Can Dogs Eat Cilantro?

What is Cilantro?

Cilantro is the name for the fresh, green leaves of the coriander plant. However, some parts of the world refer to cilantro as coriander. Cilantro is popular in a huge number of recipes, though its taste can be quite controversial! Some people tend to find that cilantro tastes ‘soapy’.

Throughout history, cilantro has been used for more than just food. This plant has also been used for medicinal purposes, to aid with problems like gastrointestinal distress, respiratory issues and even memory loss. Studies have looked into the many benefits cilantro can offer humans, but there is very little research looking at the impact of this plant on dogs. So, it’s worth bearing this in mind when choosing to feed your dog cilantro.

Is Cilantro Safe for Dogs?

In most cases, cilantro is absolutely safe to feed your dog. There are a lot of ‘human’ food items that can be dangerous for our dogs. But, fresh cilantro leaves are not toxic or dangerous for most dogs, particularly when only fed in very small amounts. If your dog has eaten something that contains cilantro, or has swiped some from your kitchen, you don’t need to panic.

The instances in which cilantro can be unsafe for dogs is if your dog has an intolerance to this foodtype, or if your dog eats mouldy, contaminated cilantro. So, if your dog has not eaten cilantro before, you should only offer them a very small amount. Make sure it is fresh and clean, and watch for signs of intolerance over 24 hours before offering them any more.

Is Cilantro Good for Dogs?

Cilantro is a great source of some really important nutrients. It contains vitamins A, C, and K. It is also a source of manganese, potassium, and folate. Cilantro has antioxidant qualities. Studies into its beneficial qualities have found that it can help to prevent neuronal damage and to improve memory in mice and rats. Cilantro has also been found to have an anti-anxiety impact on studies that involve mice.

So, it’s clear that this ingredient has the potential to be great for our dogs. However, most of the current research looks at the impact of cilantro on humans, or other animals like mice. So, until more research is released specifically on dogs, it’s important to remember that cilantro might not have the exact same effects on our dogs.

Is Cilantro Bad for Dogs?

We know that cilantro contains some important nutrients for humans and dogs alike. But, it actually contains these nutrients in such small amounts that your dog would need to eat a massive serving of cilantro to see the benefits. There are plenty of better sources for these nutrients that are likely also going to appeal much more to your dogs tastebuds.

In most cases, cilantro is not actively bad for our dogs. But, if your dog eats too much cilantro, they may experience digestive upset. On top of this, you should only ever offer fresh cilantro to your dog. Old, wilted, or mouldy cilantro can be dangerous for our dogs, and is much more likely to make them sick than fresh leaves and stems.

You should also only offer your dog a very small amount of cilantro the first time they taste this plant. If they have an allergy or an intolerance to cilantro, they may become quite sick from eating it.

How to Feed Your Dog Cilantro

Can dogs eat cilantro raw or should it be cooked? Well, one of the best things about cilantro is how many different ways you can serve it. It makes a great ingredient to bring flavor to a meal, or can be a refreshing mouthful alone! So, you can get really creative in the ways you choose to serve cilantro to your dog.

Make sure you wash cilantro before giving it to your dog, whether you’re offering it up plain or in a recipe. Store-bought cilantro can have traces of pesticides on their leaves and stems. These chemicals can be harmful to our pets, so it’s always best to wash any fresh fruits, vegetables, or herbs.

Some dogs might be happy to munch on a leafy stalk of fresh cilantro. However, others will prefer cilantro sprinkled on top of their regular food. You can also get creative by incorporating cilantro into some dog-safe home baking! Find recipes for cookies, biscuits, or savory cupcakes and include cilantro for a fun twist!

Do Dogs Like Cilantro?

Cilantro is safe to give to most dogs. But, just like some humans don’t like the taste of cilantro, some dogs won’t like the taste of it! All dogs have their own preferences when it comes to food and flavors. So, the best way to find out if your dog enjoys cilantro is to let them try some.

Just remember to only give a small amount if it’s their first time eating cilantro. Signs of an intolerance or allergy can take a while to show, so wait a couple of days before offering more of this interesting snack. Cilantro for dogs also should not be a major source of the nutrients it contains. Stick to small amounts to avoid any digestive upsets.

Other Snack Ideas for Your Dog

We’ve got plenty of guides to help you find out what foods are safe to give to your dog. Here are some other articles that you might enjoy.

• Can Dogs Eat Pork Bones, Ribs or Meat?
• Can Dogs Eat Lamb Bones?
• Are Antlers Safe For Dogs? A Guide To Antlers For Dogs
• Are Milk-Bones a harmless or harmful?

Can Dogs Eat Cilantro? A Summary

Not all dogs will like the taste of cilantro, but this leafy green plant is safe for most dogs to try, as long as it is served fresh and washed. Cilantro is quite an unusual choice for a treat, but it can be a fun ingredient to experiment with if you like making your dog’s own meals and treats.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that there is very little research about the long term impact of cilantro on our dogs. Cilantro has some interesting health benefits for people and animals like mice. But, you shouldn’t include it as a major part of your dog’s diet without speaking to your veterinarian. The same nutrients cilantro can offer can be found in larger amounts elsewhere.

Have you let your dog try cilantro before? We’d love to hear about their reaction, or any great serving ideas you have.

References and Resources

• Gugler, K. (et al), ‘Hidden Dangers in the Kitchen: Common Foods Toxic to Dogs and Cats’, Compendium (2013)
• Cortinovis, C. & Caloni, F. ‘Household Food Items Toxic to Dogs and Cats’, Frontiers in Veterinary Science (2016)
• Craig, J. ‘Food Intolerance in Dogs and Cats’, Journal of Small Animal Practice (2018)
• Singletary, K., ‘Coriander: Overview of Potential Health Benefits’, Nutrition Today (2016)
• Jiang, T., ‘Health Benefits of Culinary Herbs and Spices’, Journal of AOAC International (2019)
• Mani, V. (et al), ‘Reversal of Memory Deficits by Coriandrum Sativum Leaves in Mice’, Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture (2011)
• Pourzaki, M. (et al), ‘Preventive Effect of Coriandrum Sativum on Neuronal Damages in Pentylenetetrazole-Induced Seizures in Rats’, Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine (2017)