Rabbits are strict herbivores and will happily munch on fresh vegetables. As a rabbit mom, you might be tempted to feed your rabbits any veggies that you snack on.
But this can be a very bad idea. Rabbits are very picky eaters and all veggies are not so good for their little tummies.
Cilantro or coriander is a very common ingredient in most households. So it’s only understandable that you might feel like you could give a piece of it to your bunny.
But is cilantro safe for bunnies? Can it be toxic for your furbaby?
Can rabbits eat cilantro? Yes, rabbits can eat cilantro. It is safe for rabbits to eat. However, because of the strong flavor, some rabbits might not eat it. You can always sprinkle some in their veggie mix if that’s the case.
There are still many topics we should look into, such as can rabbits eat cilantro stem and flowers; can baby rabbits eat cilantro, and what is the nutritional value of cilantro? Too much? Don’t worry we will discuss all of it in this article.
Let’s hop straight in!
Is It Safe For Rabbits To Eat Cilantro?
Coriander is an annual herb in the family of Apiaceae. It is also known as Chinese parsley, dhania, kothmir, or cilantro. All parts of the plant are edible, but the fresh leaves and the dried seeds are the parts most traditionally used in cooking.
Cilantro covers the bases for several nutrients, including calcium, potassium, iron, Vitamins A, E, and K, and folate.
Can rabbits eat cilantro? Yes, rabbits can eat cilantro. It is safe for them and is toxin-free. It is one of the safest and best options if you are looking for a herbal plant for your little bunny.
Cilantro should only be fed in moderation since it’s a herb. As rabbit moms know that rabbit diets should be mostly water and hay. You can simply mix cilantro with other safe veggies and keep varying these vegetables for maximum nutritional benefit. You can feed it to them a couple of times a week.
It is not just safe but is also highly nutritious for furry babies. Cilantro contains vitamin A, C, K, antioxidants, potassium, and iron to name a few.
This herb can also help improve digestion, prevent urinary infection, and reduce gas among many other benefits to your furry friends if the cilantro leaves are given in moderation.
Cilantro is, in fact, one of the most highly recommended leafy greens for rabbits. Just keep in mind that you must wait at least 12 weeks before providing your rabbit one. You should also feed Cilantro sparingly and with plenty of hay.
Nutritional Value Of Cilantro
Let’s discuss what 100 grams of cilantro contains.
- Energy: 23 Kcal
- Carbohydrates: 3.67 g
- Protein: 2.13 g
- Total Fat: 0.52 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2.80 g
Vitamins
- Folates: 62 µg
- Niacin: 1.114 mg
- Pantothenic acid: 0.570 mg
- Pyridoxine: 0.149 mg
- Riboflavin: 0.162 mg
- Thiamin: 0.067 mg
- Vitamin A: 6748 IU
- Vitamin C: 27 mg
- Vitamin E: 2.50 mg
- Vitamin K: 310 mcg
Electrolytes
- Sodium: 46 mg
- Potassium: 521 mg
Minerals
- Calcium: 67 mg
- Iron: 1.77 mg
- Magnesium: 26 mg
- Manganese: 0.426 mg
- Phosphorus: 48 mg
- Selenium: 0.9 mg
- Zinc: 0.50 mg
You might also like to know about Can Rabbits Eat Thyme? Is Thyme Safe For Rabbits?
Health Benefits Of Feeding Your Rabbit Cilantro
Cilantro can be a healthy food for your pet rabbit. This delicious herb is not just a safe treat, but a great dietary addition. Most herbs are packed with antioxidants, but they all work to help the body fight many diseases in rabbits.
Cilantro is fiber-rich and low-calorie. This is the perfect addition to a rabbit’s diet. The fiber content of cilantro will help the food flow properly through the rabbit’s body. It will aid in the digestion processes. Its low caloric component can prevent obesity.
All rabbit moms know that a rabbit’s digestive system is tricky and it takes several tries to get their diet right. In case they eat anything wrong, bloating and gas can be some problems. Cilantro is good for treating bloating gas in rabbits.
Cilantro even appears to possess some antimicrobial advantages, which can lessen your rabbit’s chance of infection. Cilantro can even remove Salmonella according to a few studies.
A fine dosage of cilantro in your rabbit’s food menu can prevent it from being overweight. That being said, it can also diminish the likelihood of encountering a heart attack.
Cilantro can be of help in the improvement of high-density lipoprotein. This herb can also be able to reduce triglycerides in the rabbit’s system.
Cilantro is an invaluable and great source of various minerals and vitamins, including a high level of antioxidants, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C, E, K, calcium, manganese, iron, magnesium, zinc, sodium, etc.
Can Rabbits Eat Cilantro Stem?
When you give cilantro to rabbits, it’s recommended that you give the leaves chopped up. But in case the rabbits eat the stem, you don’t have to be worried because cilantro stems are perfectly safe for rabbits. Rabbits also love munching on the cilantro stems.
The rabbit will like the stem because of the texture of the cilantro stem. It will help with boredom and will be a fun way for them to pass time. The cilantro stems aren’t harsh so they will not wear down your rabbit’s teeth.
In case the cilantro is a bit ripe and matured, there is a chance that the stem could become hard. In such cases, you could chop it up a little for your rabbit.
This will help them to munch on it more easily. Just make sure you introduce it correctly and only provide the recommended amount in moderate quantities.
Also, check out Can Rabbits Eat Chives? Are Chives Toxic To Rabbits?
Can Rabbits Eat Cilantro Flower?
Yes! Rabbits can eat cilantro flowers. It is safe for rabbits to consume flowers. Just ensure to provide them only in moderation.
But there is a chance that the flowers could be treated with pesticides. In such cases avoid feeding flowers to the rabbits.
How Much Cilantro Can Rabbits Have?
The amount of Cilantro you should introduce into your pets’ diet should be determined by their age and weight. To make your life easier, just refer to the below stat showing how much amount of cilantro a rabbit should eat based on the weight of the rabbit.
- Small breed (Avg. 1.1–3.9 pounds): < 127 grams
- Medium breed (Avg. 5 to 10 pounds): 380-650 grams
- Large breed (Avg. 9 and 12 pounds): 385-765 grams
The age of your rabbits is also crucial when administering Cilantro to them.
Let’s discuss when you should start feeding your bunny some cilantro.
- Infant rabbit: None
- 12 weeks or more: Introduce in small quantities < 1/2 oz (15 g)
- Adult: Handful cilantro
Cilantro has many great health benefits for your rabbit but you shouldn’t overfeed cilantro. You also have to keep in mind that you introduce cilantro gradually to their diet.
Can Rabbits Eat Cilantro Every Day?
Cilantro is indeed safe for your rabbits but it is not recommended to be fed every day. Cilantro is a herb and should only be part of their diet only a few times a week.
Feeding cilantro every day can cause complications for your bunny. You should never overfeed cilantro to your bunnies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Rabbits Eat Dried Cilantro?
Yes, rabbits can eat dried cilantro. It’s a safe alternative for rabbits to eat if you don’t have access to fresh cilantro. You can mix dried cilantro with other vegetables to ensure that your rabbit is getting a range of nutrients. It’s possible that your rabbit will not like it, but that’s down to their personal preference.
Can Rabbits Eat Cilantro Seeds?
No, your rabbit shouldn’t eat cilantro seeds. As well as being a choking hazard, they can get stuck in your rabbit’s teeth and gut. The seeds are also particularly rich in carbohydrates and fats which can be detrimental to your rabbit’s health in large amounts.
Final Word
So now we have the answer to the question: Can rabbits eat cilantro? Yes, they can and it’s absolutely safe for them. It’s not just non-toxic but also provides an array of health benefits.
But you have to make sure you stick to the recommended amount of cilantro according to their weight and age while feeding them. You should never overfeed them.
Cilantro is one of your perfect choices if you’re looking forward to adding a tasty supplement to your rabbit’s varied diet. But like any other herbs you have to ensure they are fed to them in small amounts.
I hope this article solved all your questions about feeding cilantro to your rabbit. For more questions comment down below!
