Can Dogs Eat Cilantro (Coriander)? A Complete Guide

Can Dogs Eat Cilantro (Coriander)? A Complete Guide

YES! Cilantro has plenty of beneficial vitamins and minerals that dogs can benefit from. Provided dogs are feed cilantro in moderation, the herb is completely safe and beneficial.

Remember, dogs shouldn’t be getting their dose of essential nutrients from herbs. Cilantro should therefore be used as a dog treat as opposed to a dog food substitute. Canines are meant to have a predominantly protein diet. While vegetables and herbs may be nutritious, a dog’s digestive system can only handle such foods in small quantities.

While the ASPCA lists cilantro as a non-toxic plant to dogs, this shouldn’t be mistaken to mean that dogs should overeat human food.

Cilantro

About Cilantro

Cilantro (also known as dhania, coriander, Mexican or Chinese parsley) is simply a flavorful plant whose leaves and stems are common in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mexican recipes. The plant is commonly used fresh or dry as a spice. The stems and leaves are known to make delicious soups, stews, salads, and fried foods.

Benefits

Cilantro is packed with Vitamins and essential minerals, which offer numerous health benefits. The vitamins include; vitamin K, Vitamin C, and Vitamin A. The herb is packed with several minerals like Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Copper, Zinc, Potassium, Manganese, Selenium, and Iron. Cilantro also contains dietary fiber. All these nutrients have numerous benefits, the most notable being;

I. Antioxidant Benefits

Numerous studies on cilantro effects on the human body suggest that the plant can repair damaged skin cells. It is accurate to conclude that the same can apply to dogs since they are also prone to skin problems linked to oxidative stress.

Other studies have shown that cilantro can eliminate metal toxins. Dogs stand to enjoy similar benefits. The herb is also linked to loosening feces which helps in natural detoxification.

II. Digestive System Benefits

Cilantro has been a traditional digestive system medicine for centuries. Research shows that the herb is capable of calming your dog’s digestive system. For centuries, humans have used cilantro to deal with upset stomach problems.

The same benefits can be enjoyed by dogs, especially those with sensitive stomachs or gas problems. Adding some cilantro to your dog’s food or dog treat can help deal with common digestive system problems experienced by dogs.

III. Antifungal And Antibacterial Benefits

Cilantro has proven antifungal and antibacterial benefits. The herb can fight serious infections and conditions like E. Coli and MRSA. Since dogs are prone to fungal and bacterial infections, they could benefit from eating some Cilantro.

IV. Vision And Skin Benefits

Cilantro’s Vitamin A composition comes with notable vision and skin benefits. Dogs need vitamin A to have a healthy skin and coat. Other benefits of Vitamin A include muscle health and neurological development, especially in puppies.

V. Improved Breath

Dogs with bad breath can also benefit from chewing cilantro leaves and stems. Besides freshening their breath, they stand to prevent gum infections.

VI. Mineral Benefits

Minerals like calcium are bound to strengthen your dog’s teeth, bones and aid with blood clotting. Magnesium is important for many benefits, such as neurotransmission and metabolism, among other biochemical reactions in the body. Iron helps in red blood cell development and oxygen movement.

Risks

As mentioned above, dogs aren't supposed to be eating plenty of herbs and vegetables as part of their main diet. A pinch of dried cilantro or a few leaves of fresh cilantro can make a perfect treat. However, cilantro and other herbs should be fed sparingly to dogs.

Also, since some dogs may have allergic reactions to herbs, cilantro should be introduced carefully. A small pinch of cilantro is enough as a first-time treat. Once your dog is used to eating cilantro without exhibiting any negative side effects, you can feed him/her a full teaspoon once or twice a week.

In many cases, dogs aren't allergic to cilantro. However, the herb can cause symptoms like itchiness, face swelling, body swelling, and/or mild skin rash. Excessive consumption can result in digestive system problems like vomiting and diarrhea.

Cilantro stems and leaves can also introduce choking risks. However, this side effect is common among small dogs. If you notice harmful side effects after giving your dog cilantro, visit a vet.

Cilantro

How to Feed Your Dog Cilantro

Cilantro is available mostly as fresh leaves and stems or dry powder. The herb is also sold as seeds. Feeding fresh cilantro leaves and stems is advisable since your dog derives the most nutrients from fresh herbs. Dried and powder forms are still nutritious but contain lower mineral and vitamin levels.

You can chop fresh leaves and stems and add them to your dog’s meal. Always start with small amounts initially to avoid adverse reactions. Also, you won’t alter the taste of your dog’s food if you add small amounts. As mentioned above, a teaspoon once or twice a week is enough. When feeding fresh cilantro, a few stems and leaves are enough.

Picky dogs should be fed powdered cilantro mixed in dog food to ensure they eat the herb and benefit from it. Cilantro can also be used as an ingredient for making dog treats like biscuits. The herb can also be sprinkled on food.

Cilantro oil extract can also be made by crushing the leaves and stem and adding the resulting mixture to your dog's water or food. Adding several drops can improve your dog's breathe and offer many other added benefits.

In case you want more ideas, you can add the herb in dog treats like smoothies or dog salsa. However, remember to avoid ingredients such as garlic, onions, and salt that may irritate dogs. Remember, dogs aren't meant to be eating human foods, so avoid giving your dog foods with other additives that may cause stomach upset and other complications.

FAQs

Can Dogs Eat Cilantro Leaves?

Yes! Dogs can eat cilantro leaves. Provided they eat a few leaves at a time, cilantro leaves offer dogs a variety of benefits ranging from digestive system to dental, oral, and immune system benefits. What's more, the leaves can be offered fresh or cooked and mixed in dog treats, dog foods, or drinking water. However, they shouldn't be mixed with human foods that dogs don't eat.

Can Dogs Eat Cilantro Stems?

Yes! However, the stems should be finely chopped to reduce choking risks. Small dogs can chock on cilantro stems. The stems should also be fresh and free of additives in human food.

Can Dogs Eat Cilantro Rice?

Yes. Dogs can eat cilantro rice and any other form of cilantro. However, since the rice may contain some salt and other additives like butter, it may not be the best dog treat. Butter can cause your dog to gain weight, and salt isn't good for dogs. Unless you are giving your dog one bite, you should consider other forms of cilantro.

Can Dogs Eat Cooked Cilantro?

Yes. However, as mentioned above, cilantro shouldn’t be cooked with other additives like salt, pepper, garlic etc., that aren’t recommendable for dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Fresh Cilantro?

Yes! In fact, dogs should be eating fresh cilantro over other forms when possible since fresh herbs have the highest nutritional composition. However, the herbs should be preferably organic without any harmful chemicals like pesticides.

Can Dogs Eat Dried Cilantro?

Yes! Dried cilantro is great for making dog treats. If your dog is a sensitive eater, dried cilantro may be the best form.

Can Dog Eat Food With Cilantro?

Yes. However, dogs should be given dog food as opposed to human foods. Mixing cilantro with other food is the best way to feed the herb to dogs that are sensitive eaters.

Can Dogs Eat Black Cilantro?

Yes. But they should eat green cilantro. Black cilantro or cilantro leaves and stems with a black color may indicate the presence of bacteria.

Can Dogs Eat Red Cilantro?

No. Stick to the green variety.

Can Dogs Eat Pink Cilantro?

No. Stick to the green variety.

Can Dogs Eat Green Cilantro?

Yes. Dogs should eat the green form. Other forms may contain harmful compounds.

Is Cilantro Dangerous For Dogs?

No. Provided the herb is organic and free of other human food additives like salt and pepper, cilantro is 100% good for your dog. However, you must feed cilantro to your dog in small quantities i.e., a teaspoon of cilantro powder once or twice weekly or half a cup of chopped cilantro leaves. The cilantro should also be introduced slowly. In case of adverse effects, visit a vet.

Should My Dog Eat Cilantro?

Not really! Cilantro has many benefits that can be derived from high-quality dog food. Unless you want to give your dog a treat, there are better sources of vitamins and minerals for your furry friend.

Conclusion

Cilantro is packed with beneficial vitamins and minerals that dogs need for overall health and wellness. However, dogs shouldn't be overeating herbs as part of their main diet. For this reason, cilantro and other herbs should be given in small quantities.

They should also be free of additives in human food i.e., salt and pepper, that can harm dogs. The herb should also be introduced into a dog's diet in small quantities. In case of adverse side effects, visit a vet.

Dog owners can get more info on what dogs can/can't eat and other priceless pet information, pet gifts and more at PetPattern.

Related Posts

Add a comment

* Comments must be approved before being displayed.