Lavender is a medicinal herb, and it is often referred to as a genus consisting of 39 species of flowering plants and also a part of the mint family. The most widely cultivated species is English lavender. It is also the species with purple-colored flowers responsible for the color of the same name. In food, lavender can be used as a flavor, while the lavender flower and lavender oil are also used in pharmaceuticals. They are usually used to treat restlessness, insomnia, tension, and depression.
In addition, it is used to treat a variety of digestive disorders, such as gastrointestinal gas (Meteorism, gas in the intestines or abdominal cavity causes swelling of the abdomen), loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea, flatulence, and gastrointestinal discomfort. It is also being used to treat pain, such as migraine headaches, tooth pain, sprains, nerve pain, soreness, joint pain, and others such as acne or cancer, and smooth drainage. Can guinea pigs eat Lavender? Can guinea pigs enjoy the benefits of feeding lavender to them like humans?
Can Guinea pigs eat Lavender?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat lavender but only in moderation. Lavender is a type of purple herbaceous plant that is enriched with a decent amount of beneficial nutrients like vitamins A and C, calcium, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, iron, zero cholesterol, and low fats. All these nutrients are essential in keeping your pets healthy. Apart from that, they also possess a calming effect, which may be useful during a stressful period for your pets. However, the sensitive nature of the digestive system of guinea pigs may not allow this food to be overfed because it may lead to digestive issues for your little cavies.
In what proportion should guinea pigs feed lavender to guinea pigs
Lavender has a lot of health benefits embedded in them, but it can only prove effective if it is eaten in small quantities. This is because a pet suffering from an allergy reaction will not be active, and they may need to visit a veterinarian, this is why you should follow the correct standard proportion of feeding lavender to guinea pigs. 2-3 flower buds on top should be fed 1-3 times a week. It should be fed with other varieties of food for guinea pigs in other to balance out some nutrients in them.
Nevertheless, if you are just introducing lavender to them it should be served by introducing small amounts one time per week. Proper 24-hour observation should also be placed on them in case of any allergic reaction that may arise from them. After that, you can choose to feed it to them in moderation as a standard proportion.
What are the health benefits of feeding lavender to guinea pigs
Lavender is a herbaceous plant known for offering a lot of benefits to little cavies because of the number of essential nutrients present in them. Some of the benefits they offer will further be discussed in today's article
Contains low calories
Studies have shown that only a small amount of calories is present in this herb. It also contains low amounts of carbs and proteins which are part of those essential nutrients that contribute to rapid growth in pets, especially when consumes in high proportion.
Rich in antioxidants
Antioxidants are another vital nutrient that can help your pet improve its health. Antioxidants in the body system are responsible for giving protection against free radicals which are responsible for causing various serious health risks like cancer, as well as heart diseases. They also prevent your little cavies from early aging and also reduce the risk of all these serious health risks
Contain Vitamins
There are various types of vitamins present in Lavender, and all these vitamins are responsible for various important factors in their body system. Vitamin C is responsible for preventing a common disease in guinea pigs called scurvy, and it can also help boost their immune system against all other diseases. They also contain vitamin A which helps to promote healthy strong teeth and bone, they are also responsible for promoting healthy white blood cells and soft tissues
Contains a calming effect
Lavender is one of the highly edible herbaceous plants you can give to your pets. This is because it contains calming effects alongside its various benefits. This calming effect will help reduce the stress of your guinea pigs and at the same time provide them with a unique flavor
Contain several macronutrients
Lavender is enriched with macronutrients like manganese which help to provide excellent blood level sugar and reduce the risk of inflammatory diseases for your pets. Iron and copper in the herb are responsible for creating new red blood cells and also help their body system fight against anemia. Selenium help to prevent their heart from any type of heart disease and also protects them against all forms of serious diseases like cancer.
Possible Health Risk of Feeding Lavender to guinea pigs
Urinary blockage
Lavender is enriched with a decent proportion of calcium content. High consumption of this nutrient can develop into the accumulation of stones in the urinary tract which eventually leads to painful urination for your pets and the presence of blood during the urine. This complication is often termed kidney or bladder stones.
Digestion problem
Lavender contains a decent amount of sugar and some other nutrients, this is not a problem when it is correctly served. However, if it is being overfed to your little cavies, it may result in stomach or abdominal ache, bloatedness, cramps, and other related digestive problems.
Conclusion
Guinea pigs can eat lavender, but it should only be in moderation. This may be a result of the decent proportion of calcium present in this herb or flower. Apart from that, this herb is enriched with a lot of beneficial nutrients that can improve the body system of your guinea pigs and also provide calming effects for them, some of the benefits have been listed above. Pet owners should endeavor to check out the standard proportion this flower should be served before they feed it to their pets.
