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Aside from strawberries being sweet and having beneficial nutrients to human beings, is it suitable for guinea pigs? These guinea pigs snack on many delicious things, and strawberries are no exception. Can the guinea pigs eat strawberries? This question has two answers, both yes and no. When consumed in moderation, strawberries have health benefits, but they also have risks.
Are Strawberries Harmful For Guinea Pigs?
No, Guinea pigs receive good nutrition and many health benefits from the consumption of strawberries as long as they eat them in moderation, once or twice a week. This is because strawberries have low sugar content and intrinsic food than other fruits. The following are the reasons why you feed your guinea pigs on strawberries;
Low sugar content compared to other fruit
Strawberries are sweeter than other fruits, but they do not have sugar in high quantities. It is the best-recommended fruit to give you guinea pigs or any other pet because it has a low risk of obesity or diabetic progression. Strawberries help with glucose levels and metabolism in the blood since it contains dietary fiber.
Strawberries help with digestion
Guinea pigs have a robust digestive system which makes them need help with digestion since digestion is a fundamental process in the body. Strawberries help in the digestion process since it contains dietary fiber.
Support in the loss of weight
Guinea pigs receive a feeling of satiety after the consumption of the strawberries. This is because of the dietary fiber in the strawberries that reduces the number of calories in the body. Weight loss is significant to the guinea pigs because they need to have a normal weight to be healthy.
Presence of vitamin C
Guinea pigs are at a higher risk of suffering from scurvy resulting from vitamin C deficiency. Since their bodies cannot naturally produce vitamin C, they need strawberries because they have a tremendous amount of vitamin C.
Regulates blood pressure
Guinea pigs should have an optimum blood pressure level to be safe from diseases. Potassium, which is best for regulating blood pressure, is present in the strawberries. Potassium manages this by cutting down the effect of sodium. This same potassium in the strawberries helps improve the quality of life of the guinea pigs and prevents disease.
Lowers the risk of inflammation and free radicals in the body of the guinea pig
Strawberries also contain antioxidants like vitamin A that eliminates the presence of free radical, which are produced through the metabolic processes in the body of guinea pigs. The same antioxidants help reduce inflammation, preventing it from chronic inflammation.
Leads to better cardiovascular health.
For the prolonged life span of your guinea pig, good heart health is essential. The strawberries contain all the nutrients and compounds required for a healthy heart. Strawberries contain anthocyanin, quercetin, and polyphenol compounds that help the guinea pig achieve a healthy heart. Anthocyanin prevents the heart from failing; quercetin prevents heart damage from excess cholesterol, while polyphenol prevents platelet build-up and inflammation.
What are risks when Guinea Pigs Eat Strawberries?
Everything has its advantages and disadvantages. Just the same strawberries consumption risks the guinea pigs aside from the nutritional benefits. Below are some risks associated with the consumption of strawberries;
Pesticides residues
This is a persistent risk since strawberries are always treated with pesticides. The purpose of a pesticide is to keep away pests, but it can be hazardous and result in some health complications when consumed by guinea pigs. Food poisoning and stomach aches are risks associated with the pesticide residues, leading to diarrhea and stomach ache.
Allergies
Guinea pigs are also at risk of food allergies, and strawberry is not exceptional. You should check up on your guinea pig after feeding strawberries to them so that you can know if they are allergic to them or not.
Strawberries are suitable for your guinea pigs since it helps boost their immune system and their health in general. Nevertheless, it is moderate in consumption, washed before giving to animals, and checked for any allergies signs.
Do You Know?
Lots of snacks are safe for guinea pigs, but some snacks you should just not give your pet. We sat down and did some research and our vet has verified it: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Grapes?
