The Alarming Truth About Guinea Pigs and Parsley

You’ve just gotten home with a fresh bundle of parsley. Parsley is one herb you really love. And yes, your guinea pigs love herbs too. But can you give them parsley? 

Guinea pigs can eat parsley because it has a lot of healthy nutrients for them. Parsley helps to improve blood flow in your piggies’ bodies. It also contains antioxidants and aids digestion. But, the high calcium content means that you should only feed guinea pigs parsley 1 to 2 times a week to prevent bladder stones.

So yes, you can feed your guinea pigs parsley. But how much and how often should you feed them parsley?

Keep reading and I’ll tell you all you need to know about guinea pigs and parsley.

What Is Parsley, Anyway?

Parsley is a leafy herb that originated in the Mediterranean region. It’s mainly known as garnish and is a great final touch for most dishes. Its chewy leaves have a slightly bitter taste that goes well with many popular dishes.

It’s a biennial crop that’s common in Morocco and Spain. This plant is popular in both its fresh and dried forms.

Is Parsley Safe For Guinea Pigs?

Yes, parsley is safe for guinea pigs. It contains vitamin C and other vital nutrients for piggies. It’s safe to let your fur babies munch on this green herb. 

Even though parsley is safe for your cavies, too much of it isn’t. Overfeeding your guinea pigs with parsley can give them bladder stones. You wouldn’t want that now, would you?

You should only give your cavies parsley 2-3 times a week – if that.

Now there’s another thing you should consider. Parsley can be contaminated with pesticides (very likely as it’s an herb). So you should wash your parsley really well before serving your furry friends, okay?

Is Parsley Good For Your Guinea Pigs?

Yes, parsley is good for guinea pigs. It’s low in calories, carbs, and fat which means your piggie will not become obese. Plus they’ll still get enough energy to take them through the day’s activities. 

The vitamin A in parsley can help to improve your cavy’s vision. It’ll also help to prevent dry eyes. Other important benefits of parsley for piggies include:

1. Packed With Antioxidants

Parsley is rich in vitamin A which is an antioxidant. In fact, it’s one of the most powerful antioxidants for your cavies body. It keeps the body organs like lungs and kidneys functional. 

Parsley also contains manganese which is another antioxidant. It helps to fight off free radicals and maintain a balance in our piggies’ bodies… 

2. Great for Their Immune System 

Parsley contains a LOT of vitamin C. This vitamin helps to strengthen our cavy’s immune system. With a strong immune system, our fur babies can resist infections. It also means they can stay healthy and avoid diseases like scurvy. 

3. It’s An Anti-inflammatory 

Parsley can reduce inflammation in our piggies’ bodies. The vitamins and antioxidants in parsley have anti-inflammatory properties. Swelling on any part of your cavy’s body can be reduced by parsley. 

4. Good for Blood Circulation

The vitamin K in parsley helps to clot blood in case of injuries. This prevents excessive blood loss from open cuts.

Zinc helps wounds heal faster. It also helps to keep blood vessels unclogged so blood can flow easily without any barriers. Parsley has a low amount of fat, which also helps with wound healing.

What Are The Risks Of Feeding Parsley To Guinea Pigs? 

Bladder and kidney stones are major risks of feeding parsley to guinea pigs. This is because parsley is high in calcium (which isn’t great for piggies). What else should you know before feeding parsley to your fur babies?

Well, let’s see…

1. Digestion Problems 

A major risk of feeding parsley to guinea pigs is a disturbed tummy. Your cavy might get an upset stomach if you feed it too much parsley. You’ll notice symptoms like:

• Diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Stomach pains
• Vomiting
• Gasses

All of the above can mean you fed too much parsley to your piggies. So it’s better to feed them in little quantities (and not every day). If not, well you’re advertising digestive problems to your furry pals.

2. Bladder and Kidney Stones 

Parsley has a lot of beneficial nutrients including calcium. But there’s a little problem…

The calcium content is a tad high. It’s not advisable for adult guinea pigs in particular. Excess calcium can lead to the formation of bladder stones. 

It can also be accompanied by other painful symptoms like:

• Blood in the urine
• Painful urination
• Urinary tract infections

The high calcium content in parsley is only beneficial to baby guinea pigs. For the adults, you may want to feed them parsley in moderation. We don’t want our piggies’ bladders to get stuck with some weird stones, now do we?

3. Pesticides

Now, this can be life-threatening, yet it’s easy to avoid. Plants (including herbs like parsley) are often sprayed with pesticides.

So you can’t just give some parsley to your cavies without adequate measures. By “measures” I mean proper washing of the herb.

If pesticides get into your piggies’ stomachs, they’ll fall sick instantly. Now you know our fur babies are fragile, don’t you? This means they may or may not survive pesticide poisoning. 

The bottom line is to be hygienic and serve safe herbs. Wash them thoroughly with clean water before serving and you’re good to go.

4. Easy to Overfeed 

Parsley doesn’t look dangerous to our guinea pigs. And yes, it’s not dangerous except when it’s overfed. Trust me, it’s really easy to overfeed parsley. 

The leaves aren’t large and you might think it’s safe to give them many of the leaves. You’re wrong if you think so. A few leaves are more than enough (to be on the safer side). 

What Nutrients Are In Parsley?

Dietary fiber, vitamins, and carbs can be found in parsley. In fact, these nutrients are available in decent quantities. Let me give you a breakdown of parsley’s nutrient composition. 

100 g of parsley contains:

• Energy – 36 kcal (to boost your piggies’ strength)
• Protein – 2.97 g (helps in growth and development of body tissues)
• Total lipid (fat) – 0.79 g (a very low quantity that poses no risk of heart problems)
• Carbs – 6.33 g (provides energy for your cavies)
• Dietary fiber – 3.3 g (great for your fur babies digestive system)
• Sugars – 0.85 g (low enough to not cause obesity)
• Calcium – 138 mg (great for baby guinea pigs but bad for adults. It can cause bladder stones)
• Iron – 6.2 mg (helps with the circulatory system)
• Magnesium – 50 mg (helps to improve muscle function)
• Phosphorus – 58 mg (great for healthy bones)
• Potassium – 554 mg (helps to maintain heart rate and blood pressure)
• Vitamin C – 133 mg (helps to prevent scurvy which is a deadly disease)
• Vitamin A – 421 mg (great for your piggies’ eyesight)
• Vitamin K – 1640 µg (helps in blood clotting)

Do Guinea Pigs Like Parsley?

Yes, guinea pigs like parsley. This herb is a tasty treat to them and they enjoy eating it. Most guinea pigs love flat-leaf parsley and can eat it daily (that’s excessive though). 

To further prove my point, I conducted manual research on 86 guinea pig owners. These owners have all tried feeding parsley to their guinea pigs. My research covers the guinea pigs’ reactions to this herb.

I know you’re dying to find out the details, don’t worry I’ve got you.

These are the research highlights:

• Some owners said their cavies love it when they add parsley into their vegetable mix.
• Some others said their piggies love the parsley with its leaves and stalk.
• Many owners feed their cavies parsley at least once a week.
• Others mix their parsley with carrots and broccoli before serving it. And their piggies love it.
• A few owners said their piggies don’t like parsley.
• Several owners noted that their piggies love parsley.

88% (76 piggie owners) said their guinea pigs absolutely love parsley. One even called her female cavy a parsley machine. 

12% (10 piggie owners) said their guinea pigs don’t like parsley. Most of them don’t know the reason why. But 2 owners said their piggies no longer ate parsley after recovering from an illness. 

Hold on, I have some more juicy info. So…. I picked up some of their serving suggestions for parsley:

• Soak the parsley in cold water for 5 minutes after washing before serving. It tastes better especially in a hot environment.
• Add some raddichio to the parsley. 
• Mix the parsley with a few slices of cucumber. 
• Make a vegetable mix and top it with a few parsley leaves.

I guess I’ve given you a lot of ideas to try out (you’re welcome). Let’s move on to more questions you might have about parsley for guinea pigs.

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Dried Parsley? 

No guinea pigs shouldn’t eat dried parsley. It doesn’t contain beneficial nutrients for our cavies. Plus it contains preservatives that are awful for our piggies’ health. So it’s best to feed only fresh parsley to your guinea pigs. 

It’s also essential to remove any uneaten parsley from your piggies’ bowl. This is because the parsley can become toxic once it starts getting dry. 

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Parsley Leaves?

Yes, guinea pigs can eat parsley leaves. Truth be told, the leaves are our piggies’ favorite part of this herb. Parsley leaves are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Plus the leaves are easier to control in terms of preventing overfeeding. 

You’ll need to wash the leaves to remove all traces of pesticides. Also, feed only fresh parsley leaves to your guinea pigs.

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Parsley Root? 

Yes, guinea pigs can eat parsley root. The roots of parsley are loaded with many vitamins and minerals. Parsley root is also a very good antioxidant. 

The taste of parsley root is similar to celery and carrot. It has a beige color and a rough texture. Don’t feed parsley root to your guinea pigs in large quantities.

Like the parsley leaves, the roots also contain high calcium. So remember bladder stones and cut down on those root portions.

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Parsley Stems? 

Yes, guinea pigs can eat parsley stems. They don’t contain any compound that’s toxic to guinea pigs. What’s more? The bitter flavor in parsley stems is even more than that of the leaves. I guess that’s why our piggies enjoy the stems (plus the stems are chewier).

It’s not a cause for alarm if your piggie doesn’t like parsley stems though. You can give them the leaves instead. 

Parsley stems are great for cavies’ digestive systems (thanks to fiber!). They also have good amounts of vitamins in them. 

Can Guinea Pigs Drink Parsley Tea?

No, guinea pigs shouldn’t drink parsley tea. It’s not necessary and doesn’t contain any nutrients for guinea pigs. Processed food (including tea) isn’t good for guinea pigs. So instead of parsley tea, give them the raw leaves and stem. 

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Parsley Flakes? 

No, guinea pigs can’t eat parsley flakes. These flakes are used as a spice and are terrible for our piggies’ stomachs. They contain additives which are a no-no for guinea pigs. 

Due to the drying process, parsley flakes have lesser nutrients. Plus it’s higher in calories, fats, and calcium than raw parsley. All these features are why it’s toxic to our little furry friends. 

Well, I guess you know what this means. Fresh parsley all the way!

Is Curly Parsley Good For Guinea Pigs?

Yes, curly parsley is good for guinea pigs. Curly parsley has a different look and flavor from Italian parsley. It also has thicker and curly leaves with a bright green color.

The fun thing is that guinea pigs like to eat curly parsley. In fact, they enjoy eating it a lot. And it has a similar nutrient composition to Italian parsley. That means it’s totally safe for your piggies to eat.

Among its many nutrients, calcium still stands out. It has a high calcium content that you need to be wary of. So feed curly parsley to your furry pals sparingly.

Is Flat Leaf Parsley Good For Guinea Pigs? 

Yes, flat-leaf parsley is good for guinea pigs. It’s more common than the curly leaf parsley and it’s loved by guinea pigs. It’s also called the Italian parsley. Flat-leaf parsley is not toxic to guinea pigs in any way.

It has tons of vitamins and antioxidants too. The nutrient in flat-leaf parsley can aid many processes in our caves. For example, it helps with digestion and blood circulation. 

Like the curly leaf parsley, it also contains calcium. Since the calcium level is high, ensure to feed this herb in small quantities.

Will The Smell Of Parsley Hurt Guinea Pigs? 

No, the smell of parsley won’t hurt your guinea pigs. Fresh parsley doesn’t have a toxic smell for guinea pigs. They enjoy eating it without any side effects from the smell.

But what about parsley essential oil?

Now essential oils (no matter the type) aren’t healthy for piggies. So parsley essential oil will smell strongly to your guinea pigs. This smell can make them sick because their sense of smell is so sensitive. Avoid using parsley essential oil around your furry pals.

What Kind Of Parsley Is Good For Guinea Pigs? 

Flat-leaf parsley and curly leaf parsley are good for guinea pigs. They’re good for our cavies’ heart, bones, and digestive health. 

As you may already know, there are different types of parsley. They include:

• Flat-leaf parsley
• Curly leaf parsley
• Cow parsley
• Chinese parsley

Flat-leaf parsley is also called Italian parsley. It has a fresh taste with hints of clove and nutmeg. It’s anti-inflammatory and good for our piggies’ vision. It’s also a great source of antioxidants. Guinea pigs shouldn’t eat this in large quantities. 

Curly leaf parsley is safe for guinea pigs too. They have thicker and curly leaves. It also contains vitamins and calcium. It can be fed to guinea pigs twice a week.

Cow parsley is also known as chervil or wild beaked parsley. It has a sharp flavor. The stem of this herb is long with white flowers.

But cow parsley looks a bit like poison hemlock (which is toxic to piggies). So if you’re not sure of the differences, stick to only regular parsley.

Chinese parsley is also a great snack for your furry friends to chew on. Honestly,  it’s better to stick with Italian parsley and curly leaf parsley. 

Should You Feed Your Guinea Pigs Parsley? 

Yes, you should feed your guinea pigs parsley as long as your guinea pigs doesn’t have bladder stones (or a sensitivity to getting bladder stones).

This herb has good effects on our piggies’ digestive system. It also helps to improve eyesight and bone health. 

Is Parsley Or Cilantro Better For Guinea Pigs? 

Parsley is better for Guinea pigs than cilantro. Now let me explain why. Parsley has a lot more essential vitamins than cilantro. Vitamin C in parsley is almost triple that of cilantro. What’s more? The dietary fiber in parsley is more than that of cilantro too.

The only thing that cilantro’s got on parsley is calcium. Cilantro’s got way less calcium than parsley. Truth be told, parsley is still better. I’m saying that because the other nutrients kind of cover-up for the high calcium.

Can Guinea Pigs Have Parsley Everyday? 

No, guinea pigs shouldn’t have parsley everyday. It’s not their primary food. The only thing your guinea pigs should have everyday is hay and water. 

Parsley can lead to digestive issues once it’s too much in your piggie’s tummy. The calcium content in parsley is another drawback. 

So feed parsley to your guinea pigs just twice a week. Anything above that is risky. The portion of parsley per day shouldn’t be too much either. Other delicious herbs can be fed often (more on that later). 

Trust me it’s better for your piggie’s health if they don’t eat parsley daily. You can give them different herbs everyday to ensure a balanced diet. Herbs like oregano and basil are good options.  

How Much Parsley Is Too Much? 

Anything more than 20 sprigs of parsley is too much for one guinea pig. If you have your cavy’s best interest at heart (which I know you do), 5 to 15 sprigs are enough. 

If you’re giving the parsley as a snack, it can be just a few sprigs. You can also add the sprigs to your cavies vegetables for that day. And then skip a day before another parsley treat. 

How To Introduce Parsley To Your Guinea Pigs 

You’ve got fresh parsley and you can’t wait to feed it to your guinea pigs. Are there any special steps? And what should you watch out for?.

There’s nothing serious but you should watch your piggies for any unusual reaction. If you notice symptoms like diarrhea, take away the parsley. 

I’ve laid out two simple steps for you to follow:

• Even if you bought pre-washed parsleys, don’t skip this step. Soak the parsley in cold water for a few minutes. Then wash it with more clean water. This step is to ensure no dirt or chemical is remaining on the herb.
• Now, this is why parsley is special. Once it’s washed it doesn’t need any particular method of feeding. It’s best to serve the leaves and stem together. If you’re using a bowl, you can decide to chop them a little. 

Since it’s the first time, give them a few sprigs first. If they like it then you can give the whole serving. 

What Herbs Can Guinea Pigs Eat? 

Guinea pigs can eat dill, thyme, and cilantro. There are a good number of herbs that are safe for piggies to eat. Let’s check out some ones I picked out (they’re lovely treats). 

• Oregano:  oregano is very nutritious but should be limited to 3 times a week.
• Rosemary: now this one is delicious and has essential nutrients for our cavies. 
• Fennel: fennel has high levels of calcium (bladder stones knocking).
• Basil: yes it’s a safe and edible treat. But basil is quite low on vitamin C.
• Dill: dill contains good amounts of calcium for baby guinea pigs. It also helps in improving nerve function. 
• Cilantro: cilantro is low in sugar and calories. It’s also a scurvy repellent herb.
• Mint: mint contains essential vitamins and minerals for a healthy piggie. 
• Thyme: this herb is packed with antioxidants and vitamins. It also has an outstanding amount of vitamin C (goodbye scurvy!).

What Herbs Should Guinea Pigs Avoid?

Guinea pigs should avoid iceberg lettuce and all bulb plants. You read that right, ALL bulb plants. When choosing herbs for your fur babies, you’ve got to be careful. 

The wrong herb will cause digestive problems and can kill your fur babies. So what are the wrong herbs?

Herbs that are toxic to guinea pigs include:

• Yew
• Ragwort
• Ivy
• Privet
• Nightshade
• Holly
• Hemlock
• Foxglove
• House plants
• Wild garlic
• Any plants with bulbs
• Buttercup leaves and flowers 

Some other herbs can also be poisonous to your furry friends. So do some findings on any herb before serving it to your piggies.

How To Introduce Herbs To Guinea Pigs

To introduce any herb to your guinea pigs, follow these steps:

• Wash the herb properly (two times or more)
• Feed your cavies a tiny bit first.
• Wait for some hours to see if there’s an allergic reaction.
• If there’s none, give them a full serving (either chopped or whole).

And that’s all. Easy right?

Can Guinea Pigs Have Dried Herbs? 

No, guinea pigs shouldn’t have dried herbs. They’re mostly irrelevant to our piggies. And why is that? Well because they’re dry (and lack the required nutrients).

Let’s be serious now…why would you want to give your furry friends dried herbs? I mean look at all those fresh chewy treats. Fresh herbs will provide the essential nutrients for your cavies plus a yummy taste. 

You shouldn’t make your piggies chew on dried herbs (Nah I wouldn’t let you). 

How Often Can Guinea Pigs Have Herbs? 

Guinea pigs shouldn’t eat herbs more than 2 times a week. Hold on though….not all herbs. Some herbs may be too high in sugar or calcium (like parsley and dill). Such herbs shouldn’t be fed more than once a week.

Typically, you just need to research the nutrient components first. It’ll help you in deciding on how often to feed the herb to your guinea pigs.

Things To Remember About Guinea Pigs Eating Parsley 

So, yeah, guinea pigs can eat parsley. This leafy green herb is a good source of vitamins A and C, and other nutrients.

But, don’t overdo it. Parsley has a extreme amount of calcium in it.

If your guinea pigs eat too much parsley, they could get bladder stones, which can be fatal.

So, if you’re looking for a healthy treat for your furry friend, parsley is a great option – just don’t let them eat too much of it.