Our full list of safe herbs for guinea pigs is the third article in our Guinea Pig Feeding Guide series!Download our guide for free! As a general rule, most guinea pig owners assume herbs contain too much calcium to be fed to their guinea pigs. However, there are so many herbs that are safe for your guinea pig plus they add a great variety boost to your guinea pigs bowl!
Make sure you check out our first two articles in the series where we discover what fruits and vegetables are safe for your piggies. We are on a mission to add some new, exciting and most importantly safe foods to your guinea pigs’ diet! We hope by creating a full list of safe herbs for guinea pigs will help!
Find Out More:
- Guinea Pig Herb Guide – At A Glance
- Can Guinea Pigs Eat Basil?
- Can Guinea Pigs Eat Chamomile?
- Can Guinea Pigs Eat Chives?
- Can Guinea Pigs Eat Corrinader?
- Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cress?
- Can Guinea Pigs Eat Dandelion?
- Can Guinea Pigs Eat Dill?
- Can Guinea Pigs Eat Fennel?
- Can Guinea Pigs Eat Lavender?
- Can Guinea Pigs Eat Marigolds?
- Can Guinea Pigs Eat Marjoram?
- Can Guinea Pigs Eat Mint?
- Can Guinea Pigs Eat Oregano?
- Can Guinea Pigs Eat Parsley?
- Can Guinea Pigs Eat Rose Hips?
- Can Guinea Pigs Eat Rosemary?
- Can Guinea Pigs Eat Sage?
- Can Guinea Pigs Eat Tarragon?
- Can Guinea Pigs Eat Thyme?
- Disclaimer
Guinea Pig Herb Guide
Most guinea pig owners wish there was a complete and comprehensive list of all the herbs that clearly define what is safe and not safe. Wish no longer as we have created one and best of all it’s completely free! We don’t believe in charging for information that should be freely available!
So feel free to download the below the full list of safe herbs for guinea pigs for free:
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Basil?
Guinea pigs can indeed eat Basil. Basil is full of vitamin C that guinea pigs are unable to make themselves. Ensure you just give them a few leaves mixed in with their usual greens.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Chamomile?
Chamomile is a great herb to be fed to your guinea pigs! If you have an anxious or nervous piggie then chamomile is the herb you have been missing! Chamomile is also great at easing pain and some digestive issues. They can’t however drink Chamomile tea. Dried Chamomile is suitable for guinea pigs but just a sprinkle. If you have a long-haired guinea pig, be prepared for some serious grooming!
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Chives?
Guinea pigs can not eat Chives. They contain sulfur compounds which can be fatal to your guinea pigs.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Corrinader?
Coriander ( also known as Cilantro) is completely safe for your guinea pigs. It is so safe that it can be eaten daily! Ensure you wash it and only ever feed it fresh. Coriander is also very easy to grow!
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cress?
Yes, Cress (also known as Watercress) is safe for guinea pigs. Cress packs a Vitamin C punch in a good way plus it contains a fair amount of water. They will still need fresh water available though in their bowl or bottle.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Dandelion?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat dandelions. They will eat the whole thing too – flower, stalk and leaf! Dandelions are great for preventing UTIs and can help boost respiratory function. If feeding fresh, it’s much better to be straight out of your garden. It needs to be clean and not sprayed with pesticides or urine. Dried can be eaten but in smaller amounts.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Dill?
Dill is safe for guinea pigs but the seeds are not! Dill contains some fibre and calcium which is a great health benefit for your guinea pigs.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Fennel?
Whilst Fennel is safe for your guinea pig it should be fed in limited quantities. It is a great source of fibre but is lower in Vitamin C than other herbs.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Lavender?
Similarly to Chamomile, Lavender can have a wonderfully calming effect on guinea pigs. Our piggies are not keen on the taste at all! If yours are though, it’s a treat that is shared by you and them!
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Marigolds?
Marigolds are great for your guinea pig and can help prevent worms and digestive upsets. Only feed them the flower heads though! Dried can be fed but is best mixed with hay.
Can guinea Pigs Eat Marjoram?
Whilst guinea pigs can eat Marjoram we wouldn’t. There is a distinct lack of information regarding the feeding of Marjoram. Whilst technically safe, it contains high levels of calcium making it dangerous if fed often. Stick to a little once a month at most.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Mint?
Mint is loved by most guinea pigs and the good news is, it is perfectly safe! We like to serve our long-haired guinea pig chocolate, some mint and cucumber on a hot summer’s day whilst she’s lying on a cool pad!
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Oregano?
Oregano is safe for guinea pigs but due to high amounts of calcium, it should be limited to once a week.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Parsley?
Parsley can be enjoyed by your guinea pigs so long as they have no history of bladder issues. Parsley contains lots of nutrients which are good for your guinea pig including Vitamins A, C and K.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Rose Hips?
Rose hips make a great treat for your guinea pig! Be warned though – they are high in sugar!
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Rosemary?
Yes, guinea pigs can enjoy rosemary. It is high in Vitamins A and C. A few leaves once a week help add some variety to your guinea pig’s diet.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Sage?
There are many contrasting opinions surrounding Sage. Popular opinion is a few leaves once a month is fine however we don’t feed it to our piggies.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Tarragon?
Tarragon is a herb similar to Sage, as not much is known about its effect on guinea pigs. It is very high in calcium which can be fatal to guinea pigs so if you choose to feed it, then limit it to once a month.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Thyme?
Thyme is fine to feed your guinea pig. They can enjoy a few sprigs several times a week. Thyme is fabulous for your guinea pig’s respiratory system.
Disclaimer
Always monitor anything new that your guinea pigs are given to eat. The best way to know what your guinea pigs like and dislike is by keeping a close watch over how they behave.
Be mindful of changes to their droppings, urine and behaviour to discover what herbs your guinea pigs like! Check out the RSPCA’s guide on introducing new foods to your guinea pig’s diet.
If in doubt always contact your vet for advice.
