Can Guinea Pigs Eat Dill?

Dill, scientifically known as Anethum graveolens is an annual herb whose seeds and leaves are used for culinary purposes. It is widely cultivated in Eurasia and used in different types of cooking for flavoring or as a herb.

Can guinea pigs have dill?

Yes. Guinea pigs can eat dill as well as other herbs including endive, cilantro, mint, basil, parsley, fennel, and so on. They are a natural part of the grazing diet for these rodents. However, you should keep varying the various leafy greens you give them.  

This delicious herb is loaded with a lot of nutrients including vitamins A, B complex and C, some carbohydrates, fats, proteins, as well various minerals including manganese, copper, calcium, potassium, iron, phosphorus, among others. These nutrients form an important part of a guinea pig's diet.

Furthermore, the herb is described as “appetizing, diuretic, and stimulate milk flow” [1] making it an important part of the herbs you should give to this critter.

However, do not give them pickled dill. Instead, give them fresh ones, also referred to dill weed and ensure they are free of any pesticides.

What about dill seeds?

It is recommended to avoid giving this pet dill seeds since the “guinea pig digestive systems are designed for grass diets, which are high in fiber and low in carbohydrates.”[2]

Foods, including grains and seeds, have higher amounts of starches and sugars which can cause intestinal obstruction, obesity, and change in the digestive bacteria population.

Furthermore, they present choking hazards. Therefore, they are not the healthiest thing to give this pet.

Conclusion

Whereas we have stated that dill is safe for these pets, you need to ensure they get their right diet which must have high amounts of hay, some pellets, vegetables including carrot tops, peas, spinach, artichokes, romaine lettuce, kales, among others. Also, give them small treats of fruits and non-leafy vegetables such as carrots, bell pepper (green and red) and so on.