Cilantro

Nutritional Benefits

excellent source of vitamin a for eye health and immune support

helps with digestion and keeps the tummy moving smoothly

very high water content which helps keep your Rabbit hydrated

contains antioxidants that help protect cells from damage

Safe Varieties

fresh bunches from the store with bright green leaves are perfect

homegrown cilantro is great but it tends to bolt quickly in the sun

stems are just as good as the leaves so don't throw them away

wilted cilantro is okay if it is just a bit limp, but not if it is slimy

avoid coriander seeds as they are too high in fats and oils for bunnies

Feeding Guide

this can make up a large portion of your Rabbit's daily fresh veggie intake

a handful for a small bun and two handfuls for a larger one is fine

it is one of the few herbs you don't have to worry about overfeeding

perfect for introducing greens to a Rabbit for the first time

Positive Signs

your Rabbit diving into the bowl and eating every last bit

soft, shiny fur from all the vitamins and hydration

healthy, consistent bathroom habits

Negative Signs

if your Rabbit suddenly stops liking it, check for freshness

very watery poop could mean they need more hay and fewer greens

if they only eat cilantro and ignore hay, cut back on the greens

Preparation Science

The leaves are delicate and lose nutrients fast once cut, so it is best to serve it whole or torn by hand rather than chopped with a metal knife. This keeps the oils fresh.

Enrichment Science

Cilantro is highly aromatic, which triggers foraging instincts. Because it is so safe, it provides a "free-feeding" feel that reduces stress during mealtime.

Play Ideas

Easy: hand-feed sprigs to reward your Rabbit for coming when called
Medium: stuff a handful into a whisk and hang it up for them to pull out
Hard: hide it under different cups for a bunny shell game

FAQ

Q: My cilantro is starting to flower, can they eat the flowers?
A: Yes, the flowers are perfectly safe and your Rabbit will think they are a fancy treat!

Q: Is it okay if my Rabbit eats the roots?
A: The roots are safe if they are washed really well, but most bunnies prefer the stems and leaves.

Alternatives

parsley is similar but higher in calcium, so cilantro is better for daily use

dill is another safe herb that helps with gas and digestion

basil is a bit more pungent and better used as a topper than a base

Recipes Using Cilantro

• Cecotrope Quality Fuel — One of the safest daily herbs for rabbits, providing volatile oils that have a mild antimicrobial effect in the gut — it helps keep the balance between good and bad bacteria in check
• Digging Box Treasure Mix — The aromatic treasure that makes digging worthwhile — cilantro's strong scent drives rabbits absolutely wild and gets those nose twitches going at full speed
• Frozen Zen Garden — Aromatic attraction — the strong scent draws your bun in, and cilantro is one of the safest daily herbs for rabbits
• GI Stasis Emergency Mash — Appetite stimulant — cilantro's strong aroma can sometimes tempt a stasis rabbit into voluntary eating, which is always better than syringe feeding
• Spring Shedding Smoothie — Flavor driver and gut-friendly herb that makes the whole mixture irresistible; the stems add a satisfying crunch factor to all that soft green
• The Flop & Munch Platter — The aromatic beacon that draws your rabbit to the platter from across the room — cilantro's strong scent is basically a rabbit dinner bell

Risks & Disclaimer

Cilantro is one of the safest things you can give your Rabbit. Just make sure it is washed and fresh, and your bun will be one happy camper!