Last Updated on January 3, 2023 by israel
Hi guys, do you own a pet guinea pig? and are you wondering or asking the question “can guinea pigs eat blackberries?” well in this blog post, I would be answering that question and I would also be listing a few fruits you can feed your guinea pigs.
What Are Guinea Pigs?
The guinea pig or domestic guinea pig, also known as the cavy or domestic cavy, is a species of rodent belonging to the genus Cavia in the family Caviidae.
Wikipedia
What Are Blackberries?
The blackberry is an edible fruit produced by many species in the genus Rubus in the family Rosaceae, hybrids among these species within the subgenus Rubus, and hybrids between the subgenera Rubus and Idaeobatus.
Wikipedia
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Blackberries?
Yes, Guinea pigs can eat blackberries, blackberries are a great source of nutrients/vitamins e.g vitamin C and Vitamin A, for guinea pigs, however, blackberries contain a high amount of citric acid and can cause stomach upset when over-consumed. You should feed your guinea pigs blackberries moderately.
Note also that they can only be fed ripe blackberries as unripe ones are not fit for them. The ripe ones are usually black or dark purple, while the unripe ones are sometimes green, or reddish-pink.
Some react negatively to it. If you’re giving your guinea pigs blackberries for the first time, you should give them in very small quantities, preferably a little fraction of a whole blackberry would do, just to check to see if its system tolerates the fruit, or not, to know whether or not to continue feeding It(your guinea pigs) with the fruit.
READ: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Raspberries?
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Blackberry Seeds?
The seeds of blackberry are quite small, but non-dissolvable, therefore, it is not advisable for guinea pigs to be fed blackberry seeds, because it can be harmful to their digestive tracts.
READ: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Radishes?
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Blackberry leaves?
Guinea pigs can surely eat the leaves of blackberries. They contain little but important nutrients Mike copper, calcium, fiber, protein, magnesium, phosphorus, etc.
READ: Guinea Pigs Eat Mangoes?
Can Guinea Pigs Eat The Back (Skin) Of Blackberries?
Blackberries consist of fruits, drupelets, seeds, twigs, leaves, and stems; guinea pigs can eat all of these parts of blackberries, except of course the seeds which are hazardous to their digestive tracts.
READ: Can Guinea Pigs Pear?
Nutritional Benefits/ Advantages Of Feeding Blackberries To Guinea Pigs
Blackberries are sweet fruits and guinea pigs do fancy them for the sweetness, but asides from this, they are nutritious and healthy for your guinea pigs. They contain
- 0.5% fat.
- 1% protein.
- 10% carbohydrates.
- 88.5% water.
- Anthocyanins.
- Ellagic acid.
- Flavonoids.
- Polyphenols.
- Salicylic acid.
- Magnesium.
- Iron.
- Manganese.
- Vitamin A.
- Vitamin K.
They also serve as a good source of antioxidants, protein, fat, and fiber, and they enhance the skin and brain activity of guinea pigs.
- Stronger Muscles: blackberries are rich in vitamins and help build and develop stronger muscles for guinea pigs and humans. They produce fiber which is an essential nutrient for guinea pigs. Thereby protecting them from a fiber deficiency called GI stasis.
- Stronger Bones: Blackberries contain a fair portion of calcium. Calcium helps build bones. So blackberries do help in strengthening the bones of humans and guinea pigs.
- Longer Life: Fruits, particularly blackberries, can increase guinea pigs’ life span because of the additional vitamins that blackberries provide. Although guinea pigs produce vitamin C, blackberries still have vitamin C and other vitamins A, K, and B and antioxidants for their use. Other nutrients include calcium, manganese, and potassium.
- Prevents Dehydration: It keeps them dehydrated by providing them with a lot of water.
- Prevents Constipation: It helps to prevent constipation because of the water and fiber content.
READ: Russian German Shepherd
Disadvantages Of Feeding Blackberries To Guinea Pigs :
As good as blackberries are, they can be harmful to guinea pigs if they are fed in too much quantity. If the plants have pests, or weeds, or are withered and unfresh. It can harm the guinea pigs as they are very delicate animals.
Guinea pigs are at risk of contracting diabetes if they feed on too many blackberries, because of the high glucose level. Pudgy guinea pigs should not be fed blackberries at all because they’re at higher risk.
They are equally prone to dental diseases or bloating sequel to the high water content in blackberries which could lead to severe dehydration
READ: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Pineapples?
Steps In Feeding A Guinea Pigs Blackberry
- Select and pick only fresh, ripe blackberries.
- Wash the skin/back properly and thoroughly.
- Dish on a clean plate or bowl.
READ: How Much Does A Giraffe Cost?
How Often Should I Feed My Guinea Pigs Blackberries?
Blackberries for guinea pigs are meant to be a treat, not a proper meal, as they get most of their full nutrients from other foods like hay, hence, one big blackberry or two small ones, at most, will do.
READ: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Blackberries?
And it shouldn’t be more than twice a week. They should also not be mixed with other fruits. It is healthier to feed just one fruit per week to your guinea pigs as feeding them with more than one fruit concurrently can make them ill.
Frozen blackberries are also safe to be eaten, but you should be careful as some guinea pigs might not tolerate the coldness
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Blackberries? (videos)
Conclusion On Can Guinea Pigs Eat Blackberries?
Blackberries are good and nutritional fruits that are suitable for guinea pigs, however, one has to be careful and observant, as not all guinea pigs enjoy eating blackberries.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Blackberries?
Yes, Guinea pigs can eat blackberries, blackberries are a great source of nutrients/vitamins e.g vitamin C and Vitamin A, for guinea pigs, however, blackberries contain a high amount of citric acid and can cause stomach upset when over-consumed. You should feed your guinea pigs blackberries moderately.
This post was written by Israel for Animals District.
