Cilantro also known as coriander is an annual herb in the family Apiaceae. It is also known as Chinese parsley, and in North America, the stems and leaves are usually called cilantro. Cilantro is the leaf and stem of the Coriandrum sativum plant. All the parts of this plant are edible, but the fresh leaves and the dried seeds are the parts most traditionally used in cooking.
Majorly, they are known to be rich in vitamin C, carotene, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, and minerals such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, and magnesium. The vitamin C content of cilantro is much higher than that of most vegetables, and consumption of 8 to 10 grams of cilantro can satisfy the human body's demand for vitamin C. Do guinea pigs have the same benefit from cilantro as a human does? Can guinea pigs eat cilantro? What other information should you know about cilantro? Answers to these questions and all other questions will be explained in this article.
Can guinea pigs eat cilantro?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat cilantro but only in moderation. Most of the time, pet owners are looking for ways to show love and care to their guinea pigs because they just completed a week of mature behavior or they did something that required commending them. Feeding them this herb can serve the purpose you wanted it to be because they are an excellent treat for them. However, you should know that they are enriched with a lot of vitamin A and overfeeding with this herb will turn the love you are showing to your guinea pigs into a trip to the veterinarian doctor. Therefore, always give it to them as an occasional treat since they are enriched with various beneficial nutrients.
What is the serving size of feeding cilantro to your guinea pigs?
Since it has been stated that cilantro can serve as a great treat for your pets but overfeeding them with this herb may lead to an adverse effect, your thoughts will now be on how much cilantro can I feed to my guinea pigs to complete their daily diet issue. A cup of green leafy vegetable of this herb can be served to your guinea pigs daily if that is what you want. You can also choose to give them a smaller portion compared to the recommended amount if you are looking for a perfect serving size.
If you are just introducing them to your pets, you should start with a small amount because there are records of this herb causing allergic reactions therefore, you should not overfeed them since it is well known to contain a high amount of vitamin C compared to some other vegetables instead a gradual approach to check their reaction should be your top priority
Can Guinea Pigs Eat All The Parts Of Cilantro
Cilantro is a herb made up of stems, flowers, roots, etc. Knowing if your guinea pigs have a chance of surviving when they eat part of the herb should also be considered by you to avoid unnecessary trips to the doctor's office. You should also be aware of what beneficial nutrients these parts offer to your guinea pigs when they feed on them. Read through the bullet point below to find out
- Cilantro stems: Yes, guinea pigs can eat cilantro stems but only in moderation. Their stems are enriched with beneficial nutrient and when feeding them to your cavies make sure it is cut and chopped into small pieces. This is because not all cilantro stems have a smooth texture, if you feed them with those with a rough texture it may cause problems during digestion
- Cilantro leaves or flowers: Yes, guinea pigs can eat cilantro leaves or flowers. It is even known to contain a decent amount of vitamins like C and A, and they are also enriched with antioxidants which is one of the required nutrients needed to keep your guinea pigs safe
- Cilantro roots: Not many benefits can be found in cilantro roots therefore, do not feed them to your guinea pigs to avoid unnecessary stomach upset
What Are The Nutritional Benefits Of Feeding Cilantro to Guinea Pigs
It has been stated above that cilantro offers various nutritional benefits for your pets, therefore, pet owners need to be aware of the exact benefit their cavies can gain from this herb. Some of the benefits of cilantro are listed below
High in Vitamins
Cilantro is one of those leafy vegetables you can benefit from a lot of nutrients without you mixing it with other vegetables. There is the presence of vitamin C which is essential in preventing your guinea pigs from suffering from the common scurvy disease since they can not produce their vitamin C. It is also enriched with a decent amount of vitamin A and K essential nutrients needed for good eyesight, especially for the older guinea pigs. They are also responsible for a strong immune system, proper growth, and weight maintenance.
Rich in fiber
Dietary fiber is known for excellently aiding digestion in your guinea pig's body system. Cilantro herbs also contain a decent amount
Low calories and sugar content
You need to know that they offer low calories and this prevents your cavies from gaining weight. Low calories and sugar also keep their blood sugar level steady, and it reduces the risk of heart problem
Possible Health Risk Of Feeding Cilantro To Guinea Pigs
There are a lot of benefits attached to this herb, but you should also know that there is a lot of health risk attached to it if it is being overfed to your guinea pigs. Some of them are listed below
Urinary problem
Cilantro is enriched with a decent amount of calcium and oxalic acid, overfeeding them to your guinea pigs may result in kidney or bladder stones among other problem
Digestive problem
Cilantro is enriched with a high amount of vitamins, and overfeeding them to your guinea pigs may result in health risks like diarrhea because of their sensitive stomach and other digestive problems like gastrointestinal issues, or bloatedness.
Conclusion
Guinea pigs can eat cilantro but only in moderation because of the high amount of beneficial nutrients found in them. If fed in the wrong proportion it may lead to serious health risk which has been discussed above. Other information you need concerning this herb has also been explained, all you need to do as a pet owner is to read through this article for proper enlightenment.is even known
