Guinea pigs can enjoy eating herbs in small doses; only offer them sparingly, perhaps once or twice each week.
Dry or powdered herbs that have been exposed to salt or preservatives may cause illness in guinea pigs, so only feed your pet fresh, healthy herbs.
It is safe for guinea pigs to eat
If you want to give your guinea pig something tasty to snack on, thyme can be an ideal source of Vitamin C that can protect it against scurvy which could prove fatal for them.
Guinea pigs should eat some fresh thyme a couple of times each week as part of a regular feeding plan to provide essential vitamins to stay healthy and maintain weight management and digestion systems. Doing this also ensures their weight remains appropriate to keep them happy and content!
Iron and magnesium found in eggs provide essential elements that strengthen blood cells, helping prevent anemia and making this an extremely healthy treat for your guinea pig. Furthermore, its low sugar content makes this treat ideal as an afterschool snack!
Thyme contains many of the same essential vitamins and minerals found in other vegetables, plus fiber which aids digestion and regular bowel emptying. Fibre-rich diets are especially important for guinea pigs as their teeth require plenty of roughage for chewing – helping wear away tooth enamel and prevent dental problems.
Rosemary is another nutrient-rich herb that’s excellent for your guinea pig’s wellbeing, though be warned it should only be fed to them in small doses due to being high in calcium content.
Lavender is another safe herb to feed to their guinea pigs as it contains high concentrations of Vitamin A and C; making it an excellent natural source of antioxidants.
However, lavender contains essential oils which can be harmful for guinea pigs if consumed too freely. Therefore, for their own good and the sake of their health it’s wise to limit lavender consumption to occasional sprigs of lavendar only.
Guinea Pigs can benefit from eating an assortment of healthy fruit and vegetables such as apples, beetroot, cauliflower and dandelions in small amounts as snacks to maintain their weight. To do so safely.
It is not safe for guinea pigs to eat
Guinea Pigs can eat many herbs safely, though some must be restricted or offered only occasionally. Thyme contains high calcium levels and should only be fed occasionally to avoid possible kidney stones.
Most herbs should be introduced gradually into a guinea pig’s diet on an occasional basis for optimal health, alongside their regular staple diet of hay, pellets and fresh produce and fruit. As any new food may take some getting used to, start out slowly and see how your pet responds.
Guinea pigs require a balanced diet rich in calcium, iron and magnesium to remain healthy and strong while protecting them from diseases or conditions that could arise in their lives.
One of the essential nutrients guinea pigs require is Vitamin C. This nutrient helps produce blood cells and transform food into energy for energy production, so lacking it could leave your pet susceptible to diseases like Scurvy that could prove deadly.
Thyme is especially high in this nutrient and should only be given as part of their regular feeding routine, no more than once or twice every week or less. To stay safe and limit potential risks, only feed small quantities to fully grown guinea pigs at one time, in small doses such as one or two stems every few days at most.
Some guinea pigs like eating mint, which is an aromatic and sweet herb. Mint leaves and stems are safe to give to them but should be done so with caution due to high calcium content; any excess intake should be limited accordingly.
Other herbs to feed guinea pigs include coriander, dill, rosemary, parsley and basil – these all offer vitamins to your pet but be wary not to overdo it! It is best if they consume an assortment of different vegetables and fruits so as to get all their essential daily dose of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.