In this article, we will answer the question can guinea pigs eat parsley. we’ll show you how leftover parsley from your home garden or kitchen might benefit your Guinea pig. Also, find out if parsley can be harmful to your beloved pet.
Having a Guinea pig, you want to protect it, spoil it, and give it all the fine things of life. You may already know that Guinea pigs are herbivores. But, can Guinea pigs eat parsley? Though they may enjoy the leafy green, is parsley one of things a Guinea pig can safely munch on?
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Parsley?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat parsley!
Parsley is a nutritious plant for both humans and animals. Not to mention give a great flavor to lots of dishes.
It has a lot of vitamin C as well as calcium, among other essential nutrients. Unfortunately, Guinea pigs cannot make the vitamin C that they require to survive. So, parsley can be an excellent source of this vitamin for Guinea pigs.
At the same time, too much calcium can cause health risks for Guinea pigs. Therefore, while the answer to the question, “Can Guinea pigs eat parsley?” is yes, it’s crucial to monitor the amount carefully.
We will break down the following in more detail below: some of the benefits of eating parsley, the specific kinds of parsley that are Guinea pig friendly, and some considerations to consider.
>> Don’t get parsley confused with cilantro. Learn the difference by clicking here.
Benefits of Feeding Parsley to Guinea Pigs
Prevention of Scurvy
Guinea pigs can get scurvy, which results from a severe lack of vitamin C. Just like in humans, you will notice bleeding in the gums of a Guinea pig lacking this essential vitamin. In addition, a Guinea pig may become weak and quickly exhausted, or in a worst-case scenario, it may even have bleeding skin. But vitamin C-rich parsley can prevent any of this from happening.
Parsley Helps Guinea Pigs Heal Faster
Parsley is also rich in vitamin K, which helps with the clotting of blood. A Guinea pig with a vitamin K deficiency will have a hard time healing, just like humans would.
But as long as they have an appropriate amount of vitamin K, blood clots will form quickly, and injuries will heal within a short period. Hopefully, this will not be necessary, and your Guinea pig will not face any injuries. However, it’s crucial to maintain a good level of vitamin K in their diet anyway.
Parsley Improves Eyesight
Vitamins C and K are not the only vitamins you will find in parsley. As we said, the plant is rich in nutrients. Two of the other vitamins it has are vitamins B and A. Vitamin A makes eyesight better in humans, and apparently, it is the same for Guinea pigs.
So you don’t have to wait until a Guinea pig’s vision starts failing to worry about its eyes. With the correct amount of parsley in its diet, it will never even need to face this challenge.
Parsley Provides All-Around Health for Guinea Pigs
In addition to the vitamins described above, parsley also has potassium, iron, phosphorus, and other vital nutrients that a Guinea pig needs to stay in good health.
Making parsley a part of the animal’s diet is beneficial in the long run to its overall health. Instead of asking, “Can Guinea pigs eat parsley?” to which we have confidently answered yes, we should move on to other considerations.
Types of Parsley to Feed a Guinea Pig
Not all types of parsley go well with a Guinea pig. So, before incorporating it into the animal’s diet, ensure the parsley is one of the following types:
Chinese Parsley
This type of parsley is digested quickly by Guinea pigs. Thus, a moderate amount of Chinese parsley is an ideal addition to a Guinea pig’s diet.
Cow Parsley
Cow parsley is similar to Chinese parsley. As such, it is also an ideal type to feed to a Guinea pig. So, if you can’t find Chinese parsley, use cow parsley.
Italian Parsley
This type of parsley has a lot of oxalic acid and calcium. Therefore, cautiously tread when feeding it to a Guinea pig; it may adversely react to it. But it is safe to feed this kind of parsley as well, just in moderation. This parsley is usually curly and flat, easily distinguishable from other types.
How Much Parsley Should I Feed a Guinea Pig
Due to the high amounts of calcium in parsley, it is crucial to note the amount of the plant a Guinea pig eats. You cannot make it a daily part of the animal’s diet; its digestive tract cannot handle it.
Therefore, give it occasionally, no more than twice a week. Furthermore, you should restrict the amount of parsley to about eight small stems per serving. Finally, you can mix it with other vegetables and fruits for a tastier and more balanced diet.
>> Can Guinea Pigs Eat Mint? Click to find out!
Risks of Overfeeding Parsley to a Guinea Pig
As mentioned above, too much parsley can disrupt the digestive tract of a Guinea pig. This can also lead to diarrhea. Another risk of overeating parsley is bladder stone formation. The high amount of calcium in the plant can cause bladder stones to form.
The Bottom Line
Not only can Guinea pigs eat parsley, but they are encouraged to do so. However, they should only eat it in moderation. The animal needs many vitamins and nutrients because the Guinea pig’s body cannot make its nutrients.
However, the amount of parsley in a Guinea pig’s diet needs to be monitored to keep the animal healthy and avoid the risk factors of overeating.
