Guinea pigs are familiar with the regular hay, pellets, or grass.
These are great when coupled with fresh and clean water.
Still, you may have thought about feeding your piggy some unique fruit or vegetable, something a little out of the box.
Cilantro is nutritious, but can it be given to your pet? Grab a chair, and let’s explore if you’re curious!
What do you need to know before feeding cilantro?
Cilantro is another name for “Chinese parsley.”
It is a chewy veggie that is full of flavor and used as a herb in meals.
Humans eat this vegetable. Chinese parsley would make a great addition to your pet’s diet.
This is because it contains vitamin c as well as other nutrients.
The Vitamin c content in this parsley isn’t so much, but it would still be useful for your guinea pig.
Cavies cannot produce their vitamin c and need as much as they can get from what they eat.
What are the health benefits of cilantro?
First, ensure that a fruit or veggie is right for your guinea pig’s health before choosing to feed it.
Give your cavy only foods that it will benefit from.
This will lead to improved health and growth. Chinese parsley is rich in effective antioxidants.
Overall, antioxidants are suitable for your guinea pig, and they improve your cavy’s cardiovascular health too.
Cilantro is also a rich source of anti-inflammatory compounds.
These help your cavy to fight all forms of inflammation, and in so doing, protect it from harmful foreign bodies.
All of this leads to improved growth too.
Cilantro can detoxify your piggy’s body from harmful toxins, which can have terrible effects.
This parsley also contains small amounts of vitamins A and C, which your cavy needs.
Guinea pigs have a special requirement for these nutrients that must be met.
How do you prepare cilantro?
Wash this veggie before serving. Do this thoroughly.
Its purpose is to remove dirt, chemicals, and pesticides that may want to harm your pet.
There can be a bit of water left on the parsley when you’re through with washing it. Don’t worry about this.
It will simply supply your piggy with water and keep it hydrated.
Cut the veggie into medium-sized pieces before giving your cavy.
You can feed the stem this way too. They are safe for your pet.
Cilantro should be fed to your guinea pig in the right quantities.
It contains phosphorus and calcium, which are not suitable for your cavy. They can cause kidney stones.
So, feed your cavy this veggie only a few times in a week.
It is the recommended amount, so make sure that you stick to it.
How can you introduce this parsley to your pet?
Your pet may or may not like this vegetable. It mostly depends on your guinea pig’s taste.
If it is your guinea pig’s first time having some cilantro, feed it in bits first.
You can choose to add it to your cavy’s diet too.
Mix Chinese parsley with other greens to make it more appealing to your cavy.
Ensure to do this in a step by step manner. Then, observe your pet to see how it reacts.
If your pet responds terribly, do not make the mistake of continuing to feed your guinea pig with cilantro.
Give it some time to let it recover, then try an alternative.
Can guinea pigs eat the stem of Chinese parsley?
All parts of the Chinese parsley can be eaten and are safe for your pet.
This includes the flowers, stems, and leaves. Chop the cilantro stems into medium sizes and then feed your pet.
There’s no reason why your pet shouldn’t like them.
Your cavy’s taste might differ, though. Still, guinea pigs generally love having something to bite into and chew on.
Cilantro would make a great addition to your piggy’s diet. Most cavies like it, and it allows for variety.
However, because the Chinese parsley contains phosphorus and calcium, it should not often be given to your pet.
These minerals can cause harm to your piggy.
Do you have other pets? Are you worried about feeding the right thing?
Click here to learn about other excellent foods for your pet, and here to discover so much more about guinea pigs!
