Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cilantro?
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Sometimes referred to as coriander, cilantro is a refreshing herb with a zesty taste that many people enjoy.
If you’re among them and you’ve got a bunch of fresh cilantro just begging to be used up while it’s fresh, you’re probably wondering if this is something you can share with your pet.
The good news is that the answer is yes – guinea pigs can eat cilantro!
The question is, how much can they have, and how often should cilantro be given to guinea pigs? Our quick guide has all the answers.
In just a moment, you’ll know all there is to know about cilantro for guinea pigs.
Cilantro Nutrition Stats
If you love cilantro, you’re in luck – it’s got a few important nutrients to offer.
A quarter cup of cilantro contains approximately:
- 1 calorie
- no fat
- 1 g carbohydrates
- 1 g fiber
Cilantro Nutritional Facts
Cilantro does more than add flavor to things like salsa, soup, and curry: It also brings a little bit of extra nutrition to the table.
If you eat ¼ cup of cilantro, you’ll get about:
- 1 mg vitamin C
- 270 iu vitamin A
- 8 mg potassium
- 4 mg iron
- 4 mcg folate
- 1 mg vitamin E
- 4 mcg vitamin K
Can Guinea Pigs Have Cilantro?
Yes, in fact cilantro is just fine for cavies. You’ll want to wash the cilantro very well before you give it to your pet, since there’s often sandy soil clinging to the leaves.
Is Cilantro Good For Guinea Pigs?
Since it offers some vitamins and minerals, cilantro is a good addition to your guinea pig’s diet.
Do Guinea Pigs Like Cilantro?
Guinea pigs tend to love cilantro. In fact, it’s often one of their favorite herbs. If you’re looking for low-calorie treats for your guinea pig, you can put cilantro at the top of your list.
How Much Cilantro Can A Guinea Pig Eat?
A little bit goes a long way, particularly when you’re first introducing cilantro to your cavy.
Here’s how much cilantro a to feed your guinea pig:
| Age | Amount |
| Baby guinea pig | None |
| Adult guinea pig | 4 stems cilantro with leaves |
Whenever you introduce your guinea pig to something new, you’ll want to take a careful, gradual approach. Offer your guinea pig just a single stem of cilantro the first time, and then watch for about 12 hours.
If they show any signs of discomfort or diarrhea, then you’ll want to keep cilantro off their menu.
The good news is that most guinea pigs respond very well to cilantro. So long as everything comes out just fine, you can gradually increase the amount of cilantro you’re offering until they’re enjoying a full serving.
How Often Can A Guinea Pig Eat Cilantro?
Since your guinea pig needs variety, it’s best to offer cilantro just three or four times per week. If you happen to have some extra on hand and you want to make sure that your guinea pig enjoys all of it, you can offer it every day for about a week before going back to every other day.
The Correct Diet is Important
Even though you can’t replicate a wild guinea pig’s diet, you can come fairly close by feeding your guinea pig a high-quality pelleted food and fresh hay that takes the place of the long-fibered grasses normally consumed in the wild.
Check your guinea pig’s food package to find the correct serving size, and offer them an unlimited amount of hay. In addition to these two essentials, here’s what to feed a guinea pig each day:
- Approximately one cup of leafy greens and fresh crunchy vegetables, divided into two separate portions and offered at different times during the day.
- An unlimited supply of clean, fresh water. Even though your guinea pig might not finish drinking a full bottle in a day’s time, it’s very important to rinse their drinking bottle and refill it once each day.
Your guinea pig’s teeth will never stop growing. In the wild, guinea pigs chew lots of tough, fibrous plants and this activity wears the teeth so that they don’t become overgrown, painful, and infected.
It’s up to us to make sure that our pet guinea pigs have the opportunity to chew at all times. This natural behavior is good for their dental health and it prevents stress and boredom, too.
We recommend apple wood sticks and hay cubes for guinea pigs, along with safe guinea pig toys.
What Are Other Healthy Alternatives To Cilantro In A Guinea Pig’s Diet?
Cavies like fruits and vegetables of all kinds, and there are plenty of options to try when it’s time to decide what to include in their diet.
Here are some favorites to consider:
- basil
- mint
- parsley
- carrot
- carrot tops
- cucumber
- bell pepper
- zucchini
- summer squash
- sweet potato
- tomato
- broccoli
- broccolini
- cauliflower
- brussels sprouts
- bok choy
- yu choy
- watercress
- parsnip
- pumpkin
- romaine
- beets
- beet tops
- arugula
- swiss chard
- spinach
- endive
- escarole
- butter lettuce
- buttercrunch lettuce
- bibb lettuce
- rocket
- green beans
- asparagus
- artichoke
Just like with cilantro, there are many herbs, veggies, and fruits that are as good for your guinea pig as they are for you!
Unfortunately, some foods are toxic to guinea pigs. For this reason, it is very important to research every new item you plan to give your guinea pig.
It’s also important to find the correct serving size for each item. Luckily, feeding cilantro to your guinea pig is safe – and it’s a fun way to connect with your pet!
FAQ
Is cilantro safe for guinea pigs?
Yes! Cilantro is one of the safest herbs for guinea pigs. Just remember to wash it well before you hand it over.
Can cilantro make my guinea pig sick?
Your guinea pig would probably have to eat quite a bit of cilantro all at once, but yes – there’s a possibility that too much cilantro could case your guinea pig to suffer from an upset tummy or a case of diarrhea. Remember to introduce cilantro slowly and to offer no more than recommended.
Can my guinea pig have dried cilantro?
You can add a pinch of dried cilantro to your guinea pig’s food or sprinkle some on their cut up veggies as a way to add more flavor. Just make sure that there are no other seasonings in the cilantro.
