Very often you ask us questions about the vegetables and fruits that the rabbit can eat and those that cannot. There is a lot of diverse literature on the matter and many times it does not coincide. With the aim of clarifying these doubts and so that you can have them on hand whenever you need them, we have written this article about which vegetables rabbits can eat often, which ones they should eat in moderation and which ones they should not eat at all.
As this article is intended to be practical more than anything else, we now begin to list the vegetables that rabbits can eat daily or frequently. Of course, remember that young or junior rabbits should eat fewer vegetables than adults.
FREQUENT VEGETABLES
The vegetables that can be taken daily or frequently are:
-
Chard: This vegetable provides vitamins, fiber, iron, folic acid and mineral salts with a high water content.
-
Chicory: Helps in digestion.
-
Artichoke: After water, the majority component of artichokes are carbohydrates, among which inulin and fiber stand out. That is why it has a diuretic effect, that is why it should not be given in excess.
-
Watercress: Large amount of vitamins, such as A, C, D and E.
-
Canons: They can be given often as they favor intestinal transit.
-
Endive: We can give it to you every day
-
Dandelion: The leaves are rich in vitamin A, C, K, B2 and calcium. The leaves act as a diuretic by increasing the flow of urine. They also contain other substances that stimulate digestion.
-
Green Bean: They are an important source of protein, minerals, vitamin B6, vitamin C and folic acid, as well as being diuretic and digestive.
-
Green lettuce: It is one of the green foods that is offered more regularly to rabbits. Yellow or insect-infected leaves should be discard. Lettuce should not be given to young rabbits until they are at least two months old, and even then it must be administered with care since its high water content can cause diarrhoea, especially the "iceberg" type, which also has no nutritional value. . That is why it is recommended to offer romaine lettuce.
-
Red and green pepper: Provides calcium, vitamin A and vitamin C. Preferably provide every two days.
-
radish leaves
-
Arugula: Rich content of vitamins that arugula has, especially A and C, we can give it often.
-
Bean Sprouts: High in fiber and vitamin C.
-
Clover: It is very nutritious and, when dried, gives rise to the best of hay. Clover is prone to fungus attack and therefore should never be stored in a damp place.
-
Carrot: It is the root generally supplied as food to rabbits. They are very sweet and easily digested at all ages. The tender and young carrot is very tasty, carrot leaves are one of the most appreciated snacks by rabbits. In any case, it should be given at the discretion due to its high sugar content. Contains fiber, vit C, beta-carotene, potassium, folic acid, vit K.
VEGETABLES IN MODERATION
On the other hand, we now transcribe lThe vegetables that can be taken very moderately:
-
Alfalfa: Be careful because alfalfa is very rich in calcium and is healthy for them, but not in too much. It's better for the rabbits.
-
Broccoli: leaves and stem. Not the rest, it can produce gases, better not to abuse.
-
Pumpkin
-
Zucchini
-
Cabbage: It can do damage if abused. Too much cabbage will give the rabbit's urine a strong peculiar odor. If fed to young rabbits, cabbage can cause severe diarrhea and even excessive gas.
-
Cauliflower
-
Cabbage
-
Cucumber: it has a high water content, so it is better to give it in moderation. Highly recommended in summer, thanks cooling effect. Contains beta-carotene (precursor of vitamin A and therefore antioxidant) in the skin.
-
Tomato: Take in moderation, give only the fruit, not the leaves since the plant is toxic; they like it a lot.
TOXIC VEGETABLES
Vegetables that cannot be eaten at all and that are toxic and therefore its consumption is dangerous, are the following:
-
Garlic
-
Bitter almond (due to its cyanide content).
-
Celery: Contains apiol that exerts a harmful action on the kidneys and liver, which in benign cases results in temporary albuminuria, oliguria, hematuria or jaundice. In severe cases, hepatonephritis develops, which can be fatal. NOT RECOMMENDED
-
Eggplant
-
Chive
-
Onion
-
Legumes: DO NOT GIVE, high starch content that can cause digestive disorders and gas.
-
Potato: Potato seeds are poisonous.
-
Parsley: Toxic at high doses. It exerts a harmful action on kidney and liver.
-
Leek
-
Sweet potato
-
Avocado: Contains a toxic compound called persin that is really harmful to the health of our rabbit as well as many other pets. It is a very harmful fruit that should never be offered. It also carries a lot of fat.
-
Chocolate
-
Alcohol (obviously)
In case of poisoning, watch this video, to know what to do on YouTube on our channel "CyPmascotas The how and why of my pet"
TIPS AND TRICKS – What to do in case of rabbit or small pet poisoning?
Final tip
Remember, on the other hand, that the hay It is what should abound in the diet of rabbits, up to 70%. Then he feed and fruits and vegetables. Also, remember that every time you introduce a new vegetable or fruit (the latter in smaller quantities, due to their high sugar content) you should give it a very small portion and without mixing it with other food. In this way, you can be aware of whether your pet assimilates it well. If so (which you will know if you do not have any type of discomfort or if there is no change in your state of health), you can give it again, following the frequency advice described in this article.
