The storybook image of a rabbit happily munching away in a vegetable garden is a very cute one indeed. Every vegetable imaginable is within their grasp, from their favorite carrots to heads of lettuce and cabbage. But is this picture an accurate one?
Whenever you’re deciding on a new food to feed your rabbit, researching its safety and health benefits is always a good idea, as is speaking to your veterinarian. Rabbits are herbivores, and their digestion is significantly different from our own; therefore, their diets are, too.
So, today, we’ll be answering all your questions about whether rabbits can eat cabbage. One of a variety of vegetables in the Brassica genus, cabbage is related to broccoli, cauliflower, and kale – but is it a good choice to feed your rabbit?
In this article, you’ll learn why you can feed your rabbit cabbage and why you’ll want to limit how much you’re feeding them. Covering nutrition facts and health benefits, we’ll also tell you just how to safely feed cabbage to your rabbit before covering the different types of cabbage your bunny might enjoy. By the end, you’ll know everything you need to safely introduce cabbage into your rabbit’s diet.
Yes! Rabbits Can Eat Cabbage
In short, rabbits can eat cabbage, and many of them love its crunchy texture, too. However, all the Brassica vegetables can bother some rabbits’ digestive systems, giving them diarrhea or gas. If severe enough, these gastrointestinal disruptions can prove harmful or even fatal.
Handled properly, cabbage can provide abundant nutrients and valuable roughage to your rabbit’s diet. Read on to learn how much cabbage is safe for your rabbits to eat.
Nutrition Facts for Cabbage
According to Nutritionvalue.org, raw cabbage is rich in the following nutrients:
- Moderate amounts of calcium, iron, and potassium
- High in dietary fiber
- High in vitamins B6, C, and K
- Moderate protein and sugar content
Cabbage can be a useful food to feed rabbits because of its relatively high fiber content: around 2.5 grams in a 100-gram serving.
Health Benefits and Dangers of Cabbage for Rabbits
The University of California’s Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources cites fiber as an important part of your rabbit’s diet but cautions against feeding them large amounts of cabbage because of the potential for creating gas. Though cabbage’s high vitamin and mineral content may seem to make it an attractive option as rabbit snacks, it’s relatively high calcium content can cause problems with your rabbit’s kidneys if fed in large enough amounts.
So, while cabbage is not poisonous to rabbits, it may not be a great choice for everyday feedings. Keep it as an occasional treat if your rabbit is fond of its flavor, but be sure to monitor for signs of gastrointestinal distress.
How to Feed Your Cabbage to Your Rabbits
No matter what sort of cabbage you choose for your rabbit, it absolutely must be fed to them raw! Cooked and pickled foods (like kimchi or sauerkraut) can cause problems with your rabbit’s digestive system and should be completely avoided. Thankfully, this isn’t difficult to remember – your rabbit will almost always turn away from anything that’s not raw.
How Much Cabbage Can I Feed My Rabbit?
If you’re just now introducing cabbage to your rabbit’s diet, start very slowly by feeding perhaps one leaf at a time, and not on consecutive days. Different rabbits will react differently to cabbage, with some showing tell-tale signs of indigestion right away. If your rabbit seems sluggish or unhappy, or their poops become runny or infrequent, stop feeding cabbage to them altogether. Speak to your vet about the proper amount of cabbage to feed your particular rabbit.
Types of Cabbage to Feed Your Rabbit
Typical “American” cabbage as well as red or Napa cabbage all contain similar nutrient profiles and should be fed to your rabbit following the same guidelines as above. Always wash your cabbage under cold running water to remove any dirt or residues.
- Next on your reading list: Can Rabbits Eat Carrots? What You Need to Know!
Summary
Though some rabbits enjoy the taste and texture of cabbage, and all bunnies can eat cabbage, it may not be the best choice for their nutrition and fragile digestive systems. Feed it to your rabbit occasionally, if at all, and always keep a close eye on your bunny’s poops afterward.
Thanks for reading today, and we hope this article has been informative for you as you decide on the best diet for your rabbit!
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