Can Guinea Pigs Eat Strawberries?

So, can guinea pigs have strawberries? Yes. But are strawberries good for guinea pigs? That’s a different question.  

Strawberries are rich in several vitamins and minerals, but they’re not considered a health food for guinea pigs. They do offer some small health benefits, but you shouldn’t rely on strawberries as a main source of nutrition for your guinea pig. 

That said, here are some benefits of strawberries for guinea pigs: 

• They offer some vitamin C. Unlike most pets, guinea pigs can’t produce vitamin C—which supports joint, respiratory, and dental health—on their own, according to Susan Tyson, VMD, veterinarian at Avian & Exotic Philly Vet in Philadelphia. Strawberries can provide a small amount of vitamin C for your guinea pig, but it shouldn’t be their main source of the nutrient. 
• They contain fiber. Strawberries are also relatively high in fiber, which is essential for guinea pigs and can help support healthy digestion. 

While they’re not a superfood, strawberries probably won’t cause your guinea pig any harm when fed in very small amounts. But feeding lots of strawberries can be detrimental for several reasons:  

• Bacterial overgrowth and digestive issues: Guinea pigs are hindgut fermenters, which means they digest plants through fermentation in their intestines. To keep things moving properly, they require specific fibers found predominantly in hay, says Dr. Tyson. Too much sugar from strawberries can promote overgrowth of the wrong bacteria in the cecum, the first part of the large intestine. This bacterial overgrowth can lead to gastrointestinal (GI) stasis, a life-threatening disease process in which the gut stops working. 
• Dental disease: Over time, recurrent or prolonged GI stasis can contribute to dental disease and malnutrition, since nutrients aren’t being absorbed in the digestive tract. 
• Weight gain and obesity: Over time, a high-sugar diet can cause weight gain and obesity. This can lead to joint disease and decreased mobility. 
• Refusal to eat other foods: Once your guinea pig tastes this sweet treat, they may start refusing their normal diet of hay and pellets, because they don’t enjoy it as much. If your guinea pig starts refusing to eat, contact your veterinarian. 
• Allergic reactions: Although rare, strawberries can trigger an allergic reaction. If you notice excessive itching or swelling, call your veterinarian immediately. 

Because they’re higher in sugar than vegetables, fruits are considered treats to guinea pigs. As such, they should be fed in moderation, making up no more than 5% of your cavy’s daily diet. The rest should come from a well-balanced diet of high-quality grass hay, fresh veggies, and pellets. 

As for the serving size, Sayrah Gilbert, DVM, DABVP, education committee chair of the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians, recommends giving a small piece—about the size of a thumbnail—to healthy adult guinea pigs no more than once a week. 

You shouldn’t give strawberries to baby guinea pigs, overweight guinea pigs, or cavies with underlying health problems.  

Dr. Tyson adds that a good way to minimize sugar intake is to give your guinea pig the top of the strawberry (the green part) with only a small amount of the fruit attached. 

In addition to being mindful about serving size, there are some other things to consider when giving this berry treat to your guinea pig. Here are some tips for safely feeding strawberries: 

• Choose fresh strawberries. Opt for fresh strawberries. Nothing you feed your guinea pig should be spoiled or moldy. 
• Avoid canned, frozen, dried, and sugared varieties. Some packaged strawberries contain added sugar that can be detrimental to your cavy’s health.  
• Wash strawberries thoroughly. Wash the strawberries well before giving them to your guinea pig. 
• Remove any stems. Remove tough stems; the leaves are OK. 
• Cut into small pieces. Dr. Gilbert says to give your guinea pig no more than a thumbnail’s size in one sitting, but you may want to chop the strawberry into even smaller pieces for easier eating. 

Because a guinea pig’s diet doesn’t typically contain sugar, too many strawberries at once can cause digestive upset. If your guinea pig overdoes it, it can cause: 

• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea 
• Refusal to eat other food 

If you notice these signs after giving your guinea pig strawberries, contact your vet for advice on what to do next. If diarrhea or vomiting is severe, your vet may recommend bringing your guinea pig in for some supportive care. 

Because of the potential risks, fruit is generally not recommended in a guinea pig’s diet. Most fruits aren’t toxic, though.  

So, what fruit can guinea pigs eat? The following are safe in moderation (0%–5% of the daily diet): 

• Apples 
• Blueberries 
• Bananas 
• Grapes 
• Kiwi 
• Oranges 
• Strawberries 
• Watermelon 

Q: Can baby guinea pigs eat strawberries? 

A: No, you shouldn’t give strawberries to baby guinea pigs, says Dr. Tyson. Their digestive systems are still developing, and sugar can negatively impact their health. 

Q: Can guinea pigs eat strawberry tops? 

A: Yes, guinea pigs can eat strawberry tops. Just make sure to remove any hard stems that may be difficult for them to eat. 

Q: Can guinea pigs eat strawberry leaves? 

A: Yes, guinea pigs can eat strawberry leaves. In fact, the leafy part of the strawberry is a healthier option than the strawberry itself, says Dr. Tyson. 

Q: What fruit is toxic to guinea pigs? 

A: Avocado, pear seeds, and apple seeds are all toxic to guinea pigs, according to Dr. Gilbert. While other fruits aren’t toxic per se, you shouldn’t give your guinea pig new fruits without talking to your vet.