You’ve considered adding healthy herbs to your guinea pig’s diet, and you can find it is a wise decision. But perhaps you are unsure of what does and doesn’t work. You are not alone, and it helps to understand what herbs guinea pigs can eat.
Out of all the herbs you can find, you may ask, can you feed lemongrass as part of your guinea pigs’ diet? You will discover too much lemongrass and too much of many foods are not healthy. So, it helps to balance this out and see what most guinea pigs can eat and what they can’t.
In our guide, you can learn which organic herbs are best suited to be a part of your guinea pigs’ diet and which other herbs could be harmful. By the end, guinea pig owners can see how to deliver all the essential nutrients as an occasional treat and healthy snack to boost the immune system by adding lots of herbs to guinea pigs’ diet.
Is Lemongrass The Only Safe Grass For A Guinea’s Diet?
Fresh grass is safe for guinea pigs, yet your guinea pigs need fiber to digest grass. There are restrictions. Introduce guinea pig grass slowly. It may irritate their small stomach if not used to eating new grass.
Guinea pigs, like other grass-eaters, can capture parasite eggs in the soil and on grass blades. So, guineas who eat grass should be examined for intestinal parasites, as they may need to be dewormed by your vet.
Can Pet Guinea Pig Eat Grass Clover?
Guinea pigs can eat grass-clover. However, clover should only be consumed sparingly as a healthy treat because of its high calcium content.
Can Adult Guinea Pigs Eat Lemongrass?
Our guinea pigs cannot safely eat lemongrass as part of their diet since it includes too much calcium. Lemongrass shouldn’t be given to your guinea pigs because it contains citronella oil. Citronella oil is often used in making pest repellents, so you can see how strong it is.
The stems and leaves of lemongrass plants produce this oil. Because of this, it is highly harmful to our guinea pig’s, body especially if there is continual exposure. It is best to avoid feeding this herb and focus on other fresh herbs that offer more nutritional value.
Can Wheatgrass Harm Guinea Pigs?
A lot of guinea pigs eat wheatgrass. As a snack, wheatgrass can be a nourishing supplement to the regular diet of guinea pigs. Vitamins and amino acids are present. It is a great source of potassium, dietary fiber, vitamin A, and Vitamin C, among many other nutrients. Thus, serving wheatgrass to our guinea pigs is not a cause for concern.
Health Benefits of Lemongrass for Guinea Pigs
Even if lemongrass contains excess calcium and should be eaten too often, it does offer some health benefits.
Amazingly beneficial and rich in nutrients, lemongrass is a fantastic source of folate, vitamin C, and B1, B2, B3, B5, and B6.
It contains calcium, iron, and manganese as minerals.
The following are some health benefits of lemongrass for guinea pigs:
Cellular Health
Lemongrass is antioxidant-rich. Antioxidants shield cells from free radicals. Metabolism produces free radicals, and antioxidants may prevent disease.
Immune System
Lemongrass restores digestion, excretion, and respiration. Nutrient absorption and the immune system can improve.
Vitamin C
Guineas cannot produce this vitamin; thus, this is crucial. To sustain Vitamin C levels, they need it from outside sources. All bodily tissues need vitamin C to grow, develop, and heal, where it forms collagen, absorbs iron, and regulates the immune system.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Lemongrass Leaves?
No, you shouldn’t feed your guinea pigs lemongrass leaves. The leaves are difficult for them to chew even though they don’t contain any toxins. In contrast to milder grasses, Lemongrass leaves are stiff and have sharp edges that could slash their mouths as they chew.
Removing the leaves and allowing them to eat only the lemongrass stalk is recommended to be safe and avoid any issues.
How To Feed Lemongrass To Guinea Pigs?
For guinea pigs, lemongrass leaves are tough and challenging to chew. You can remove the leaves and feed them the stem to make the herb easier for them.
To prepare and feed them lemongrass, follow these steps:
Start by removing the top leaves and root ends from the lemongrass. All that will be left is the stem.
The remaining herb should be discarded because it is too tough for them to chew.
To get to the soft interior part of the herb’s stem, peel off the outer layer.
Give your guineas this soft part to enjoy.
How Much Grass To Feed Guinea Pigs?
Although lemongrass plants contain citronella oil, feeding them in small dosages is safe. Therefore, you must give one lemongrass stalk per week to adult guinea pigs.
Baby guinea pigs shouldn’t be given lemongrass. They are too young, and the herb could cause them to choke. Lemongrass will be too arduous on the small guinea pig’s digestive tract.
How Often To Feed Lemongrass To Guinea Pigs?
Lemongrass should be fed to your guinea pigs in moderation. This means once a week is enough of this herb for them. You don’t want them overeating lemongrass because of its citronella oil.
As long as you feed lemongrass to them only occasionally, you won’t need to worry about it causing any health issues.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Grass Seeds?
Many guinea pigs cannot eat grass seeds because of their high-fat content. Guinea pigs love to chew on them, yet it can affect our guinea pigs by making them obese.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Herbs?
For most guinea pigs, you can feed herbs for them to safely eat, although there are some considerations.
Even the healthiest herbs should be fed sparingly as part of a balanced diet of Timothy hay, guinea pig pellets, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Also, guinea pigs are individuals with different tastes. Some favor certain herbs over others. To find your pet’s favorite herb, try the ones below.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Parsley?
Guinea pigs enjoy parsley occasionally. Parsley is a vitamin-rich herb that most guinea pigs like. Parsley contains calcium and oxalic acid, which can cause bladder and kidney stones.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Chamomile?
Guinea pigs can safely eat chamomile. This plant has daisy-like flowers and fluffy leaves. Chamomile should be fed sparingly, like all herbs. If fed too much, guinea pigs can become sedated from this herb’s calming effect.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Thyme?
In small amounts, guinea pigs may eat thyme. Thyme is high in calcium and Vitamin C. You must limit the amount you give your pet.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Mint?
Mint is safe for guinea pigs. It’s high in calcium and low in Vitamin C, so don’t feed it to your pet often. The maximum is a few small leaves twice a week.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Basil?
A Guinea pig can safely eat basil, as can most other animals with a similar diet. Pets can eat all above-ground parts of the herb, including the stems. Basil is high in calcium but low in vitamin C, so it shouldn’t be a significant percentage of your pet’s diet. It is also one of your herbs that is easy to grow.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Oregano?
Due to its high calcium content, oregano is safe for guinea pigs in small amounts. Excess calcium can lead to unpleasant bladder and kidney stones that require expensive veterinary care.
Oregano doesn’t appeal to many guinea pigs; thus, your pet may not like it. If you feed your pet oregano, only offer a few small leaves every week.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Arugula?
Guinea pigs can eat arugula, which many like. However, arugula is high in calcium and low in Vitamin C, so it shouldn’t be a regular part of your pet’s diet. Feed your guinea pig arugula leaves once or twice a week.
Do Guinea Pigs Eat Endive?
Most guinea pigs like the taste of endive, another safe herb. Endive has a lot of calcium and little Vitamin C, so offer it to your pet once or twice a week.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Sage?
Sage may be safe for guinea pigs. Avoid offering it to your pet. Sage isn’t nutritious, so your pet won’t offer out. It’s also too fragrant for your pet.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Tarragon?
Guinea pigs can eat tarragon, and your guinea pig will enjoy tarragon’s sweetness. Tarragon is rich in vitamins A and C. It also contains minerals like calcium, copper, iron, manganese, magnesium, and iron.
Pigs benefit from the above nutrients. However, it is not a staple food.
Guinea pigs should only eat tarragon occasionally due to its high calcium content. Feed it in small quantities twice or three times a week.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Marjoram?
Guinea pigs can also safely eat marjoram. Marjoram is healthy for guinea pigs in small quantities; however, some despise its pungent taste.
Like other herbs, this herb has nutritional benefits, so your pig needs it, but not a lot.
To avoid calcium overload and bladder or kidney stones, kids should only receive the herb twice a week.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Chives?
Guinea pigs shouldn’t eat chives. Chives, onions, garlic, and shallots contain disulfide, which can damage red blood cells in pets.
Unfortunately, the damage caused by chives and related herbs can take time to appear, and many owners don’t know why their pet died.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Dill?
Dill is safe for guinea pigs but should not be overfed due to its high-calcium food. Just feed your pet sparingly. If your guinea pig doesn’t eat much dill, don’t worry.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Lavender?
Because it contains a lot of calcium, lavender is not a good herb to feed your guinea pig frequently. Although it is not poisonous, your guinea pig can occasionally enjoy eating lavender leaves.
Should Guinea Pigs Eat Fennel?
Fennel may not be safe for guinea pigs. The leaves and stems are untested, but it doesn’t seem poisonous. Therefore, avoid offering your guinea pig fennel, especially when there are many safe alternatives.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Rosemary?
Rosemary is controversial for guinea pigs. They’re not harmful to guinea pigs, but few trustworthy sources say they’re safe. Avoid feeding your pet this herb.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cilantro (Coriander)?
Guinea pigs can occasionally feed cilantro. However, cilantro is heavy in calcium and oxalic acid, so feed it sparingly. Don’t be surprised if your guinea pig doesn’t eat cilantro because of its pungent smell.
Conclusion
You can find the answer to can guinea pigs eat grass, lemongrass, and other herbs. Like most, you won’t find grass bad for piggies, although it should be fed in moderation.
