Last updated on January 22nd, 2023 at 07:08 pm
Guinea pigs are herbivores that can eat herbs to improve their health. In nature, there is a wide variety of safe and healthy herbs that guinea pigs can eat.
Of course, some herbs are toxic and can cause harmful consequences to our pets.
That’s why in today’s article we will look at a complete list of herbs for guinea pigs, and tips on how to feed your pets.
Herbs offer several benefits to guinea pigs that should be used in their diet.
Hay is the main part of the diet of guinea pigs with 80%, and the rest are vegetables, fruits, and herbs with which our pets will get the nutrients they need to be healthy and live longer.
Moderation is the key to good health in guinea pigs, the same applies to eating herbs, one should not overdo their consumption.
A large number of herbs also contain nutrients that are in a high percentage, such as calcium.
Calcium is important in the diet of guinea pigs, but it must not be overdone, therefore herbs should be represented in limited quantities and eaten 2-3 times a week.
List of safe and healthy herbs for guinea pigs
Let’s start with the list of safe herbs to eat for guinea pigs.
Of course, pay attention to the amount that you will give them, so that they have the best possible benefits, without consequences for their health.
Pay particular attention to calcium, which is large in many herbs.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Lemongrass?
Yes, lemongrass is completely safe for our furry friends. This herb contains vitamins and minerals including vitamin C and calcium.
Too much of this herb, specifically citronella oil, can be very dangerous, even causing death in guinea pigs if ingested in excessive amounts.
Lemon grass should only be eaten by adult guinea pigs, while babies should not because they can choke.
Can guinea pigs eat arugula?
Arugula is a very interesting vegetable that is distinguished by its specific taste and green color.
This vegetable contains good nutrients, vitamins, and many minerals such as calcium and iron that guinea pigs need.
There is vitamin C in arugula, but not in a large amount, and this vitamin is too important because they cannot produce it themselves, so they have to get it through food.
Arugula can be given twice a week to guinea pigs with a few leaves, but it cannot be the main vegetable mainly because of the small amount of vitamin C.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Lemon Balm?
Yes, guinea pigs can enjoy this herb as a healthy option for their diet.
It contains vitamins and minerals which are reason enough to give them to guinea pigs.
It has a very strong smell that some guinea pigs do not like. In any case, this herb has no cholesterol and is good for our furry friends.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Dandelion?
Guinea pigs can safely eat dandelions, this plant is completely safe for their health.
Our furry friends can eat all parts of the dandelion:
- leaves
- a plant
- flowers
- stems
- roots
There is a lot of calcium, vitamins C, A, K, antioxidants, and potassium in the dandelion.
Dandelion contains good amounts of vitamin C, which reduces the chance of scurvy. Due to a large amount of calcium, our pets should not be given too much.
Can guinea pigs eat clover?
Guinea pigs will enjoy safely eating clover as long as they eat moderate amounts.
There is a lot of calcium in clover, which is why it should not be given to them more than 2-3 times a week.
Guinea pigs can eat clover stems, grass, and flowers in moderation.
Can guinea pigs eat endives?
Endives are a safe food for guinea pigs, but the quantity should be taken care of.
There are many antioxidants in this herb that help to improve the health of the heart, lungs, eyes, and brain of guinea pigs.
By eating endive, guinea pigs extend their life span.
Read more: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Endive? Benefits And Risks
Can guinea pigs eat basil?
Basil is a very popular herb with a flavor that our furry friends love.
This herb has large amounts of calcium and smaller amounts of vitamin C in addition to a good amount of antioxidants.
Sometimes guinea pigs get allergic when they consume basil, so it is necessary to be careful when giving them this herb.
Guinea pigs can eat both the leaves and the stems quite safely.
Due to a large amount of calcium, basil must be carefully given to guinea pigs and cannot be the main part of their diet, but dessert can of course be.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Mint?
Mint is one of the favorite herbs of guinea pigs because of its taste and smell.
They can also consume the leaves and stems, but in moderate quantities due to a large amount of calcium.
There is a good amount of vitamin C in this herb, but the calcium does not allow you to give them too much to eat.
Give your pets a few mints leaves twice a week, it is completely safe.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Parsley?
Parsley is a very popular herb on the guinea pig menu because of its unique smell. This herb is characterized by a rich amount of vitamin C, as well as other nutrients,
However, there is a lot of calcium and oxalates in parsley, which in larger quantities can harm the guinea pig and cause the appearance of kidney stones.
Therefore, care should be taken that the amount does not exceed a few stems two to three times a week.
There is an interesting way to easily know if your pet is consuming too much calcium, by its dry whites from urination, so you will notice that it needs to be reduced by calcium intake.
read more: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Parsley? (Benefits And Risks)
Can guinea pigs eat cilantro?
Cilantro is also known as coriander, that is, an herb that has a fresh smell that guinea pigs like.
This herb has an intense smell, which is why at first a guinea pig may refuse to eat it, but in a short time, he will get used to this herb.
Cilantro has a good amount of vitamin C and a smaller amount of calcium.
The good side of this herb is that calcium and iron are in an excellent combination that will not allow the appearance of kidney stones, which is of great importance.
Cilantro is much better for healthy guinea pigs than for pregnant or injured guinea pigs because it has less of a blood clotting ability and care must be taken.
A few times a week is quite enough for the guinea pigs to make the best use of the cilantro benefit.
Can guinea pigs eat dill?
This herb is high in vitamin C, making it healthy and safe for our furry friends.
However, it must be noted that calcium is also very present in the composition of dill with 210 mg per 100 grams.
Therefore, it is best to give dill to the guinea pigs in small quantities several times a week.
Can guinea pigs eat fennel?
Fennel is a safe and healthy herb for guinea pigs to eat as they can eat both the leaves and bulbs of this herb.
As for the composition, it has a little vitamin C, but also many other nutrients, including calcium, fiber, and others.
Twice a week is fine for guinea pigs with a few stems or a little bulb each to get the best benefits.
You can also mix it together with other vegetables to make the meal itself richer in nutrients.
Can guinea pigs eat thyme?
Thyme contains many nutrients and a lot of vitamin C similar to parsley and is therefore a completely safe and healthy herb for our pets.
The only barrier to giving larger amounts is a large amount of calcium, even 400 mg per 100 grams, which is too much for guinea pigs.
Thyme should be given to guinea pigs once every two weeks so that they do not have problems with kidney stones.
Thyme is great for baby guinea pigs who need more calcium at the beginning for proper growth and development.
Can guinea pigs eat raspberry leaves?
In the composition of raspberry leaves, there is a normal level of vitamin C and calcium, a larger amount of fiber that is great for their digestive system.
Raspberry leaves can be given to guinea pigs several times a week as the composition allows it.
These leaves are completely safe for our pets and can be eaten by them.
Can guinea pigs eat strawberry leaves?
Strawberry leaves are safe for guinea pigs, as is the red fruit itself.
The leaves are so tasty that some guinea pigs even prefer the leaves to the fruit itself.
A few times a week is quite enough for the guinea pigs to eat and use the nutrients in the best possible way.
Can guinea pigs eat chamomile?
Yes, chamomile is a completely safe herb for guinea pigs, which is characterized by soft leaves.
Chamomile has sedative properties and a calming effect on our furry friends.
However, it should not be overdone and should be given in moderation to guinea pigs, too much chamomile will make our pets sleepy.
Can guinea pigs eat plantains?
Plantains are safe for guinea pigs, you can give them both broad-leafed and narrow-leafed ones.
Plantains are often found outside, they can be easily found and given to our furry friends.
Just make sure they are always well washed and clean before serving to the guinea pigs.
read more: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Plantains? All You Need To Know
Herbs that can be eaten by guinea pigs but with caution
In this list, some herbs are not toxic, but the amount must be taken care of due to high levels of calcium, or insufficient information about their composition and effect on guinea pigs.
Can guinea pigs eat oregano?
There is too much calcium in the composition of oregano, or instead 1600 mg per 100 grams, which is really extreme.
The difference in the amount of calcium compared to other herbs is too big and ten times more.
Therefore, this herb is enough to give them just a little once a month or every two months.
Since it has a lot of calcium, oregano is good for baby guinea pigs, but after prior consultation with a veterinarian about the allowed amount.
Can guinea pigs eat sage?
While we are talking about sage, we must mention that although it is not poisonous, we should be careful about the amount that we will give to the guinea pigs.
Sage contains many essential oils that can cause digestive problems in guinea pigs.
Our recommendation is to give them a small amount of sage or to avoid it in the diet of guinea pigs.
Can guinea pigs eat marjoram?
Marjoram is distinguished by a large amount of calcium, which means that it should not be given to guinea pigs in large quantities.
In small quantities, it is quite acceptable for guinea pigs, although there is not much information about the benefits or disadvantages of this herb for our furry friends.
Our recommendation is to give them once every few weeks, while we wait to find out some new information about the effect of marjoram on guinea pigs.
Can guinea pigs eat lavender?
Lavender has similar calming effects as chamomile, and it also contains a small amount of vitamin C.
Because it is high in calcium and essential oils, it is not recommended to give too much to guinea pigs.
They can occasionally consume it, but with care, so that there are no problems with the health of the guinea pigs.
Can guinea pigs eat rosemary?
Rosemary is an herb that in its rich composition of nutrients has a lot of vitamins C and A, but therefore also has a lot of calcium.
Indeed, vitamins are great for the health of guinea pigs, but calcium prevents eating in larger quantities.
That is why guinea pigs must not allow themselves too much of this herb, once a week or every two weeks in small quantities is quite enough.
Can guinea pigs eat yarrow?
Since there is not much information about this herb, care should be taken when giving it to guinea pigs.
Yarrow is not known to be poisonous, but you can still give small amounts to your pets with great supervision.
Speaking of this herb, it’s best to give it only occasionally until we know more about its nutrients and effects on guinea pig health.
Can guinea pigs eat tarragon?
Tarragon contains a lot of vitamin C, as well as other vitamins and minerals, which is a good solution for occasional food for guinea pigs.
But since there is not enough information about its effect on guinea pigs, we should be careful when we serve it to them.
We should be careful and we have to stop feeding immediately if we notice any side effects on our pets.
Dangerous herbs for guinea pigs
We have also come to the list of dangerous herbs for guinea pigs, or rather herbs that you should not give them to eat.
Before we start with the list, we should say that if guinea pigs ever eat any of the dangerous herbs, they should be immediately taken to a veterinarian to examine them and help them.
Can guinea pigs eat Chives?
Chives are too dangerous an herb for guinea pigs to eat.
The composition of this herb contains disulfides that can damage red blood cells and cause fatal consequences in guinea pigs.
Not only chives is dangerous for guinea pigs, but all herbs and vegetables belonging to this family are also dangerous:
- leek
- garlic
- onions
Because they are all similar with a similar composition and can be dangerous to the life of the guinea pig.
Unknown herbs and plants that are potentially dangerous to guinea pigs
Many plants are toxic to guinea pigs or pose a potential health hazard.
Here is a list of plants toxic to guinea pigs:
daffodils, columbine, calla lily, other types of lilies, ferns, azalea, anemone, bluebells, foxglove, nightshade, geraniums, poppies, holly, mistletoe, hydrangea, honeysuckle, ivy, and yew.
Of course, this is not a final list, many others are toxic and dangerous for our pets and we should avoid them.
Whatever you are going to give your guinea pigs, whether they are herbs or plants, you should first make sure they are safe, otherwise there is no need to risk your pet’s health.
Can guinea pigs eat dry herbs?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat dried herbs, but be careful as some contain additives, preservatives, and other ingredients that can be dangerous for guinea pigs.
This especially applies to the dry herbs we buy, it is best to give them a mix of dried herbs specially made for guinea pigs.
Our suggestion is to buy a mixture of dried herbs for guinea pigs that contain:
- pea flakes
- organic dried dandelion
- rose petals
- marigold
- chamomile
Dry herbs, just like fresh herbs, have a lot of nutrients and calcium, which is why the amount should be moderate again.
Calcium in herbs for guinea pigs
Too much calcium is harmful to guinea pigs and can lead to kidney stones in guinea pigs.
In the list that we have shown you, there is a large number of herbs that contain calcium more than the allowed amount for our pets, so you should be careful when you feed them.
It is best to give them small amounts of herbs with a lot of calcium two to three times a week so that they do not have health problems,
Another tip is to balance the food, more precisely when you give them calcium, that day give them another food with little or no calcium.
If guinea pigs have white spots in their urine, it is a sign that they have too much calcium in their bodies.
To bring their calcium level back to normal, you should give them food with more water, it will help to normalize this condition.
Herbs for Baby Guinea Pigs
In baby guinea pigs, the situation with eating herbs is different from adults.
They need larger amounts of calcium, and they should eat herbs that are rich in this mineral.
Of course, attention is needed and it should not be given too often, two to three times a week food with herbs with a rich amount of calcium is enough.
Calcium in baby guinea pigs is the most important in the first 4 months, then they must take in the highest allowed amounts of calcium, from 4-6 months the amount of calcium intake should be reduced.
After 6 months, you no longer need to give them herbs with a lot of calcium.
Growing herbs for guinea pigs
You don’t need a garden to grow herbs for guinea pigs, especially for those who live indoors.
You can easily display small pots of basil and parsley in your room at home.
The advantage of growing herbs at home is that you will know that they do not contain any chemicals, and you will always be able to give the guinea pigs fresh food.
If you have your own garden, you can grow herbs for guinea pigs such as sage, rosemary, lavender, and thyme.
How to feed the guinea pig with herbs?
It is best if you can find organically grown herbs, they are the healthiest and contain no chemicals.
In the herbs, there are many vitamins and minerals such as calcium, of course, and others that are important for their health and longer life.
Always practice moderation and variety in the diet with herbs, two to three times a week is quite enough, since they are not the main food for guinea pigs.
When introducing a new food, start with small amounts in the beginning, so that the guinea pig can get used to the new taste.
Sometimes it takes more than one try to give them new food, but with persistence, you will eventually succeed and be sure that the guinea pig will be cheerful and happy.
Conclusion
Herbs are an essential part of a guinea pig’s diet and must be given occasionally to provide vitamin C and calcium as well as other nutrients.
Hay is the main food for guinea pigs, but they also need to eat herbs, vegetables, and fruits as additional food.
If you are not familiar with an herb, that is, you don’t know if it is harmful or not, then you don’t have to take the risk and give it to the guinea pigs.
We hope you liked the list of herbs for guinea pigs, and you can use it as information to know which herb has what benefits and risks for your guinea pig.
