If your rabbits like his herbs, you may wonder what can and can’t be given. Rabbits have a somewhat sensitive digestive system, so it’s essential to research what they can eat thoroughly. Is cilantro one of the herbs suitable for rabbits?
Cilantro is one of the herbs that is safe for rabbits. It contains many minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that are healthy for rabbits. Fresh cilantro is available almost everywhere in the shops and is also relatively easy to grow in your own garden. It is, therefore, a good choice for rabbit owners who want to offer their rabbits a wide range of food.
This article discusses whether cilantro is suitable for rabbits and how much and how often rabbits can have cilantro.
We also explain how to prepare the cilantro for your rabbits and what to do if a rabbit overeats cilantro.
Is Cilantro Good for Your Rabbit?
Cilantro offers some valuable properties for your rabbits. It contains some vitamins and minerals that are good for rabbit health. These include:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
- Antioxidants
- Iron
- Potassium
It also has some vitamin E and vitamin K.
Some studies show that cilantro can reduce inflammation by binding free radicals that can promote inflammation. So it can help a rabbit feel better after an injury.
However, talk to your vet about this and determine if they think it is helpful.
It is also thought that cilantro lowers blood sugar levels, which could be healthier for your rabbits. However, more studies are needed, particularly on the effects of cilantro on rabbits.
But on the whole, cilantro is an excellent herb to offer your rabbits occasionally as part of a balanced diet.
There is evidence that feeding cilantro to rabbits can also relieve bloating.
However, if your rabbit is already suffering from stomach problems, you should be careful with the quantities. Please do not give him large amounts without talking to your vet first.
How Much Cilantro Should I Give My Rabbit?
Moderation is vital when feeding treats to rabbits. They should get most of their food simply from hay or grass.
About ninety percent of a rabbit’s diet should come from one of these two sources, while other foods should only be given in small amounts and only occasionally as treats.
So, how much cilantro you should feed your rabbits depends on how many other treats you offer them.
One portion of cilantro is usually about half a handful of freshly washed leaves. If you have more giant rabbits, you can feed up to a whole handful, but no more.
If you feed your rabbits many other vegetables simultaneously, don’t give them so much cilantro. Rabbits do like greens, but they need to eat mostly grass and hay, or their digestive system will suffer.
As a rough guide, the amount of treats you give a rabbit in a day should be less than the size of its head.
So, a small rabbit needs fewer treats than a giant rabbit.
How Should I Prepare Cilantro for Rabbits?
All fresh food should be washed before it is offered to rabbits. This helps to remove dirt and pesticides.
If possible, feed your rabbit organic cilantro or grow it yourself at home to ensure it is chemical-free.
Remove any leaves that have turned brown or wilted. These could make your rabbits sick. Only give them fresh cilantro.
You don’t need to remove the stems of the cilantro, but don’t give your rabbits the roots. They are not dangerous, but it is better to use only the stems and leaves as these are definitely considered safe.
Should I Give My Rabbits Cilantro Every Day?
You should generally not give your rabbits a specific type of food every day other than grass, hay, and pellets. It’s essential to rotate fruits, vegetables, and greens, and cilantro is no exception.
Rabbits benefit from a very varied diet. They get nutrients from various foods and should not eat the same thing repeatedly.
This would not be good for their health, but there is also a high risk that they will soon become bored and stop eating cilantro altogether.
Try to keep changing the greens you offer your rabbits. There are so many healthy alternatives that you don’t have to limit yourself to cilantro.
Try nettles, mint, or celery, for example.
The more varied your rabbits’ diet is, the healthier and happier your rabbits will be.
What if My Rabbits Don’t Eat Cilantro?
Most rabbits love cilantro because it has a strong flavor and is very good for them. However, a few rabbits don’t seem to like this herb.
All rabbits have different preferences. So, if a rabbit rejects and ignores cilantro leaves, there is no need to worry.
Simply remove them from the bowl and try again in a week or two. Maybe the rabbit will change its mind after a while.
But if not, it’s no big deal. Look for foods that he likes more.
You don’t have to feed your rabbits cilantro to keep them healthy. But you must remove all leaves from the cage that are no longer fresh. Your rabbits should no longer eat them.
What Happens if I Give My Rabbits Too Much Cilantro?
If you have accidentally given your rabbits too much cilantro, you should monitor them for signs of discomfort.
In general, a rabbit’s digestive system copes well with this herb. But if you notice changes in the feces or if a rabbit seems lethargic, you should see your veterinarian.
You should also do this if a rabbit is reluctant to eat and shows no interest in its food, including grass. This could indicate that he has an upset stomach and is feeling unwell.
If your rabbit is having difficulty defecating or if its droppings are very runny or very hard, you should also speak to the vet.
These problems may resolve as your rabbit’s digestive system processes the cilantro and returns to normal. But it is still a good idea to consult an expert as a precaution.
Conclusion: Can Rabbits Eat Cilantro?
Cilantro is a great way to add variety to your rabbit’s diet. It offers numerous health benefits and is very popular with most rabbits.
Be sure to wash the cilantro thoroughly and remove any brown or slimy leaves before serving the herb to your rabbits, as these could make them ill.
