Can Parakeets Eat Cilantro? 8 Benefits | Full Guide

Cilantro or coriander leaves are known for their refreshing fragrance and detoxification agents. Asian countries use leaves for garnishing dishes and also for extra flavor. The fresh green leaves smell also attract the foodies denoting that ‘the dish is ready now.’ The leaves are a decorative tool and beneficial in several aspects. 

Cilantro contains multiple beneficial elements such as calcium, vitamin C, potassium, fiber, etc. It is absolutely fine and beneficial for humans. But is it the same for parakeets also? Can parakeets eat cilantro? You are in the right place if you want variety in your bird’s diet. Get informed all about feeding cilantro to your parakeet.  

Can Parakeets Eat Cilantro?

Yes, parakeets can eat cilantro or coriander leaves in moderation. But, not all parakeets like its taste as it smells very strong, and the higher fragrance sometimes bothers the budgie. Although, if your bird finds it tasty after serving the new green food, you can continue it weekly. 

How Often Can Parakeets Eat Cilantro?

Do not overdose or feed cilantro to your birds every day, and you can serve the green leaves once or twice a week to your bird. Cilantro is a safe veggie for parakeets. But you should feed it to your pet occasionally. Notably, an overdose of the leaves leads parakeets to severe consequences. Regarding quantity, you can follow a rule of thumb for feeding. 

Moreover, you can provide 10% cilantro of your parakeet’s total weight. If your parakeet weighs 30 to 40 grams, you can serve your pet 3 to 4 grams of cilantro. Also, do not forget about your bird’s consent. If the pet likes the veggie, only then serve it. Otherwise, avoid the dish and feed other nutritious veggies like kale, spinach, etc. 

8 Benefits of Cilantro for Parakeets

Cilantro contains some beneficial components which play important roles in your parakeet’s body. It works for different purposes like brain functioning, health wellness, digestion, etc. You can provide your pet with moderate cilantro to get the best result. The green leaves are beneficial in some ways:

1: Antioxidants Promote The Immune System 

Cilantro has a good amount of antioxidants, and it is beneficial in strengthening the immune system. A strong immune system helps not to get into infections and other diseases. Parakeets have more sensitive health than humans, so they need more protection from the immune system so as not to face severe diseases. 

Further, the strong immune system helps in fighting against inflammation, protecting cell damage from free radicals. 

2: Lowers Blood Sugar Level 

Cilantro contains some antidiabetic agents that aid in lowering blood sugar levels and increasing insulin levels. If your parakeet, unfortunately, is going through diabetes, cilantro could work efficiently. 

3: Calcium Strengthens Bones & Muscles

Plentiful calcium is there in cilantro. For strong bones or skeletal structures and muscles, calcium is inevitable, and calcium promotes bone strength and helps in skeletal formation. Veggies like cilantro, lettuce, celery, etc., have abundant calcium, which is beneficial for your bird’s skeleton health. 

4: Vitamin A Promotes Vision

Cilantro consists of vitamin A, which is also crucial for humans and animals. Vitamin A helps in promoting eye health and vision. Cataract among birds is common, and vitamin A prevents this disease well. 

5: Potassium Helps in Metabolizing Carbohydrates 

The plentiful potassium in cilantro helps metabolize carbohydrates and is crucial in protein synthesis. Furthermore, the compound promotes nerve and muscle health as well. 

6: Fiber Promotes Smooth Digestion 

Cilantro contains an adequate amount of fiber, and it works in getting a smooth digestion. It also helps break down protein and fat, resulting in healthy digestion for your pet. Your parakeet will not face constipation after consuming a moderate amount of fiber. 

7: Aids in Healthy Heart 

A moderate feeding of cilantro promotes heart health and reduces the chances of cardiac diseases. The veggie decreases the levels of LDL cholesterol and increases the HDL cholesterol. 

8: Helps in Detoxification 

The green leaves help in detoxification in humans as well as your bird. After consuming the leaves, it throws out the toxic and unnecessary consumption from the stomach, and it assists in keeping the stomach healthy. 

2 Risks of Feeding Cilantro to Parakeets

1: Essential Oils Harm Severely 

A good amount of essential oil is present in cilantro and is harmful to your parakeet. Excessive consumption of cilantro increases those essential oils, leading your parakeet to headaches, liver damage, drowsiness, nausea, etc. But if you moderately feed the herb, your parakeet will not get harmed. 

2: The Medical Properties Causes Side Effects 

As cilantro has some medical properties and helps fight stomach cramps and other issues, it could have side effects in your budgie after an excessive intake. So, do consider the amount before serving it to your pet. 

How to Prepare Cilantro for Your Parakeets?

Purchase Fresh & Organic Cilantro 

Cilantro has a short life and becomes rotten after a few days. So, taking fresh and organic cilantro is the best option. It is better to purchase fresh cilantro and immediately serve it to your bird rather than keep them in the freezer. 

Wash the Leaves Carefully

After buying the leaves from the market, do not forget to clean them with clean water. Coriander leaves sometimes contain dirt and also pesticides. So, do clean the leaves carefully. 

Separate the Leaves from the Stem

As parakeets’ digestive system is very small and simple, cilantro leaves are best for digestion. Do avoid its stem, as your bird could face digestive issues. 

Mix with Other Staple Foods 

You can only provide the leaves or mix them with your budgie’s staple foods. It will enhance the taste of their food, and they will enjoy the meal.

Conclusion

So, the question, can parakeets eat cilantro? will not bother you anymore as you have the real answer. You can feed the herb to your pet if they prefer it. But if your budgie is not okay with the fragrance, keep them away from the green leaves. As birds have several options for feeding, like fruits and other veggies, you should not worry about their diet. 

Birds are mainly fond of seeds and grains, and you can serve them their daily pellets or other foods they like. Also, consider the nutritious values of the foods, as your bird also needs an adequate amount of vitamins and minerals. 

FAQs