Parsley is one of the most widely used herbs around the world used in various culinary dishes.
It is has a fresh and grassy flavour which seems to work well with other ingredients which is one of the keys to its popularity.
The best type of parsley is fresh looking and bright green either curly or flat leafed.
So if we can eat parsley, can guinea pigs do so as well?
Lets take a look and find out by check out its nutritional data.
As per usual, we’re looking for its phosphorus, fat, sugar, oxelate acid and calcium content.
A good amount of vitamin c is also a good bonus as well.
Energy 151 kJ (36 kcal)
Carbohydrates 6.33 g
– Sugars 0.85 g
– Dietary fiber 3.3 g
Fat 0.79 g
Protein 2.97 g
Vitamin A equiv. 421 μg (53%)
– beta-carotene 5054 μg (47%)
– lutein and zeaxanthin 5561 μg
Thiamine (vit. B1) 0.086 mg (7%)
Riboflavin (vit. B2) 0.09 mg (8%)
Niacin (vit. B3) 1.313 mg (9%)
Pantothenic acid (B5) 0.4 mg (8%)
Vitamin B6 0.09 mg (7%)
Folate (vit. B9) 152 μg (38%)
Vitamin C 133 mg (160%)
Vitamin E 0.75 mg (5%)
Vitamin K 1640 μg (1562%)
Calcium 138 mg (14%)
Iron 6.2 mg (48%)
Magnesium 50 mg (14%)
Manganese 0.16 mg (8%)
Phosphorus 58 mg (8%)
Potassium 554 mg (12%)
Sodium 56 mg (4%)
Zinc 1.07 mg (11%)
source usda
As you can see, parsley contains a huge amount of vitamin c which is amazing for guinea pigs. Because guinea pigs can’t generate their own vitamin c, it is vital for them to be able to have a good supplement of it.
However, it does contain a measure of calcium which you do need to be aware of so it can’t be fed so regularly.
Cam guinea pigs eat parsley everyday?
Because of the calcium content they can’t unfortunately. Once or twice a week should suffice and do nicely for guinea pigs.
Can guinea pigs eat parsley stems?
Yes they can and they will love them as well. Just not too much at any one time though. Although it will be tempting as they will love it.
Can guinea pigs eat Italian parsley?
Italian parsley is a one of the most used varieties of parsley and is very popular. Yes they can eat it but only once or twice a week.
Can guinea pigs eat cow parsley?
This is a different type of parsley to curly or flat leafed parsley. However, guinea pigs can eat it. Just in moderation like curly and flat leafed parsley.
Can guinea pigs eat Chinese parsley?
Chinese parsley is another name for Cilantro. We wrote about that here, if you’d like some information about it.