What dried flowers can guinea pigs eat?

Every cute guinea pig companion deserves a treat from time to time as part of a healthy diet. But which ones are the safest and healthiest for your piggies?

Guinea pigs are some of the cutest pets around, and to make sure they live a long and healthy life, their diet should be as natural as possible with stimulating variations.

Dried flowers are often a popular choice.

However, knowing which ones are safe and healthy isn’t always easy. To shed some light on the topic, we’ve created a special guide on dried flowers for guinea pigs.

Can guinea pigs eat dried flowers?

With a diet of 85-90% hay, guinea pigs deserve a treat or two.

Foraging is a popular method amongst many pet owners, as it’s cost-effective and an organic way to feed pets, including guinea pigs, bunnies, and chinchillas.

Chewing and foraging is an enrichment activity with many benefits to small herbivores. Not only does it keep them physically and emotionally stimulated, but it also aids digestive and dental health whilst enhancing natural behaviour.

Flowers can give your guinea pig much-needed fun and plenty of vitamins and minerals essential for growth.

But before you buy a bouquet from us or head outside to forage, it’s worth noting that some flowers are toxic, and others should be given in moderation.

So, if your guinea pig isn’t already enjoying dried flowers in their diet, it’s time to test the waters and see if they appreciate them as a treat.

The best dried flowers for guinea pigs

Before throwing any old flower into your pet’s cage, you must know which dried flowers are best for guinea pigs. Some flowers are toxic, and you should know the ins and outs before taking risks.

We’ve made it easy for you and eliminated the chance of risk by listing some of the most popular flowers for guinea pigs.

Dandelion – They’re rich in vitamins A, C and K and are best in moderation.
Violets – This flower is safe to eat and full of vitamin C to help fight diseases and other complications.
Marigolds – Guinea pigs can have marigolds in small quantities. It’s best to offer them marigold blossoms as the stems and leaves have a strong flavour that your furry friend might not like.
Rose petals – The petals can be fed to your cavy in small amounts, but they don’t have much nutritional value. The rosehip contains vitamin C and iron which is beneficial for red blood cell count during pregnancy and prevents complications such as scurvy.
Lavender – Guinea pigs can digest lavender, and its calming scent can help your pet when they’re feeling stressed. If they eat too much, they might have digestive problems, so give it to them in moderation.
Chamomile – This flower is an excellent addition to your guinea pig’s diet. It’s a source of fibre and makes an excellent snack.
Red clover – This type of clover is an excellent source of vitamins C, A, and E, as well as iron and calcium. Giving your guinea pig red clover can help their eyes, skin, and coat be as healthy as possible.
Rosemary – This flower prevents scurvy disease. It defends your guinea pig from diseases by providing antioxidants, keeping their heart healthy, and improving their mood.
Mint – Despite being high in calcium, mint contains vitamin C and is high in fibre. It’s best to give this to your guinea pig in moderation.

Edible flowers provide a healthy, natural, and safe low-sugar and high-fibre treat whilst stimulating foraging instincts.

When you treat your furry pals to some dried flower mix, it’s important to remember moderation. Nibble & Gnaw suggests adding a small handful to their feed per day. But monitor your pets to see what works best for them and to spot any sudden change or reaction.

Dried flowers guinea pigs should avoid

Now that you know which flowers to give your guinea pig, here are a few you should be avoiding:

Daffodils
Daisies
Sunflowers (because of choking hazards)
Sweet peas flower
Chickweed
Coltsfoot
Green clover
Asters

According to Woodgreen, dry mixes made with lots of colouring, dried fruits and cereals can hurt the health of your tiny pet with dental or urinary problems.

So, it is probably best to avoid chucking in your dried flower bouquets until you’ve done your research, as often they are preserved with chemicals, sprays, and colourings that are unsafe for fur babies.

Before giving your guinea pig fresh or dried flowers, you should scour the internet to be extra safe, as the lists above are extensive for healthy and toxic blooms.

Cheap dried flowers for guinea pigs

It's essential for health to offer your pets fresh herbs and to consider growing your own or buying organic herbs where possible. Knowing this information will ensure you know exactly what is on these blooms and their safety.

A simple search online will bring up lots of dried flower mixes at affordable rates that come from trusted pet brands and suppliers. Including these cheap dried flowers for guinea pigs:

Remember that not all guinea pigs like the same thing, and they might react differently to various mixes and bloom species. It might take some time to discover the dried flowers your piggies truly love.

Buy beautiful (and edible) pet-friendly dried flowers