3D illustration: a hamster next to a dish of cilantro
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Hamster · Greens & herbs

Can hamsters eat cilantro?

Yes, in small amounts

Yes, in small amounts. Fresh coriander (cilantro) is on PDSA's list of occasional treats for hamsters. A sprig now and then is plenty.

Portion
One small sprig (2–3 leaves) for a Syrian; a single leaf for a dwarf.
How often
Once or twice a week
Sugar
0.9 g / 100 g

How to serve it

  1. Wash well
  2. Offer fresh leaves and thin stems only
  3. Do not use dried spice blends or seasoning mixes
  4. Remove any uneaten herb the next day

Why

Risks. Cilantro has no known toxicity for hamsters. It is limited mainly to keep the diet balanced, and because sudden large amounts of any fresh greens can upset a hamster's digestion.

Benefits. Adds scent and variety to foraging; contains vitamins A and K.

Questions owners ask 1

Is coriander the same as cilantro?

Yes. In the UK the leaves are called coriander and in North America cilantro. The fresh leaves are the part to offer.

Cilantro: nutrition per 100 g

Water92.2 g
Energy23 kcal
Sugars0.9 g
Fat0.5 g
Protein2.1 g
Fibre2.8 g
Calcium67 mg
Phosphorus48 mg
Calcium : phosphorus1.4 : 1
Sodium46 mg
Vitamin A (RAE)337 µg
Vitamin C27 mg

“Coriander (cilantro) leaves, raw”, USDA FoodData Central (SR Legacy, FDC 169997). Public domain.

Sources & method 1

The sources below discuss cilantro for hamsters (or for pet rodents generally). Confidence: high. Rated on the JOMIZOO Feeding Scale; when good sources disagree we choose the more cautious level.

  1. Feeding your hamster — PDSA

Other pets

More greens & herbs

All 68 foods for hamsters →