Hamster · Greens & herbs
Can hamsters eat cilantro?
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
- Wash well
- Offer fresh leaves and thin stems only
- Do not use dried spice blends or seasoning mixes
- 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
| Water | 92.2 g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 23 kcal |
| Sugars | 0.9 g |
| Fat | 0.5 g |
| Protein | 2.1 g |
| Fibre | 2.8 g |
| Calcium | 67 mg |
| Phosphorus | 48 mg |
| Calcium : phosphorus | 1.4 : 1 |
| Sodium | 46 mg |
| Vitamin A (RAE) | 337 µg |
| Vitamin C | 27 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.
- Feeding your hamster — PDSA





