If your pup grabbed a bit of your dinner that was jam-packed with cilantro, it might have left you wondering – can dogs eat cilantro? Good news – cilantro is generally safe for dogs to eat. However, there are a few important considerations, including the amount of cilantro and any additional ingredients consumed.
This post was reviewed for veterinary accuracy by Cara Wright, DVM. For more information about our review process, please visit the About Us page. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Cilantro safety for dogs
Cilantro is an herb that comes from the leaves of the coriander plant. It is frequently used Mexican, Latin, Thai, and Indian cuisine.
If your dog got into a little cilantro, breathe a sigh of relief – cilantro itself is not toxic for dogs to eat. This applies to both raw cilantro and cooked cilantro.
Be cautious about other ingredients
While cilantro alone is not a concern, it is important to consider any other ingredients your dog consumed.
For example, if your dog ate pico de gallo (a common fresh salsa), this would be concerning – not because of the cilantro present, but because of the onion in the mixture. Onions are toxic to dogs due to a component that causes damage to red blood cells, leading to a serious condition called hemolytic anemia.
Other toxic ingredients that may be paired with cilantro include garlic (present in many cuisines), chocolate (for example, a mole dish that’s topped with cilantro), or macadamia nuts (which are occasionally used to coat fish, in salads, or rarely in a unique pesto).
If your dog consumed any of these foods along with the cilantro, be sure to contact your vet for guidance.
Benefits of cilantro for dogs
There are a few potential benefits of feeding your dog small amounts of cilantro:
1. Possible anti-bacterial activity
Cilantro leaves have been shown in research to possess anti-bacterial activity against certain strains of foodborne bacteria. While it’s unknown if this lab-based research would translate to clinically significant benefits in our canine pals, it’s certainly interesting to know!
2. Vitamin K
Cilantro is a good source of Vitamin K. Similar to humans, dogs need Vitamin K for proper blood clotting.
3. Improved breath
Anecdotally, some people like to provide fresh herbs like cilantro as a way to help improve their dog’s breath. You should always evaluate the causes of your dog’s bad breath prior to using home remedies though. For example, bad breath could come from something as simple as getting into the garbage – but it could also indicate the need for dental cleanings, or rarely something more serious like kidney or liver disease.
4. Antioxidants
Cilantro leaves from the coriander plant have been show in research to have significant antioxidant activity. In humans, antioxidants help protect the cells from excessive oxidative stress. It’s thought that they may provide similar benefits in dogs, helping to protect the cells from damage and keep your pooch healthy long term.
Risks of cilantro for dogs
The main risk is that excessive cilantro may cause mild digestive upset in dogs. Hopefully your pup didn’t scarf down an entire bunch of the herb, but if they did eat a lot, you may want to keep an eye out for any nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Similarly, excessive amounts of any table food may throw off the balance of your dogs overall nutrition plan. It’s important that your dog has a proper balance of nutrients, including high quality protein.
A final word from Your Dog Eats
As you can see, a little bit of cilantro is safe for dogs, and may even provide some small benefits. However, excessive cilantro is not recommended. Along the same lines, if your dog ate cilantro that was paired with other dangerous ingredients, call your veterinarian for advice.
