Cilantro, an herb with a fragrant, citrusy flavor is commonly asked by guinea pig lovers Can guinea pigs eat cilantro? If I tell you through this long guinea pig’s journey and experience, Yes, it is perfectly safe for guinea pigs and humans to eat and enjoyed by many people for its refreshing taste and aroma, but some others can not stand it. Interestingly, some rare people who find cilantro nauseating tend to have a genetic trait that makes them observe cilantro as “foul or soapy”. At the same time, an important question arises; Guinea pigs can eat cilantro, but do guinea pigs like cilantro?
Yes, cilantro is perfectly safe to feed guinea pigs in moderation, and with gradual introduction guinea pigs love and enjoy its fragrance and citrusy flavor, being one of the best sources of Vitamin C and other beneficial nutrients for guinea pigs. According to the Humane Society, fresh veggies or leafy greens like romaine lettuce, mustard greens, arugula, wheatgrass, kale, cilantro, parsley, and cabbage should be a huge part of a guinea pig’s diet by providing a variety of feeding different leafy greens each day.
Just like some rare people, some individual guinea pigs’ preferences may differ due to their taste or allergic reaction to new food including cilantro. So, it is best to understand the nutritional benefits and risks associated with cilantro for guinea pigs. Here I have done thorough research to make it easy for guinea parents to understand these queries regarding cilantro or coriander.
Fun Facts – Coriander or Cilantro For Guinea Pigs Owners:
- Coriander and Cilantro for guinea pigs come from the same plant species i.e. Coriandrum Sativum, However, named differently in different parts of the world.
- Depending on your location, coriander may refer to just dried seeds or the whole plant, whereas cilantro may refer to the leaves and stalks typically.
- Despite coming from the same plant, cilantro and coriander have significantly different nutrient profiles, tastes, and uses.
- Cilantro leaves have much higher levels of vitamins, but lower levels of minerals. On the contrary, coriander seeds have lower levels of vitamins, but far more minerals.
- Fresh cilantro is 92.2% water content. Whereas, coriander seeds are only 8.9% water content.
- Both cilantro for guinea pigs and coriander may deliver impressive health benefits. They may help reduce inflammation and blood sugar levels, lower the risk of heart disease, and fight infections. However, more research on their effects on guinea pigs is needed.
Understanding Guinea Pigs’ Nutritional Requirements:
Guinea pigs being herbivores creature love to eat plant-based food and leafy greens but ensuring their balanced diet for their overall health is equally important. For this reason, always introduce new food in moderation and gradual introduction into their diet.
Almost 80% of their diet is primarily based on high-quality fresh hay as a main staple. Whereas, up to 10% of their diet is a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits with the daily or weekly diet plan. Guinea pigs also require almost 30-50 mg of Vitamin C daily to keep them healthy and active. A low in fats and sugar diet must be the priority when choosing any new food to offer these lovely pets. Always ensure to provide them with fresh, clean, chlorine-free, drinking water that must be changed daily to maintain a healthy lifestyle. You may also provide them with a good quality of guinea palleted food but as a treat.
Cilantro for guinea pigs, a healthy and tasty treat may also be one of the new additions in moderation. Cilantro for guinea pigs contains some essential nutrients, Vitamins, minerals, and fiber that can benefit guinea pigs. Whereas, cilantro is also high in Vitamin A and calcium causing serious health issues if fed excessively. So, extra care and understanding of the nutritional analysis of cilantro for guinea pigs is very important to maintain a suitable, balanced, and healthy diet plan.
Nutritional Analysis of Cilantro for Guinea Pigs:
According to the USDA food database, like other leafy greens, cilantro for guinea pigs is also a good source of vitamins A, C, and K and minerals and nutrients that are very beneficial for guinea pigs’ overall health if considered feeding in moderation. Excessive intake of cilantro for guinea pigs may be a risky factor due to excessive intake of these nutrients causing serious health issues for guinea pigs. So, it is best to understand the nutritional values and percentage of cilantro for guinea pigs per 100 grams of serving.
| Nutrients | Value per 100 grams | DV % |
| Energy | 23 kcal | |
| Carbohydrates | 3.67 grams | 1 % |
| Water | 92.2 grams | |
| Fat | 0.52 gram | 1 % |
| Protein | 2.13 grams | 4 % |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.8 grams | 10 % |
| Sugar | 0.87 grams | |
| Folate | 62 µg | |
| Ash | 0.58 grams | |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 27 mg | 30 % |
| Vitamin K | 310 µg | 258 % |
| Vitamin E | 2.5 mg | 17 % |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 337 µg | 37 % |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.149 mg | 9 % |
| Carotene, beta | 3930 µg | |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg | 0 % |
| Calcium, Ca | 67 mg | 5 % |
| Phosphorus, P | 48 mg | 4 % |
| Potassium, K | 521 mg | 11 % |
| Iron, Fe | 1.77 mg | 10 % |
| Magnesium, Mg | 26 mg | 6 % |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.5 mg | 5 % |
| Sodium, Na | 46 mg | 2 % |
| Copper, Cu | 0.225 mg | 26 % |
Note: * The % Daily Value (DV) indicates how much a nutrient in a serving of food is subsidized to a daily diet.
What Are The Nutritional Benefits Of Cilantro For Guinea Pigs?
Vitamin C: Cilantro contains almost 27mg of vitamin C i.e. 30 %per 100 grams and almost 5.4mg of vitamin C in 9 springs of cilantro for guinea pigs, making it the best choice with moderation due to that much quantity of Vitamin C which guinea pigs could not synthesize naturally their own. Vitamin C prevents scurvy a serious concern even leading to malnutrition in guinea pigs and also repairs tissues and boosts their immune system to fight against infections and diseases which are susceptible in guinea pigs.
Vitamin K: Cilantro contains 310 µg Vitamin K i.e. almost 258 % per 100-gram serving of cilantro for guinea pigs which is important to regulate blood clotting at the time of any injury that might occur while playing. Consuming Vitamin K properly may heal those injuries as early as possible. Some studies have also found that vitamin K works along with Vitamin D to make bone health strong and facilitate cell growth and tissue renewal. Vitamin K also supports heart health by preventing the hardening of arteries including calcium out of the artery linings.
Vitamin A: Cilantro contains 337 µg vitamin A i.e. almost 37 % per 100-gram serving of cilantro for guinea pigs which helps in eye sighting, skin, organs, tissues, and body development. To protect from fungal infection, the development of skin tissues is very important for cavies to maintain their overall health. Vitamin A helps to regenerate skin cells and tissues that help fight against any type of infection including fungal infection which is very common in guinea pigs. Vitamin A also supports the functioning of the Heart, liver, kidney, and lungs in guinea pigs.
Dietary Fiber: Cilantro contains 2.8gm dietary fiber i.e. almost 10 % per 100-gram serving of cilantro for guinea pigs supporting a healthy digestive system and helping in lowering cholesterol which means reducing the chances of heart failure and potential heart diseases by preventing oxidative damage that is specifically associated with heart damage for guinea pigs. If gas or bloating is a problem, try adding chopped cilantro in moderation to avoid such issues for guinea pigs.
Potassium and Iron: Cilantro for guinea pigs is also a good source of both these important minerals helping to regulate the fluid in the body to keep the heart functioning properly. These also play a key role in the proper functioning of muscles and nervous system of guinea pigs. Iron in cilantro produces proteins like hemoglobin and myoglobin for guinea pigs to carry oxygen in all parts of the body.
Calcium: Cilantro for guinea pigs contains 67mg of calcium i.e. almost 5 % per 100 grams serving making it the lowest calcium-containing herbs and other leafy greens that you can feed to guinea pigs. As we know excessive consumption of calcium by cavies may lead to the formation of bladder stones, so it is very crucial to know the quantity of calcium to guinea pigs. However, the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio in cilantro is good making it a less susceptible option to the formation of stones than other herbs or leafy greens for guinea pigs.
Magnesium: Cilantro for guinea pigs also contains a good source of magnesium supporting bone health making bones stronger and turning food into energy, magnesium also creates and repairs the DNA and regulates the muscle and nerve system.
Lowers Blood Sugar Levels: Cilantro for guinea pigs is also considered to help lower the blood sugar level in animals. A study in the Journal of Food Sciences found that the cilantro plant is helpful once diabetes has been diagnosed which would support healthy liver function and balance blood sugar levels. Researchers also believe that cilantro plant is a remedy for diabetes lower blood sugar levels and improve the overall health of humans as well as pets like guinea pigs.
Reduce Inflammation: Cilantro for guinea pigs is packed with some substances called antioxidants that help reduce inflammation in the bodies of guinea pigs by binding to and suppressing inflammation-promoting substances known as free radicles. In one animal study, cilantro found with antioxidants helps fight skin aging i.e. is often accelerated by free radicles damage.
What Are The Risks of Feeding Cilantro to Guinea Pigs?
Unfortunately, cilantro in excess can be harmful to your guinea pigs. It is very crucial to be a responsible pet owner who always feeds the food in moderation to avoid any kind of hazardous situation and consult a veterinarian for any guidance.
Digestive Upset: Guinea pigs have a sensitive digestive system as explained earlier, excessive consumption of cilantro by guinea pigs may lead to some serious digestive issues like bloating, diarrhea, gas, or stomach issues. It is well recommended that introduce any new diet including cilantro gradually and monitor your guinea pigs for any sign of discomfort or allergy.
Allergic Reactions: Cilantro for guinea pigs may also cause allergic reactions like skin irritation or respiratory issues when fed excessively to guinea pigs.
Urinary issues: Cilantro for guinea pigs also contains oxalates, if fed excessively can lead to the formation of urinary stones in guinea pigs. Ensure a well-balanced diet, including other vegetables and sufficient water intake to reduce the risk of urinary issues.
Bladder Stone Formation: Although cilantro for guinea pigs contains less percentage of calcium than other leafy greens, but still cilantro in excess amounts if ingested by guinea pigs can lead to the formation of bladder stones which is also a common problem in guinea pigs. So, always ensure the proper diet plan contains low-calcium veggies and fruits for guinea pigs.
Pesticide Deposits: Ensure to buy organic Cilantro for guinea pigs and thoroughly wash in cold running water to remove any pesticide, or toxic chemical deposits that may harm your guinea pig’s digestive system also, and lead to diarrhea. Remember, always monitor your pets for any adverse reactions.
How often can Guinea Pigs eat Cilantro? Frequency and Portion of Serving:
To ensure a balanced diet, considering the amount of servings is very important for guinea pigs. Here are some guidelines that cilantro may be served to guinea pigs to ensure optimum health benefits and avoid risk factors.
The Portion of Serving Cilantro for Guinea Pigs: The portion of serving cilantro may depend upon the individual guinea pig’s age, sex, and health to make it a healthy and suitable option for guinea pigs. The recommended serving portion of cilantro for guinea pigs’ diet may be almost 10-20 stems of cilantro for elder and healthy cavies whereas younger guinea pigs may be served with less amount of almost 5-8 cilantro springs per serving. Always monitor the reaction or observe any behavioral change to avoid any kind of risk.
Frequency of Serving Cilantro for Guinea Pigs: Although, cilantro for guinea pigs is a good source of Vitamin C and less containing calcium making it a good option for guinea pigs’ everyday diet plan, keeping moderation in mind is very crucial to make it a healthy option and taking a break a few times in week and limiting the size and frequency of serving cilantro to avoid any kind of risk for guinea pigs. Guinea pigs can be served 2-3 times a week keeping the different veggies and fruits in their diet to make a suitable and balanced diet chart for cavies.
How to Prepare Cilantro for Guinea Pigs?
Guinea pigs love to enjoy special treats, sometimes it must be confusing for us to prepare a treat and ensure the proper way to feed our furry friends. So, let’s know some key steps to consider while preparing cilantro for guinea pigs as a treat:
Step-1: Purchase / Choose good quality: Always buy some fresh, green, healthy, and organic strings of cilantro from a verified store or verified dealer, ensure that cilantro is not spoiled, rotting, or overly wilted so that you can have some good quality and fresh cilantro for your cavies treat.
Step 2: Wash and dry the Cilantro: Thoroughly wash and clean the cilantro in running water to remove the chemicals, pesticides, or traces of germs. After washing let them dry properly before offering.
Step-3: Stalk Removal (Optional): You may also remove or cut the stalks of cilantro but it is optional. Although guinea pigs can eat these parts very easily and enjoy it.
Step-4: Chop Cilantro into small pieces (Optional): As a treat, cilantro after washing properly, may chop them into small chewable size pieces to make it a healthy treat. However, guinea pigs can eat the spring without chopping or cutting.
Step-5: Introduce in appropriate quantity: You must feed the recommended size cilantro to your guinea pigs gradually. If it is their first time then introduce a small portion i.e. be one spring each and observe their reaction to adopting this new diet.
Step-5: Treat / Serve Cilantro: You may also give cilantro by mixing it with other veggies to your guinea pigs as a treat like feeding it with your hands or holding the guinea pig on your lap. You can also serve them like ½ amount in the morning and the other half in the evening to ensure moderation and gradual introduction.
Step-6: Remove Uneaten Cilantro: When your guinea pigs are done eating cilantro, be sure to check and remove the uneaten cilantro from the cage or their surroundings to avoid the multiplication of bacteria and inviting flies that can be harmful to guinea pigs.
It is recommended, that use the cilantro springs within 3 days to keep them fresh for guinea pigs. Only wash the cilantro before feeding them to guinea pigs to keep them tasty and avoid the wilt factor.
Which Parts of Cilantro Can Guinea Pigs Eat?
Guinea pigs like to eat cilantro in their diet and enjoy its flavor and aroma. But knowing about the parts of cilantro to feed guinea pigs is equally important for their overall health.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cilantro Stems:
Yes, cilantro stems or spring is safe to feed to guinea pigs with moderation, and consider giving them a small portion of stems as the main part to eat by guinea pigs in cilantro is leaves. Each stem with leaves is known as a spring of cilantro and is loved by guinea pigs.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cilantro Flowers:
Yes, cilantro flowers are safe to feed to guinea pigs in moderation and small portions. Ensure to feed the washed cilantro flowers and organically purchased or grown flowers to guinea pigs.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cilantro Roots and Seeds:
No, avoid feeding with cilantro roots and seeds as they contain a toxic compound known as furanocoumarin that can cause potential harm and risks to guinea pigs’ health. At the same time, cilantro seeds may also pose choking hazards for guinea pigs. Seeds of cilantro are also dehydrated i.e. almost 8.9% water content whereas cilantro has 92.2% water content making seeds an avoidable option for guinea pigs.
Can Baby Guinea Pigs (Pups) Eat Cilantro?
For the development and nourishment of growing guinea pigs, cilantro provides some healthy nutrients, minerals, and vitamins. However, it is best to know and understand the nutritional requirements of baby guinea pigs as well as to introduce any new food including cilantro in their diet.
Baby guinea Pigs (Pups) can eat cilantro up to the age of almost 4-6 weeks but not before that. As baby guinea pigs reach the age of 3-4 months they can eat most of the food that young and adults subsequently eat.
It is best to start with a small portion i.e. a single spring of cilantro for baby guinea pigs reaching the age of 4-6 weeks and increase the portion by monitoring the adjusted strength of baby guinea pigs and offer another little bit after a day or two. Always monitor and observe their reaction after introducing any new food and consult a veterinarian for the best guidance.
How Can I Grow My Own Cilantro for Guinea Pigs?
Cilantro is a straightforward growing plant and can be grown in an area that receives full sun i.e. balcony, window shade, kitchen garden, pot, etc. for your furry friends and home use for recipes. It would not only add a new hobby to your life but also would be a good way to save money and get organic cilantro for you and your cavies.
- Plant cilantro in cool weather i.e. 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, may it be in early spring.
- Space the seeds about 1 to 2 inches apart, and roughly ¼ to ½ inch deep inside soil.
- A support structure may not be necessary.
- To provide good airflow for cilantro plants, sow the seeds almost 1 foot apart in rows.
Is Parsley or Cilantro Safe For Guinea Pigs?
Although, guinea pigs like cilantro flavor and enjoy its delicious taste individual preferences may vary. For those guinea pigs who dislike cilantro, there is a variety of other healthful herbs available that can be fed to guinea pigs. For example, parsley, which belongs to the same plant family as cilantro, makes an excellent replacement in case guinea pigs dislike cilantro. Parsley does not only enhance flavor, but it is highly nutritious and offers numerous health benefits for guinea pigs.
What other Fruits and Veggies can be the Alternative to Cilantro for Guinea Pigs?
Cilantro offers numerous benefits to guinea pigs regarding nutrition. However, as stated above and provided with one of the suitable alternatives to cilantro, there are some other fruits and vegetables that can also boost the nutritious requirements and can be used as a varied diet with moderation for guinea pigs.
| Mustard greens | Kale, raw | Arugula | Radicchio, raw |
| Zucchini | Kohlrabi, raw | Asparagus | Snap peas |
| Rutabagas, raw | Cilantro | Butternut Squash | Spinach, raw |
| Endive, raw | Pumpkin seeds | Blackberries | Grapefruit |
| Nectarines | Mushrooms | Wheatgrass | Pears |
Overall, it is safe to feed Cilantro to your Guinea Pigs:
Always remain up to date for any type of new food including cilantro before introducing to the Cavies diet plan. Remember, moderation and gradual introduction are the keys to serving any food and observing or monitoring the guinea pig’s reaction and behavior change or physical response to food. Do not hesitate to give a call to a professional veterinarian in case of any harmful effects or guidance.
