Can Dogs Eat Cilantro? What You Need To Know
As the saying goes, a dog is a man’s best friend. As a dog lover, you would like to ensure that the types of meals your pet consumes are safe. If you are doing a lot of cooking in your home and use herbs such as cilantro as an ingredient, you might wonder if it is safe for your furry friend.
Well, dogs can eat cilantro as the herb contains a lot of nutritional benefits. These include soothing stomach upsets and relieving digestion issues. You should, however, give it to your dog in moderation. Giving cilantro in excess to your dog can pose a health issue.
It is important to note that some dogs can have allergic reactions to the herb. The best move to take when introducing the herb into your dog’s diet is to begin with small portions. If you establish that your pet is not allergic to the herb, you can put it on its meal plan.
Benefits Of Cilantro To Dogs
Below are some of the benefits of cilantro.
Helps With Digestive Problems
Since ancient times, cilantro has been used as a traditional medicine to relieve various digestive issues, such as stomach upset. The herb was used to treat humans, and there is nothing to indicate that it will not do the same for dogs.
Helps Fight Infections
A scientific study on the herb has shown that it has both anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. These essential properties can help your dog combat infections, especially in the digestive system.
Improves Your Dogs Breath
You can use cilantro to clean your dog’s mouth. Cleaning the dog’s mouth with cilantro gives it good breath and improves the overall health of its gums. Using the herb is a more organic way of improving your pet’s breath; hence you don’t have to fight with them to brush their teeth.
Helps Maintain Good Vision And Skin
The herb is an excellent source of vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining healthy skin and vision.
Good Source Of Antioxidants
Cilantro contains potent antioxidants that help defend against the cell damage caused by free radicals. The antioxidants help prevent certain cancers and diseases caused by the molecules.
Good Source Of Vitamin K
Vitamin K is crucial to a dog’s body as it plays a significant role during injuries. The vitamin helps in clotting, thus preventing excessive bleeding – saving the life of your pet. The vitamin is also helpful in maintaining strong and healthy bones.
Helps With Toxic Metals
Cilantro herbs have been used for ages to eliminate toxic metals in human bodies. They can also help your dog the same way. Cilantro has compounds that bind to the toxic metal in the tissues of a dog. They then loosen and remove through stool.
Great Source Of Minerals And Vitamins
The magical cilantro herb is a good source of minerals and vitamins. It is popularly consumed raw by humans for the benefits associated with these minerals.
The plant has shown that it has important properties for both human and pet diets to some extent. Below are some of the minerals and vitamins found in cilantro:
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Calcium
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
How Much Cilantro Should You Give Your Dog?
Through various researches showing the amazing health benefits of cilantro, you will need to exercise more caution. Ensure that you don’t use it as your dog’s only nutrient source.
Veterinarians always recommend providing your pet with a well-balanced diet. This means that you should not change their regular diet and make it cilantro-based even if it is considered a nutrient-rich food.
Start by adding small portions to their food in the beginning. As time goes by, you can increase the size of the portions added to your meal. It’s crucial to note that too much of the herb may cause gas and stomach upset, so be cautious not to overdo it.
Further Reading: 20 Best Dry Dog Foods – 2022 Guide
How To Prepare Cilantro For Your Dog
Every dog lover and owner has a way they prepare food for their pet. When dealing with cilantro, there are three best ways to serve the herb to your dog.
These are:
- Prepare your dog’s food as usual and add about half a teaspoon of cilantro and mix it well.
- Extract oil from cilantro and add a drop into your dog’s water bowl.
- Take a meal that has been cooked for human consumption. Ensure all the ingredients used in preparing it are safe for your dog and add a bit of lime and cilantro.
Conclusion
There are numerous benefits to adding cilantro to a dog’s diet. But always remember that doing it in moderation is equally important.
If you have a puppy and it is their first experience, go slow with the herb as it is crucial not to make a radical change in your pet’s diet. Before making a dietary decision for your dog, it is important to speak with your vet, especially if your dog has known medical problems.
Further Reading:
- Can Dogs Eat Apples? Are Apples Safe For Dogs?
- Can Dogs Eat Bananas? Are Bananas Safe For Dogs?
- Can Dogs Eat Basil? Is Basil Beneficial For Dogs?
- Is lemongrass Safe For Dogs?
- Can Dogs Eat Mint? Is Mint Good Or Bad For Dogs?
- Can Dogs Eat Dill? How Safe Is It For Dogs?