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If you grow cilantro in your garden, you have probably caught your goats eyeing it through the fence. The good news is cilantro is completely safe for goats.
Can Goats Eat Cilantro?
Yes, goats can eat cilantro. Every part of the plant is safe, including the leaves, stems, flowers, and seeds.
There’s no known toxic dose of cilantro for goats. Herbs and treats should still make up no more than 10% of their diet, with hay and pasture doing the heavy lifting.
Cilantro works well tossed into a feed bucket or offered as a handful straight from the garden. You can also mix it with other safe greens like spinach, lettuce, or kale for variety.
Nutritional Benefits of Cilantro for Goats
Cilantro is a natural source of vitamins A, K, and C, all of which support immune function. The herb also contains antioxidants and minerals like potassium and manganese.
The dietary fiber in cilantro can support healthy digestion. Some goat owners notice their animals browse cilantro more heavily when they have mild stomach upset, which makes sense given the herb’s traditional use as a digestive aid.
Can Goats Eat Coriander Seeds?
Coriander seeds are just the dried seeds of the cilantro plant, and they’re perfectly safe for goats. The seeds taste warmer and nuttier than the leaves.
They contain iron, fiber, and antioxidants that support a healthy gut. You can scatter a small handful into their feed as an occasional treat or let goats browse a cilantro plant that has gone to seed.
Just don’t make seeds a staple. A sprinkle here and there mixed into their regular feed is plenty.
Why Some Goats Refuse Cilantro
Not every goat will touch the stuff, and that’s completely normal. Cilantro has a strong, polarizing flavor that some animals love and others flat out reject.
In humans, there’s a genetic component that makes cilantro taste like soap. Goats seem to have their own version of this, where individual preferences vary widely across a herd.
If your goat sniffs cilantro and walks away, don’t force it. Freshness also matters since goats are much more likely to eat cilantro that’s bright green and fragrant rather than wilted.
Be aware that cilantro has a passing resemblance to toxic plants like poison hemlock. Always make sure you’re offering the right plant.
Fresh vs Dried Cilantro for Goats
Both fresh and dried cilantro are safe for goats. Fresh cilantro has higher water content and a stronger aroma, which tends to grab their attention more.
Dried cilantro is more concentrated in flavor and stores well. It works great mixed into grain or feed during winter months when fresh herbs are harder to come by.
If you’re buying dried cilantro from a store, check that it doesn’t have added salt or seasonings. Plain dried cilantro leaves are what you want.
Growing Cilantro for Your Goats
You can plant cilantro directly in areas where your goats browse. It grows quickly, reseeds itself, and thrives in cooler weather.
Cilantro bolts fast in the heat and goes to seed, but that’s fine since goats eat the whole plant anyway. A patch near the fence line gives your herd something to nibble on between feedings.
Make sure the plants haven’t been treated with pesticides or herbicides. You can pair cilantro with other goat-friendly plants like dandelions for a natural browse garden.
How to Feed Cilantro to Goats
Feeding cilantro is about as simple as it gets. Rinse off any dirt, tear or chop it into rough pieces, and toss it in the feed trough or hand it over directly.
You don’t need to remove stems or separate leaves. Goats will work through the whole plant without trouble.
A good serving size is a small handful per goat, offered a few times a week. Mix it with cabbage or banana peels for a treat that covers a range of nutrients.
Can Baby Goats Eat Cilantro?
Kids can eat cilantro once they’ve started nibbling on solid foods. It’s gentle enough for their developing digestive systems and the vitamins A and C are good for growing immune systems.
Start with just a few leaves and see how they respond. Their primary nutrition should still come from mother’s milk until weaning, then transition to hay and pasture grasses.
If a kid shows any loose stool after trying cilantro, back off and try again in a week or two.
Other Herbs Goats Can Eat
Cilantro is far from the only herb goats enjoy. Basil is another favorite that provides vitamins A and K.
Mint tends to be a hit with most herds and can help settle an upset stomach. Parsley offers vitamin C and is widely available in most gardens.
Rotating through different herbs keeps your goats interested at feeding time. Just introduce any new herb gradually and watch how each animal reacts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Goats can eat cilantro. It's safe for them and they seem to enjoy it too. The herb is packed with vitamins A, C, and K which are beneficial for their health.
Baby goats, also known as kids, can indeed eat cilantro. This herb is safe for them and they often enjoy its unique flavor. However, it's best to introduce new foods slowly into their diet.
All parts of the plant are safe. This includes the leaves, stems and seeds. Goats enjoy variety in their diet and cilantro can be a nice change for them.
Goats can eat cilantro. But, like all things, it should be in moderation. Goats love variety and cilantro can add a nice touch to their diet.
