Can dogs eat cilantro?

Updated 25/04/2024

Whether to you it tastes soapy or simply delicious, there's no mistaking that cilantro is one of the most popular herbs out there. Adding a pungent zing to salads, curries and tacos, cilantro is also packed with a range of vitamins and minerals, packing a nutritional and flavor punch in the world of 'people foods'. So with enjoyment of the herb widespread across cultures and cuisines, we wouldn't blame you for wondering - can dogs eat cilantro, and is cilantro safe for dogs to eat, just like we humans can? Well as a pet parent, you'll probably know that the canine diet is rather more restricted than that of their humans. So, while cilantro is safe for dogs, you shouldn't be serving it up willy-nilly, left, right and center. To find out the safest ways to share cilantro with your pup along with the health benefits, take a look below as we dive into popular questions from pet parents.

Related article: Can dogs eat nuts?

Is cilantro poisonous to dogs?

So can dogs eat cilantro in any way, shape or form, or is the herb poisonous to dogs if served in a particular way? Well luckily for your cilantro-curious canine, the herb isn’t toxic to dogs in any way, but eating paw-fuls of the stuff regularly isn’t recommended either. Like with any food popular amongst us humans, if it’s safe for dogs, it doesn’t mean they should be eating heaps of it. Rather, cilantro should be viewed as an occasional treat or meal topping for dogs, enhancing the taste of kibble or homemade dog treats.

Related article: Can dogs eat broccoli?

Is cilantro good for dogs?

So can dogs eat cilantro and get any health benefits? Or is cilantro bad for dogs in some way? Well it's a yes and no on this one. Like with many of the foods popular in the human diet, our furry friends can certainly have too much of a good thing when it comes to cilantro. While packed with nutrients (which we'll take a look at in more detail below), eating too much could cause gastrointestinal upset, with your pup experiencing symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. With that said though, your pooch would have to eat a significantly large amount of the herb to experience these gastrointestinal symptoms.

And when it comes to learning about the health benefits of cilantro for dogs, keep in mind that your pup shouldn't be eating cilantro as the primary source for those vitamins and minerals. Rather, 90% (or ideally more) of your doggo's calories should be coming from the dog food you've chosen for them. And if they enjoy the unique taste and aroma that cilantro offers up, simply sprinkle a little on top of their kibble (with the stems removed). 

Related article: Can dogs eat pork bones?

Health benefits of eating cilantro for dogs

So, now we've settled the question - can dogs have cilantro - let's get into the range of nutrients found in the herb. But first, a quick caveat - as you'll know, cilantro has a pretty pungent aroma and taste. So, even when consumed by us humans, we'd rarely have enough of the herb to benefit from its vitamins and minerals. What does that mean for your pooch? Well while a few (washed) cilantro leaves won't do them any harm, we'd advise not getting too excited about any of the perceived health benefits. That aside, cilantro is packed with vitamins A, C and K along with folate, potassium and manganese. This range of vitamins and minerals helps support your pup's vision, bone growth, immune system, heart functioning, red blood cell production, blood clotting abilities, and the body's ability to fight free radicals and in turn, fight off diseases. However, due to the relatively small amounts you would feed cilantro, the health benefits would be close to zero. 

Related article: Can dogs eat bread?

Feeding your dog cilantro

If your pooch seems curious whenever you’re topping your tacos or making a zingy (cilantro-filled) salad, there are a few ways you can satisfy those interested taste buds. Firstly, give the herb a good wash and remove any stems, then chop finely so that it can be evenly distributed across kibble or amongst a homemade dog treat. So if you were wondering  - can dogs have cilantro mixed in with the foods we humans love, you'll need to avoid those and instead serve up alongside dog-friendly ingredients. This is because some human food and ingredients can be toxic to dogs, so feeding individual foods is preferable to avoid accidentally feeding your pooch a toxic substance. 

Related article: Can dogs eat pineapple?

Other herbs

If your furry friend seems curious for herbs and spices of all colors, scents and flavors, your best bet is to check whether they're dog-friendly on a case by case basis. Unfortunately, many of the ingredients that make our meals interesting are in fact toxic or irritant to dogs, so you can never be too careful when it comes to what goes in your doggo's bowl. If unsure, always ask your vet for advice on safe foods to feed your dog.

Meet our veterinary expert, Corinne

This article has been checked by veterinarian Corinne Wigfall BVMBVS(Hons) BVMedSci(Hons). Corinne is originally from Wales and moved to New Zealand after graduating university. She started her career with a university based equine internship and moved onto mixed and small animal practice. Currently she splits her time between online tele triage and working in an after hours vet clinic.

Other foods that are safe for dogs

So, cilantro and dogs are a match made in pup heaven (if your furry friend stomachs the taste, that is). Take a look below for more foods dogs can eat.

• Seaweed
• Edamame
• Radish