Complete List of Herbs That Guinea Pigs Can Eat (And Dangerous Herbs to Avoid)
There are so many safe and healthy herbs that guinea pigs can eat. However, a few herbs are toxic and even potentially dangerous to your piggy. We’ll cover all of them in this list and help you determine which are best to feed to your guinea pig.
Herbs have a lot of benefits and are a natural part of a guinea pig’s diet.
Guinea pigs are herbivores, meaning their wild ancestors’ diet consisted mostly of grasses, herbs, and other natural forage.
Nowadays, domesticated guinea pigs consume a diet of 80% hay, with herbs and other vegetables providing the Vitamin C and other nutrients they need.
Herbs pack a lot of nutritional value and benefits, but it’s crucial not to go overboard when feeding them to your guinea pig.
Herbs typically contain a lot of calcium, which can cause bladder stones in guinea pigs. Guinea pigs absorb 20% more calcium from their foods than we do, so stones can form more easily for them. Because of this, all herbs are best fed in limited quantities once or twice a week.
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 herbs shown in the photos is for visual purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the correct amount to feed your guinea pig in one serving.
Calcium and Vitamin C Content in Herbs
| Herb | Calcium Levels (per 100g) | Vitamin C (per 100g) |
| Fennel Bulb | 49mg | 12mg |
| Cilantro | 67mg | 27mg |
| Parsley | 138mg | 133mg |
| Arugula/Rocket | 160mg | 15mg |
| Basil | 177mg | 18mg |
| Dandelion | 187mg | 35mg |
| Oregano | 200mg | Unknown |
| Dill | 208mg | 85mg |
| Mint Leaves | 243mg | 31.8mg |
| Rosemary | 317mg | 21.8mg |
| Thyme | 405mg | 160mg |
| Dried Tarragon | 1140mg | 50mg |
| Dried Oregano | 1600mg | 2.3mg |
| Dried Sage | 1650mg | 32.4mg |
| Dried Marjoram | 1990mg | 51.4mg |
Safe Herbs for Guinea Pigs
The following is a list of safe herbs that you can feed your guinea pig. Remember to offer all herbs in small quantities, as many are very calcium-rich!
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Arugula/Rocket Salad?
Arugula (also known as rocket salad) is safe to feed guinea pigs. Many piggies like the unique peppery flavor of this leafy green.
Arugula contains high levels of calcium, like many other herbs on this list. In addition, rocket salad does not provide a high source of Vitamin C, which guinea pigs need in their regular diet.
For this reason, arugula should not be a frequent staple veggie in your guinea pig’s food rotation. However, it does contain other great nutrients, making it a great addition to the diet on occasion.
It’s okay to feed a few leaves once or twice a week if your guinea pig loves them.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Dandelion?
Dandelion is a safe plant to feed your guinea pig. They are abundantly found outdoors, and most piggies love them! Guinea pigs can safely eat all parts of this plant; the leaves, stems, flowers, and even the roots!
Dandelions contain some Vitamin C and other nutrients, but they are high in calcium. For this reason, don’t go overboard when feeding this herb.
It’s also crucial to make sure you pick dandelions from a safe, untreated area that has not been exposed to chemicals, other animals, or exhaust fumes from vehicles. Also, rinse them thoroughly before offering them to your pig.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Clover?
Guinea pigs can eat all types of clover you can find outside. However, moderation is key! Clover is quite high in calcium, so it shouldn’t make up a large portion of your guinea pig’s greens.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Basil?
Basil is a safe herb to feed, and many guinea pigs love the taste. This herb contains a bit of Vitamin C, but it has high calcium levels.
This sweet herb can be offered to your piggies in moderation, like most other herbs. It’s best not to make it a staple addition, but it is great as a treat and adds some variety to your guinea pig’s diet.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Mint?
Mint has a lovely sweet fragrance and taste that some guinea pigs love. Both peppermint and spearmint leaves and stems are safe for guinea pigs. Mint leaves also contain a reasonable amount of Vitamin C.
Unfortunately, it is one of the highest calcium herbs. It contains less than thyme and rosemary, but this sweet green is higher in calcium than most other popular guinea pig herbs, as well as most fruits and vegetables.
Mint is a healthy green for piggies, but it should be limited to once a week at most. Offer just a couple of leaves at a time, and be sure to mix it with several low-calcium vegetables.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Parsley?
Parsley is one of the most popular herbs for guinea pigs, and for good reason; this leafy green is very nutrient-rich and contains plenty of Vitamin C.
However, parsley is quite high in calcium and oxalic acid. Both of these can contribute to the formation of bladder stones if your guinea pig consumes too much.
Although parsley is a popular favorite food for many guinea pigs, you need to be proactive and limit the feeding of this dark green herb to a couple of times a week at most. Offer only a few stems at a time to be on the safe side.
Also, be sure to look out for any powdery dried white pee stains in your cage, which indicates your guinea pig is consuming too many calcium-rich foods.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cilantro?
Cilantro (also known as coriander) is a robust and fresh-smelling herb that many guinea pigs enjoy. Some piggies may be put off by the intense smell at first. One of my boys even threw his head up in utter distaste the first time he took a whiff of cilantro. However, once he adapted to the scent, he realized that he loved the flavor.
Cilantro contains a reasonable amount of Vitamin C, along with some calcium, at 67mg per 100 grams.
However, it is not as high in calcium as the other herbs on this list. It also has a good calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, thus reducing the chance of stones developing.
One slight concern with cilantro is that it has been shown to slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding.
This means it’s best to avoid feeding it to pregnant or injured guinea pigs. It is perfectly safe for the majority of healthy guinea pigs.
This herb can be fed a couple of times a week, but it’s best to offer only a few stems at a time. It makes a great addition to toss in with the rest of your guinea pig’s vegetables.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Dill?
Dill is a healthy and safe herb to feed your guinea pig. This feathery green is very high in Vitamin C, making it a great choice for guinea pigs. It is also quite high in calcium at 208mg per 100 grams.
For this reason, dill is a good addition to your piggy’s diet, but don’t go overboard when feeding it. You can offer a small stem or two a couple of times a week.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Fennel?
Fennel is one of the only safe bulbs you can feed your guinea pig. You can offer the leaves (fronds) and the bulbs of this plant. Fennel contains a bit of Vitamin C and fiber, but not large amounts. It does contain calcium, like many other herbs. The bulbs are lower in calcium than the dark green feathery fronds.
Fennel should be fed sparingly, once or twice a week. Offer just one or two stems or a small chunk of the bulb at each feeding. Like all herbs, fennel is best added with other vegetables and not fed as a regular staple green in your piggy’s diet.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Oregano?
Like other herbs, oregano is quite high in calcium. However, it contains a wealth of nutrients that can be beneficial to humans and guinea pigs alike. It also has antibacterial and antiviral properties.
Oregano is not overly high in vitamin C, but it is rich in many other vitamins and especially beneficial for bone health. You can include oregano in small amounts in your guinea pig’s diet. A small stem once every week or two is adequate for most piggies.