Can Hamsters Eat Cilantro?

Cilantro is a popular herb and used in many recipes, but is it safe for your hamster to et cilantro? In this article we’ll look to see if hamsters can eat cilantro, what the nutritional benefits are and how you should feed it to your hamster.

What Is Cilantro?

Cilantro can refer to the leaves (cilantro) or the seeds (coriander), although they are often used interchangeably. The plant can be found in parts of Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia. It is usually used as an herb, although it can also be made into a paste.

Cilantro can be used in many different types of dishes because its flavor can complement most other flavors. However, some people think that cilantro tastes like soap or dirt. Others find cilantro very appealing and will put it on almost anything – even fruit salad!

Like most herbs, cilantro is rich in vitamins A and K, calcium, iron magnesium, phosphorus, potassium , and folate. In addition, it can also be a source of protein and fiber.

Can Hamsters Eat Cilantro?

The answer to the question, “can hamsters eat cilantro”? is that, Yes, in small quantities cilantro can be fed to your hamster.

As with all new foods, make sure to feed cilantro to your hamster in small amounts at first. You can gradually increase the amount of cilantro you give them as long as you see no negative effects (such as stomach upset).

You can also use cilantro as a form of natural medicine for your hamster. If they are often sick or have diarrhea, then this can be especially beneficial. To do this, simply mix some crushed or chopped up leaves into their food or water.

Benefits Of Cilantro For Hamsters

Since cilantro can be a source of protein, vitamins A and K, calcium, iron magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and folate, it can make an excellent addition to your hamster’s diet.

In addition, since cilantro can also help with stomach upset or diarrhea, it can be a useful natural remedy.

Risks Of Cilantro For Hamsters

The only side effect of cilantro for hamsters is that some can experience an upset stomach when they first try this food. If your hamster does feel sick after you feed them some cilantro, then simply stop giving them the herb for a few days and gradually reintroduce it to their diet in smaller amounts at a time or try a different food altogether!

Hamsters are known for storing their food, and this can cause problems for a couple of reasons.

If any cilantro are left uneaten in your hamsters cage, they could rot, start to smell and attract insects.

Your hamster may also store uneaten cilantro in their cheek pouches, and it’s not uncommon for hamsters to develop abscesses, which can be sore for your pet.

That’s why it’s advisable to monitor your hamster when giving them cilantro and immediately remove and discard any uneaten cilantro from their cage.

How To Feed Cilantro To Your Hamster

If you choose to feed your hamster some cilantro, then it can be done in a variety of ways.

You can add a little bit of chopped or whole cilantro leaves to the food that you give them. If they don’t eat all of the food after 24 hours, any remaining can be discarded.

Alternatively, you can make a small pot of crushed cilantro leaves and water for your hamster. The mixture can be left for one day before disposing of it safely.

Warnings

• Cilantro can cause an upset stomach in some animals when they first try this herb, so monitor your pet during their first few times with this new addition to their diet.
• If any cilantro is left uneaten and begins to rot and smell, it can attract insects and other pests. Be sure to monitor your hamster for this as well.
• Ensure that the cilantro you give your pet is fresh to avoid potential unpleasant side effects such as stomach upset or diarrhea.
• If your hamster does experience any issues after ingesting cilantro, stop giving them the herb immediately and seek veterinary treatment if necessary.
• As with the introduction of any new food to your hamsters diet, if you are going to try feeding your hamster cilantro, you need to monitor your hamster closely whilst eating them.

How Much Cilantro Can A Hamster Eat?

It can be difficult to determine how much cilantro can a hamster eat because each animal can react differently to the herb.

Consequently, you should introduce cilantro into your hamster’s diet gradually and monitor them for any side effects of eating too much of the herb.

You can ensure that your hamster does not develop an upset stomach by avoiding giving them large amounts of cilantro at once. If they do begin to show signs of gastrointestinal problems after having eaten some cilantro, then stop feeding it to them immediately.

If any uneaten cilantro is discarded in their cage or left out on the floor, ensure that it is completely dry before disposal as wet, rotting herbs can also cause significant health issues for your hamster,

Hamsters can eat cilantro in moderation without risk according to various sources. But since each animal can react differently to food, you should monitor your pet closely when feeding them cilantro for the first time.

When feeding your hamster new foods, you should always start with a tiny amount to ensure that they like it, and that they don’t encounter an allergic reaction. So if you want to try feeding your hamster cilantro then we would recommend giving a very small portion size, about the size of a teaspoon.

Another good way to work out what is the right amount of cilantro to feed your hamster is to give them a portion they can comfortably hold within their hands.

Other Than Cilantro What Else Can Your Hamster Eat?

We have looked at if your hamster can eat cilantro.

Other than good quality hamster food, what else could you be feeding your hamster?

Grains

Grains are a staple food for hamsters. You should give about a tablespoonful each day. Grains can be found in commercially prepared hamster mixes, providing protein and carbohydrates. Avoid overfeeding fatty nuts (peanuts and sunflower seeds), as they can cause obesity.

Vegetables

Fresh, organic vegetables are the best choice for your hamster.

If you’re not using organic produce, be sure to clean it properly to get rid of any pesticides.

Whilst most vegetables are generally safe for hamsters, dark green vegetables are the best choice, so things like;

• Artichokes
• Broccoli spears
• Carrot tops
• Dandelion greens
• Romaine lettuce
• Spinach

Avoid iceberg lettuce and other high-water veggies or fruits (such as watermelon) to avoid stomach problems.

Fruits

Like vegetables, most fruit is OK for hamsters in small portions, as a supplement to the usual diet.

Some good choices are;

• Apples (with pips removed)
• Bananas
• Pears
• Strawberries

Remember always remove any uneaten veggies or fruits from your hamster’s cage within 24 hours to avoid them going off.

Timothy hay

Often overlooked for hamsters, hay is a wonderful gnawing food that can keep your hamster’s teeth clean.

Fresh water

Your hamster should always have access to fresh water, changed daily.

What’s The Best Diet For Hamsters?

If you have a hamster, you need to make sure that you are feeding them the best food possible.

We’ve discussed if hamsters can eat cilantro, and whilst hamsters can eat a wide variety of things, their primary diet should consist of good quality hamster food.

There are a lot of options available for your hamster, but not all of them are good! If you want to learn more about the best hamster food, you can read our full review of the best hamster foods here.

If you just want to know what we recommend, it’s Kaytee Pro Health Hamster food.

The Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Food was created by animal nutritionists to ensure that your hamster gets the correct nutrition within their diet.

To support digestive health, Forti-Diet Pro Health includes probiotics and prebiotics. This food is high in natural antioxidants for general health and immunity protection, as well as some bigger, crunchier pieces to promote dental health through natural chewing action.

Summary

Now you know if it is safe to feed your hamster cilantro. Just remember, always start by introducing a very small portion of cilantro to your hamster, and look out for any signs of discomfort or unusual behaviour.

Cilantro can make an excellent addition to your hamster’s diet because it can help with stomach upset or diarrhea, but be sure to monitor your hamster during their first few times trying this herb. Additionally, ensure that any uneaten cilantro is removed from your hamster’s cage within 24 hours of the initial offer due to health concerns caused by rotting herbs left out in their vicinity.

If your hamster has an adverse reaction after eating cilantro, contact your local veterinarian immediately.