To have good heart health and blood sugar levels, we often add cilantro to our diets. Thanks to its vitamins and minerals that boost our immune system. To offer such benefits to our dogs, we may wonder, Can dogs have cilantro?
Dogs can have cilantro in small amounts, as it has no harmful elements but nutrients. However, this vegetable may pose health threats to your dog if they take it too much. Besides, dogs should have it if their vet allows them.
In order to add cilantro to your dog’s diet, you must be certain of its benefits, side effects, and safety concerns. All these are apparent in this article.
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All About Cilantro
Cilantro, also known as coriander, is a Spanish word. It belongs to the Apiaceae family, and its genus is Coriandrum. The cilantro plant, or coriander plant, is edible, but we mostly use its seeds and leaves for cooking.
Cilantro is a great substitute for spice and medicine and offers several health benefits. Whether it is about treating toothache or cancer or enhancing the taste of food, coriander is superb for all objectives. Besides, cilantro can remove lead, mercury, and other toxins from the body. Thanks to its antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
This veggie contains many vitamins and minerals, which can boost anyone’s immune system. Both the leaves and seeds of cilantro can offer us health benefits.
Can Dogs Have Cilantro?
As we see, cilantro is loaded with nutrients but no toxins, so it can be a great addition to our dogs’ diet. Most dog owners consider feeding their dogs cilantro to make their breath fresher. Besides, some dogs prefer its taste, which can be enjoyed alone or with other foods. Its nutrients can be a saviour for dogs with diseases.
Anyway, coriander is good for dogs, but that doesn’t mean they can have it as much as they want. Dogs should rely on dog foods rather than human foods. They must eat human foods for 10% of their daily calorie intake. So offer a few amounts of cilantro to your canine friend. Also, consult with his bet before introducing him to any food.
Benefits Of Having Cilantro For Dogs
No doubt, cilantro can offer health benefits to our paw friends if they take it the right way and in the right amount. Cilantro has high amounts of vitamin A, vitamin K, and vitamin C. Vitamin A maintains normal vision, growth, and the immune system. Meanwhile, vitamin C takes care of cell growth and keeps cardiovascular diseases at bay. Vitamin K regulates the blood sugar level and reduces blood clotting.
Along with vitamins, cilantro is rich in minerals too. Such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, and so on. These all can promote dogs’ muscle health, bone health, skin health, and eye health.
Cilantro has antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties too. The antioxidant properties will protect dogs from free radicals, the antifungal properties will prevent them from fungal infections, and the antibacterial properties will save your dog from microorganisms.
If your dog is suffering from constipation or digestive issues, cilantro can be a saviour for him. A ½ cup of cilantro contains 1.23 grams of fibre. Its fibre content can regulate your dog’s bowel movements.
Risks Of Having Cilantro For Dogs
Usually, cilantro has side effects when dogs eat it too much. For example, dogs can produce vitamin C naturally, while cilantro is rich in vitamin C. Dogs need less amounts of vitamin C or no vitamin C at all.
Having large amounts of cilantro will make them ingest large amounts of vitamin C, which can lead to skin issues. Besides, a moderate quantity of cilantro can regulate blood sugar levels. If your dog eats too much of this veggie, his blood sugar level can drop, resulting in hypotension issues.
As said earlier, cilantro has good amounts of fibre. The more a dog eats cilantro, the more he takes fibre, which is not necessary. Too much fibre can upset the stomach and lead to diarrhoea and stomach pain.
In general, we prepare coriander with rice by adding butter, salt, and seasonings. This way of preparing is not good for dogs. In fact, the ingredients are toxic to dogs, which can cause them vomiting, diarrhoea, and several other diseases.
How To Offer Cilantro To Dogs?
Before you let your paw friend have cilantro, make sure it is fresh and organic. Don’t forget to wash it, as raw veggies carry bacteria and pesticides. Afterwards, cut some leaves from it and make the size as small as possible.
You may sprinkle the pieces of leaves on other fruits, veggies, or dog food. You can also extract a few drops of cilantro oil from the pieces of its leaves to enhance the taste and moisture.
How Much Cilantro Can Dogs Have?
Cilantro is good for dogs, but can they have it? Well, they can have it if they are comfortable eating it. To know that, you can first offer your dog the slightest piece of the coriander leaf. If he is not reacting after having that particular piece, you can let him eat some more. If you see that your paw friend is having this veggie comfortably, you may offer it to him occasionally.
Anyway, dogs should have cilantro in small amounts. A small dog can have one to two leaves, a medium dog can have two to three leaves, and a large dog can have up to five leaves. Make sure you chop the leaves into tiny pieces so that dogs can digest them easily.
When Can Dogs Have Cilantro?
Since cilantro contains numerous vitamins and minerals, it can save your dog from many diseases. For example, if your dog is the victim of free radicals, offer him cilantro. Its antioxidant properties can heal him. Besides, if your dog is struggling with an improper bowel movement, cilantro can help with its fibre content.
We know dogs can produce vitamin C naturally. This means they need less vitamin C in their diet. If your dog’s regular meal already has vitamin C, he should avoid coriander. Again, dogs dealing with allergies from plant-based foods should not have this veggie.
Most importantly, your dog can only have cilantro when his vet approves it. Sometimes, the old health records of dogs do not allow them to eat healthy foods either.
Frequently Asked Questions: Can Dogs Have Cilantro?
Do dogs like cilantro?
Dogs like cilantro because when they eat it, it calms their stomachs, which makes them feel better. Also, its taste and texture baffle dogs. Its crispiness is especially popular with some dogs.
Can dogs be allergic to cilantro?
Dogs can be allergic to cilantro if they can’t withstand plant-based foods. Besides, eating too much of this veggie can trigger allergies.
Can dogs eat cilantro every day?
Dogs should not eat cilantro every day if they already have fruits and vegetables regularly in their diet. Besides, dogs should try human food occasionally, not frequently.
Are cilantro seeds safe for dogs?
Cilantro seeds are safe for dogs as long as they have them in moderation. These seeds carry the same nutrients as cilantro leaves. So you may add these seeds to your dogs’ meals sometimes.
Final Verdict
After learning about some potential health risks from cilantro, we may think twice: Can dogs have cilantro? The answer is yes, if they have it in moderation, have no allergies, and are under their vet’s guidance.
If your dog ever eats cilantro more than necessary, he may go through an upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhoea, irritation, rashes, etc. Without panicking, observe his symptoms first and let him throw up everything. Then tell your vet about those symptoms and offer treatment to your dog as soon as possible.
