Food safety
Can Rabbits Eat Cilantro? Yes, a Good Everyday Herb
Yes, rabbits can eat cilantro, and it is one of the easiest greens to add to the daily bowl. The House Rabbit Society lists cilantro, which it also calls coriander, among safe leafy greens and edible herbs, and VCA Animal Hospitals names it among good vegetables for rabbits. Leaves and soft stems can both be fed. As with every green, variety matters more than any single herb, so a small handful of cilantro mixed with romaine and other leaves, alongside unlimited hay, is the way to serve it.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 13, 20264 min read3 sources
Why cilantro is a good green for rabbits
The House Rabbit Society includes cilantro on its list of safe leafy greens and on its list of edible plants and herbs. VCA's bunny care guide places cilantro among its good vegetables with romaine, bok choy, mustard greens, carrot tops and watercress, the group VCA suggests offering daily in rotation.
Cilantro carries none of the sugar or water cautions the Society attaches to carrots, bell peppers or cucumber. That makes it suitable as a regular part of the greens rather than an occasional treat.
Where cilantro fits in the diet
Hay is still the foundation. The House Rabbit Society puts hay at about 85% of an adult rabbit's diet and fresh vegetables at about 10%, and VCA says grass hay such as timothy, orchard or brome should always be available.
Leafy greens and herbs make up about three quarters of the fresh vegetables, according to the Society. Cilantro can be one of several greens in that share, alongside lettuces and other herbs, rather than the whole of it.
How to prepare cilantro
Rinse the bunch well, since soil and grit cling to the stems, and discard any yellow, wilted or slimy sprigs. The leaves and the soft upper stems can both go in the bowl; trim off the tough bottom ends and any roots.
Serve it wet, as the House Rabbit Society suggests for all vegetables, to add a little extra water to the diet. Skip salsa, guacamole and other dishes that contain cilantro, since they usually include onion or garlic, which the Society lists among foods to avoid.
Hiding a small piece of a safe food around a small animal playpen lets a rabbit forage, and an outdoor rabbit hutch needs the same daily check for uneaten fresh food.
How much cilantro to give
The House Rabbit Society suggests about one cup of packed greens for every two pounds of rabbit each day. For an average adult rabbit, a small handful of cilantro sprigs can be part of that cup, mixed with romaine or other leaves.
Rotate cilantro with other herbs and greens through the week. A dwarf rabbit needs proportionally less, a few sprigs in a smaller mix, and a large breed can have a little more.
Cilantro for baby rabbits
The House Rabbit Society advises starting vegetables only after about 12 weeks of age, introducing one at a time in amounts under half an ounce, and waiting 24 hours before adding another. Cilantro is a mild, sensible early green to try.
Stop any new green that causes soft stools or gas, the Society advises. The Merck Veterinary Manual warns that low-fiber diets raise the risk of severe digestive illness, especially in young rabbits, so unlimited hay always comes first.
Signs of upset and when to call a vet
Soft droppings or gas after a new green are signs to remove it and go back to hay and familiar leaves. Most mild upsets settle within a day once the new food is out of the bowl.
The Merck Veterinary Manual says to seek veterinary care promptly if a rabbit stops eating or shows digestive upset, including diarrhea or fewer droppings, and warns GI stasis can become life-threatening. A rabbit that is hunched, refusing food or passing no droppings needs a vet who treats rabbits the same day.
Other herbs and greens to rotate
The House Rabbit Society lists basil, dill, mint, parsley and dandelion among safe greens and herbs, and VCA adds bok choy, mustard greens, carrot tops, watercress and beet greens. Mixing several gives your rabbit variety and a wider spread of nutrients.
Keep chocolate, onions, garlic, potatoes and iceberg lettuce away from rabbits, as the House Rabbit Society advises, and ask your vet before making major diet changes.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
Can rabbits eat cilantro stems?
Yes. The soft upper stems can be fed with the leaves. Trim off the tough bottom ends and roots, wash the sprigs well and mix them into the daily greens.
Can rabbits eat cilantro every day?
Yes, as part of a varied mix. The House Rabbit Society and VCA both list cilantro as a good green. Rotate it with other herbs and leafy greens so it is not the only thing in the bowl.
Is coriander the same as cilantro for rabbits?
Yes. Cilantro is the US name for the leaves of the coriander plant, and the House Rabbit Society lists it as cilantro (coriander). The dried seeds sold as coriander spice are a different product and are not needed.
Can rabbits eat cilantro flowers?
Cilantro that has bolted to flower is still the same plant. The House Rabbit Society lists cilantro among edible herbs; wash the sprigs and offer a few as part of the greens.
Can rabbits eat salsa with cilantro?
No. Salsa and similar dishes usually contain onion and garlic, which the House Rabbit Society lists among foods to avoid, plus salt and lime. Feed only plain, washed cilantro.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
