Can Dogs Eat Cilantro? Everything You Need to Know

You either love it or you hate it. To some, it’s a yummy, flavorful herb that adds diversity to lots of dishes, to others, it tastes like soap (you actually have a cilantro gene that determines this). But can dogs eat cilantro? Is this green herb safe for them to eat? And what do you need to know about feeding it to your pooch?

Let’s find out!

In Short, Can Dogs Eat Cilantro?

Yes. It’s safe to give your dog cilantro (also known as coriander or Chinese parsley). In fact, there are even some benefits to adding cilantro to their diet. But, like all human foods you give your pup, moderation is really important. Too much cilantro could cause stomach problems.

Also, while it is safe to add cilantro to your dog’s food, that doesn’t mean that your dog will actually like the flavor. Cilantro is very strong and it may be something your pooch turns its nose up at.

Benefits of Feeding Cilantro to Dogs

There are numerous benefits to sprinkling a little cilantro into your dog’s diet. Cilantro contains lots of important antioxidants as well as vitamin A and vitamin C. These vitamins are really important in supporting your dog’s immune system. The herb is also high in vitamin K, which helps give your dog healthy skin.

If your pooch has a bit of an upset stomach, you could try adding some cilantro to your dog’s meals. Just a few of the leaves will help to ease pain and symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.

Cilantro also has some antibacterial and antifungal properties which can support your dog’s digestive system. It can even help to improve their breath!

Risks of Feeding Your Dog Cilantro

Before adding anything new to your pup’s diet, it’s important dog owners are aware of potential risks. When feeding cilantro to dogs, you should remove the woody stems and roots. These parts of the plant can be difficult for dogs to digest and could cause gastrointestinal issues.

It’s also best to cut up the leaves so that they’re easier for dogs to nibble on and always wash them first.

Another thing pup parents should be aware of is your pup having an allergic reaction. Although unlikely, certain human foods can cause allergic reactions in dogs.

When you first introduce cilantro to your dog’s diet, monitor your pup for any sign of a reaction. These could include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. If you’re concerned, contact your vet straight away.

What If Your Dog Eats Cilantro from The Garden?

If you have a herb garden, it’s best to keep it fenced off from pups. However, if your pooch does get into your herb garden and eats some cilantro it’s important to monitor them.

If it’s just a couple of leaves, they should be OK. But, if it’s a lot and includes some of the roots, it could cause them to vomit. Again, if you notice anything different about your pooch or you’re worried, contact your vet.

How to Feed Dogs Cilantro

There are lots of ways you can add this herb to your dog’s diet. One of the easiest ones is to simply sprinkle chopped cilantro onto their regular dog food. However, this will only work if your dog is used to seeing green veg and herbs in their food (like if they’re on a fresh dog food diet).

Another great way to boost your dog’s health with cilantro is to mix it with other doggy-safe veggies and make a green smoothie.

You could whisk up a few cilantro leaves with some dog-safe yogurt, broccoli, and zucchini and freeze it inside an interactive dog toy. We recommend letting them lick the smoothie outside – it can get a bit messy!

You could also add the same smoothie to a doggie lick mat for some fun. Lick mats are a great way for dogs to slow down when eating and they help to keep them entertained a little longer.

How Much Cilantro Can Dogs Eat?

90% of your dog’s diet should be coming from specially formulated dog food. You also need to make sure the food is appropriate for your dog’s age and activity level.

The other 10% can be healthy human snacks. It’s unlikely, however, that your pooch will be happy to eat so much cilantro and it’s a better idea to mix it with other veggies to make that 10%.

So, how much cilantro your dog can eat really depends on their breed and size and how much they usually eat. As with all human foods, moderation is key and the main source of their nutrients and calories should be canine food.

Conclusion: Can Dogs Eat Cilantro?

Yes, it’s perfectly safe to feed your dog cilantro leaves. There are several benefits to adding this herb to their diet and some dogs love the added flavour. Just make sure to feed it to them in moderation, wash the leaves first, and avoid feeding the woody stalks and roots.