A healthy cavy diet should contain hay, and good quality pellets with clean water supplied regularly.
Cavies are also allowed to eat some fruits and vegetables.
Have you ever thought about feeding your guinea pig with basil?
Here, we talk about what you need to know.
What are the essential things to note?
Basil is known for its intense flavor, and it belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which is useful in different dishes.
People refer to this veggie as “the royal herb,” and it has several varieties.
The leaves of the Greek basil are small and peppery. The lemon basil, on the other hand, has a potent citrus flavor.
There’s purple basil, but the holy basil is most intense.
Overall, the Mediterranean type is the most common of this plant.
It is hard to miss with its large green leaves.
Fruits and veggies are useful as treats that supplement your pet’s diet. They also provide variety.
What do basils contain nutritionally?
Basil contains about 22kcal per 100grams.
This number of calories is safe for your furry friend.
Basil also has beta carotenes and vitamins such as vitamins A, B1, and C in it.
Other vitamins include vitamins B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, E, and K. These are beneficial to your piggy.
This herb also contains minerals such as iron, magnesium, and calcium.
Others include zinc, phosphorus, potassium, manganese, and sodium.
However, calcium and phosphorus are harmful to your guinea pig.
Should you feed your cavy with basil often?
Basil does not cause harm to your pet. Yes, it contains high amounts of phosphorus and calcium.
However, other nutrient contents make up for it.
Vitamin C and these other substances provide various health benefits.
Your pet can eat this veggie in large quantities. It’s not a perfect option, though.
As a cavy owner, you have to be cautious. Feed your pet basil only in the right quantities.
During the process of digestion, the royal herb produces acid. So, if your guinea pig overfeeds on it, it can become bloated.
Other symptoms include diarrhea or vomiting, but this should not persist for an extended period.
However, if it does, let your vet be kept in the loop.
Give this herb to your cavy only once or twice a week. It would be perfect as a treat for your furry friend.
So, feed only a few leaves to your pet. Wash this herb thoroughly before feeding your guinea pig with it.
Certain sprayed chemicals may have ended up on the surface of these leaves.
To your cavy, these are harmful and poisonous. Also, ensure that you serve them with non-toxic substances.
Ingredients like pesto have garlic and salt and are not ideal for your cavy.
Basil would make an excellent supplement to your pet’s main diet. They have lots of vitamin C present in them.
Serve them occasionally as treats. Do not let your guinea pig gorge on these leaves, as this will cause a lot of harm.
Would you feed your cavy with basil?
Should this aromatic herb be left only for dishes?
Share your experience with us, and we would like to know what you think!
