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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

🌿 BasilRead the Basil guide ›
🌱 Coriander (Cilantro)Read the Coriander guide ›
🌿 DillRead the Dill guide ›
🌱 MintRead the Mint guide ›
🌿 ParsleyRead the Parsley guide ›

Safe Vegetables

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

🫑 Bell PeppersRead the Bell Pepper guide ›
🥬 Bok ChoyRead the Bok Choy (Pak Choi / Chinese Leaf) guide ›
🥦 BroccoliRead the Broccoli guide ›
🥕 CarrotsRead the Carrot guide ›
🌱 CeleriacRead the Celeriac guide ›
🌱 CeleryRead the Celery guide ›
🥬 Collard GreensRead the Collard Greens guide ›
🌾 Corn on the CobRead the Corn guide ›
🥒 CucumberRead the Cucumber guide ›
🌼 DandelionRead the Dandelion guide ›
🌿 FennelRead the Fennel guide ›
🌿 French Beans (Fine Green Beans)Read the French Beans guide ›
🥬 KaleRead the Kale guide ›
🥬 LettuceRead the Lettuce guide ›
🌿 SpinachRead the Spinach guide ›
🍅 TomatoRead the Tomato guide ›
🍃 WatercressRead the Watercress guide ›

Safe Fruits

Full information on safe fruit for guinea pigs and feeding guide

🍎 AppleRead the Apple guide ›
🍌 BananaRead the Banana guide ›
🫐 BlueberriesRead the Blueberries guide ›
🍇 GrapesRead the Grape guide ›
🍈 MelonRead the Melon guide ›
🍓 StrawberriesRead the Strawberry guide ›
🍉 WatermelonRead 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