Can Guinea Pigs Eat Blueberries?
In this article, we’ll fill you in on the details about blueberries, which as you know are a popular seasonal treat in the summer time for humans too. We’ll let you know if guinea pigs can eat blueberries, if they even like blueberries, and how to feed your guinea pigs blueberries safely.
With the onset of summer, it’s only natural for you to think about adding some new delicious treats to your guinea pigs daily diet. Remember to stay away from store bought guinea pig treats like honey sticks yogurt or vitamin C chews, and seed sticks. All that stuff has too much sugar and calories. One of the treats you can feed your guinea pig once or twice a week is blueberries.
Guinea pigs can eat fresh blueberries and dried blueberries, although you should not feed guinea pigs frozen blueberries unless you thaw them out first. If you have the desire, you can also dehydrate fresh blueberries using a dehydrator in the summer months for longer shelf life. It’s okay to freeze the blueberries for two weeks to pasteurize them, and then store in a cool, dark place since they won’t be frozen when you are ready to feed them to your guinea pigs.
Are Blueberries Good for Guinea Pigs?
Blueberries have a lot of Vitamin C in them which is something that guinea pigs need to have in their diet to stay happy and healthy. Blueberries only have fat and calcium in small amounts with is good because too much calcium can cause problems with stones in your guinea pig’s system which cause pain for your guinea pig and need to be removed surgically.
So, in that regard, fresh or dried blueberries are very healthy for your guinea pig. Keep in mind that blueberries are also quite high in sugar content. Sugar in large amounts on a regular basis is not good for guinea pigs as it can not only cause them to be overweight but can lead to digestive issues and even diabetes.
How Much Blueberries Should I Feed My Guinea Pigs?
When it comes to feeding your guinea pig blueberries it’s crucial that you use them only as an infrequent treat because they contain a lot of sugar. Most adult guinea pigs can tolerate one blueberry once or twice a week. When feeding blueberries to your guinea pigs, observe them carefully for any unusual behaviors after eating. You know your guinea pig best and if you are paying attention, you might pick up on any off behaviors that could indicate your guinea pig is having tummy problems.
If you intend to feed your guinea pig any more blueberries than that or if your guinea pig has already been diagnosed with any health issues, please discuss diet with your vet. For most guinea pigs their daily diet will consist of fresh grass hay, fresh water to drink, and up to an eighth cup of pellets. Even if you don’t see any unusual behavior, limit your guinea pigs’ intake of blueberries due to the risk of diabetes which may not have any immediate warning symptoms.