Fresh Herb Mix for Guinea Pigs

Herbs add flavor and variety to a guinea pig’s daily greens. Some, like parsley, are high in calcium, so they work best in rotation.

This mix shows which herbs to feed daily and which to save for a few times a week.

Why your guinea pig will love this

• Simple weekly rotation
• Balances calcium
• Guinea pigs love the aroma

Ingredient notes

• Cilantro Safe

  A favorite daily green.

• Parsley Caution

  High in calcium. A few times a week.

• Basil

  Safe in rotation.

• Mint

  Safe in rotation.

See every ingredient in the safety guide

How to make Fresh Herb Mix for Guinea Pigs

Fresh Herb Mix for Guinea Pigs takes about 5 minutes from start to finish and makes 7 handfuls. It is an easy recipe. You will need a herb keeper. Read through every step once before you start, and set out all the ingredients so nothing is missed.

Ingredients and why they are here

You need 4 ingredients. Each one is checked against the ingredient safety guide for guinea pigs.

• 1 bunch cilantro: A favorite daily green.
• 1/2 bunch parsley: High in calcium. A few times a week.
• 1/2 bunch basil: Safe in rotation.
• 1/2 bunch mint: Safe in rotation.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Wash and dry the herbs.
2. Feed cilantro daily as the base.
3. Add parsley twice a week and basil or mint on the other days.
4. Serve with the daily vegetables.

Tips for success

• Keep herbs in a jar of water in the fridge to stay fresh all week.
• Watch for cloudy urine, a sign of too much calcium.
• Grow cilantro and basil on a windowsill to save money.

How to store it

Let everything cool completely before you pack it away, since trapped steam causes sogginess and mold. Keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days. If anything smells off or shows mold, throw it out.

How much to serve

A small handful of mixed herbs each day.

Why guinea pigs love it

Simple weekly rotation. Balances calcium. Guinea pigs love the aroma.

Feeding tips for guinea pigs

Guinea pigs need vitamin C every day and plenty of hay to keep their teeth worn down. Introduce new vegetables one at a time and watch for loose stools. Wash produce well and serve it fresh, removing anything uneaten after a few hours. Guinea pigs are social, so most owners keep two or more, and portions here assume one animal.

Make it ahead

To save time, measure and prep the ingredients the day before and keep them covered in the fridge. Label containers with the recipe name and date so you always know what to use first. Most of the work in this recipe is hands-off, so it fits easily around a busy week.

What to watch for

Loose stools usually mean too much fruit or a new vegetable introduced too fast. Cloudy or gritty urine can be a sign of too much calcium. Signs of vitamin C deficiency include a rough coat, sore joints and reluctance to move. See an exotics vet if your guinea pig stops eating.

Shopping list

Before you start, check that you have cilantro, parsley, basil and mint. Most of it is at the grocery store; hay, pellets, feed and supplements are at pet or feed stores. Buy fresh produce close to the day you cook.

Safety notes

Parsley: High in calcium. A few times a week. Never add onion, garlic, chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol or salt, and check the safety guide before trying a new ingredient with your guinea pig. This recipe is general information, not veterinary advice.

Frequently asked questions

Can guinea pigs eat parsley every day?

It is high in calcium, so a few times a week is better.

Is cilantro safe for guinea pigs?

Yes, it is a great daily herb.