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Can Guinea Pigs Have Lemon Balm?

Jeffery

If you’re like many other guinea pig owners, You’re always on the hunt for new herbs you can let your guinea pig nibble on and experience.

While there are many herbs that guinea pigs can eat, you may be wondering if lemon balm is safe for them to consume.

Is lemon balm safe for guinea pigs?

Yes it is!

Lemon balm is a nutritious alternative for guinea pigs to consume, as it contains proteins, antioxidants, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins.

This herb can help relieve anxiety in guinea pigs, and can also be used as a mild sedative.

Lemon balm can also help stimulate the appetite, so if your guinea pig is not eating well, this may be a good herb to try.

Lemon balm has no cholesterol or fats, so it won’t harm your piggies’ health over time.

Lemon balm, like spearmint, is a mint herb. However, because it belongs to the mint family, it has a powerful flavor that some cavies may dislike.

Aside from that, in moderate doses, it’s an acceptable herb for guinea pigs, and if your pig, in particular, happens to enjoy it, then it’s a perfectly fine treat!

Things you should know before giving them lemon balm

The best herbs are the ones you grow at home by yourself. You never know what is in that store-bought packet.

When in doubt, go for organic Always wash the leaves before giving them to your guinea pigs, even if you grew them yourself.

Always avoid any brands that may use pesticides (which are a lot of them!).

If you intend on growing it yourself, it goes without saying not to use any herbicides or pesticides on your plant.

If you intend on feeding your pig wild lemon balm, be sure it’s not growing in any areas that may have been recently sprayed with herbicides or pesticides, or may be in heavily polluted soil or with a polluted water source nearby.

Always try to give fresh lemon balm to your guinea pigs, as it contains the most nutrients.

If you must give them dried leaves, be sure to soak them in water for about half an hour before giving them to your guinea pigs to rehydrate them.

Only give a small amount to your guinea pigs at first to see how they react to it. If they seem fine, then you can give them a little more the next time.

Lemon balm is perfectly safe for guinea pigs, as long as it’s given in moderation.

As with all things, too much of a good thing can be bad, and the same goes for lemon balm. If your guinea pigs eat too much of it, they may experience an upset stomach or diarrhea.

If you notice that your guinea pig is not eating as much as usual, has soft stools, or is lethargic, then stop giving them lemon balm and observe their condition. If their condition does not improve, then take them to your local exotic vet as soon as possible.