Can dogs eat cilantro? Yes, cilantro is a dog-friendly herb that offers many health benefits for your furry friend. It promotes good sleep, fresh breath, and high immunity against diseases.
What Is Cilantro?
Cilantro is a popular culinary herb native to Southwestern Asia, Southern Europe, and Northern Africa. It has many names, including dhania, Mexican parsley, and Chinese parsley. Cilantro is also known as coriander.
In North America, cilantro refers to the leaves and stalks of the plant. Meanwhile, the plant’s dried seeds are called coriander.
This does not apply internationally, though. Other countries call the leaves and stalk of the plant coriander, and the dried seeds are referred to as coriander seeds.
What Makes Cilantro Good for Dogs?
Cilantro may not be an exotic nor fancy herb, but it is a good source of nutrients. It contains vitamins A, B, C, E, and K as well as minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium.
Here are the health benefits of cilantro for your furry friend:
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Aids in Thwarting Infectious Diseases
Fresh cilantro leaves have antibacterial and antifungal properties that are proven to eliminate deadly contaminants such as Salmonella enterica. Thus, it is no surprise that the herb can protect your dog against infectious diseases.
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Promotes Strong Immunity Against Disease
Cilantro is rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants. They work hand in hand to reduce free radicals in your dog’s body. This keeps his cells safe from oxidative damage and increases his resistance to serious health issues like cancer.
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Helps Prevent Bad Breath
Fresh cilantro leaves are good for your dog’s dental health. They contain chlorophyll, a pigment that gets rid of foul mouth odor.
You can let your dog chew on a few cilantro leaves to keep his breath fresh. Another way to do this is to make tea by boiling a handful of herbs. Then pour moderate amounts of tea into your pooch’s water.
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Natural Remedy for Digestive Issues
For a long time, cilantro was used in traditional medicine to alleviate stomach problems in humans. The herb’s power to relieve digestive ailments applies to canines as well.
Adding a pinch of cilantro to your dog’s food can ease his upset stomach or flatulence.
Does Cilantro Have Bad Side Effects on Dogs?
Cilantro is good for your dog’s health, but its risks should not be disregarded. Here are the possible side effects that may arise if he consumes this herb:
Allergic Reaction
Although a rare case, some dogs are allergic to cilantro. If it is your furry friend’s first time eating this herb, feed him cilantro in tiny quantities. Wait and see if he exhibits any symptoms of allergy afterward.
Itchiness, hives, swelling, and breathing difficulties are the most common signs of allergic reaction. Stop feeding him cilantro and take him to the vet if these symptoms occur.
Gastrointestinal Problems
What happens if my dog eats cilantro excessively? If your dog eats cilantro in large amounts, prepare to handle tummy troubles.
Another related question is: “Does cilantro give dogs diarrhea?” Yes, vomiting and diarrhea may occur if dogs are given too much cilantro. With this in mind, make sure not to overfeed your dog with this herb.
Now that we have looked into the health benefits and drawbacks of this herb, time to answer the question: “Is cilantro bad for dogs?” No, cilantro is not bad for dogs as it is a nutritious and healthy treat with only a few minor drawbacks.
What Types of Cilantro Can Dogs Eat?
Being a renowned culinary herb, cilantro is available in various forms to use in different kinds of dishes. But are these variations of cilantro safe for your canine companion?
Can Dogs Eat Cilantro Powder?
Yes, cilantro powder is safe for your dog to eat, but it is not a good source of vitamins and minerals. They will acquire more nutrients from eating fresh leaves of the herb.
Can Dogs Eat Cilantro Oil Extract?
Yes, it is okay to feed your dog cilantro oil extract but keep in mind to give it to him in moderation to avoid upsetting his digestive system.
Can Dogs Eat Dried Cilantro?
Yes, dogs can eat dried cilantro. According to studies, dried herbs tend to have higher concentrations of potent antioxidants than in their fresh form.
Can Dogs Eat Cilantro in Guacamole?
No, never feed your dog cilantro that is mixed in human food like guacamole and cilantro rice. It can put him in danger since these dishes contain many ingredients difficult for his stomach to digest.
Moreover, some contain onions, garlic, and chives that can cause poisoning in dogs.
How Much Cilantro Can a Dog Eat?
Cilantro does not need to take up a part of your dog’s diet for him to receive its health benefits. Serve cilantro in small amounts. Up to a teaspoon is the ideal serving size for this herb.
Some dogs like cilantro, while others may not tolerate its taste. If your dog belongs to the latter, encourage him to eat the herb by mixing its fresh leaves with his dog food. Or you can also add a drop of cilantro oil extract into his water.
However, if your dog still finds it repulsive, there is no need to force him. As long as he is fed high-quality dog food, he will not miss out on any essential nutrients.
What Herbs Are Not Good for Dogs?
Be careful in adding herbs to your dog’s diet. Not all of them are safe for him to eat. Here are some herbs that can be harmful to your furry friend:
Onion
Onion is considered toxic to dogs. It contains sulfoxides and disulfides, which can cause severe hemolytic anemia in canines.
Tarragon
Tarragon can be very dangerous to dogs if consumed in large amounts. It can interfere with proper blood clotting and may also cause liver damage.
Sorrel
Sorrel is not suitable for dogs since it has high levels of oxalates. In addition, feeding it excessively or regularly to your dog can lead to poisoning and kidney damage.
