Can Guinea Pigs Eat Mint? 5 Reasons Why You Should!
Can guinea pigs eat mint?
Most guinea pigs are herbivores, which means that they tend to eat many leaves, hay, fruits, and vegetables, and that means yes, they can eat mint.
Guinea pigs are small animals, but they sure have a big appetite for a wide variety of foods.
As a pet owner, you should provide them with adequate amounts regularly. The mint that I’m referring to here is the commonly used herb and a culinary staple.
Humans and a lot of other animals use this for their consumption. There’s no doubt about that. In fact, my Ginger loves mint too.
We already stated that guinea pigs could eat greens.
This article will show you the tips and benefits, dwelling on the fact that guinea pigs can have mint as a part of their diet.
Also, we’ll answer your question in detail. But before that, let’s talk about its health benefits.
Health Benefits Of Mint
Mints do have a high aroma that why they’re famous all over the world. As mentioned above, they are mainly used to improve the taste and aroma of the food.
Aside from that, though, they can serve as food for animals; including mint to a guinea pig’s diet can help it gain a wide range of health benefits such as the following:
#1. Assists in food digestion
Since mints are composed of fiber, stomach disorders can be dealt with quickly.
Examples of these are diarrhea and constipation.
My Ginger used to constipate a lot. When I learned about mints, I give them one to aid in his digestion. Believe me, it works.
Also, feeding your pet mint can help in the smoother secretion of waste. For sure, gastrointestinal complications will be avoided, making your guinea pig strong and healthy.
#2. Improves brain performance
Mints contain substances that aid in improving the brain’s performance.
I can attest to this. I’ve observed Ginger become more attentive whenever I feed him a mint.
I also learned that this could help promote a healthy memory of your little buddy. If I were you, I should have also given your furry pet foods to promote a healthy brain.
#3. Contains lots of vitamin A
Vitamin A can help promote better eyesight.
Not to mention, it further boosts your pet’s immune system, shielding it from possible diseases.
Organ functions will perform perfectly fine such as the kidney, lungs, and heart.
#4. Loaded with vitamin C
Like humans, guinea pigs cannot make their vitamin C, so foods loaded with vitamin C can help promote a healthy immune system.
Vitamin C acts as a warrior in their bodies that guards them against free radicals. Free radicals make cells lose their ability to regrow themselves after the damage. So having calcium in the body helps reduce free radicals. This in turn slows the aging process.
#5. Provides potassium
Potassium helps prevent the formation of kidney stones and shields your pet from decreased muscle mass.
Nutritional Facts of Mint Leaves
Feeding your guinea pigs with mints provides enough nutrients that make it beneficial to them.
They possess antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Chewing also improves teeth and gum health.
However, while mints give a large amount of Vitamin A, it cannot be denied that it contains small quantities of Vitamin C, which is essential as their body cannot produce independently.
We recommend that you decide to sustain your guinea pigs with mint and make it only a secondary meal.
Since spearmint bought is commonly in groceries, here are some nutritional facts, including the known species of mints:
Per 100 grams serving size of spearmint, your pet will be able to have the following nutrients.
81% Vitamin A, 19% Calcium, 22% Vitamin C, 66% Iron, 15% Magnesium, and 10% Vitamin B-6.
Meanwhile, per 100 grams serving size of mints, your guinea pigs can acquire all of the following.
2.4 grams of dietary fibers, 3% of protein, 67 grams of sugar, and 80 grams of total carbohydrates.
The nutrients found are Vitamins A and C, Iron, Phosphorus, Calcium, and Magnesium.
Although mints have several nutrients, it is not advisable to feed your guinea pigs often because they won’t meet the nutrition needed.
Mints can use as a replacement for salty, sugary, and high-calorie foods.
Risks To Consider When Feeding Mint To Guinea Pigs
Aside from the benefits mint can provide, you have to take note of the following risks. Below are some of the possible risks you should consider:
The food you supply to your guinea pig can be either the safest and most effective form of medication or poison.
Take note that mint lacks vitamin C. It is necessary to provide your pet with enough Vitamin C to ensure its good health.
When feeding your guinea pigs mint leaves, you must keenly observe if there are any allergic reactions. If there are signs of having one, consult a vet.
Always wash the plant before giving it to your guinea pigs as some mints may have pests or chemicals present.
As much as possible, make sure that they’re from organic sources. By doing so, it minimizes the risk of poisoning your pets due to fertilizers and other chemicals.
Be considerate. If you thought that your guinea pig hates the mint’s taste or smell, there are many plants in the world. Look for an alternative.
Other Herbs And Leaves That Can Be Given To Guinea Pigs
Since guinea pigs are herbivores, they can eat a wide variety of greens.
A few other herbs and leaves that they could eat are parsley, cilantro, basil, thyme, oregano, arugula, sage, dill, endive, and lavender.
I believe your pet will love all of these greens (well, my Ginger does).
However, it’s worth noting that some herbs your pet cannot eat, such as rosemary, fennel, chives, marjoram, chamomile, and tarragon.
These herbs could be harmful to them; as recommended, never feed your guinea pigs herbs with powerful scents or sharp parts that could hurt them.
Would The Cooling Sensation Of The Mint Affect The Guinea Pigs?
Not at all! Mint leaves have a significant scent and a cooling sensation when ingested.
However, no scientific evidence can prove that the cold feeling dramatically affects your pets’ well-being. It’s OK for you to feed them mint leaves!
Can Guinea Pigs Consume Mint Leaves Regardless Of Age Or Species?
Can guinea pigs eat mint leaves? Yes!
Though different species of guinea pigs exist, all of them are capable of digesting mint.
They can also eat these leaves regardless of age as long as they can chew properly. Mint leaves are safe for them to eat, and they’re nutritious as well!
Conclusion
Can guinea pigs eat mint? Yes, guinea pigs can eat mint. Herbs and other leaves hold great significance in a guinea pig’s diet.
Mint leaves are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, potassium, and fiber which can provide nutritional benefits to your guinea pigs when given in moderation.
Knowing the right amounts and the correct types to feed would let your pets grow healthier and live a longer life through this article.
Thank you for reading!
