Best Herbs for Guinea Pigs (Safe List, Nutrition & Feeding)

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

cute abyssinian guinea pig eating fresh herbs and grass from a flowerpot

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.

Guinea Pig Food Charts in Full Colour showing what vegetables, fruit and herbs guinea pigs can safely eat and how often, plus meal planner. Available to purchase.

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.