Herbs are a fantastic way to add flavour, variety, and extra nutrition to your guinea pigs’ daily vegetables. They are naturally very low (or zero) in sugar, packed with beneficial plant compounds, and many contain higher levels of vitamin C and calcium than regular vegetables. When fed in sensible amounts, herbs can enhance your guinea pigs’ overall diet and encourage healthy eating habits.
How Much Herb Should Guinea Pigs Eat?
Although herbs are healthy, they are also much richer than standard leafy greens. Feeding too much of one herb can sometimes cause guinea pigs to go off it entirely, so moderation and variety are key.
👉 Offer just one or two herbs per day, mixed in with their usual leafy greens and colourful vegetables. This keeps meals interesting without overwhelming their taste buds or digestion with too many strong flavours.
✅ Safe Herbs for Guinea Pigs
These herbs are all safe to feed in appropriate portions:
- Basil – fragrant and well-liked
- Coriander (Cilantro) – popular with many guinea pigs
- Dill – aromatic and often a favourite
- Mint – refreshing; feed sparingly due to strong flavour
- Parsley – very rich in vitamin C and calcium
- Thyme – nutrient-dense and rich in vitamin C but not always liked
Why Add Herbs to Their Diet?
Herbs can help:
- Add extra flavour and aroma to encourage picky eaters
- Increase micronutrient and antioxidant intake
- Provide variety alongside their regular vegetables
- Create a more enjoyable and enriching feeding routine
Easy to Grow at Home
Herbs are one of the best money-saving additions to a guinea pig-friendly diet. Many grow perfectly well on a sunny windowsill, meaning you can pick fresh leaves daily and avoid the cost of purchasing herbs from the supermarket.
Nutrition in Herbs
| Herb | Vitamin C (mg per 100g) | Calcium (mg per 100g) | Sugar (g per 100g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basil | 18 | 177 | 0.3 |
| Coriander | 30 | 86 | 1.2 |
| Dill | 85 | 208 | 1.2 |
| Mint | 31.8 | 243 | 0.9 |
| Parsley | 133 | 138 | 0.8 |
| Thyme | 160 | 405 | 0 |
Individual Herb Information
Find out more about the nutritional benefits of each herb below:
🌿 Basil → Read the Basil guide ›
🌱 Coriander (Cilantro) → Read the Coriander guide ›
🌿 Dill → Read the Dill guide ›
🌱 Mint → Read the Mint guide ›
🌿 Parsley → Read the Parsley guide ›
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Herbs Every Day?
Yes—in small amounts. Offer one or two types daily, not large handfuls of a single herb.
Are Herbs Better Than Vegetables for Guinea Pigs?
Not better, but more concentrated. They complement vegetables by adding extra nutrients.
Which Herbs Should I Avoid?
Avoid chives, as they are part of the onion family and are unsafe for guinea pigs. Rosemary and sage are not harmful, but most guinea pigs dislike these flavours, so they are usually best avoided.
Safe Vegetables
Full information on safe vegetables for guinea pigs including feeding guide ›
🫑 Bell Peppers → Read the Bell Pepper guide ›
🥬 Bok Choy → Read the Bok Choy (Pak Choi / Chinese Leaf) guide ›
🥦 Broccoli → Read the Broccoli guide ›
🥕 Carrots → Read the Carrot guide ›
🌱 Celeriac→ Read the Celeriac guide ›
🌱 Celery → Read the Celery guide ›
🥬 Collard Greens → Read the Collard Greens guide ›
🌾 Corn on the Cob → Read the Corn guide ›
🥒 Cucumber → Read the Cucumber guide ›
🌼 Dandelion → Read the Dandelion guide ›
🌿 Fennel → Read the Fennel guide ›
🌿 French Beans (Fine Green Beans) → Read the French Beans guide ›
🥬 Kale → Read the Kale guide ›
🥬 Lettuce → Read the Lettuce guide ›
🌿 Spinach → Read the Spinach guide ›
🍅 Tomato→ Read the Tomato guide ›
🍃 Watercress→ Read the Watercress guide ›
Safe Fruits
Full information on safe fruit for guinea pigs and feeding guide ›
🍎 Apple →Read the Apple guide ›
🍌 Banana →Read the Banana guide ›
🫐 Blueberries →Read the Blueberries guide ›
🍇 Grapes →Read the Grape guide ›
🍈 Melon →Read the Melon guide ›
🍓 Strawberries →Read the Strawberry guide ›
🍉 Watermelon →Read the Watermelon guide ›
