Last updated on January 22nd, 2023 at 07:25 pm
Guinea pigs need to include a variety of foods in their diet to make the most of all the nutrients they need to stay healthy and live longer.
Fruit is an essential part of their menu, but of course in moderation, as it is not their primary food.
Have you ever wondered if you should give some mulberries to your guinea pig?
Can guinea pigs eat mulberries? The answer is yes, guinea pigs can eat mulberries, but in moderation to make the most of all the nutrients without harming their health. By eating mulberries, they will get the vitamins and minerals they need.
In today’s article, we will find out how much mulberry can be eaten by guinea pigs and the benefits and risks that this fruit brings to their health.
What are mulberries?
Mulberries are a fruit that has a sweet taste and is very popular worldwide.
Most mulberries are grown in Asia and North America, and they are black, white, or red.
Mulberries are often made into wine, fruit juices, and jams but can be dried and eaten fresh or dried. Their nutrients are of great value and are therefore recommended for eating.
Can guinea pigs eat mulberries?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat mulberries in moderation, making the most of their health benefits.
Moderation is most important so that guinea pigs can safely eat and enjoy this sweet fruit.
Because mulberry contains a lot of sugar, it is crucial to pay attention to the amount you give to your furry friends.
Will guinea pigs want to eat mulberries?
Yes, guinea pigs will love to eat mulberries, the sweet taste will attract them, and they will enjoy eating this fruit.
Although most guinea pigs will like to eat mulberries, it can always happen that one of the guinea pigs refuses to eat this fruit.
But that should not disappoint you; if your guinea pig does not like mulberries, there is a large selection of other fruits that your pet can eat.
How many mulberries can guinea pigs eat?
Guinea pigs can eat two mulberries once or twice a week but never give them two days in a row.
Mulberries contain a lot of sugar in their composition, so it is important not to overdo the amount that your pet will eat.
The guinea pig’s digestive system will not be able to cope if you give them more than this fruit. Too much mulberry means too much sugar and the risk of diabetes and other guinea pig health problems.
Can baby guinea pigs eat mulberries?
Yes, baby guinea pigs can eat mulberries, but only after a few weeks of their lives.
Our recommendation is to give them only breast milk, water, and food intended for them in the first weeks.
Before you start giving mulberries to your little guinea pigs, it is best to consult a veterinarian to check how far your pet is developing and whether he is ready to start eating them.
How do initially give mulberries to guinea pigs?
Whenever you start a new food that guinea pigs start eating for the first time, and in this case, it is mulberry, you need to be careful.
You can personally give them with your hand, which will encourage the guinea pig to more easily decide to try to eat or leave it in its cage.
In the beginning, you should give them only a small amount to see what his reaction will be; if he wants to eat, continue to give him, and if he does not wish to, then stop giving him.
After the first time, your guinea pig eats mulberry, wait 12-24 hours to see if there are any side effects such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, or the like.
If such side effects do not pass to your pet, take him to the vet to be examined.
How to properly prepare mulberry for a guinea pig?
When given mulberry or any other food, especially fruits and vegetables should always be washed well.
Wash the mulberry with a lot of water to remove impurities and any chemicals used for its cultivation, which are harmful to their health.
Once your pet has finished eating the mulberry, you should remove all the leftovers from the guinea pig cage as they can cause flies, bacteria, and insects.
What to do if a guinea pig overeats mulberry?
If your pet overeats mulberry, nothing terrible will probably happen to him; of course, this does not mean he should do the same again.
In such a situation, you should immediately give him a more significant amount of water that will help him to process the mulberry in his body more efficiently.
He may have diarrhea, abdominal pain, and other discomforts that will pass in a few hours. If his condition does not improve after a few hours, you should take him to the vet.
Nutritional values of mulberries
To know precisely what guinea pigs get by eating moderate amounts of mulberries, we will show you what the composition of 140 grams of fresh mulberries looks like:
- calories 60
- protein 2 g
- fiber 2.4 g
- fat 0.5 g
- sugar 11 g
- calcium 54.6 mg
- magnesium 25 mg
- phosphorus 53 mg
- Vitamin C 51 mg
What are the benefits of mulberry for guinea pigs?
Mulberries are suitable for the health of guinea pigs, and if they eat in moderation, they will have benefits for themselves.
Here are some of them:
- Vitamin C – is an essential vitamin for guinea pigs and is found in large quantities in mulberry; it is excellent protection against scurvy, helps growth and development, and easier management of skin problems in your pets.
- Calcium – is an excellent mineral that strengthens and properly shapes the bones of guinea pigs.
- They are improving eyesight – with the presence of vitamin A and beta carotene in the composition of mulberry. Your guinea pigs will improve their vision, which is especially important.
- Less cholesterol – because mulberries can successfully lower bad cholesterol and improve good cholesterol in guinea pigs.
- Better digestive system – the presence of fiber in mulberry allows much easier digestion and overall better function of the entire digestive system of guinea pigs.
- Vitamin K1 – which is found in mulberries, is essential for better blood clotting and more effortless healing of possible wounds in guinea pigs.
- Vitamin E – helps reduce possible oxidative damage in guinea pigs.
- Phenols – help prevent cancer and diabetes in your pet.
- Potassium – is vital so that the guinea pig can always have hydration because it helps maintain its level, i.e., the guinea pig is not in a situation to be dehydrated.
- Carbohydrates – are great for improving digestion and, at the same time, help guinea pigs have the energy to be physically healthy.
- Water – helps to hydrate and refresh your furry pet.
- Magnesium – is a mineral that helps prevent the appearance of swelling and other irritations such as redness in guinea pigs.
- Iron – one of the ingredients of mulberry, will help guinea pigs better utilize oxygen throughout the blood and the whole body, which is very important for all their organs.
- Antioxidants – are found in large quantities in mulberry and help the guinea pig’s body fight off free radicals that can cause cancer in your pet.
Antioxidants also extend the life of your pet by preventing premature aging of their body.
What are the side effects of mulberry for guinea pigs?
Moderation is the key to good health for both humans and guinea pigs. If your pet overdoses on eating this fruit, there will be side effects.
Here are some of them:
- obesity and diabetes – because they contain a lot of sugar, they can only gain weight and get diabetes by overeating.
- Diarrhea – will occur as a result of overeating mulberry, so you pay attention to the amount you give them.
- Kidney problems – Excess due to calcium if your guinea pig overdoes it by eating mulberries. Kidney and bladder stones can then occur.
- Constipation – occurs if guinea pigs overeat mulberry and overeat fiber, so the key is a moderate diet with this fruit.
Can guinea pigs eat mulberries with skin?
Yes, guinea pigs can safely eat mulberries with skin.
Please make sure you always wash the mulberries well before giving them to the guinea pigs.
The impurities and possible chemicals on the skin of this fruit are harmful to their health.
Can guinea pigs eat mulberry seeds?
Yes, guinea pigs can also eat mulberry seeds.
Mulberry seeds contain good nutrients for their health, such as linolenic and palmitic acid.
Also, mulberry seeds are tiny, so it will not be a problem for them to eat them quickly and enjoy them.
Can guinea pigs eat mulberry leaves?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat mulberry leaves.
Mulberry leaves are entirely safe for them; you have to be careful about the amount they eat; you should not give them to overdo it with their consumption.
As long as they eat in moderation, they will use the nutrients to improve their health.
Can guinea pigs eat a mulberry stem?
Yes, guinea pigs can also eat the mulberry stem.
Guinea pigs will have a lot of fun eating mulberry stems; they will love to nibble on the branches.
In addition, mulberry stems will help erode their ever-growing teeth, which is another reason you can let them eat.
Can guinea pigs eat dried mulberries?
No, unfortunately, guinea pigs can not eat dried mulberries.
The problem is that dried mulberries contain too much sugar, which we know is the enemy of guinea pigs when ingested in large quantities.
Reason plus is that dried mulberries are not a fresh fruit recommended for your pets.
Dried mulberries can only create problems for their health, so fresh mulberries are always the best choice for your furry pet.
Can guinea pigs drink mulberry juice?
No, guinea pigs can not drink mulberry juice, especially not fruit juice.
Mulberry juice contains too much sugar and other additives that are harmful to your guinea pig’s health.
The only way to give them a few drops of mulberry juice is to squeeze it from the fruit yourself and mix it with water in a ratio of 50-50.
Can guinea pigs eat frozen mulberries?
Guinea pigs can only eat frozen mulberries if you thaw them at room temperature before feeding them, which is the only correct way.
Otherwise, guinea pigs can not eat frozen mulberries taken directly from the refrigerator and any other frozen food.
Frozen food is harmful to guinea pigs and can lead to problems such as bloating, diarrhea, stomach aches, and the risk of choking on frozen pieces of mulberry or other food.
Can guinea pigs eat canned mulberry?
No, guinea pigs can not eat canned mulberries.
Because canned mulberries contain too many preservatives, sugar, and other additives that are harmful to their health.
In general, guinea pigs can not eat canned food; their digestive system is adapted to eat fresh food, not canned, frozen, or dry food.
Canned food can only cause pain and discomfort in their stomach.
Can guinea pigs eat mulberry sauce?
No, guinea pigs can not eat mulberry sauce.
They should not eat cooked food such as mulberry sauce, as the prepared sauce is harmful to guinea pigs’ digestion and digestive system.
Fresh mulberries are the right choice for the intake of healthy nutrients and for improving their health and life.
read more: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Jackfruit?
Can guinea pigs eat mulberry jam?
No, guinea pigs should not eat mulberry jam.
Mulberry jam is again a cooked product that the digestive system of guinea pigs will not be able to tolerate at all, and it can only harm it.
They should not eat jam because it contains a lot of sugar which will only cause diabetes and weight gain for your furry pet.
read more: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Ginger? All Risks
An alternative to mulberries for guinea pigs
If your guinea pig does not like to eat mulberries, nothing terrible; in nature, there is a large selection of other foods that they can eat.
Here is our selection:
- blackberries
- cranberry
- blueberries
- elderberry
- strawberries
Conclusion
Mulberries are a great fruit that can provide healthy nutrients, so they should be given to guinea pigs to eat.
By eating mulberries, guinea pigs will use vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other good substances for their health.
If eaten in moderation, guinea pigs will have healthier bones, better immunity, protection against scurvy, more energy, and longer life.
If they eat more than the allowed amounts, diabetes, diarrhea, obesity, and kidney and bladder stones can occur.
Lastly, give them moderate amounts of this fruit, and make sure your furry friends enjoy their sweet taste.
