Do Squirrels Eat Cilantro And Parsley

Squirrels do eat cilantro and parsley, and these leafy herbs can actually be a safe, tasty addition to their diet in small amounts.
 
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “do squirrels eat cilantro and parsley,” the short answer is yes, though they’re not usually the first thing a squirrel reaches for.
 
Both cilantro and parsley are non-toxic to squirrels, so you don’t have to worry about them being harmful if your bushy-tailed visitor nibbles on them.
 
These herbs aren’t a complete meal on their own, but they can be a fun, nutritious snack that squirrels seem to enjoy.
 
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at why squirrels eat cilantro and parsley, how these herbs fit into their diet, and how to offer them safely.
 
Let’s dig into the details so you can feel confident the next time a squirrel raids your herb garden.
 

Why Squirrels Eat Cilantro and Parsley

Squirrels eat cilantro and parsley for a few simple reasons, and once you understand them, their snacking habits make a lot more sense.
 

1. These Herbs Are Non-Toxic and Safe

The main reason squirrels eat cilantro and parsley is that both plants are completely non-toxic to them.
 
Unlike some garden plants that can cause stomach upset, cilantro and parsley won’t harm a squirrel that nibbles on them.
 
That’s why you’ll often see squirrels sampling these greens without any hesitation when they’re available.
 

2. Cilantro and Parsley Offer Real Nutrition

Cilantro and parsley aren’t just filler, they actually pack a nutritional punch that squirrels can benefit from.
 
Parsley is loaded with vitamin C, vitamin K, and a bit of iron, all of which support a squirrel’s overall health.
 
Cilantro brings its own set of vitamins and antioxidants to the table, which helps round out a squirrel’s diet.
 
So when squirrels eat cilantro and parsley, they’re getting more than just a snack, they’re getting a nutrient boost.
 

3. The Taste and Smell Appeal to Them

Squirrels have a surprisingly keen sense of smell, and the fresh, pungent aroma of cilantro and parsley tends to draw them in.
 
Both herbs have a bright, grassy flavor that many squirrels find appealing.
 
While they might not go crazy for cilantro the way some people do, squirrels will still happily munch on it when other food is scarce.
 

4. They’re Easy to Access in Gardens

If you grow cilantro or parsley in your garden, squirrels will eat them simply because they’re right there and easy to reach.
 
Squirrels are opportunistic feeders, which means they’ll take advantage of whatever food source is closest and most convenient.
 
That’s a big part of why so many gardeners notice squirrels nibbling on their herb patches.
 

How to Feed Cilantro and Parsley to Squirrels

If you want to offer cilantro and parsley to squirrels, a little know-how goes a long way toward keeping things safe and enjoyable.
 

1. Always Wash the Herbs First

Before you give squirrels cilantro or parsley, rinse the leaves thoroughly under cool water.
 
This removes pesticides, dirt, and any lingering chemicals that could harm a squirrel.
 
If you wouldn’t eat it straight from the garden, don’t expect a squirrel to either.
 

2. Serve Them Fresh and Raw

Squirrels eat cilantro and parsley best when the herbs are fresh and raw.
 
Skip the cooking, seasoning, and oils, since those additions can upset a squirrel’s stomach.
 
Just a few clean sprigs on a plate or near a tree is all it takes to offer a healthy treat.
 

3. Keep Portions Small

Even though squirrels can eat cilantro and parsley, these herbs should only make up a small part of their diet.
 
A handful of leaves now and then is plenty, since squirrels still need nuts, seeds, and other foods for balanced nutrition.
 
Too much of any single food, even a healthy one, isn’t ideal for them.
 

4. Avoid Herbs Treated With Chemicals

Never feed squirrels cilantro or parsley that’s been sprayed with pesticides or fertilizers.
 
Those chemicals can be toxic to squirrels and other wildlife, even in small doses.
 
Organic, untreated herbs are always the safer choice when you want squirrels to eat cilantro and parsley.
 

Do Squirrels Eat Cilantro and Parsley in the Wild?

In the wild, squirrels eat cilantro and parsley whenever they happen to come across them.
 
These herbs aren’t a staple of a wild squirrel’s diet, but they’re a welcome bonus when available.
 
Wild squirrels mostly rely on nuts, seeds, buds, and fruits, but leafy greens like cilantro and parsley do get nibbled on.
 
This is why you’ll sometimes spot a squirrel in a garden helping itself to a sprig or two.
 

So, Do Squirrels Eat Cilantro and Parsley?

Squirrels do eat cilantro and parsley, and both herbs are safe, non-toxic options they can enjoy in moderation.
 
These leafy greens give squirrels a bit of nutrition and a tasty change from their usual nuts and seeds.
 
Just remember to wash the herbs, serve them fresh, keep portions small, and avoid anything treated with chemicals.
 
With those simple steps, offering cilantro and parsley to squirrels can be a fun and healthy way to treat your backyard visitors.