Oregano, also known as Origanum vulgare is a typical Mediterranean herb whose original home area is the Mediterranean region. It belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae) and thus belongs to one of the most species-rich families of herbs. This herb is widely known for its kitchen and medicinal properties. However, Due to its aromatic, tart taste, oregano, like basil and thyme, is indispensable in Mediterranean cuisine.
Oregano is also enriched with medically interesting active nutrients like vitamins, fiber, minerals, antioxidants, and other essential macronutrients that can provide relief from gastric and intestinal complaints to fungal diseases and serious heart problems. However, can these benefits be extended to guinea pigs? Can guinea pigs eat oregano? Continue reading this article to know more about this topic
Can guinea pigs eat Oregano?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat Oregano, but it should only be in moderation. Oregano is a herb that is enriched with essential nutrients needed for the health and wellness of your guinea pigs like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, phosphorus, calcium, and many more. However, they contain a high proportion of calcium content and this is detrimental to the health of your little cavies if too much is given to them. Moreover, oregano should be mixed with other complementary vegetables or herbs if you are expecting your little cavies to effectively utilize this particular herb. In the meantime, there are a few you need to consider if you are thinking of feeding this herb to your little cavies.
What is the correct proportion of feeding Oregano to guinea pigs?
In what proportion will you feed oregano to your little cavies should be a question that pet owners urgently seek answers for. This is because oregano is not just a regular herb for guinea pigs, it is a herb enriched with so many of the essential nutrients guinea pigs require for healthy living. Hence, you should only feed them small bites of oregano to your little cavies once or twice a week.
Also, they should be served over any other complementary herbs or vegetables. If this is the first time you are introducing the herb to your little cavies, then it should be served in lesser amounts compared to the standard proportion. Remember, do not over-serve this herb to guinea pigs since they can lead to severe health risks for your pets in no time.
What are the health benefits of feeding oregano to guinea pigs
Oregano is known to have many health benefits simply by feeding it to your little cavies. It is known to be nature’s potent defense against harmful organisms because of the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties it contains. Here is a list of some of the benefits that your pets can get from eating Oregano
Although Oreganos does not contain the popular vitamin C needed for strengthening and improving the immune system of your little cavies, they contain other types of vitamins and likewise two compounds named Thymol and Carvacol which helps fight against viral disease and thereby allowing the proper function of their immune system. These benefits also extend their benefits to maintaining healthy skin and healing your pet's wounds. An example of a vitamin found in them is vitamin A, which is an essential nutrient for good vision, and normal growth and development.
Oreganos are enriched with antioxidants compound that helps to fight free radicals that cause oxidative stress for your pets. The bad balance of these free radicals can lead to cancers and some immunity problems for your little cavies. They also prevent anti-aging in your pets
Potassium is known as a major nutrient that is used to control or reduce the risk of blood pressure levels. Oregano also contains a decent amount of calcium which is responsible for healthy bones and teeth.
Oreganos are a cholesterol-free treat and this can help your little cavies stick to their diet and stay healthy. They are also a good source of soluble fiber, which can help them feel full quicker hence, reduce the risk of obesity.
Possible health risks of feeding oreganos to guinea pigs
The following is the effect of not following the correct proportion of feeding oreganos to your guinea pigs.
Oreganos are mostly grown by using pesticides to keep insects or bugs away. Feeding this kind of herb to your pets without thoroughly washing them may cause digestive problems like diarrhea, bloating, gas, stool, etc
Oreganos are also enriched with high amounts of calcium, and this may be beneficial for young guinea pigs. However, for pregnant and adult guinea pigs that don't require this kind of proportion, it may result in calcium builds up which are also known as stones. This then leads to blockage in their kidney or bladder and eventually it results in urinary complications.
Other herbs that you can feed to guinea pigs
Parsley is one of the excellent herbs that can be given to your guinea pigs however, it should be fed in moderation because of the high proportion of calcium and oxalic acid present in them. Parsley contains compounds that inhibit tumor formation, and they also contain a lot of vitamin C and other essential nutrients.
Dill is another herb that can be beneficial to your guinea pigs, this is because they contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, calcium, and another nutrient that is responsible for keeping your pets healthy. They also contain compounds that can help in neutralizing carcinogenic substances. However, it should also be fed in moderation because of the high proportion of calcium and oxalic acid found in them.
Rosemary can be given to your pets in little proportion because it is known to be highly aromatic and contains a high proportion of calcium substances. Rosemary contains nutrients like vitamins A and C, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and other essential nutrients
Conclusion
Yes, guinea pigs can oreganos and some other varieties of herbs. This is because of the beneficial nutrient that can be found in them however, it is of great importance to follow the standard proportion of feeding oregano to them because they usually contain a high proportion of calcium compared to other types of vegetables. To find out other information, you can go back to read this article.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Thyme
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Tangerines
