Guinea pigs are adorable pets and are very cute and attractive animals, and people love to have them in the house. Guinea Pigs are rodents (herbivores) who love to eat herbs. When it comes to basil, you may wonder if guinea pigs can eat them.
So, can guinea pigs eat basil? Yes, they can eat basil. Fresh basil has a good taste and is favorable for the health of guinea pigs. Basil has a good fragrance as well. Fresh basil is loved by human beings and also guinea pigs. Guinea pigs can eat both the basil leaves and their stem. It has a fresh and good taste, and it also contains nutrients that are favorable for the health of guinea pigs.
Is It Safe For Guinea Pigs to Eat Basil?
Since basil doesn’t contain any toxins, yes, it is safe and healthy for guinea pigs to eat basil as a source of food. Basil protects them from different diseases. It is very important to control the amount of basil. Basil has vitamin C, which is very important for bones.
Unfortunately, the body of guinea pigs can’t make vitamin C. That is the reason vitamin C should be included in the food of guinea pigs.
Basil contains vitamins and carbohydrates, which are important for guinea pigs. As far as the disadvantages of basil are concerned, they contain calcium and phosphorus in high amounts, which can cause serious health issues regarding kidney and urinary bladder.
Is It Healthy For Guinea Pigs To Eat Basil?
I can say that basil is one of the best sources of vitamin C for guinea pigs. Basil contains a reasonable amount of protein and natural fibers. Natural fibers help them to improve their digestive system, and protein provides them energy.
Basil also contains zinc, which plays an important role in the improvement of their immune system.
Basil contains vitamin A, which is very important for the betterment of eyesight. And it also stops the free radical damage as it is an excellent antioxidant.
Can Baby Guinea Pigs Eat Basil?
Yes, baby guinea pigs can eat basil. Basil contains healthy nutrients which are also favorable for baby guinea pigs.
The teeth of guinea pigs are very small; they can have difficulties when they eat basil. Basil leaves and stems should be cut into very small pieces or should be chopped as well. That way, baby guinea pigs can eat and digest basil easily.
As we know that basil is healthy for mature guinea pigs, and also they are good for baby guinea pigs. Vitamin C, vitamin A, and other nutrients are important for guinea pigs.
When introducing any food that is new to your baby guinea pigs, it’s best to give them a small piece first. Then wait about 24 hours to see if they have any allergic reaction.
After giving them some basil, and you notice diarrhea or an upset stomach, you should stop feeding any more basil. This means your guinea pig is allergic to basil.
On the other hand, if they don’t show any signs of an allergic reaction, you can continue to feed them, but in small amounts.
How To Feed Basil to Guinea Pigs?
Guinea pigs need essential nutrients to survive in this environment. These nutrients must be included in its food. It is well known that basil is a good source of food for guinea pigs, but the question is how to feed basil to guinea pigs?
The answer is that basil should be provided to guinea pigs in a controlled manner. Large amounts of basil can cause serious health problems to guinea pigs, so there should be proper control on them.
Basil should be cut into smaller pieces and also its stem should be cut into smaller pieces to feed them easily.
How Much Basil To Feed Guinea Pigs?
The process of feeding to the guinea pigs needs proper control and moderation. Guinea pigs sometimes don’t know when to stop eating. They will keep on eating and eating. The reason for their non-stop eating is to keep their teeth trimmed.
A very small amount of basil should be fed to the guinea pigs because it contains calcium and phosphorus. In large amounts, it can cause serious health issues like kidney stones and stones in the urinary bladder. The consequences of feeding too much basil to the guinea pigs can be lethal.
How Often Can a Guinea Pig Eat Basil?
Feeding basil to the guinea pigs twice a week is a good practice. The researchers have strictly prohibited feeding basil to the guinea pigs more than two times a week.
You can’t feed them basil daily because it contains high amounts of phosphorus and calcium, which can cause kidney stones and stones in the bladder.
It is recommended that there should be variation in the food of guinea pigs. So the right amount of basil should be given to them to eat. Feeding them basil two times per week is recommended.
Worst-case scenario, feeding basil too often to the guinea pigs can be lethal for them.
A good diet of fresh hay such as Timothy, oat, or orchard, and a serving of guinea pig pellets should be what’s on their daily menu.
What Other Herbs Can Guinea Pigs Eat?
Endive
Endive is safe for guinea pigs to eat, and they will enjoy eating it due to the taste. The herb has a small amount of vitamin C and calcium, which makes them not a nutrient-rich herb. Therefore, it’s best to feed endives to your guinea pigs, once or twice per week.
Mint
Mint contains many vital nutrients and vitamins, which the guinea pigs need to stay healthy and strong. There are two types of mints, which are peppermint and spearmint. Both are safe for them to eat. However, only allow them to consume in moderation. Too much of this herb can be dangerous for them.
Thyme
Thyme contains many nutrients, especially vitamin C. Guinea pigs need plenty of vitamin C in their diet each day to prevent scurvy disease and other health problems. Your guinea pigs can consume a small amount of thyme at each feeding, once or twice per week. No more than that, since the herb contains a good amount of calcium, which in large amount can cause them health issues.
Conclusion
Basil can safely be fed to the guinea pigs, but only in moderation. The herb is packed with nutrients such as calcium and vitamin C, which are both essential for a healthy cavy. Also, be sure to give them plenty of hay, water, and guinea pig pellets every day.
