What Kinds of Herbs Can Guinea Pigs Eat?

Guinea pigs are herbivores, meaning they consume only plant material. While the bulk of your guinea pig's diet should consist of appropriate store-bought pellets and timothy hay, your pet guinea pig will also enjoy a variety of fruits and vegetables, including fresh herbs.

  1. Healthy Herbs

    • Your guinea pig can eat a variety of fresh herbs. Some favorites may include basil, parsley, mint, thyme and cilantro. Basil and parsley are rich in vitamin A, which helps support adequate growth and development for your guinea pig. Dill is a good source of calcium. Guinea pigs are unable to manufacture vitamin C on their own. Herbs such as basil contain vitamin C, which is critical for your guinea pig's health. Experiment and see which herbs your guinea pig likes the most, and then rotate through a selection of these mixed in with other greens such as spinach, kale or even turnip greens.

    Herbs and Plants to Avoid

    • Don't give your guinea pig unfamiliar herbs and plants from around your yard. Unsafe herbs and plants include rhubarb leaves, azalea, buttercup, holly, ivy and wisteria. Bulb plants such as daffodil are toxic. Don't feed any greens to your guinea pig that may have come into contact with pesticides or other chemicals.

    How Much Is Too Much?

    • Your guinea pig should always have access to plenty of fresh timothy hay. When it comes to the green stuff, feed your guinea pig about a cup of fresh greens, including herbs, per guinea pig per day. Rotate through the fresh greens to make certain your guinea pig is getting all the vitamins and nutrients she needs. Offer sugary treats, such as carrots and fruit, only once or twice a week.

    Clean Eating is Healthy Eating

    • Guinea pigs have sensitive digestive systems, but they also love to eat. Feeding your guinea pig a variety of fresh greens to supplement her diet of pellets and hay is the best way to keep her healthy and happy. Make sure all the fresh food you feed your guinea pig is clean and thoroughly washed. Remove any uneaten greens from your guinea pig's cage within an hour after feeding. If you notice your guinea pig seems disinterested in food, or is sitting hunched in a corner of her cage, take her to the vet immediately.