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My curious puppy keeps sniffing the coriander seed jar. Is it worth training a 'leave it' command for this?

Dogs · Food safety

Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual

Short answer

Absolutely, it's a great idea to train 'leave it' for any food item, even safe ones like coriander seeds. While the seeds themselves are non-toxic in small amounts, teaching impulse control prevents future problems with truly dangerous items. Start training with low-value items and gradually work up to more tempting things like the spice jar. Consistent training keeps your puppy safe and builds good manners. Always store spices and human foods out of reach as an extra layer of prevention.

Coriander — Food safety facts

Safe to share · Dogs · full breakdown on the linked food page

Safe in small amounts, both the seed and the leaf.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Safe to share), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Coriander is not toxic to dogs. The real limit is calories, fat and salt, so treat it as a small extra alongside the normal ration rather than a meal in itself.

There is no poisoning risk here, and the usual problem is simply eating too much at once: a heavy fat or salt load can bring on loose stools or a single vomit. Offer water, keep an eye on the pet for 24 hours, and do not induce vomiting.

Why these cautions matter

Stone-fruit pits and some seeds release cyanide when crushed, and quite apart from that they are a choking and blockage hazard.

Coriander can stay on the rotation, but only as an extra mouthful: keep the rest of the day's food unchanged and watch the next walk and the stool that comes with it.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Coriander food facts page.

Open the full food page: Coriander food facts →