Can dogs eat Coriander?
Yes - fresh coriander leaf is safe for dogs in small amounts. Curries and salsas containing it are not, because of the onion, garlic and chilli.
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What happens
Coriander, sold as cilantro in some places, is not toxic to dogs. The leaves contain small amounts of vitamins A, C and K and some antioxidants, and a little chopped through food is harmless. It has a mild reputation for settling digestion, which is a long way from proven in dogs but does no harm. Coriander seed, used whole or ground, is also not toxic in culinary amounts. As with every herb, the risk is not the plant but the plate: coriander appears almost exclusively in dishes built on onion, garlic and chilli, all of which range from irritating to genuinely toxic for dogs. Large amounts of any herb also upset the stomach, and coriander is strongly flavoured enough that most dogs will not want much.
How much is safe?
A pinch of chopped fresh leaf for a small dog, up to a teaspoon for a large one, occasionally.
How to prepare it
Fresh leaves, washed and finely chopped, stirred through plain food. Never a curry, salsa, chutney or dressing.
Symptoms to watch for
Usually nothing. A large amount can cause vomiting or loose stools. If the coriander came in a curry or salsa, the onion and garlic are the real concern and show up over a day or two as lethargy, weakness or pale gums.
When to call the vet
If your dog has eaten a curry or salsa containing onion or garlic in any quantity, particularly if it seems unusually tired in the days afterwards.
Can dogs eat these?
Common questions
Can dogs eat curry with coriander in it?
No. The coriander is the harmless part; the onion, garlic, chilli and salt around it are not. Onion and garlic damage red blood cells cumulatively, so even a modest portion is worth a call to your vet.
Is coriander good for a dog's digestion?
It has a mild traditional reputation for it, but there is little evidence in dogs. A pinch does no harm; it is not a treatment for a dog with ongoing digestive trouble.
Are coriander seeds safe for dogs?
In culinary amounts, yes, whole or ground coriander seed is not toxic. As always, check that any spice blend it comes in does not contain onion or garlic powder.
Looking for a food to feed instead? browse the directory or read the guides.
This is label analysis, not veterinary advice - if your dog has a health condition, talk to your vet before switching foods.