Can Guinea Pigs Eat Blackberries? 7 Impressive Benefits

Can guinea pigs eat blackberries? If this is what you’re wondering, then yes. Your guinea pigs can safely eat delicious blackberries and gain many health benefits from these sugary berries.

Blackberries naturally contain many essential compounds like other berries. Aside from that, like in other berries, blackberries are also rich in vitamins, which improves the quality of the diet of your pet guinea pigs.

Berries in general, especially blackberries, are safe and healthy for your pet guinea pigs to consume because of their high levels of vitamins and minerals. However, take note that blackberries are also high in natural sugars.

 

Health Benefits Of Feeding Pet Guinea Pigs Blackberries

Can guinea pigs eat blackberries? Once again, yes, they can. In this section, you will be amazed at how healthy blackberries can be. Just delve further!

• Rich in fiber

Insoluble and soluble fibers are present in natural sources such as blackberries. With blackberries in your guinea pig’s diet, soluble fibers dissolve in water and will help lower blood sugar levels and maintain cholesterol levels.

Meanwhile, insoluble fibers do not dissolve in water and will support healthy digestion. High levels of dietary fibers can help your guinea pigs reduce their cholesterol level, increase their regular bowel movements, control their sugar level, and help them lose weight.

 

• Rich in vitamin A

Blackberry is rich in Vitamin A, so when fed to your guinea pigs, they can prevent various diseases and illnesses. Aside from this, Vitamin A can also support your guinea pigs’ immune system and help maintain their teeth and bones. Blackberries, because of its Vitamin A, can protect your guinea pigs from viruses or sickness and support their bones’ growth. (please read here when are Guinea pig full grown)

 

• Rich in vitamin C

An essential nutrient for your guinea pigs is Vitamin C. Guinea pigs cannot naturally produce Vitamin C daily, so you’d want to add it to their diet.

Blackberries have high Vitamin C levels, which help your guinea pigs with faster wound healing, regeneration of the skin, quicker iron absorption in the body, scurvy prevention, and better eyesight. (please read here why do Guinea pig have red eye)

 

• Rich in vitamin K

Vitamin K is also present in blackberries and helps prevent blood clotting and quickens wound healing for your little guinea pigs. When your furry friend is struggling with wounds and cuts, blackberries can most definitely help heal them.

• Rich in manganese

Blackberries are a great and rich source of manganese. Manganese helps balance your guinea pigs’ cardiovascular system and blood sugar levels, so it is highly essential for their health.

 

• Helps improve brain health

The brain health of guinea pigs is in better condition and very active because of blackberries. Apart from improving your guinea pigs’ brain health, blackberries also help prevent memory loss caused by your little pets’ aging.

 

• High levels of antioxidants

Blackberries have very high antioxidants levels, which help alter how brain neurons communicate and help fight free radicals. Blackberries can prevent damaged cells and degraded health conditions caused by free radicals, ultimately leading to cancer and heart diseases.

 

Nutritional facts of blackberries

Blackberries are safe for your cavies to consume. They contain a variety of nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants. Their dark color serves as proof of the many antioxidants they carry. Additionally, it is low in calories and rich in fiber.

Despite their small size, they have an ample amount of Vitamin C, an integral part of your cavies’ diet. The whole berry is non-hazardous for guinea pigs; seeds and skin are all consumable.

However, these berries also contain high amounts of sugar. Much more so in canned blackberries, so never feed them this. The syrup and preservatives can upset their stomach severely.

Observe and stay cautious when first introducing blackberry to your guinea pig’s diet. If in the 24-hour surveillance nothing occurs, then all is fine. But, if symptoms of diarrhea of puking occur, then take them to the vet.

Proper preparation of blackberries includes a thorough washing then slicing. Doing this removes remnant bacteria or pesticides and avoids a choking hazard.

Choose ripe blackberries, ones that aren’t reddish. Unripe ones will make their stomach upset. If the berries are frozen, be sure to thaw them as this could cause severe digestive issues.

The recommended serving for matured guinea pigs is two large berries or three small berries. These fruits aren’t suited for a young guinea pig’s diet.

You’re allowed to feed them blackberries at most twice a week. Unfortunately, their high sugar content is not adequate for daily feedings- especially if you’ve already given your cavies something sweet on that day.

In a 100g serving of blackberries, you can obtain:

• Carbohydrates = 9.61g
• Fat = 0.49g
• Sugars = 4.88g
• Dietary fibers = 5.3g
• Vitamin A = 214 IU
• Vitamin C = 21.0mg
• Calcium = 29mg
• Iron = 0.62mg
• Magnesium = 20mg
• Phosphorus = 22mg

 

Risks To Consider

Too much of everything is never good. As sweet and delectable this fruit is, there are some risks in overeating it as it is high in glucose and can cause diarrhea and obesity. Guinea pigs are unable to break down sugar; overeating can lead to an upset stomach. Believe me, when I say too much of these berries are not good. Since when I first got ginger, I overfed it with blackberries, causing my pet diarrhea. You don’t want your room to smell, trust me.

Aside from an upset stomach, they could also develop diabetes. The juicy sweetness can also pose dental issues. Your cavies’ gums and teeth may develop diseases. (please read here how to trim Guinea pig teeth)

Blackberries also have a relatively high water percentage. If you feed them blackberries frequently and excessively, your guinea pigs could feel bloated and have diarrhea.

Just remember to feed you guinea pigs in moderation, then all will be fine for you little darlings.

 

Are Blackberries For Guinea Pigs?

Now that you’ve had an overview of whether your guinea pig can consume blackberries let us obtain information regarding matters that may be vital when feeding your pigs.

 

Can guinea pigs have blackberries?

The answer you’re looking for is yes. Yes, guinea pigs can have blackberries. Blackberries are edible fruits or berries with high fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making them very healthy for your furry little pets.

Your pet guinea pigs can have blackberries, even with their seeds and skin. Remember not to feed them canned blackberries because the juice can be very dangerous for your furry pets.

Although having many health benefits, blackberries are still very rich in natural sugars, and your pet guinea pigs are highly sensitive to sugar and sweets.

So, remember not to feed them blackberries frequently and keep the serving small as it may lead to digestive issues for your fuzzy pets.

 

Is there any specific amount I should follow when feeding my guinea pigs blackberries?

To humans, blackberries are tiny, round fruits eaten in large amounts. However, that is not the case with guinea pigs. Even large guinea pigs may find a single berry too much! You have to be careful in blackberry intake since they are sweet.

When tasting for the first time, your pigs may like the taste too much, but you shouldn’t let them indulge in the sugary treats. These can increase the risk of digestive problems.

Giving them small portions until they grow accustomed to the sweet feeling is an excellent strategy. After every consumption, try to be aware of signs of stomach and digestion problems. It is preferred for baby pigs to give them any, but adults can have three pieces of blackberries.

After I accidentally overfed my pet, I made sure that I’m giving ginger small amounts, and my pet loves it!

 

How frequently should I let my pigs eat blackberries?

Blackberries are sugary fruits with high water content. These types of foods make the consumer prone to excessive bowel movements.

Meanwhile, sugar can increase risks for diabetes and extreme weight gain. ( please read here how much do Guinea pig weigh)

Therefore, you should only let your friend consume them every once in a while. Preferably, 2 or 3 days a week, but not consistently.

Keep in mind to avoid eating more sugary or watery food on those days.

 

Are the leaves available for consumption?

Yes, the leaves are A-Okay! As long as you remember to rinse them with clean water thoroughly. We advise you to choose naturally grown berries since other kinds may have traces of pesticides on them and may be harmful to your pet.

 

Do guinea pigs like blackberries?

A guinea pig won’t think twice in answering this. The blackberries’ sweet taste and juicy feeling make it a favorite among humans and animals. So, if you feed these to your pet, you can be confident that blackberries will most likely be their new favorite food!

 

Conclusion

Can guinea pigs eat blackberries? Well, they contain nutrients that offer lots of health benefits to your little friend, guinea pigs.

A well- deserved favorite in the food ranks for your guinea pig as long as moderation takes place and knowledge about things that can be quite harmful, you are good to go.

Hopefully, this article has given you a lot of information about whether guinea pigs can have blackberry intake or not. Thanks for reading!