Who doesn’t want to feed their pet rabbit fresh veggies and fruits? But what about herbs? Can rabbits eat herbs like cilantro too?
The short answer is YES, you can feed rabbits cilantro. The long answer, however, is what we’re about to discuss now. Cilantro is a herb that contains antioxidants. It is good for digestion, getting rid of free radical damage, and other benefits.
Does that mean that cilantro is healthy for rabbits too? The rich aroma and soft texture of cilantro is enough for a rabbit to enjoy it. But you have to be very careful about feeding your rabbit cilantro.
This goes beyond reducing the serving size of cilantro. It also has to do with making sure the cilantro leaves are well-washed and free of fertilizers/pesticides.
To elaborate a bit further, let’s look at this in detail.
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You Can Feed Rabbits Cilantro
Cilantro is a good herb for a rabbit to indulge in once in a while. But you can feed your rabbit cilantro only in moderation. This also includes feeding the cilantro stalks as they contain more water than the leaves.
Both the leaves and the stalk are not poisonous. They do not contain poisonous compounds or toxic acids. Cilantro is even low in oxalic acid so feeding a moderate amount will not cause any physical signs of distress.
Cilantro has a strong flavor and smell. Very similar to rabbit-friendly herbs such as mint, oregano, basil, and sage. So it’s easier to get your rabbit to enjoy eating cilantro because of the strong aroma.
You can feed your rabbit cilantro in a variety of ways. But we’ll get into that later. For now, it’s important to determine whether to feed cilantro to your rabbit or not.
Between feeding your rabbit cilantro leaves and stalk, cilantro seeds are toxic. They may cause a choking hazard or cause stomach distress. Make sure you get rid of all cilantro seeds.
One of the reasons why cilantro seeds are bad for your rabbit is high carbs. High carbs will cause a boost in a rabbit’s cecum microflora. This causes diarrhea, enteritis, and obesity in rabbits. Since it contains a high number of calories which is something that rabbits do not need.
In terms of nutrition, cilantro contains vitamins A, C, and K. They are nutrient-rich and antioxidant. And they contain potassium, iron, riboflavin, and manganese in small amounts.
So in no way is feeding cilantro to your rabbit a bad idea.
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Ways of Feeding Cilantro to Rabbits
There are a few ways of feeding cilantro to rabbits. Before you know what way is best for you. This is what everyone should be doing before feeding cilantro to rabbits.
A handful of cilantro is the ideal amount you should be feeding regularly. And lucky for you, rabbits love cilantro. And it’s okay for them to have a sufficient portion of it on a regular basis.
#1. Wash the cilantro properly
I cannot stress this sentence enough. Uncleaned cilantro leaves may contain dust, small stones, and mud on them. Some even contain chemicals that are not washed away completely. You can use a strainer or wash the cilantro under running water by hand. Make sure the leaves and stalks are free of chemicals, mud-free, and completely dry after washing.
You must always get rid of the budding purplish flowers that some leaves have. They are not good for your rabbit’s tummy. It may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and gas.
Once the cilantro is properly cleaned and dried, you can begin feeding a small amount.
#2. As garnish
The best way to ensure your rabbit doesn’t overeat cilantro is portion-control. It’s important to give your rabbit a variety of foods to eat. And adding herbs as a garnish on top of their primary food is a good way to get your rabbit to eat.
Chop the cilantro into tiny sprinkles and add them into your rabbit’s food bowl. The flavor and texture of the leaves should entice your rabbit to finish his or her meal sooner.
#3. As a treat
If you want a snack or something chewy to give to your rabbit, cilantro is an option for you. You can also add cilantro stalks which are full of water. And keeping your rabbit hydrated must also be your top priority.
Feed your rabbit less than 2 tablespoons of cilantro each time.
Make sure the cilantro is fresh so it has a stronger aroma. If the leaves look brown and dull, buy fresh cilantro immediately.
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Before You Go
Fresh fruits and vegetables are healthy alternatives. And for rabbits, having 1-3 cups of fresh veggies daily is a good idea. Cilantro can be a part of that diet. You can give your pet rabbit cilantro in small portions. And never serve the same vegetable or herb to your rabbit twice in a row.
Conclusion – Can Rabbits Eat Cilantro!!
Cilantro may not be a leafy green vegetable but it’s a fantastic herb. It does add the leafy green element to food. Instead of always feeding your rabbit the same kind of leafy green, you can mix things up.
Cilantro is not a staple food item for rabbits. It does not provide any kind of long-lasting nutrition. But it is important to include vegetables that are. And for picky rabbits, especially, adding cilantro makes the meal less boring.
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All herbs including basil, mint, oregano, and sage do this. They make food look and taste fresh, aromatic, and delicious. So cilantro which is a healthy snack can curb your pet rabbit’s appetite.
Make sure you feed your pet rabbit a fixed and small portion of cilantro. And if you notice that the cilantro leaves or stalks have mold or too much mud on them that is hard to wash. Do not feed your rabbit that. A wise choice would be to opt for organic and pesticide-free herbs.
They will not harm your furry friend. And watch out for signs of any stomach distress. If you do notice a change, it’s best to keep away from cilantro and move on to other herby alternatives. Such as oregano, basil, sage, mint, etc.
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