Hi everybunny!
Today we are talking about rabbit’s diet, most specifically, leafy greens. Vegetables are an important part of a bunny’s diet. Even though we associate them with an healthy habit, not all veggies are good for your bunny.
The best greens are the ones with low oxalate acid. Usually, darker leafy greens have a higher amounts of this component.
So in this article let’s find out which veggies, more exactly, which leafy greens are perfect for your furry friend.
Dandelion Greens
My bunny’s favorite greens! These still have some amount of oxalate acid, but not that much. If you are picking them outside, as I do, make sure they haven’t been sprayed with any pesticides. Also, don’t forget to wash them 😉
Cress
An excellent addition to your bunny’s diet! Add a mix of 6 other veggies for a nutritious and delicious combination. If you bought it on a salad mixture, make sure it’s additive and preservative free.
Basil
Basil is probably one of the most common greens. You can find it in any grocery store or farmer’s market, or even grow it yourself! It’s very practical and your rabbit will love to have it as a meal. Its intense flavor makes it super yummy but that’s not the only benefit. Basil has anti-inflammatory properties, working as a natural pain reliever.
Cilantro
Cilantro has amazing benefits: helps with digestion, prevents infections, reduces stress and helps with urinary infections. It also contains vitamin C and A, which keeps your bunny staying healthy.
Arugula
It is also called rocket, and it’s safe for your bunny to eat. A handful (or 2 cups) of arugula might be perfect for a medium sized bunny. It contains vitamins A, E and K.
Carrot Leaves
Even though feeding your rabbit carrots with frequency is unhealthy for their diet, the carrot leaves are a great source of nutrients. In fact, a few vegetable tops such as carrot greens, celery leaves and spring greens are low in carbs and sugar.
Parsley
Rabbits love parsley and it’s also very healthy for them! It protects your bunny’s immune system and vision as well as building strong bones. Parsley usually comes in two types: flat-leaf and curly-leaf. Both are safe, which is great! 🙂
REMEMBER
A few things that are important to remember:
- Rotate the vegetables and greens you feed your rabbit. Variety is important!
- A rabbit’s diet should be mainly based on hay.
- Introduce new veggies and greens slowly and progressively. Your bunny’s tummy is very sensitive.
- Before feeding anything to your bunny, always do your research. Some vegetables can be toxic!
