Is Cilantro Safe For Guinea Pigs? (Find Out Here)
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Today’s dinner has a special ingredient which is cilantro. Oh wait! Why are your cavies staring at the herb? It looks like they want to eat it. But can guinea pigs eat cilantro?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat cilantro. It’s a safe herb for them to eat . Cilantro contains vitamin C which helps to repel scurvy. It also improves eyesight and boosts the immune system of guinea pigs. However, the high calcium content means that you should only feed it to your guinea pigs 1 to 2 times a week a most.
You sure want to know more about guinea pigs and cilantro. Don’t worry, this article contains all you need to know about cilantro for your cavies.
Let’s dive in.
What Is Cilantro Anyway?
Cilantro is an herb obtained from the leaves of the coriander plant. It’s also known as Chinese parsley and Mexican parsley. Plus it’s used to spice up various dishes.
Cilantro is a plant that is used in many Asian and Mexican recipes. It has a unique smell and taste. Some people think it tastes good, while others don’t like the taste.
If you want some more information on what guinea pigs can and can’t eat, check out these posts: What Guinea Pigs Can Eat (Everything You Need To Know) and What Herbs Can Guinea Pigs Eat? (The Good, The Bad, The Tasty)
Is Cilantro Good For Guinea Pigs?
Yes, cilantro is good for guinea pigs. Feeding this herb to your furry friends has a lot of benefits. And what are these benefits? Well, read on…
Anti Inflammatory / Good for Pain Relief
Cilantro can help to reduce pain and inflammation in your cavy’s body. It contains antioxidants that bind to free radicals and suppress pain. Free radicals are inflammation-promoting molecules. So by binding to them, antioxidants in cilantro help to soothe the pain.
Improves Eyesight
Cilantro also has vitamin A. This vitamin helps to improve our cavies eyesight. So if you want a clearer vision for your piggies, try adding a bit of cilantro into their diet
Low Sugar and Calories
Yay! Low sugar. This right here is vital for our furry pals. Too much sugar will make your guinea pigs sick. And to be honest, a lot of herbs do contain too much sugar which can lead to:
- Abnormal behavior
- Digestive problems
- Obesity
But with cilantro, you don’t need to worry about that. What’s more? Its calorie level is low, which means no heart failure.
Scurvy Repellant
Scurvy has a reputation for snatching guinea pigs’ lives. It’s caused by a deficiency of vitamin C. Scurvy will show the following signs in your piggie:
- Rough fur
- Diarrhea
- Discharge
- Bleeding
- Death
I’m happy to inform you that you can avoid this killer disease with cilantro. It contains enough vitamin C that’ll help your cavies fight off scurvy.
Immune System Booster
The vitamins in cilantro help improve our guinea pigs’ immune systems. This means that they will be better able to fight off diseases, and you won’t have to visit the vet as often…in most cases anyway.
Bell peppers have tons of Vitamin C in them. Plus – unlike most other produces – guinea pigs can eat bell peppers daily.
Improves Energy
Cilantro is also an energy booster for our guinea pigs. It has a similar effect to an early morning cup of coffee (super refreshing).
If you have a lazy cavy that doesn’t have any energy, a treat of cilantro will work wonders. If it doesn’t seem to work, your guinea pig is probably sick and not lazy.
Helps Make Bones and Teeth Stronger
Cilantro is packed with calcium, which is good for baby guinea pigs. It helps in the development of strong bones and teeth.
And for adult guinea pigs, Vitamin K in cilantro does the same job. It helps to improve bone density and strengthen their teeth.
Cilantro contains calcium and Vitamin A in large quantities. So it’s a great herb to strengthen your guinea pigs’ bones.
Drawbacks Of Feeding Cilantro To Guinea Pigs
Like any other herb, feeding cilantro to your guinea pigs comes with some risks. You don’t have to worry about these risks if you follow the feeding guidelines (which will come later). The risks of feeding cilantro to guinea pigs include:
Digestive Issues
If you overfeed your guinea pigs with cilantro, they’ll get bloated. They’ll also experience stomach aches and diarrhea. This is because the minerals in cilantro aren’t good for piggies in large quantities.
So if your fur baby passes loose stool after eating cilantro, don’t give them any more. For guinea pigs, diarrhea can be fatal (no joke). Some guinea pigs can also get diarrhea due to cilantro allergy. So be observant now, will you?
Pesticides
Cilantro is an herb so it may have been sprayed with pesticides. Now if you’re not careful you just might poison your guinea pig. And you wouldn’t want that, will you?
To prevent this, always wash your cilantro properly. And try to forage pesticide-free cilantro.
Bladder and Kidney Stones
Cilantro has a high amount of calcium which is quite dangerous. Feeding your guinea pigs too much cilantro can make them develop bladder stones. And trust me, that’s not a cool situation at all….
If you want some more information on tasty things you can feed your guinea pigs, then read: What Fruits Can Guinea Pigs Eat? (What You Need To Know)and Is It Safe For Guinea Pigs To Eat Oregano? (Find Out Now)
Is Cilantro Safe To Eat?
Yes, cilantro is safe to eat. It’s a good addition to your guinea pig’s diet. It contains low sugar and calories. And this means your cavies can get nutrients without gaining excess weight.
Cilantro helps your piggies to fight against diseases by strengthening their immune system. It has an antimicrobial effect that reduces the chances of food poisoning. Plus it can help to improve the brain health of your fur babies.
What’s more? It lowers blood sugar and improves eyesight. I guess you’ll agree that this herb has earned a place on your guinea pigs’ menu. Ensure to wash the cilantro very well though.
Moderation and variety in veggies is the key to a healthy guinea pig. Make sure you keep track of what you’re feeding your little friends to make sure that you’re not overfeeding any one thing.
Nutritional Facts Of Cilantro
If you’re someone like me who loves details, well this is for you. Here is a breakdown of the nutrient composition per 100g of cilantro.
- Vitamin C – 27 mg (essential for boosting immunity and preventing scurvy).
- Vitamin A – 337 µg (promotes healthy growth of tissues and improves eyesight)
- Vitamin K – 310 µg (helps in making proteins for bones and tissues)
- Calcium – 67 mg (for healthy bones and teeth)
- Phosphorus – 48 mg (assists in forming healthy bones)
- Potassium – 521 mg (helps to regulate heart rate and blood pressure)
- Fiber – 2.8 g (aids regular bowel movement of your cavy’s body)
- Sugar – 0.87 g (a safe amount that doesn’t pose any risk of obesity)
- Magnesium – 26 mg (helps to boost muscle function )
- Carbs – 3.67 g (helps to keep your fur babies energized)
- Fat – 0.52 g (almost zero, so goodbye heart disease!)
- Water – 92.21 g (keeps your cavies healthy and hydrated)
Well, that’s a whole lot of nutrients right?. I know you can’t wait to add cilantro to your cavies diet but remember not to overdo it.
If you want some more information on more tasty, healthy things you can feed your guinea pigs, then read: Is Dill Toxic To Guinea Pigs? (Find Out Now) and The Alarming Truth About Guinea Pigs and Parsley
How Much Cilantro Can Guinea Pigs Eat?
Healthy, adult guinea pigs can eat 2 to 3 small sprigs of cilantro. You can feed them a few sprigs first to see if they like it. If all goes well and your piggies like it, you can add some more. And if your cavies are new to cilantro, observe them for at least 12 hours.
If you notice any unusual behavior or diarrhea, take cilantro out of the menu ASAP. It’s better to mix cilantro with low-calcium veggies like lettuce and cucumbers. It’ll help to balance your guinea pig diet.
Too much calcium can wreak havoc on your guinea pigs’ health. So it’s best to avoid feeding them cilantro every day. Stick to feeding them this herb once or twice a week at most.
You never want to feed your guinea pigs high calcium veggies in back to back meals. Always serve a high calcium veggie (or herb) with something that’s lower in calcium. If you don’t, you’re asking for trouble.
Which Parts Of Cilantro Are Safe For Guinea Pigs To Eat?
The leaves, stem, and flowers of cilantro are safe for guinea pigs to eat. The stem and flowers make a tasty treat for your guinea pigs. Plus they don’t contain any toxic components. The cilantro leaves are the perfect size for your furry friends to munch on.
But the roots and seeds of cilantro aren’t safe for guinea pigs to eat. They contain a toxic compound named furanocoumarin (yeah, definitely sounds toxic). So it’s best to avoid the roots and seeds of this herb.
Do Guinea Pigs Like Cilantro?
Yes, guinea pigs like cilantro. In fact, most guinea pigs will happily eat this herb if you provide it for them. And how do I know this for a fact?
Well, I did some manual research on 85 guinea pig owners. The research aim was to find out the percentage of their piggies that loved cilantro. Why waste more time? Let’s go straight to the research highlights!
Highlights of my research:
- Many owners feed their guinea pigs cilantro sprigs at least twice a week.
- Others mix their cilantro with carrots and cucumbers before serving it.
- Several owners said their fur babies love cilantro.
- A few owners said their cavies don’t like cilantro because of its smell.
A short story- one guinea pig owner said her female cavy used to love cilantro. But after a brief illness (digestive problems) she stopped eating it. Now the piggie refuses cilantro no matter the form in which it’s presented to her. The piggie owner also mentioned that the illness wasn’t caused by cilantro.
- 80% (68 piggie owners) said their piggies love cilantro. Most of these owners feed cilantro often to their guinea pigs.
- 20% (17 piggie owners) noted that their guinea pigs don’t like cilantro. They assumed it was because cilantro has a strong smell.
And as a bonus….
Here are some serving suggestions I picked up from my research:
- Add a slice of cucumber to 10 sprigs of cilantro for your cavy.
- Add two slices of bell pepper and carrot to your cilantro sprigs.
- Mix a few vegetable fruits and top them with your cilantro leaves.
I hope you’ll try out the tips. Now let’s move on…
Are Guinea Pigs Allergic To Cilantro?
Typically, guinea pigs aren’t allergic to cilantro. I went searching and I couldn’t find any evidence or reports of guinea pigs being allergic to this herb.
But that’s not to say it can’t happen. Allergies in guinea pigs are quite rare but there’s a slight chance that it could happen.
If your fuzz spud does have an allergic reaction to cilantro, then you might notice these symptoms:
- Loose stools
- Skin issues (rashes)
- Difficulty breathing
Watch your guinea pig closely after introducing the cilantro (or any other new food for that matter). If you suspect an allergy, remove the cilantro ASAP and contact your vet.
Your guinea pig may not like cilantro and that’s okay. It usually takes time for them to get used to new foods. So, don’t give up on cilantro just yet. Try again in a few days or weeks.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cilantro Stems?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat cilantro stems. You just need to wash it well to get rid of any pesticide on it. Chopping the stem into small bits will make it easier for your cavies to eat.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cilantro Flowers?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat cilantro flowers. They contain vitamin C and A which help to prevent scurvy and improve eyesight. It’s also packed with antioxidants.
Cilantro flowers are a good option if you want to add some variety to your cavies diet. You’ll need to wash it well and make sure it’s clean enough for your cavies to eat. Too much of it can cause them to have diarrhea.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Dried Cilantro?
No, guinea pigs shouldn’t eat dried cilantro. Dried cilantro has lost its nutrients. When it comes down to it, fresh, raw cilantro is the best choice for your guinea pigs.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cilantro Seeds?
No, guinea pigs shouldn’t eat cilantro seeds. The seeds can be a choking hazard and they might not be able to digest it properly which can lead to an upset stomach or diarrhea.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cooked Cilantro?
No, guinea pigs can’t eat cooked cilantro (or any cooked herb). Eating any cooked food will ruin your furry friend’s digestive system.
To be clear, cooked food (anyone at all) is toxic to your little fuzz spud. It’s like offloading a bag of grenades into its tummy (yes, it’s that bad).
Guinea pigs shouldn’t eat any sort of cooked foods. Cooked foods are hard for their digestive systems to break down, and can cause them serious health problems. Instead, guinea pigs should stick to a diet of fresh vegetables and hay. This may seem like a limited menu, but there are actually a lot of different fruits and veggies that guinea pigs can enjoy.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cilantro Roots?
No guinea pigs shouldn’t eat cilantro roots. The roots don’t have any benefit to our guinea pigs. In fact, they have the potential to harm your cavy. And why is that?
Cilantro roots contain furanocoumarin (a toxic compound). This compound will result in digestive problems if your cavies eat it. Other parts of cilantro like the leaves and flowers are safe for your furry friends. So try them and ignore the roots and seeds.
Can Baby Guinea Pigs Eat Cilantro?
No baby guinea pigs shouldn’t eat cilantro. Not necessarily because it’s toxic to them but because it’s unnecessary. Baby guinea pigs have a strict diet and cilantro isn’t a part of it. Too much of it can also harm your baby guinea pig.
If you want some helpful information on how to improve your guinea pig’s eating habits, check out: 5 Top Reasons Your Guinea Pig is a Picky Eater (You Need To Know) , 9 Tips For How To Teach A Guinea Pigs To Eat Vegetables and 20 Best Low Calcium Vegetables For Guinea Pigs
Can Pregnant Guinea Pigs Eat Cilantro?
No, pregnant guinea pigs shouldn’t eat cilantro. It’s a little bit risky for pregnant guinea pigs. Ermm…maybe more than a little bit.
Cilantro can slow down blood clotting and cause hemorrhaging in your pregnant cavy. This means your pregnant cavy might lose a lot of blood, so cilantro isn’t advisable.
Can Guinea Pigs With Bladder Stones Eat Cilantro?
No, guinea pigs with bladder stones shouldn’t eat cilantro. This herb has a high amount of calcium which can cause bladder stones.
So if a piggie with bladder stones eats cilantro, it’s like fueling a fire. It means more and more bladder stones. So no, guinea pigs with bladder stones shouldn’t go near cilantro.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cilantro Everyday?
No, you shouldn’t feed cilantro to your guinea pigs everyday. It’s okay to give your cavies cilantro like 4 times a week. But remember it’s got to be in small quantities (because of calcium).
Also, don’t add any other high calcium veggies to cilantro. You can mix in low calcium veggies like cucumber and bell peppers instead.
The only foods that guinea pigs can eat every day without having any kind of issues are bell peppers, hay, and grass. That’s it.
What Portion Size Of Cilantro Should You Feed to Guinea Pigs?
You can feed your guinea pigs 1 to 2 sprigs per serving. To explain it further, you should feed your cavies about a cup of leafy greens per day. And if you’re adding cilantro, it should be no more than 1 to 2 sprigs per cup.
You can add veggies like romaine lettuce, turnips, or radicchio to your cilantro sprigs.
How To Feed Cilantro To Guinea Pigs
So you’ve got fresh cilantro but you don’t know how to prepare it for your fur babies. Well, I’ll walk you through the process.
First, have you checked that your cilantro is fresh and not overstayed? If yes proceed to the following steps:
- Wash the cilantro thoroughly to eliminate dirt and pesticides.
- Sprinkle water on the cilantro to boost the water content.
- Chop the cilantro into small pieces and feed them to your cavy either by hand or bowl. If you use a bowl, make sure to remove the uneaten cilantro after an hour or so (no need to invite mold over)
Follow the steps above and you’re good to go.
How To Grow Cilantro At Home For Your Guinea Pigs
Growing cilantro at home isn’t difficult at all. You don’t even have to go to school and study it (or maybe you have to). As your dear friend, I’ll be telling you how to do it in these easy steps:
- Select an area of land that’s exposed to the sun. You can also use a container (pot).
- Work compost at least 18 inches deep into the soil.
- Plant the cilantro seeds 6-8 inches apart and ¼ inch deep.
- Water the plants frequently.
- Add nitrogen fertilizer once they grow up to 2 inches in height.
That’s all…easy right? Told ya.
What Foods Can Guinea Pigs Safely Eat?
Guinea pigs can eat herbs like endive and basil safely. A lot of foods are good for our guinea pigs. They all provide different amounts of essential nutrients. And that’s why it’s advisable to always feed your fur babies a variety of herbs.
So what foods can our furry friends eat? Oh well, they can eat:
- Rocket
- Dandelion greens
- Marigold
- Pears
- Rosemary
- Parsley
- Basil
- Dill
- Broccoli
- Chamomile
- Cabbage
- Endive
- Brussels sprouts
- Kale
- Mint
All of the above are safe foods that your guinea pigs can eat. Please keep in mint that this isn’t an exhaustive list.
If you want a more detailed list of piggie safe foods, check out the Piggie’s Plate Food Chart. Just click the image below…
Let’s Wrap Up
So… that’s all about guinea pigs and cilantro. This herb contains vitamins A, C, and K. They provide a lot of benefits (like scurvy prevention) for our furry pals.
You can feed your guinea pigs cilantro 1 to 2 times a week without issues. You only need to be reasonable with the quantities. I also mentioned how to feed cilantro to your guinea pigs.
I’m sure you’re well equipped with new knowledge now. So go get those cilantro sprigs and feed them to your cavies. You’ve got nothing to worry about.