is recommended to provide them with a daily intake of 30-50mg of vitamin C.

As blueberries are enriched with vitamins C, and K and fibres which help strengthen the immune system.

Blueberries have anti-inflammatory compounds for which they are having anti-inflammatory properties against inflammations. They also aid in brain functioning, strengthening bones, heart health and skin generally.

Blueberries are high in acidic content and rich in sugar which can trigger allergies to guinea pigs so it is better to offer them occasionally. Though little furry pets will love them you need to balance the guinea pigs’ feeding schedule.

Note: always provide ripe blueberries to your pets.

Guinea pigs are creatures which are also known as cavies. You can say they are the domesticated kind of rodents. They are raised as pets and food.

Though because of selective breeding, there are variations in texture, patterns and colour. They can live up to 8 – 10 years but they are susceptible to heat strokes.

Features:

They have small triangular mouths with 20 teeth. (note: guinea pigs must chew their teeth as they cannot afford to have them so long).

Small ears (petal-shaped) are present on their body, and eyes are set on side of their heads. They are not found in wildlife anymore. They are social animals. They live in herds. They also fall in the set of crepuscular i.e., active during dusk and dawn.

They are herbivores and can overeat making sure they don’t get obese from overeating. Introduce the nutritional dietary changes to make the balance in their diet chart. They hate loud noises, cold temperatures, open spaces and being picked up.

Cecotropes:

They may look bizarre at first glance but you must know that this is the aid for the digestion of food and provides supplemental help for your pets.

As these pallets are nutritional for them. The process engrosses the digestion which is excreted through the anal tract and then consumed immediately by guinea pigs.

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Blueberries?

The portion in feed:

Giving blueberries 2 times a week is sufficient for guinea pigs. 2-3 blueberries in a single day are more than enough.  Avoid giving cold or frozen blueberries.

Once they are thawed there is not any issue in using them but it is recommended to use raw feed.

Note: in the early stages of life they shouldn’t eat blueberries, introduce blueberries to them slowly.

Infirmities of blueberries in guinea pigs:

diarrhoea and digestive problems (bloating or gas) can occur due to overdosed blueberries. Mouth sores can be made if given in large quantities.

Can guinea pigs eat blueberry (tree) stems and leaves?

Yes, as long as the stem is softer and thin they can nibble on them. leaves are less sweet and more packed with antioxidants.

Can guinea pigs eat blueberries in dried form?

No, dried blueberries have more sugar than raw or fresh blueberries.

Can guinea pigs eat blueberries in canned form?

No, as sugar is high in canned foods.

Can guinea pigs eat blueberries in frozen form?

No, cold or frozen food can lead to diarrhoea and vitamins can also be loosened.

What can guinea pigs not eat?

While planning their diet chart to avoid choking, bloating, gas, nutritional imbalance or illness make sure it does not include chocolate (any caffeine-based matter), garlic, mushrooms, onions, avocados, cabbage, meat, bread, dairy products, nuts, iceberg lettuce, potatoes, seeds.

NOTE: THEY SHOULD NOT BE GIVEN ALFALFA OR CLOVER HAY AS THEY ARE RICH IN PROTEIN AND CALCIUM.

CONCLUSION:

A merger of the fruit bowls is suggested. Adding blueberries to the guinea pig’s food chart is like adding life to your pets but understand the fact that they also have sugars so adding an increased amount of blueberries may harm more than benefit it gives. Make sure you remove the food remains after 5 -6 hours as out-of-date or rotten food can cause sicknesses or ailments in your friends.

For basic care you need to follow these thumb rules to have a happy little furry friend:

  1. Feed them with low carbs and sugars.
  2. Provide chlorinated fresh water to them.
  3. Don’t serve them food older than 5 – 12 hours.
  4. They should have 10% of fruits and vegetables in their diet.
  5. Make sure they are having supplemental vitamin C
  6. Elude swollen mouths
  7. Feed them with an amalgam of food

Better to follow the following steps while feeding blueberries to your pets:

  1. avoid giving them in large sizes as they can be too sweet or acidic for guinea pigs
  2. Wash them for 30 seconds
  3. cut them in half
  4. Remove seeds to avoid choking
  5. Small serving size (2-3 bite-sized servings are ideal)
  6. offer 2 times per week (not 2 days in a row)
  7. do not serve them cold (cold blueberries may have more antioxidants but fresh blueberries are digested more easily)
  8. remove remains of food after some time to avoid bacterial contaminations

Note: slowly give them feed and watch them if there are any adverse reactions or not. So that you may know what kind of fruit guinea pigs can eat.

As long as they are enjoying and not having any adverse reaction you can treat them with blueberries.

If you ever noticed that guinea pigs are having the following symptoms consult your vet immediately:

  1. diarrhoea
  2. Crusty eyes
  3. Sneezing
  4. Hair loss
  5. Weight loss

 

 

 

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