Is It Safe For Guinea Pigs To Eat Oregano? (Find Out Now)

Deciding what different foods to feed your guinea pig can be a tricky business. (Trust me, I know) So, maybe the herbs we enjoy in our foods and salads might be something to think about. What about oregano? Can your guinea pig eat this yummy herb?

Yes, guinea pigs can eat oregano. This culinary treat has some vitamins and minerals that help your guinea pig stay healthy. Antioxidants and antimicrobial powers help keep our fur babies healthy and illness free. 

Of course, there’s a few things to think about when picking this snack for your cavies.

Oregano should be fed in small amounts once a week to be in the safe health zone for your piggies. 

What Is Oregano, Anyway? 

Oregano is an herb used in pizza and pasta sauces. Popular in Mexican and Mediterranean dishes, its taste can be a bit bitter. The flavor is also earthy and slightly minty. Oregano has a strong scent, and it’s used dry and fresh. 

Dried oregano is the most commonly used. Fresh oregano has a stronger smell and taste, so it’s not used as often. Essential oils made from oregano are thought to help humans with lung issues. It helps lower inflammation and helps asthma.

Is Oregano Safe For Guinea Pigs? 

Oregano is safe for guinea pigs. They can eat it occasionally and in small amounts. It has a few vitamins and minerals that can help its immune system. It’s a great anti-bacterial herb and also helps inflammation. 

The fiber in oregano keeps their digestion healthy. Oregano also has anti-oxidants that fight free radicals. Free radicals cause issues like cancer, so getting rid of them is a big plus. 

While oregano is safe for guinea pigs to eat, it’s also very high in calcium. Because of this, you should only feed them a few leaves once a week. More than that might cause health problems in your piggies like bladder stones. 

Is Oregano Good For Your Guinea Pigs? 

Oregano has some great benefits. It’s helpful for your guinea pigs to enjoy this herb once in a while to keep up their good health. Some of the health perks you can find in oregano are:

1. Packed With Antioxidants

Packed with antioxidants, oregano helps your fur baby fight free radicals. Some free radicals are good for your pig’s immune system, but too many can cause oxidative stress. This bad balance of antioxidants and free radicals can damage cells. 

Basically, oxidative stress can lead to cancer and other immunity problems. Oregano’s anti-oxidants help keep our cavies free of this nasty worry.

2. Great for Their Immune System 

Oregano can lower the chance of your piggies getting viral infections. It helps against some viruses. Thymol and carvacrol are two compounds it has that fight viral diseases. One of them is the norovirus. 

This virus gives guinea pigs diarrhea. It can also make them nauseous and cause them to stop eating – which isn’t good.

Oregano can also help against bad bacteria. Bacteria cause lots of health issues in guinea pigs, like lung infections. By keeping bacteria suppressed, oregano boosts up our guinea pigs’ immunities. 

3. It’s An Anti-inflammatory 

Oregano is an herb proven to lower the chances of inflammation in your guinea pig. At times, inflammation may lead to heart disease and diabetes.  Antioxidants help the process of reducing inflammation in guinea pigs. (All while eliminating those free radicals too!) 

It has carvacrol, an anti-inflammatory compound. This can help with bumble feet, which is lots of swelling and infection in their feet.

4. Good for Blood Circulation

Oregano has two compounds that help against viruses and bacteria, carvacrol and thymol. They also make oregano fragrant.  Its warming effects help blood flow. Having good circulation is great for our fur babies. It helps against inflammation and boosts immunity too! Oregano has a domino effect on good health for our piggies.

Risks to Consider When Feeding Oregano To Guinea Pigs 

No matter what you feed your guinea pigs, there’s always an element of risk. After you’ve given your fur babies a little bit of oregano for the first time, watch them carefully. You want to make sure that the following issues don’t become a problem:

1. Bladder and Kidney Stones 

Oregano has high amounts of calcium. Guinea pigs need calcium to grow strong bones and teeth, but too much causes serious health problems. The extra calcium builds ups into stones. 

These stones then cause blockages in our piggies’ kidneys or bladders. These types of blockages can be very painful for them. Urinary infections are common with too much calcium too. (Poor babies😢)

2. Pesticides

Oregano is grown by using pesticides to keep bugs away. These chemicals kill insects, and since our cavies are so small, the high concentrations of poisons and toxins in pesticides can also kill them.

If you’re feeding oregano or any farm-grown veggie, it’s best to stick to organic. Pesticides are extremely harmful to guinea pigs. 

3. Easy to Overfeed 

The high amounts of calcium in a small amount of oregano leaves make it easy to overfeed it to your fur babies. Only a few of these tiny leaves can be fed safely to your fur baby. Any more than that can cause them to get sick. 

Because of how small the leaves are, it can seem like a few small leaves aren’t that much. This makes it so easy to feed too much oregano to your guinea pigs accidentally.

What Nutrients Are In Oregano? 

Oregano is an amazing little herb. These tiny leaves pack a punch of nutrition. Here’s a list of what you might find in this yummy herb. 

One tablespoon of oregano (3 g)

• Carbohydrates (2g): Good for guinea pigs’ energy! It helps them keep those zoomies up.
• Fiber (1g): Fiber helps keep our piggies pooping regularly. Smooth poopin is healthy.
• Sugar (0g): Having no sugar keeps guinea pigs’ sugar levels low and free of diabetes and obesity.
• Vitamin A (150IU): Vitamin A is what helps our near-sighted piggies see as best as they can. 
• Vitamin C (0g): Guinea pigs need foods with vitamin C to keep scurvy away. This herb has none.
• Iron (1.1mg): This mineral helps our fur potatoes grow and develop healthily.
• Calcium (30mg): Whoa! That’s too much calcium. This high amount can give guinea pigs kidney and bladder stones.

Do Guinea Pigs Like Oregano? 

I bet you want to know if any guinea pig likes oregano! Well, I got your answers (and mine, I was curious too) 

I surveyed 59 pet parents to see if oregano was a delight on cavies’ menus or if they turned their noses up at it. Here’s a few pointers that some parents shared.

• Most agreed that all herbs should be fed in small quantities. They had concerns over kidney and bladder stones. 
• Parsley and cilantro were the most popular herbs among this group.
• The agreed-upon serving was one or two leaves once a week.
• One pet parent had a piggie that never ate oregano until she got a friend that enjoyed it! Watching her new buddy eat oregano convinced that guinea pig it must be worth trying.

So, how many out of the 59 guinea pigs actually enjoy oregano?

• Out of the 59 parents that offered their cavies oregano, 39 enjoyed this herb enough to try for second servings. That’s 66%! 
• Eighteen pet parents, or 30%, had no luck with this herb. Their guinea pigs didn’t care for any oregano on their plates. 
• Two pet parents didn’t give their guinea pigs oregano after they developed some tummy troubles like gas and diarrhea. They couldn’t be sure it was just the oregano that caused it, but they took it out just in case. 

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Dried Oregano? 

No, guinea pigs can’t eat dried oregano. Guinea pigs are herbivores and are naturally supposed to eat raw plants. Dried oregano can be too difficult to swallow and may make them choke. 

The nutrition of dried oregano is also different from fresh. The drying process takes some of the health benefits away. It’s best to feed guinea pigs fresh, raw herbs and veggies.

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Oregano Leaves? 

Guinea pigs can eat oregano leaves. However, they should only eat a few. Like, just one or two leaves (That’s it, really). The leaves are the part with the most flavor. If your guinea pigs like the flavor of oregano, the leaves are the best place to get it. 

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Oregano Flowers? 

Guinea pigs can eat oregano flowers. These flowers grow in pinkish and purple colors. The flowers are tiny, with small wavy petals, and have a milder taste. 

The flowers can be a tastier choice for guinea pigs that don’t like the strong flavor of oregano. But they will still have much calcium. So, even flowers need to be enjoyed minimally.

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Oregano Stalks? 

Yes, guinea pigs can eat oregano stalks. The stalks are edible and have the same taste as the leaves. This part of oregano still isn’t ok to eat a lot of. Guinea pigs should only be fed a small quantity to be safe from urinary problems. 

Can Guinea Pigs Drink Oregano Tea? 

No, guinea pigs can’t drink oregano tea. Guinea pigs don’t drink anything other than water in the wild. They need to stay well hydrated, and water is the best way of doing that. Tea with oregano may have too much calcium. The hot water also may take away some of the nutritious parts of this herb for our cavies. 

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Oregano Flakes? 

 No, guinea pigs can eat oregano flakes. Dried herbs pose a choking risk. Guinea pigs’ nature is to eat fresh plants. Sticking to what is instinctual to keep them healthy and happy is important. Like tea, the flakes will also have different nutrients than the raw plants. 

Will The Smell Of Oregano Hurt Guinea Pigs? 

The smell of oregano can irritate the nose and lungs of guinea pigs if the essential oil version of oregano is used. The smell of fresh oregano is perfectly harmless.

Oregano is known for its strong fragrance. In essential oil, the smell is concentrated.

To make essential oils, enormous amounts of the herb are compressed. Then they are infused with oils to make the smell as strong as possible. 

Guinea pigs have very sensitive noses and a good sense of smell. Oregano essential oils would be overwhelming for their noses.

The scent would be too strong. If the oil is used in a diffuser, the danger of your guinea pig getting sick is pretty high.

The small oil particles evaporate, and the mists land on the piggies’ fur. As they groom, they can eat some and make themselves very ill. 

The smell of raw oregano is much, stronger than the dried herbs.

How Often Can Guinea Pigs Eat Oregano? 

Guinea pigs can have a few leaves of oregano once or twice a week. The high amount of calcium makes it unsafe for them to eat this herb too often. With most herbs, guinea pigs need to eat a small, controlled amount. 

Herbs are an awesome way to add variety and flavor to their diets while making them healthier. No one like to eat the same thing every day, right? 

It’s important to check how much and how often your piggies can safely eat different herbs. A general rule of thumb is a small amount, like 2-4 leaves no more than twice a week. 

If your piggie is rushing to go potty, has gas, or lacks an appetite, their diet is wreaking havoc. Going pee often is a urinary issues like bladder stones or infections. Diarrhea is too much fiber or sugar. 

Tummy issues that have your fuzz spuds running amok are easy to avoid by sticking to a small serving of herbs. 

How To Introduce Oregano To Your Guinea Pigs 

Curious to know how to introduce this pungent herb to your piggy? Well, my friend, look no further. The simple answer is slowly. Add the smallest amount of oregano to their veggie salads. 

This herb has such a strong smell and taste, so it’s possible our picky fur babies might not like this plant too much. Watch your guinea pigs closely at first. You’ll need to keep your eyes peeled for any digestive problems. 

If your cavy has any history of bladder or kidney stones, it’s best to keep this plant off their menu. If oregano doesn’t upset your guinea pigs’ tummies, feed it to them a few times (once a week) before calling it quits. Sometimes our babies just need a little extra time to decide whether or not they like a new food. 

What Herbs Can Guinea Pigs Eat? 

 Besides oregano, what other herbs can you treat your guinea pigs to? Here are some listed below:

• Cilantro: You can give guinea pigs cilantro two or three times a week for cavies to boost vitamins A, C, E, and K. Potassium, calcium, iron, and folate in cilantro keep piggies healthy too.
• Rosemary: Rosemary smells amazing and has Vitamin A, C, Iron, and Calcium. The calcium level is a bit high, so like most herbs, it’s best to feed rosemary as a rare treat.
• Fennel: Not only is it safe to eat, but most guinea pigs love fennel. It contains vitamin C, calcium, fiber, and other nutrients that keep our piggies in good shape. 
• Basil:  Basil has vitamins A and C, iron, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. This helps vision, immunity, and healthy growth. The flavor may not be a favorite for guinea pigs, in any case. 
• Dill: Yes, dill is nutritious for guinea pigs to eat. Vitamin A, Vitamin C, potassium, manganese, calcium, copper, riboflavin, and zinc are a few nutrients guinea pigs will get from dill.
• Parsley: Guinea pigs can eat parsley because it boosts their immune system and helps their vision. Parsley contains Vitamins A, B, C, potassium, and flavonoids. Too much is not safe, however. It’s high in oxalic acid. This gives your guinea pig digestive problems like bladder stones and kidney failure.
• Mint: Guinea pigs can eat mint stems and leaves without too much worry. Mint has calcium, potassium, folate, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Mint has a high amount of calcium. It’s safer to feed only a small amount as a snack.
• Thyme: Guinea pigs can eat thyme in small amounts. Thyme is high in manganese and vitamin C. This will helps keep their immune system healthy. There’s a high level of essential oil in thyme, so it should only be fed to guinea pigs as a rare treat.

What Herbs Should Guinea Pigs Avoid?

Herbs are delicious and add some different flavors to your piggie’s menu. But not all herbs are safe for your fuzz spuds. There are a few that are dangerous or too risky to give them. Avoid giving your guinea pigs these herbs to keep them from getting sick.

• Chives. Chives, like garlic and onions, are poisonous to guinea pigs (and other animals). Chives have something called disulfides. This damages red blood cells. It can be fatal, especially since it’s hard to notice any health problems until it’s too late.
• Sage. It’s an arguable one. Not too much is known about the effects of sage on guinea pigs. It’s high in essential oils, which is a health concern. It can be safer to avoid this herb, but if you choose to serve it, no more than a little bit once a month.
• Any herb that you are not 100% sure about. If you aren’t sure if something is safe for your guinea pig or not, it’s always better to avoid giving it to them. Better to be safe than sorry, right?

How To Introduce Herbs To Guinea Pigs 

You’ll need to wash and prepare the herbs before feeding them to your piggies. Then, cut the herb into small pieces. 

In the beginning, I would stick to one or two pieces to see how your guinea pigs respond. You’ll need to watch them for any signs of side effects. Tummy issues, like pain, gas, or diarrhea, mean this herb isn’t sitting well. 

If there are no problems, you can slowly increase the amount until you get to the safest max amount for them to eat. Keep in mind that no two piggies are the same. Watch each one to see how much they eat and how they respond. 

Can Guinea Pigs Have Dried Herbs? 

No, guinea pigs can’t have dried herbs. Dried herbs just aren’t a natural part of their diets. In the wild, they graze raw grasses and some veggies and fruits. They were very unlikely to come across or eat dried-up leaves. 

Since this is not something our piggies would enjoy naturally, it’s a safe bet to stay away from them. Better save dried herbs for your dinner delights, and keep raw herbs for your fuzz spuds.

How Often Can Guinea Pigs Have Herbs? 

Herbs have different types of nutrients and minerals in other balances. This affects your guinea pigs by adding to their health in the right amount or causing damage if fed too much. Also, each guinea pig might have health concerns that affect what they can and can’t eat. You’ll need to consider this when picking what herbs to feed them. 

But generally, sticking to one herb and feeding it to your guinea pigs no more than twice a week is best. A small bit of one herb at a time will make it easier for you to notice if your fuzz spud has any problems after eating it.

Things To Remember About Guinea Pigs Eating Oregano  

Guinea pigs can eat a few different kinds of herbs.  Each herb offers various health perks and risks to consider.

Oregano has antioxidants and is antimicrobial. It also has fiber, iron, and vitamin A, which are great for piggies. 

You’ll need to watch out for the calcium overload. Yet, as long as you feed your piggy only a little bit, it will gain the health rewards and avoid the concerns.

Your guinea pig should eat hay consistently, the right amount of pellets, and fresh produce. They can enjoy oregano as a small snack. Remember, small quantities are key.

The high calcium in this fragrant herb means that guinea pigs should enjoy them no more than a few times a week.