You should be careful when feeding your dog herbs as many of them can be harmful to your dog’s health. In fact, some herbs are toxic to dogs. So, what about cilantro – can dogs eat cilantro without getting sick? The answer to that question is a definite “yes”. In moderate amounts, cilantro is safe for dogs to have and actually has many health benefits that are good for them. However, one thing to remember is that some dogs are allergic to cilantro, so you should start with very small amounts to check if your dog shows any negative reactions. Read on to learn about the good and bad of feeding your pet cilantro.
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Health Benefits of Cilantro For Dogs
Also known as coriander, cilantro is an herb that is used to season many dishes including chicken, salsa, spaghetti sauces, and much much more. In the United States, cilantro refers to the stems and leaves of the coriander plant, while the seeds are, as you would imagine, called coriander seeds and are used to add spice to dishes.
Cilantro offers numerous benefits to dogs, and is also loaded with antifungal properties, antibacterial agents, and anticancer boosters. Some of the nutrients found in cilantro include:
- Vitamin A – This vitamin helps keep your dog’s eyes, immune system, and organ functions healthy
- Vitamin C – Regulates blood clotting and is also good for your dog’s bones
- Vitamin K – Helps create and maintain skin, blood vessels, and other connective tissue
- Calcium – Important for strong bone and dental health, and also helps with normal blood clotting
- Iron – Is vital to creating red blood cells which carries oxygen to your dog’s brain
- Magnesium – Necessary for nerve transmission, as well as regulating metabolism and muscle contraction
How Much Cilantro Is Safe For Dogs?
Cilantro can be found both fresh and dry, in the vegetable and herb section of most supermarkets. You can also find cilantro nutraceuticals in powdered and oil extract varieties in stores that sell health supplements. So, how much cilantro should you give your dog?
As mentioned earlier in this article, it’s best to start out with very small amounts to make sure that your dog isn’t allergic to this herb (or any other type of new food you are introducing into her diet). Once you’re confident that she isn’t allergic to it, you can safely give her small amounts of cilantro once in a while. A pinch of cilantro seasoning mixed into her daily food is plenty for dogs of most sizes. Obviously, the smaller the dog, the less cilantro you should give them.
Yes, Dogs Can Eat Cilantro in Moderation
If you’re planning on adding cilantro to your dog’s diet, you should make sure to keep it consistent and routine. Generally speaking, changes in a dog’s diet, including how their food is prepared, can lead to upset stomachs. A little bit of cilantro in your dog’s regular food will add a lot of nutrients that will help keep your dog stay strong and healthy.
