Is Cilantro Bad for Dogs & Puppies to Have?

What is Cilantro? It is a common herb which people add to their various dishes. It is also called coriander. Some people hate to see it in their dish while others love it so much. 

Then, you might wonder if dogs love it too. Can dogs enjoy it, or should they avoid it? This article provides answers to these and many other questions. Read along to understand and gain more knowledge.

Cilantro, otherwise known as Chinese parsley or coriander, is a famous herb people use in cooking across the world. You might know it, but you probably didn’t realize that it is called Cilantro.

It is often added to salsa, guacamole, or salad in your Mexican dishes. Asides that, it adds a unique flavor to your food; Cilantro also contains the right quantity of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins for humans.

Now to the question of whether it is safe for dogs or not. Please carefully read along as we share more insight on Cilantro for dogs.

Is Cilantro Safe for Dog Consumption?

Honestly, one has to be cautious when feeding their pet with herbs. This is because many herbs cause health issues, while some can even be toxic for your dog.  

So it is safe for your dog to eat Cilantro; however, it must be fed in moderate quantity. If you overfeed your dog with excess Cilantro, it might lead to problems rather than benefits for your dog.

Health Advantages of Cilantro

Like we mentioned earlier, Cilantro contains the right quantity of vitamins C, K, and A and is also a good source of potassium, manganese, and minerals iron. Another benefit that Cilantro has is its low-calorie level, and it is also free from cholesterol.  

Below are the significant ways in which Cilantro can help your dog:

Boost your Dog’s breath 

You can use Cilantro herb as a natural way of cleaning your dog’s mouth and freshen its breath. Cilantro also prevents infections from entering your dog’s gum.

You will find this function most useful if you want to use a natural way to enhance your dog’s breath or if you have a dog that does not like to brush its teeth. 

Help to fight off Infections

It has been discovered that Cilantro has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial activity. This activity helps your dog fight any form of infection, most especially those in the digestive system.

A  Good Source of Vitamin K

Your dog needs the right amount of vitamin K in its body to help the blood clotting process. Cilantro has enough quantity of vitamin K such that it prevents excessive bleeding when your dog has a wound.

It also helps the blood clot and helps to maintain healthy bones.  

Help Maintain Healthy Vision And Skin

Do you want your dog to look fresh and sharp? Give them Cilantro. Cilantro contains vitamin A which helps to maintain good vision and healthy skin. 

A Great Source of Antioxidants

There are lots of antioxidants embedded in Cilantro. They serve as a defense mechanism for your dog’s cells. The cells are protected from any damage that may arise from free radicals, which are harmful molecules.

Oxidants also prevent cancer and other certain diseases.

Helps with Digestive Issues

For hundreds of years, Cilantro has been used in traditional medicine to relax an upset stomach and similar digestive issues for humans. Like it is useful to humans, you can also use it as a natural medicine to help dogs with stomach upset.

Cilantro can also be given as a remedy to dogs that have excess gas or digestive problems.  You can use Cilantro to boost your dog’s digestive system even if they do not have any issues.

Are There Risks Involved In Giving Your Dog Cilantro?

Cilantro is not perfect; just as it has benefits, there is a tiny drawback, although it is not general. For instance, your dog might be sensitive to Cilantro.

Although it is rare to see dogs who are allergic to Cilantro, there are few of them. To know if your dog is allergic to Cilantro or any other newly introduced food, offer them only a small amount at first.

If your dog reacts favorably to it, that means they are ok with it. However, if you notice an upset stomach, swelling of body and face, a mild skin rash, or other symptoms, that means that your dog is allergic to Cilantro. So you must take them to the veterinarian and stop offering them Cilantro afterward.

What If My Dog Consumes Excess Cilantro?

Too much Cilantro is terrible for your dog; it will lead to diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. If your dog sees too much Cilantro at once in its diet, it might not likely eat it or might eat it less. 

Will My Dog Love Cilantro?

Cilantro has a distinct flavor that separates those who love it from those who do not. Most dogs love Cilantro, but some do not like to eat it; if you want to see if your dog like Cilantro, add it to its regular meal. 

Introduce Cilantro to your dog’s meal bit by bit and increase it if you feel your dog loves it and is not allergic to it. 

What Quantity of Cilantro Should I Give My Dog?

Remember that you must introduce any new food to your dog in a small amount. The same goes for Cilantro. You know what too excess Cilantro can cause, so you must serve it moderately.

Start by mixing a little in their regular meal, and later increase it to a teaspoon full of Cilantro blended into their food a few times a week. This should be done only when your dog seems fine with it. 

Significance of Well Balanced and Good Quality Diet

It would be best if you fed your dog with balanced diet meals that are of good quality. The food could be a commercial or home-made diet. It could also wet or dry.

Although you might wish to add flavor and variety to your dog’s diet, you must do it using only herbs or vegetables that are healthy and safe to consume. 

It is most ideal to add a supplement like Cilantro to your dog’s meal in small quantities a few times a week. You can consult your veterinarian for more advice or info on your dog’s diet. 

What Type of Cilantro?

Cilantro naturally comes as fresh leaves, which are often sold as a bunch or as a whole plant. Cilantro dried powder and seeds are referred to as coriander, and you can get them in most supermarkets. 

Cilantro leaves are a rich source of Vitamins, while the seeds and powder have a higher level of minerals but a lower level of vitamins. This implies that fresh cilantro leaves have more health benefits in store for your dogs.

How Do I Serve Cilantro?

Serving Cilantro is quite simple; you can chop up fresh cilantro leaves and mix or sprinkle it on your dog’s regular food. If your dog is a picky type, you can give him coriander powder in a small amount, or you mix the chopped leaves with something your dog likes, like meat.

Do not offer your dog Cilantro found in salsa or guacamole. If your dog likes Cilantro, he will turn up his nose when he smells it in his meal. Do not force your dog to eat Cilantro.

Conclusion

Cilantro contains a high level of minerals, potassium, manganese, and vitamins, which complements for lack of these nutrients in some regular dog food. Cilantro is best as an added supplement to your dog’s diet.

Cilantro is safe to consume and must be served moderately. It has various benefits for your dog’s health. Introduce it slowly to your dog and gradually increase it.

Too much intake of Cilantro can cause health issues.

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