Most dogs like to munch greens and herbs, including cilantro. But at times it may not be harmless at all.
“Some plants can cause vomiting without actually being poisonous. On the other hand, the poisonous plants can cause kidney failure and should not be used in the home with pets,” explains Dr. Cathy Alinovi, DVM.
So, can dogs have cilantro?
As reported by ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) cilantro is non-toxic to canines.
So, in small quantities, it’s not harmful to dogs. You can occasionally include some of it into pup’s meals. There is no reason to be worried about cilantro at all unless your pet is allergic.
It is one of these herbs with a pretty distinct taste, that splits people into passionate cilantro lovers and haters. Dogs are usually the same in this department.
Cilantro can be purchased fresh, and it’s often offered as a plant or just a feathery bunch of leaves. Consumed that way it has the highest nutritional value and vitamins levels.
Cilantro leaves might be cut and blended with your dog’s regular food or, if he enjoys the taste, even sprinkled on top of the meal. With a picky pet, you can experiment with the pinch of coriander powder instead.
Is cilantro good for dogs?
Yes, cilantro adds some value to the dog’s nutrition. It has lots of vitamins and minerals like manganese, iron, potassium and vitamins K, C, and A. If your dog’s regular diet is mass-produced professional dog food formula he most likely to get all the nutrients he needs. But it’s good to add new things to his diet anyway, to spice things up a little and make eating exciting again.
Is cilantro bad for dogs?
However, it is crucial to understand that when you are adding something new to your dog’s nutrition, you should start small. When we are talking about cilantro, a little pinch blended into pup’s meal is a great starting point. If within a couple of days your canine appears to be okay with new flavors, then you can gradually increase it to a teaspoon of fresh herbs 1-2 times per week, never more than that.
What if my dog overeats cilantro?
Cilantro, when eaten in larger quantities, will provoke the dog’s digestive issues, like vomiting or diarrhea. Your pup can also be less active when consumed too much cilantro.
You might also like:
Cilantro for dogs. Summary
Cilantro is a non-toxic and, moreover, healthy addition to your dog’s nutrition, if served in moderation. It helps to freshen dog’s breath, assist in solving some digestive problems and helps sustain the eye and skin health intact. Cilantro is loaded with nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants that help to prevent certain types of cancers and the whole range of various diseases!
Just be aware that you have to introduce the new food to a pet’s diet as slowly as possible and make sure that your dog is not allergic.
If your dog overeats cilantro, it can lead to vomiting or diarrhea. Wrapping it up: a pinch of cilantro leaves, blended into your dog’s meal a couple of times a week is more than enough. And If you ever have doubts about your dog’s nutrition or potential new supplements, give your vet a call.
Credits: thanks for the cover photo by Lindsay Moe on Unsplash and Canva.
