Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cilantro?
Guinea pigs are very cute and the owners also live happily with their guinea pigs. They try to take care of everything in their sleep, eating and their relaxing time as well. Firstly as an owner, you must know about their eating habits, like what they like to eat. So, how about cilantro? Can guinea pigs eat cilantro? Well, their favourite foods are hay, pellets, veggies, fruits, and clean water. But there are restrictions in each of them. So you must very well know what they should and what they should not eat.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cilantro?
Well, Yes! Guinea pigs can eat cilantro for sure. It is a nutritious herb that is very safe for you to feed. They will for sure enjoy munching on leaves. Cilantro also is known as coriander has been confirmed by many vets very safe to eat for guinea pigs. and also you must know that it contains a lot of essential nutrients including vitamin c which you know that is very beneficial for guinea pigs.
Why Should You Feed Cilantro To Your Guinea Pigs?
The first and most important reason why feed guinea pigs cilantro is that it contains vitamin c which is very healthy for your guinea pig’s immunity system and also health. As we know that guinea pig cannot produce vitamin c on its own it has to retrieve it from some food and cilantro is one of those foods. Although one thing you must know that it is not that much vitamin c content still can provide your guinea pig with benefit.
Apart from that, it has various other minerals like calcium and phosphorus. also, you must know cilantro contains powerful antioxidants which in general can contribute to guinea pig’s health. The antioxidants also keep a check on the guinea pig’s heart condition. Also, cilantro can help in detoxifying harmful substances from the guinea pig’s body.
Cilantro can also help in managing diabetes and can also help blood sugar levels to low down. It can also prevent food poisoning. Just add only small quantities of cilantro in food to be on the safe side.
Why Should You Not Feed Cilantro To Your Guinea Pigs?
Well, one thing you must know for sure that cilantro can also have some side effects. But that can only happen if they overeat it. It can cause indigestion, diarrhoea, and dehydration.
Also, avoid feeding cilantro to a pig who is pregnant. Cilantro also can slow down clotting and can increase the risk of bleeding if you serve it to them heavily.
Although it has antioxidants present, if they overeat it that can even destroy its liver. It can even lower the blood pressure of the guinea pig. Also one of the worst reactions of it is that it can cause respiratory problems to guinea pig which can lead to chronic asthma.
It can also have some skin reactions like rashes, irritation, itching, swelling, etc. so just keep one thing in mind do not serve them cilantro too much.
Which Part of Cilantro is Edible for Guinea Pigs?
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cilantro Stem?
Yes, guinea pigs can surely eat stems of cilantro. If you cut them in middle sliced pieces it would be safe for them to eat.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cilantro Flowers?
Yes, they would love to eat cilantro flowers. They are soft and easy to chew.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cilantro Leaves?
Yes, they can even eat the cilantro leaves. Every part of the cilantro is safe for the guinea pigs until they over chew them.
How To Feed Cilantro To Your Guinea Pig?
If you are feeding them cilantro for the first time then make sure to feed them slowly as guinea pigs have a very sensitive stomach so it would be better for you to serve them cilantro in small pieces only.
While feeding them cilantro for the first there are chances that it might not like it. If it does not like it you can mix it up in other food as well.
You should clean the cilantro with water before serving them to your guinea pig because there might be chances that it has some chemical fertilizers or pesticides sprayed on them. If what remains on its leaves don’t worry it will keep them hydrated.
Alternatives To Cilantro For Guinea Pigs
- Thyme
- Mint
- Basil
- Oregano
| Features | Oxbow Essentials | Oxbow Essentials | Hartz Small Animal Pellets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |  |
| Brand | Oxbow | Oxbow | Hartz |
| Item From | Pellet | Straw | Pellet |
| Ingredients | Natural | Natural | Scientifically-Formulated |
| Veterinarian Recommended | Yes | Yes | - |
| Speciality | Perfect For Picky Eaters Fortified | Premium Quality Nutrient Rich Vet Recommended | Scientifically Formulated 100% Complete Nutrition Maintains Shiny Coat |
| Price |  | | |
FAQs
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cilantro Every Day?
No, You should not feed them cilantro every day despite it being healthy for guinea pigs because it also contains calcium and phosphorus.
What Herbs Can Guinea Pigs Eat?
Guinea pigs can eat Dandelion, Rocket, Fennel, Basil, Mint, Parsley, Dill, Endive, Cilantro, and Thyme.
Conclusion:
Well, it is perfectly safe for us to say that cilantro is perfectly safe for guinea pigs to eat. It has quite healthy nutrients present which is quite beneficial for guinea pig’s health. Firstly it has vitamin c content present which is good for the health of guinea pigs. It also has antioxidants present which contributes very well to the general health of their body.
Just make sure of one thing that the guinea pig doesn’t overeat it because it can be bad for their health. It can cause problems to its respiratory system, heart, and blood sugar levels which is not good for a guinea pig at all.
