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Can Guinea Pigs Eat Coriander (Cilantro)?

Yes, guinea pigs can eat coriander (cilantro). This fragrant herb is safe to feed and can be a tasty addition to their fresh food portion. The leaves and stems are both edible.



Benefits of Coriander for Guinea Pigs

  • Safe herb — Coriander leaves and stems are safe for guinea pigs to eat.
  • Adds variety — A fragrant herb that complements leafy greens and other vegetables.
  • Nutritious — Provides some essential nutrients, though not as high in vitamin C as parsley or dill.
  • Easy to grow — Can be grown on a sunny windowsill or purchased in pots from supermarkets or garden centres.

How to Safely Feed Coriander to Guinea Pigs

  • Frequency: Feed occasionally as part of their daily vegetable portion.
  • Quantity: Small amounts mixed with other leafy greens; avoid giving too much at once.
  • Preparation: Wash thoroughly before feeding.
  • Avoid: Don’t feed in large quantities or too often, as guinea pigs may refuse it for weeks if overfed.

Personal Note: In my experience, coriander can be a fussy herb for some guinea pigs—they love it in moderation, but too much at once may lead them to avoid it for weeks.


Guinea Pig Food Charts in Full Colour showing what vegetables, fruit and herbs guinea pigs can safely eat and how often, plus meal planner. Available to purchase.

Nutritional Information

Nutritionmg per 100g
Vitamin C30
Calcium86
Sugar1.2
Water90.5
Fibre3.2
Phosphorous54

Safe Herbs

Full information on safe herbs for guinea pigs and feeding guide ›

🌿 Basil → Read the Basil guide ›
🌱 Coriander (Cilantro) → Read the Coriander guide ›
🌿 Dill → Read the Dill guide ›
🌱 Mint → Read the Mint guide ›
🌿 Parsley → Read the Parsley guide ›

Safe Vegetables

Full information on safe vegetables for guinea pigs including feeding guide ›

🫑 Bell Peppers → Read the Bell Pepper guide ›
🥬 Bok Choy → Read the Bok Choy (Pak Choi / Chinese Leaf) guide ›
🥦 Broccoli → Read the Broccoli guide ›
🥕 Carrots → Read the Carrot guide ›
🌱 Celeriac→ Read the Celeriac guide ›
🌱 Celery → Read the Celery guide ›
🥬 Collard Greens → Read the Collard Greens guide ›
🌾 Corn on the Cob → Read the Corn guide ›
🥒 Cucumber → Read the Cucumber guide ›
🌼 Dandelion → Read the Dandelion guide ›
🌿 Fennel → Read the Fennel guide ›
🌿 French Beans (Fine Green Beans) → Read the French Beans guide ›
🥬 Kale → Read the Kale guide ›
🥬 Lettuce → Read the Lettuce guide ›
🌿 Spinach → Read the Spinach guide ›
🍅 Tomato→ Read the Tomato guide ›
🍃 Watercress→ Read the Watercress guide ›

Safe Fruits

Full information on safe fruit for guinea pigs and feeding guide ›

🍎 Apple →Read the Apple guide ›
🍌 Banana →Read the Banana guide ›
🫐 Blueberries →Read the Blueberries guide ›
🍇 Grapes →Read the Grape guide ›
🍈 Melon →Read the Melon guide ›
🍓 Strawberries →Read the Strawberry guide ›
🍉 Watermelon →Read the Watermelon guide ›

Monique Hanford

Monique Hanford

Monique Hanford is a trusted guinea pig expert and founder of Guinea Piggles, one of the UK’s leading resources on guinea pig welfare. With nearly a decade of hands-on experience and research into guinea pig care, she provides practical, evidence-based guidance to help owners give their pets the best possible lives. Find out more...View Author posts