Before you feed your rabbit a certain food you should be well informed of its safety for rabbits. You should know which vegetables, fruits or herbs are good for your rabbit and which can be harmful. Can your rabbit eat radishes and the like?
In this article we will deal with coriander. All of you probably know a lot about this herb, but in this article we will say something more about coriander.
Also, we will discuss its impact on a rabbit’s health. If you are not sure whether coriander is safe for your bunny or not, you will find the answers below.
More about Coriander
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is an annual herb that belongs to Apiaceae family. This herb is also called cilantro or Chinese parsley. Coriander is widely grown throughout the world, mostly in southern Europe and western Asia. All the parts of this herb are edible and coriander is used in culinary purposes all around the world. Fresh coriander leaves and the dried seeds of coriander are the parts that are traditionally used in cooking. The fresh coriander leaves are the most common ingredient in Mexican cooking, in Chinese dishes, but also in many South Asian dishes. It is known that heat can diminish the flavor of coriander leaves, so the leaves are usually added to a dish immediately before serving.
Also, cilandro leaves are often eaten raw and they are usually added to salads. The dry fruits of coriander are known as coriander seeds and they usually have a lemon citrus flavor. These seeds are used for blending and grinding purposes and they are often used as a spice.
Also, roasted coriander seeds are sometimes used as a snack. Coriander is an herb that has many health benefits for people. Now we will see the impact that coriander has on a rabbit’s health.
Is Coriander Safe for Rabbits?
If you are a rabbit owner, you may not be sure whether coriander is safe for your rabbit or not. Well, we have good news for you. Due to its high vitamin and mineral content, coriander can be beneficial for your rabbit’s health.
Coriander is on the list of the herbs that are safe for bunnies, along with basil, mint, oregano, rosemary and parsley. Have in mind that all these herbs taste very strong, so it is best to start with a small amount to get your bunny used to them. After giving your bunny a little of coriander, watch his reaction carefully, especially within the first 24 hours. If you notice that your rabbit has become lethargic or if he has problems with digestion, stop giving him this herb. If everything is okay with your bunny, you can use coriander as an occasional treat. It means that you should give him coriander once or twice a week and in small amounts.
Large amounts of coriander can cause gas or diarrhea in your rabbit. To avoid these side effects, don’t overfeed your rabbit coriander. You should also know that coriander contains calcium, so it is one more reason to feed your rabbit coriander in small amounts.
Summary
As you have seen, coriander is a safe herb for your rabbit. You can use this herb as a healthy snack for your bunny. Have in mind that coriander should be only a treat for your rabbit, not a regular part of his diet. The diet of a rabbit should be based on fresh hay, grass and water.
All other foods can be used sparingly and in small amounts. You have to take the responsibility for your rabbit’s health.
