Last Updated on December 11, 2023 by Admin
Considering that rabbits are herbivorous and their diet consists of vegetables, one might wonder, can they eat cabbage? This article not only answers that but, it also looks at how to introduce the diet to your bunny and whether it’s healthy or provides any nutritional value. On top of that, it also talks about what quantity you need to feed your rabbit and the consequences of excessive intake.
Can rabbits eat cabbage?
The short answer is yes. Bunnies can eat raw cabbage, however in moderation. White, green, red, purple, savoy, bok choy, cavolo nero, and spring cabbages are all healthy for rabbits to consume. Considering that kittens have a sensitive stomach, always ensure that your bunny is at least 3 months old before serving them cabbage.
The edible cabbage parts for rabbits are the leaves, flowers, stems, and even microgreens. Although rabbits can also eat the tough core of the cabbage head, some rabbits may find it less tasty.
When it comes to the quantity to feed your rabbit, the rule of thumb is to serve them a leaf or two twice per week. This is in addition to including other edible vegetables for proper nutritional value.
Introducing cabbage to your rabbit’s diet
When introducing a cabbage diet to your bunny, always make sure that they’re clean and fresh before serving your bunny. Always start gradually by feeding your bunny a small piece of cabbage leaf, then wait for 24 hours to see how their stomach reacts. If they show no signs of distress or stomach issues, increase their cabbage intake by a piece, then gradually increase it to two pieces over time. Again, only serve them this particular vegetable twice per week as a substitute diet of hay and grass. On the other hand, if your rabbit has diarrhea is lethargic, or shows any signs of discomfort after introducing the new diet, cease feeding them immediately and also in the future.
The nutritional value cabbage provides rabbits
Cabbage is a highly nutritious vegetable that is rich in essential vitamins and minerals. They include vitamin C which acts as an antioxidant that helps to strengthen a rabbit’s immune system. Vitamin K which aids in the clotting of a bunny’s blood as well as the strengthening of their bone structure is also contained in the vegetable. The last vitamin found in a cabbage is vitamin B6 which helps with metabolism improvement.
When it comes to minerals, cabbage contains folate which has a primary function of cell growth and division while calcium helps with bone and teeth health. Last but not least is potassium, an essential element that aids with a rabbit’s cardiovascular functionality.
The other nutritional value cabbage offers rabbits is its high fiber content. To be specific, a cabbage leaf contains around 15g of fiber. This essentially helps maintain a bunny’s digestive tract as a result preventing health issues like GI Stasis.
Cabbages are vegetables with a water content which is advantageous as it helps keep your bunnies hydrated. Lastly, cabbages are low oxalate vegetables which makes them free from oxalic acid which normally causes kidney issues for rabbits.
Risks of feeding rabbit’s excessive cabbage
Cabbage which belongs to the Brassica genus is generally a healthy diet for rabbits, however, excessive intake is going to cause them health issues. For instance, due to the high sulfurous compound contained in cabbage, feeding your rabbits too much of the veggie can lead to digestive issues. They may include bloating, diarrhea, loose stool, or gastrointestinal tract PH disruptions which leads to GI stasis (Slow food passage in the GI tract).
Lastly, considering that cabbages contain calcium, excessive intake of the mineral may lead to the formation of bladder stones and other urinary tract problems. Lastly, in case you’re feeding your rabbits other cruciferous vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, kale, Rashid greens, etc., try to minimize their cabbage intake to a single leaf per serving a couple of times per week.
