Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cherry? Cherry fruits are rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C, which makes them a great addition to a guinea pig’s diet. They also contain dietary fiber and potassium, all of which are very beneficial for your pet’s health.
But some parts of cherry are toxic and have the potential to cause severe kidney problems. Learn more about feeding cherry to guinea pigs so you can feed your little friend safely.
What Exactly Is Cherry?
Cherries are fruits that have a sweet, juicy flesh surrounding a seed.
Cherry is part of the genus Prunus. The family is Roacea. It can be fed to guinea pigs in moderation, but it has to be remembered that some parts are not safe for them.
Small red fruits, there are many different types. True cherries, bush cherries, etc. The most common ones for guinea pigs to eat are the dark red and black varieties.
Cherry flowers are small, sweet, and well known for their blossom.
Cherries can be fed to your guinea pig for their nutritional value and as a treat.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cherry?
Yes, you can feed your guinea pig cherry. In moderation, cherries are actually good for them and offer many health benefits.
As long as you’re feeding your guinea pig enough fruit overall—and not too much of any one type—the benefits of cherries outweigh the risks of overfeeding them.
However, like any other food item in excess quantities or on a regular basis, there are certain dangers associated with cherry consumption by guinea pigs.
What Are The Benefits Of Cherry For Guinea Pigs?
Do you know how to save your guinea pig from scurvy? Guinea pigs can be prone to scurvy but can easily be prevented. Cherry is a great choice. Not only does it taste delicious, but it has many vitamins such as vitamin A and C which help prevent scurvy.
Cherries are full of nutrients and antioxidants, including anthocyanins and anthocyanidins which can help lower cholesterol. They are known for preventing cardiovascular disease, protecting against and reducing the risk of heart attack.
Cherry fruit has been reported to improve glucose control, which makes it an ideal food that can be included in a healthy diet plan for Guinea Pigs.
Help your pet enjoy more of a natural diet with the addition of cherry fruit. This delicious addition to your guinea pig’s diet helps improve their digestive system, feel healthier, happier and more energetic. Cherries are also good source of fiber for guinea pigs, which helps with their digestion.
Cherry fruit is good for guinea pigs. It helps them maintain a healthy metabolism, which prevents them from becoming overweight, as well as craving too many fatty foods and sugars.
Cherries are more than just a tasty treat for guinea pigs. The delicious fruit helps protect their teeth and gums, it helps clean plaque from their teeth, and it can even prevent cavities and gum disease in your pet’s mouth.
Cherry fruit diet prevents the suppression of immune system and increases resistance to disease in guinea pigs. It boosts the immune system of guinea pigs and prevents them from getting sick.
Cherry fruit, a member of the Rosacea family, are an excellent way to boost the production of anti-inflammatory compounds, protects cells from damage and is full of beneficial nutrients.
Cherry fruit is one of the most nutritious foods for guinea pigs. It has a very high-water content, so if you are having trouble getting your guinea pig to drink enough water and not deplete their body’s fluids, this is the perfect solution.
Preparing Cherry For Your Guinea Pig
Use washed cherries for your Guinea pigs. Wash cherries thoroughly to remove all of the pesticides and wash again with water.
Remove stems and pits carefully because it can be very dangerous to your pet if you don’t.
Remove the seeds which can also be seeds.
Cut up the prepared cherry into small enough pieces for your Guinea pig to enjoy.
Recommended Cherry Serving Size For Guinea Pigs?
Cherry fruit is a delicious treat for guinea pigs and can be fed to them.
A medium sized cherry fruit is recommended for weekly consumption. Do not exceed two medium cherries at any time.
Feeding too many cherry fruits can cause gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea and dehydration, especially for overweight animals.
However, when given as a healthy treat it contains high amounts of vitamin c, manganese and dietary fiber, as well as small amounts of magnesium, copper and iron.
How To Introduce Cherry Into Guinea Pig Diet?
When introducing any new food and treat, it is important to do so slowly. With Guineapigs, it is recommended only to give a very small piece the first time.
Make sure not to change the food you feed at all for several days, so you can monitor any diarrhea or other symptoms.
Also do not introduce more than one new food at a time. So that you can attribute the cause to the newly introduced cherry.
Slowly increase in quantity as your pig gets used to the taste of cherry.
In any event do not feed more than the recommended serving size.
Side-Effects Of Excessive Cherry On Guinea Pigs?
Cherries are a delicious fruit that can be enjoyed. However, too much of a good thing can cause side effects in guinea pigs.
The following are the possible side effects caused by excess intake of cherries.
Diarrhea
Too much cherry can cause diarrhea in Guinea pigs, which may lead to dehydration and other complications.
The best way to prevent such a condition is by regulating the amount and the number of times you give cherry your guinea pig.
Diabetes
Cherry is a very good fruit for your Guinea pig. However, if he eats too much of it, it will lead to diabetes.
They contain sugar and too much of it can make your guinea pig sick. Symptoms of diabetes include excessive thirst and urination, weight loss and weakness.
If your pet appears sick or lethargic, seek medical attention.
Sore Mouth
Cherry can be a good thing for your pet; however, cherry can also cause a sore mouth or dental decay in Guinea pigs.
This is because of the acid content found in cherries which can also damage the teeth of your pets. It may cause pain and inflammation of your pet’s mouth.
Constipation
Too much cherry can cause a constipation in Guinea pigs. This is because cherry also contains acids in it. This includes malic acid, citric acid and even phosphoric acids.
While cherry is known to hydrate in small quantities, excess of cherry can increase can cause constipation due to the amount of acidic content that is ingested.
When Is The Best Time to Feed Cherry To Your Guinea Pig?
Cherry can be fed to your pet guinea pig anytime. It is great as a special treat or dessert.
Just be sure to keep in mind that they should not become a meal replacement.
It is not a good substitute for their regular food, but cherry is an excellent flavor booster.
Tips To Buy Cherry For Your Guinea Pig
Cherry for Guinea Pig is an excellent addition to the guinea pig diet. Organic cherries are the best choice as they are not treated with pesticides and artificial fertilizers.
If you can’t find them, regular cherries are okay provided you wash them really well.
While choosing fresh cherries, look for a bright red color and make sure there is no discoloration or mold on them.
Also check for any artificial coloring. An artificially colored cherry will be uniformly colored all over. It is an easy way to detect them.
Choose the ripe and fresh ones so that your guinea pig can eat them easily. Also, make sure that they don’t smell stale before purchasing them.
Opt to buy them good stores which are reputed and are known to provide good quality.
Wrapping Up
It is safe to give Guinea Pigs cherry fruit. However, the pit, seeds and leaves can be dangerous for your guinea pig, so it is recommended that you remove all the core of the cherry first.
Also, if you decide to allow your guinea pig to eat cherry, make sure that they only eat one every week as they contain high taxes of sugar which in turn contains high calories and fat.
Related Questions
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cherry Peel/Skin?
A lot of people don’t know that guinea pigs can eat cherry peel. You can feed it along with the cherry, or you can even add it to their salads.
The peel comes with a good source of vitamins and fiber as well.
Just remember to wash the cherry before giving it to your pet guinea pig as there are pesticides on them while they are grown.