Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cherry Tomatoes? Vet-Approved Nutrition, Tips, & Risks
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Yes, guinea pigs can eat cherry tomatoes.1 However, unlike other fruits, be careful not to feed guinea pigs the seeds of any tomato or the leaves and stems. The flesh is the only safe part of cherry tomatoes (or other tomatoes).
Feeding your guinea pigs cherry tomatoes in moderation is a good idea. However, too much tomato can make your pocket pal ill.
In this article, you will learn how to prepare a tomato for your guinea pig and the risks and benefits associated with cherry tomatoes.
How Often Can You Feed Guinea Pigs Cherry Tomatoes?
Feeding one cherry tomato every other day to your guinea pig is considered safe. Since cherry tomatoes are sweet and contain vitamin C and fiber, they may become your pocket piggies’ favorite treat.
It’s not a good idea to feed your guinea pigs more than one cherry tomato due to the moderate oxalic acid content. There may also be a link to Cheilitis, a condition where your piggie forms scabs and sores at the corners of its mouth.If your piggy suffers from cheilitis then it would be best to skip tomatoes.
Also, too much acidic or citrus fruits will lead to indigestion and diarrhea. Your guinea pigs’ diet should consist mainly of hay, pellets and vegetables daily. Fruits are better to be given in moderation.
Nutritional Value of a Cherry Tomato
Guinea pigs cannot make their own vitamin C like dogs and cats can, so providing your guinea pigs with a vitamin-rich diet is essential. Cherry tomatoes (and other tomatoes) contain 13 mg of vitamin C per 100 g (⅔ cup).
Below is a diagram of the nutritional value of cherry tomatoes per 100 g.1
Cherry Tomato | Per 100 g |
Carbohydrates | 4 g |
Fiber | 1 g |
Calcium | 10 mg |
Potassium | 237 mg |
Vitamin A | 833 IU |
Vitamin K | 8 mcg |
Magnesium | 11 mg |
Potassium is responsible for regulating fluids and nerve signals, which provide energy. Potassium and other minerals like magnesium are vital to your pocket piggies’ health as it keeps them happy and active and improve brain function and stability.
What About Other Tomatoes?
Other tomatoes, like beefsteak and grape tomatoes, are healthy and safe to feed your guinea pig. While they each contain different nutritional facts, they all have three main components in common: vitamin C, fiber, and potassium.
Fibrous fruits and vegetables help maintain a healthy digestive system and promote teeth strength, while vitamin C helps strengthen the immune system, leading to less illness throughout your pet’s life.
If you want to let your guinea pig try other tomatoes, ensure you feed them one kind only, not different kinds all in one day. While giving your guinea pig a variety of fruits is alright, it’s best to feed them one kind of acidic or citrusy fruit per day.
Are There Risks to Feeding Guinea Pigs Cherry Tomatoes?
Although tomatoes include many health benefits for your guinea pig, there are risks if you feed them anything other than the fruit or by feeding them too many tomatoes:
- Pesticides: Wash all produce thoroughly before offering them.
- Rotten or unripe: Never feed your guineas rotten food. Unripe tomatoes (green) are toxic to the health of your guinea pig.
- Processed products: Canned or processed tomatoes contain additives and other ingredients that may be toxic and unhealthy for your guinea. Always feed them fresh tomatoes.
- High sugar: Cherry tomatoes contain a high sugar content which can lead to obesity and heart issues in the long run. Moderation is best.
Remember to feed your guinea pigs tomatoes in moderation—no more than one cherry tomato every other day. It’s also a good idea to not feed tomatoes to young guinea pigs 8 months or younger.
Preparing Tomatoes for Guinea Pigs
Speaking of risks, the most dangerous side effect to your guinea pig that stems from feeding them cherry tomatoes is if you feed them any non-fruit part of the tomato. Be careful not to feed your pocket pal stems, leaves, or unripe tomatoes, as this will cause them to get ill due to tomatine poisoning.
Tips for a Healthy Guinea Pig Diet
- Provide them with a constant supply of hay.
- Always offer fresh, clean water.
- Supplement their diet with healthy vegetables and occasional fruit.
- Offer foods high in vitamin C.
- Offer treats in moderation.
- Always check to ensure human foods are safe for your pigs.
Final Words
So, are cherry tomatoes safe to feed your guinea pigs? Cherry and other types of tomatoes contain many vitamins and minerals essential for the overall health of your guinea pigs. Keep in mind that overfeeding your guinea pig tomatoes can result in illness, obesity, and digestive problems, though.
Go ahead and feed your guinea pigs cherry tomatoes, but remember, moderation is key.
Featured Image Credit: JumpStory