Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cherries? (Risks & Benefits)

Yes, guinea pigs can eat cherries; it helps them to observe essential nutrients like vitamin C. You can feed them both sweet and sour cherries. However, make sure you are not feeding them cherries without removing stems, twigs, leaves, and pits. Also, you must feed them seedless cherries instead of ones that contain seeds. 

Is Feeding Cherries Safe For Guinea Pigs?

Yes, it is 100% safe to feed your guinea pig with cherries. However, proper cleaning of the fruit is essential to remove any harmful chemicals before serving. 

How To Pick Cherries For Your Guinea Pig?

Always pick fresh cherries as they contain more nutritional values in comparison to overstayed ones. 

What Are The Health Benefits Of Cherries For Guinea Pigs?

• Cherries have plenty of antioxidants that protect your guinea pig from developing diseases like cancer, chronic heart disorders, arthritis, etc. It also boosts the body activity of your guinea pig. 

• Cherries come with an appropriate proportion of vitamin C in them which is a necessary nutrient for your pet. 

• Your guinea pig’s body effectively regulates cholesterol levels and glucose metabolism when they eat cherries in optimum amounts.

• Cherries contain a good amount of dietary fibers, which help your pet to have healthy digestion boosting its immunity. 

• As cherries generally store plenty of fluids, they can meet the daily water requirement of your guinea pig. 

• Cherries also make your guinea pig much more potent than before by strengthening its muscles. With cherries, your pet will receive the benefits of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B9, K, B5. The fruit also contains choline.

What Are The Risks Of Feeding Cherries To Your Guinea Pig? 

There are a few risks that arise when you overfeed your pet with cherries, such as mouth burn due to acidity, constipation, diarrhea, excess weight gain, and high sugar level. 

Also, if you do not remove the leaves, stems, twigs, and pit while serving cherries to your pet, then they might consume the toxins known as cyanide through those parts, which may turn out to be poisonous for your pet. 

However, the most deadly reaction to having cherries in excess is the development of Cheilitis in Guinea pigs.

What Is the Appropriate Serving Frequency And Size For Cherries For Guinea Pigs?

Serving your pet with cherries up to three times within a week is considered most appropriate. Also, try to serve them in different rations.

However, for an adult Guinea pig serving one cherry once a day is optimum. And for a baby pig, serving half a portion of cherry is considered good.

What Are Different Healthier Alternatives To Cherries for Guinea Pig’s Diet?

You can give your guinea pig other healthy alternatives to cherries. To name a few, we have zucchini, summer squash, pumpkin, winter squash, cabbage, Brussel sprouts, green beans, artichoke, parsley, basil, beets, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Are you still confused about whether you should give your guinea cherries or not? Then note that cherries are extremely good for the health of your pet as they provide essential nutrients, including carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and even fulfill the daily water content needed for your pet. 

However, as mentioned above, you must be very strict regarding the number of cherries your pet is eating to prevent any side effects that usually occur due to excessive intake. Also, make sure you are cleaning the cherries properly so that there is no other component apart from the fruit while you serve it to your pet. It is essential as other parts contain toxins that might be deadly for your pet.

In conclusion, cherries are delicious treats that you can offer to your guinea pig when served carefully.