Tomatoes are vegetables full of many valuable vitamins and minerals.
There are endless recipes for tomato dishes, and it’s no wonder that they are some of the most beloved vegetables in the world. But what about giving to your lovely guinea pigs?
Can guinea pigs eat them?
Guinea Pigs can eat tomatoes as long as there is parental supervision so they don’t eat too many in one sitting. It is necessary to be careful since the ingestion of large quantities of tomatoes can cause serious heart problems and complications of the nervous system. This is brought about by the chemicals used during tomatoes cultivation.
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Are tomatoes safe for guinea pigs?
There has been a long debate about rabbits and tomatoes.
The truth is that in small quantities, the fruit is good for them, mainly because it is a very nutritious food, which contains vitamins, minerals, fiber, and natural antioxidants.
This helps to strengthen the immune system and, consequently, preventing various health problems.
On the other hand, the green tomato should not be consumed by rabbits.
This is because they contain a chemical compound called glicoalcalóide, which is highly toxic for them.
They can cause some complications such as the accumulation of gases, vomits, and diarrhea.
Benefits of guinea pigs eating tomatoes
Tomatoes have many benefits, especially for the elderly guinea pigs.
They help in preventing the symptoms of old age and even helps in stabilizing metabolism.
They contain many natural antioxidants, such as vitamin C and lipo-carotene, which fight the action of free radicals in guinea pigs’ body and cellular damage as well.
Vitamin A and B complex are also present which helps in the development of the immune system which prevents most diseases.
In addition, they help in improving the vision and health of the guinea pigs’ skin.
The fruit is also a great ally in the prevention of urinary infections, since it offers a good supply of water, contributing against cases of dehydration.
Also, they have a diuretic and purifying effect which helps eliminate toxins and maintain excellent kidney activity.
Tomatoes are packed with compounds that are beneficial to humans and pets.
One of them is fiber, which is essential for the proper functioning of the digestive system.
This makes the guinea pig get optimal levels of fiber that ensure better nutrient absorption, good metabolism, and better bowel movements. In addition, tomatoes offer the following nutrients:
- Potassium helps maintain cardiovascular health to regular electric charges of the heart, nerves, and muscles.
- Antioxidants help reduce oxidative damage in the body of the guinea pig. Maintaining healthy levels of antioxidants in your pet’s diet will help protect it from numerous health conditions that arise from free radicals.
Vitamins and minerals contained in tomatoes:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A is very responsible for the health of guinea pigs’ vision, especially night vision.
- Vitamin C is largely responsible for the reduction of cardiovascular disease.
- Vitamins A and C help the guinea pig have healthier skin and also help in healing wounds.
Nutritional Value in one small Tomato
| Calories | 16 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 0.2g |
| Sodium | 5mg |
| Carbohydrates | 3.5g |
| Fiber | 1.1g |
| Sugar | 2.4 g |
| Protein | 0.8g |
Why guinea pigs eat only ripe tomatoes?
Immature tomatoes contain some substances that are not good for the body of guinea pigs, so we recommend that you offer only ripe and very red tomatoes.
Toxic substances are in high concentration in the stem and leaves of the tomato.
These toxins are also contained in green tomatoes.
Ripe and red tomatoes have minimal amounts of these toxins and hence are safe and healthy for guinea pigs.
Even if your guinea pigs eat large amounts of red and ripe tomatoes, it is almost impossible for it to have a problem.
It is always important to ensure that no green or immature tomatoes are feed to the guinea pig as this may cause health problems.
Here are some symptoms of poisoning:
- Stomach upset
- Intestinal pain
- Vomit
- Diarrhea
- Dilated pupils
- Excessively salivating
- Increased heart rate
- Shortness of breath
- Lack of motor coordination
If your guinea pigs experience any of the above-mentioned systems, get in touch with your vet immediately.
Can guinea pigs eat tomato sauce?
The answer is yes, as long as it is homemade and prepared without using salt, spices, or preservatives that can harm the guinea pigs’ health.
Therefore, it is not recommended to offer your guinea pig an industrialized tomato sauce.
These products have great potential to cause stomach problems.
Since it is recommended that guinea pigs consume tomatoes in small quantities, owners can use it as a reward. Each time it repeats a positive behavior, a piece of the fruit or even a cherry tomato can be offered.
Can guinea pigs eat cherry tomatoes?
Cherry tomato goes very well in our salad. But can guinea pigs eat cherry tomatoes?
And the answer is yes, guinea pigs can eat cherry tomatoes.
The same rule applies to cherry tomatoes.
They can only be given to guinea pigs when they are very ripe and red. This ensures that no harm occurs after consumption, and on the contrary, bring benefits to its health.
If the cherry tomato is green, it is not recommended that your guinea pig eat it!
Can guinea pigs eat canned tomatoes?
Canned tomatoes contain many preservative additives.
So if you still think you can give your guinea pig, make sure the tomatoes are very ripe, so that there is no risk of contamination by the harmful substances in green tomatoes.
But this is a big risk so better avoid them!
What happens if my guinea pig eats a lot of tomatoes.
Do you think your guinea pig ate a lot of tomatoes? Then the following symptoms and signs can occur:
- Itching
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Listlessness
- Vomit
The consequences can be great with a large intake of unripe green tomatoes, although fortunately in most cases it will not be fatal.
You can let your guinea pig drink a lot of water and notify your vet for further treatment.
It is the owners’ responsibility to ensure guinea pigs do not overeat tomatoes.
Give it moderately to enjoy the full benefits that they come with.
Conclusion
To get back to our main issue, can guinea pigs eat tomatoes? guinea pigs can occasionally eat ripe, red tomatoes that are fresh. Such tomatoes are considered non-toxic.
It is advisable to wash this vegetable before giving it to your pet (this also applies to other vegetables and fruits).
As long as your pet doesn’t eat the unripe tomatoes and green parts of this vegetable, you have nothing to worry about.
You can also serve fresh homemade tomato sauce to your guinea pig. But beware of the source of the tomatoes as they should be free from chemicals.
