Pet owners understandably want to provide our guinea pigs with nutritious foods, but certain ones pose health risks that should not be given. Chives contain disulfides which damage red blood cells.
Citrus cilantro, on the other hand, can make an ideal food source for guinea pigs as it contains high levels of vitamin C while having minimal calcium and oxalic acid content.
Contents
1. Lavender
Lavender (Pimpinella anisum) is a safe herb for guineas to consume; however, they should only have it occasionally as it could potentially trigger allergic reactions in them. Therefore, only offer it occasionally and not as part of their regular diet.
As with any herb, when giving lavender to guineas make sure it’s organic and grown without pesticides. Give only small quantities at once since this high calcium herb could lead to kidney stones in guineas.
Lavender contains anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe indigestion, as well as reduce anxiety, stress, and induce sleepiness. Furthermore, lavender can prevent parasites and bacteria in your guinea’s stomach and intestinal tract, improve their appetite, boost their immune system, and is an excellent addition to their diet.
2. Oregano
Cilantro (coriander) is an aromatic fresh herb that guinea pigs can enjoy in small doses, similar to parsley in its nutritional content and presence of Vitamin C. However, unlike parsley it also boasts calcium and oxalic acid-rich characteristics; therefore it should only be fed once or twice every week as part of their regular meal routine.
Oregano contains volatile oils which can trigger sensitive noses in guinea pigs; cilantro does not. While its intense fragrance might put some off initially, they quickly adjust. Plus, cilantro provides many nutritional benefits including Vitamin C, potassium, calcium, iron and folate!
Always purchase or grow herbs organically, as non-organic versions could contain harmful fungi, bacteria, pesticides or toxins that could make your guinea pig sick. Always rinse all herbs carefully prior to giving them to your piggies for consumption and avoid using thyme as its high calcium content may contribute to bladder stone formation.
3. Parsley
Parsley can be a beneficial herb to feed to guinea pigs on occasion. It provides essential vitamin C for their immune systems and overall wellbeing, and contains iron for faster recovery after wounding or supporting healthy body growth.
Parsley can also help prevent common ailments in guinea pigs, such as bloat and diarrhea. Just make sure they receive their required amount.
However, it’s important to remember that many other herbs should be avoided because they could pose serious dangers for your little furry friend. Chives, onions, garlic, leeks and shallots should never be given as these contain disulfides that damage red blood cells; additionally they contain calcium and oxalic acid which could contribute to kidney stone formation.
4. Basil
Guinea pigs must consume an assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables in order to get all of the essential vitamins and nutrients they require for good health. Herbs such as basil can add an exciting new taste to their diets while providing additional minerals. It is important that only small amounts of basil leaves be fed; overfeeding may result in harmful estragole compounds being released, potentially harming guinea pigs if ingested too frequently.
When feeding your guinea pigs basil, make sure that its leaves are free from pesticides and preservatives. While you can purchase pre-cleaned and dried basil at grocery stores, growing your own is best in order to ensure quality herbs without pesticides or preservatives added as ingredients.
Sweet Genovese basil is an easy and safe food option for guinea pigs to consume, boasting dark green leaves with a delicious lemon scent and rich in vitamins A, K and C, along with calcium magnesium iron manganese and more.
