Can Guinea Pigs Eat Parsley? (How Much is Safe?)
This popular culinary herb is one of the most nutrient-rich superfoods on the planet. Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, the health benefits offered by this fresh green herb are substantial. But can guinea pigs eat this vitamin-packed green as well? Let’s find out!
Guinea pigs can eat Italian flat-leaf and curly parsley varieties. They are packed full of nutrients and health benefits for your piggy. However, the high calcium content can lead to stone development if fed frequently.
The countless health benefits of this herb make it one of the best foods you can feed your guinea pig. However, moderation is key! Throughout this article, I’ll cover the correct amounts and frequency to feed this super green in order to dodge the potential risks associated with it.
You can also check out the Guinea Pig Food Chart for an alphabetical list of everything your piggy can eat and how often they can have it, along with calcium and Vitamin C levels for each food.
*Important Note: The quantity of parsley shown in the photos is for visual purposes only and not indicative of the correct amount to feed your guinea pig in one serving.
Nutritional Value of Parsley for Guinea Pigs
Parsley is a very nutrient-dense herb for humans and guinea pigs. Below is a table outlining the nutritional data of parsley per 100 grams:
Nutrient | Amount (per 100g) |
Calories | 36 kcal |
Protein | 2.97 g |
Fat | 0.79 g |
Carbohydrate | 6.33 g |
Fiber | 3.3 g |
Sugar | 0.85 g |
Vitamin C | 133 mg |
Calcium | 138 mg |
Phosphorus | 58 mg |
Magnesium | 50 mg |
Potassium | 554 mg |
Iron | 6.2 mg |
Folate | 152 µg |
Vitamin A | 8420 IU |
Vitamin K | 1640 µg |
Benefits of Feeding Parsley to Guinea Pigs
Parsley has substantial health benefits for people and guinea pigs alike. It is nutrient-dense but very low in calories and sugar, making it an excellent food for proper weight maintenance.
Parsley is High in Vitamin C and Provides a Great Source of Other Nutrients
This herb is extremely rich in Vitamin K, which is critical for blood clotting and good bone health.
It is also an excellent source of Vitamins C, A, and folate. Vitamin C is particularly important for guinea pigs as, like people, they cannot manufacture their own and need to get it through their diet.
Vitamin C also has strong antioxidant effects that can help protect the body against many ailments. Vitamin C deficiencies can lead to a compromised immune system and painful diseases like scurvy.
Parsley is an excellent source of Vitamin C. It is right on par with bell peppers for some of the highest Vitamin C foods you can feed your piggy.
Just ten sprigs of parsley contain about 13mg of Vitamin C for your guinea pig. The average healthy guinea pig requires 10-30mg per day, so parsley can fulfill a significant chunk of that.
Parsley is Very Antioxidant-Rich
In addition to its vitamin content, parsley is extremely rich in antioxidants. These compounds strengthen the body by neutralizing free radicals. These radicals can build up and cause cell damage and disease if not kept in check. Eating foods high in antioxidants, like parsley, helps to balance the levels of free radicals and thus may prevent infections and diseases like cancer, heart disease, and even other chronic conditions.
Parsley also contains some antioxidants called lutein, beta carotene, and zeaxanthin, which are beneficial for eye health. These compounds can help enhance your guinea pig’s vision and protect the eyes from disease.
Risks of Feeding Your Guinea Pig Parsley
Parsley is quite high in calcium, which is one of the biggest concerns with feeding it. Some calcium in your guinea pig’s diet is perfectly fine, but problems can occur if fed frequently or in addition to several other high-calcium foods. If your guinea pig has had previous problems with bladder stones or sludge, parsley may be a good herb to avoid.
Most healthy guinea pigs benefit from having parsley in their food rotation, but be sure to balance the diet with some low-calcium foods.
Also, keep an eye out for dried white pee stains (calcium deposits) in your guinea pig’s cage. If you see this, be sure to cut back on high-calcium veggies and encourage your guinea pig to eat watery, low-calcium foods like lettuce and cucumber until the calcium marks disappear.
Parsley is also relatively high in oxalates, which can also contribute to kidney stone development.
As with everything, moderation is key. It’s also a good idea to ensure your guinea pig drinks plenty of clean, fresh water to flush out any excess minerals in their body.
Like with other foods, there is always a chance that your guinea pig is allergic or has a bad reaction to parsley. This is rare, but it’s always important to introduce new foods gradually and keep an eye on your guinea pig in case they have an adverse reaction.
How Often Can Guinea Pigs Eat Parsley?
Guinea pigs can eat 5-10 sprigs of parsley 1-2 times a week. It’s a good idea to spread out the days so you aren’t feeding parsley on back-to-back days. Feed it less frequently if you also feed other dark leafy greens or a variety of herbs like mint, dill, and thyme, as these all contain high levels of calcium. Parsley should not be fed to guinea pigs every day due to its high calcium content.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Italian Parsley?
Guinea pigs can safely eat Italian (also known as flat-leaf) parsley. This variety of parsley tends to be more flavorful with soft, flat leaves.
Many guinea pigs love the leafy texture, but the taste preference will vary significantly from one piggy to another. Guinea pigs that love eating other herbs like cilantro or basil may appreciate the slightly aromatic taste of Italian parsley.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Curly Parsley?
Guinea pigs can also eat curly parsley. Some guinea pigs prefer the curly texture and milder flavor over the Italian parsley, which tends to have a stronger taste.
Curly parsley has a taste described as being mild and grass-like, which often appeals to guinea pigs.
Do Guinea Pigs Like Parsley?
Parsley is generally very popular with guinea pigs. They usually love the flavor and leafy green texture.
My pigs hold foods like radicchio and carrots in higher regard, but parsley is still up there in popularity. If your guinea pig doesn’t like one variety, try the other.
Many guinea pigs will refuse Italian parsley but happily munch on curly parsley, as this variety tends to be milder and grass-like in flavor.
However, all guinea pigs have their own likes and dislikes. If they aren’t overly fond of parsley, you can try foods like apples, watermelon, tomatoes, or broccoli.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Parsley Stems?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat all parts of the parsley plant, including the leaves and stems. Offer a few sprigs (stem with leaves) at a time so your guinea pig can enjoy both parts together.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Parsley Flakes?
Guinea pigs should not eat parsley flakes that are made for people. These are often used as cooking spices and frequently contain salt or other additives that are not safe for guinea pigs. You can feed them dried parsley that is made specifically for small animals or dry some out yourself with nothing added to it.
Interestingly, dried parsley contains even more antioxidants than the fresh version. However, it is crucial to feed dried parsley in minimal amounts as the high calcium content is concentrated into a smaller portion when dried.
Can Baby Guinea Pigs Eat Parsley?
Baby guinea pigs can eat parsley, but it’s crucial to introduce it slowly. Parsley is one of the best foods for young guinea pigs. It contains adequate amounts of calcium and Vitamin C, which are both essential for healthy growth.
Baby guinea pigs that are still nursing do not need many fresh vegetables as they get the necessary nutrients from their mother’s milk. However, giving them a small taste of parsley is a good way to introduce them to it early. You can also feed extra parsley to nursing mothers as they need the nutrients to keep their energy up and produce healthy milk for their young.
Once baby guinea pigs are weaned around 3-4 weeks old, you can gradually increase the amount of parsley you feed them. Parsley can be offered to baby guinea pigs a little more frequently than adults, as they will use the extra calcium for bone development. Every other day is a good frequency to offer parsley to growing guinea pigs.
How to Prepare and Feed Parsley to Your Guinea Pig
To feed parsley to your guinea pig, start by giving it a thorough rinse and remove any old or yellowed leaves from the bunch.
If your guinea pig is new to parsley, introduce it in small amounts. Offer one or two sprigs by hand or leave them in the cage for your piggies to check out at their own pace.
Be sure to remove any uneaten food after a couple of hours so it doesn’t rot in the enclosure.
After your guinea pigs eat the new food, keep an eye on them for any signs of diarrhea or unusual behavior. If all is good, you can gradually increase the amount you feed next time.
If your guinea pig doesn’t want to eat the parsley right away, try it a few more times. In the wild, guinea pigs would often test a new food by nibbling the tiniest amounts several times to ensure it wasn’t poisonous. Pet guinea pigs often inherit this ingrained behavior, so this is why it sometimes takes them a bit of time to accept a new food.
Parsley also tends to wilt easily if it’s not stored correctly in the fridge, especially Italian parsley. To keep your parsley fresh in the refrigerator longer, try wrapping the bunch in a damp paper towel and putting it in a closed container or crisper.
Growing Your Own Parsley for Your
Guinea Pigs
Parsley is easy to grow and can thrive in planters on the balcony, on windowsills, or directly in the garden.
You can grow parsley from seed or buy started plants from garden centers in the spring to get started quickly.
Growing your own is a great way to save money and have your own healthy source of organic herbs.
More Fruits and Vegetables That Guinea Pigs Can Eat
Did you know that guinea pigs can also eat celery, corn on the cob, and strawberries?
These foods all contain a variety of nutrients that can boost your guinea pig’s health in numerous ways. They can also eat honeydew melon, mango, grapes, and so much more!
For a complete list of all the fruits and vegetables that guinea pigs can eat, check out our article, Complete List of Safe Foods for Guinea Pigs.