Last Updated on March 7, 2023 by Woody Pet

Can Guinea pigs Eat Cilantro?

Cilantro or as some like to call it – coriander, can be found in almost every household around the globe. Whether you are cooking breakfast, lunch, or dinner you most likely end up using a little cilantro. And just because it’s something most of us have in our homes it would be quite wonderful if our little guinea pigs could eat it. So can guinea pigs eat cilantro?

The truth is that most guinea pig owners sometimes give the same thing again and again to their pets. This can ultimately cause them some tummy issues like bloating and diarrhea, so if you don’t want that to happen start mixing things up in the kitchen.

The regular meal composed of vegetables and fruits can also be combined with some herbal plants just as cilantro. Yes, guinea pigs can and pretty much love to eat cilantro. So if you want to know the specifics, just keep on reading!

 Is Cilantro good for guinea pigs?

Can guinea pigs eat cilantro? Yes. But is cilantro good for guinea pigs? It most certainly is. Cilantro is one of the safest foods that you can serve your guinea pig. It has a lot of nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin E, magnesium, potassium, iron, and folate.

Cilantro is low in fat and it has nearly no calories at all. Vitamin C – the most important vitamin for guinea pigs is most definitely found in cilantro. This vitamin ensures the overall health and well-being of guinea pigs.

If you want your guinea pig to have good immunity, then feed it foods rich in Vitamin C. Vitamin A enables them to grow and develop and improves its eyesight.

Controlling the heart rate and blood pressure in guinea pigs is the job of magnesium, potassium, and iron. The fibers also found in cilantro help with regulating their bowel movements.

It’s funny how many nutrients there are in a herb that we just use to add flavor. It’s low on sugar so it’s perfect for guinea pigs who very easily develop diabetes and obesity.

It’s low in oxalates and high in calcium but there is a good amount of phosphorus that balances it out. That means that the chances of cilantro giving your pet urinary or kidney stones are very low.

Due to all of this, you can give your guinea pig cilantro every day. 10 to 20 springs of cilantro will do. However, our recommendation is three or four times a week. Even though it’s one of the healthiest foods for them, eating it every day can cause them stomach problems. 

 Which parts of cilantro can guinea pigs eat?

Can guinea pigs eat the whole cilantro? Which parts of cilantro can guinea pigs eat? Well, the stems of cilantro are as safe as the leaves. If you think that the stem of cilantro is a little tough – cut it into smaller pieces. That way your piggy won’t have a hard time eating it.

Cilantro flowers are also on the menu. However, the green parts of any food are usually healthier and more nutritious than the flowery parts. But this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t throw in some cilantro flowers in your piggy’s salad. All parts of cilantro are edible, except its roots.

Be sure to remove them before feeding your pet. You should also be sure to wash the cilantro before serving it. Who knows what kind of grime is stuck to it? Also, always serve it raw and cut it into smaller pieces.

If you don’t the cilantro becomes a choking hazard for your guinea pig. So can guinea pigs eat cilantro? – Yes, but avoid its roots.

 Risks that cilantro poses to guinea pigs

However, nobody’s perfect – not even cilantro. There are still a few risks that cilantro poses to guinea pigs. These risks usually rise up if you overfeed your pet with cilantro.

First of all, if your guinea pig is pregnant, avoid cilantro. Guinea pig mothers can sometimes bleed, but eating too much cilantro can slow down the process of blood clotting. This means that if this happens, your piggy might bleed out.

Your piggy’s blood pressure is also put at risk. Eating too much cilantro can lead to lower blood pressure. Too much cilantro resulting in respiratory problems is also not uncommon. This can also lead to skin irritations like swelling, rashes, hives, etc.

That’s why it’s so important to keep a close eye on what your guinea pig eats and how it responds to the food. If you see any of the symptoms above change your diet immediately.

So can guinea pigs eat cilantro? Yes, it’s one of the safest food they can eat.
An interesting fact is that you can also grow cilantro in your home. Most supermarkets and garden stores sell cilantro pots.

Next time you go shopping pick one up, put it next to a sunny window, and let the cilantro flourish. This will save you a lot of money and you will always have cilantro when you need it – no matter if it’s for you or your guinea pig.

So can guinea pigs eat cilantro? Yes. Do they like eating it? Absolutely. If you are wondering what to feed your guinea pig – you can never go wrong with cilantro. Since guinea pigs have sensitive stomachs and their diet is very restricted, it is good to know that there is something they can eat every day.

However, don’t go overboard. Give them cilantro up to four times a week to avoid any unwanted consequences. If you haven’t given any cilantro to your guinea pig yet, start with a smaller dosage and keep a close eye on their reaction to it.

99% percent of guinea pigs love it, so your pet is probably among them. However, if your guinea pig has a bad reaction to it, avoid it in the future. The goal is to provide the best diet for your guinea pig!