If you’re a fan of both bok choy and rabbits, you’re probably wondering if the two are compatible. Can rabbits eat bok choy, or is it poisonous to them?
In this post, we’ll explore the answer to that question and also take a look at some other vegetables that rabbits can safely enjoy. So whether you’re just starting out as a bunny parent or are simply curious about what your furry friend can eat, keep reading for all the details!
can rabbits eat bok choy?
Yes! rabbits can bok choy which is kind of a leafy vegetable but it is not recommended. It is not harmful if eaten in minimal quantity.
bunnies shouldn’t eat bok choy. Eating bok choy can make your bunny very sick.
Bunnies cannot digest the cellulose in vegetables like lettuce and celery, but they can with brassicas like kale, broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. However, cruciferous veggies also contain goitrogens that bind iodine molecules and prevent the thyroid gland from using available iodine to produce hormones that regulate metabolism.
This results in decreased energy production by the thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) which may cause lethargy. Eating high quantities of crucifers can result in hypothyroidism leading to obesity which often leads to heart disease or bladder stones.
The best diet for rabbits is one composed of good quality pellets and hay, plenty of clean water and fresh vegetables as treats. Vegetables high in calcium such as kale and parsley should also be given occasionally.
Vegetable portions should be limited to about a handful per day. Too much can lead to intestinal issues and obesity which can lead to health problems such as heart disease.
Eating too many vegetables can cause your bunny to become sick with health issues like hypothyroidism caused by eating cruciferous veggies or bladder stones from too much calcium or oxalates in vegetables like spinach or kale or other veggies containing oxalate.
## How Much Bok choy can a rabbit eat ( according to age )?
A baby bunny can have about 1-2 small leaves of bok choy per day.
For adults, a rabbit can eat about 2 to 3 cups of raw bok choy per day.
An older adult bun should not be given any at all because it can cause a lot of harm to their health.
Bunnies love the taste of veggies and will often eat too much if they aren’t fed properly. It is important that you pay attention to your rabbits eating habits and let them know when enough is enough. In addition, if you notice your rabbit isn’t acting as playful as usual or seems to be in pain, he may be suffering from an unknown health problem which could be caused from too many vegetables in his diet.
It is best to limit your rabbit’s vegetables intake to about a handful per day or give them veggies as treats instead of a full meal because too much can cause harm to their health. However, you should still regularly feed your rabbits hay and pellets while giving them few leafy greens and vegetables like carrots and parsley for vitamin A and other nutrients like fiber. Doing so will keep your pet bunny healthy and happy!
Health Benefits of feeding bok choy to rabbits:
Although vegetables are not the main sources of nutrients in a healthy diet for rabbits, they can be given occasionally to provide vitamins and fiber.
some health benefits of feeding bok choy to rabbits are:
- Aids in digestion
- Provides high levels of vitamins A, C and K which is good for your bunny’s immune system.
- Contains calcium which can help strengthen bones and teeth.
- Rich in beta-carotene (a type of vitamin A) that boosts the immune system.
- High fiber content aids with weight control by reducing cholesterol.
- Prevention of cancer
Can bok choy be fed raw or cooked?
Bok choy can be eaten raw or cooked because it contains low quantities of oxalic acid which makes them easier to digest than some other vegetables like spinach . However , if you are going to feed your rabbits raw veggies then be sure they are washed thoroughly before letting your bunny eat them because vegetables may contain harmful bacteria that can make your rabbit sick.
Can rabbits eat bok choy stems or cores?
It is not recommended to feed rabbits bok choy stems or cores because they contain very high quantities of calcium which can form bladder stones. They are the most common cause of urinary tract obstructions in rabbits so it is best to avoid feeding your bunny this part of the plant.
However, if you do decide to give your rabbit bok choy stems and cores then be sure they are finely chopped into tiny pieces for easier digestion . You may also want to add some dark leafy greens like kale ( low oxalic acid content ) with it since these vegetables make a healthy treat for your pet bunny and will balance out the diet while providing extra nutrition .
If you aren’t sure about how much vegetable portions should be given or what types of vegetables can be eaten, you should always talk to your veterinarian. He or she will be able to run tests on your rabbit and determine if they are getting the right amount of nutrients in their diet by looking at their weight, droppings and how healthy they look in general .
## Healthy Alternatives of Bok Choy for Rabbits?
While bok choy is definitely a healthy snack for your pet bunny in small amounts, there are many other vegetables that you can give your rabbit too.
Some examples of others include:
Carrots ~ These sweet treats are low in oxalic acid and make fun shapeable snacks for your bunny . Carrot leaves contain vitamin A ( good for the immune system ) and beta-carotene to boost up their immune system which is especially good when they need it most like when they are sick or pregnant. Be sure to only feed them carrots sparingly because they have high sugar content just like fruit.
Parsley ~ Parsley has cleansing properties that promote healthy liver function while also acting as an antioxidant & anti-inflammatory agent . It can be served to your pet bunny either dried, fresh or lightly steamed.
Dandelion Greens ~ These bitter greens provide a good source of calcium and other vitamins that help produce strong bones and teeth while also being high in fiber .
Cilantro ~ This leafy green has been shown to have anti-fungal properties which may protect against certain types of parasites . However, it should only be fed in small amounts because too much cilantro can cause upset stomachs or even diarrhea.
Collard Greens ~ If you want to introduce some lighter veggies into your rabbit’s diet then collard greens are a good option for them . They contain vitamin A ( necessary in rabbit diets ) along with potassium calcium , zinc and copper .
Green Beans ~ Another healthy treat for your rabbit is green beans . These veggies are low in oxalic acid, high in vitamins A & C and contain protein too. However , you should not feed them the pods of green beans because they are high in phosphorus which can cause bladder stones to form.
Grass ~ Rabbits love eating grass but it’s best if they eat it outside where pesticides used on lawns won’t harm them . Make sure the grass isn’t sprayed with any harmful chemicals before letting your bunny snack on it.
Peas ~ Green peas make another great healthy addition to your rabbits diet alongside many other vegetables . They are rich in fiber, potassium calcium , choline ( prevents fatty liver disease ) and vitamin A.
Frequently asked questions
Can Baby bunnies eat bok choy?
Yes , baby bunnies can eat bok choy as long as it is chopped up into small pieces.
Where is bok choy from?
Bok Choy is originally from Asia and has been used in Japanese cooking for years. However, it can now be found growing in most parts of the world.
How much bok choy should I feed my rabbit?
You should not feed your bunny more than 2 to 3 cups of raw bok choy per day . If you are giving your rabbits cooked veggies then they can have about 1 cup per 6 lbs of their body weight per day ( which equals about 1/2 cup for a 3 lb rabbit ).
What can I give with bok choy?
Some leafy greens like kale, parsley or carrots will go great with bok choy since they have low oxalic acid content . Just make sure you don’t exceed the amount of vegetables per day that was mentioned in the answers to this FAQ.
When is bok choy in season?
Bok Choy can be found at different times during the year depending on where it is grown and what part of the world it is near. In North America, some places have been growing Bok Choy since Spring but there are also areas that harvest it from fall through winter or all year round .
Is Bok choy toxic to rabbits ?
No not really, but if your rabbit happens to eat more than 2 cups of raw bok choy then they might experience stomach pain and diarrhea . It’s best to give them small portions at a time to prevent this from happening.
Is bok choy fattening for rabbits ?
No, Bok Choy is not fattening because it contains very little calories and doesn’t have any sugars that can be used as energy . If anything, bunnies will benefit from eating vegetables like bok choy since they are high in fiber which helps reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels .
What kind of food goes good with Bok Choy?
Some leafy greens like kale, parsley or carrots go great with bok choy since they lower the oxalic acid content in the veggies . It’s a healthier combination to make sure your rabbit gets a balanced diet while also providing them extra nutrients .
When should I feed bok choy to my rabbit?
You can give your bunny raw Bok Choy any time of the day but make sure only to feed them a little bit at a time. That way they will not consume too much calcium and cause bladder stones .
Is it safe for rabbits to eat bok choy?
Yes, as long as they don’t eat more than 2-3 cups each day . A greater amount than this might result in stomach ache
Dr. Elly Cameron is a veterinarian who has always loved animals. She grew up with cats and rabbits, and knew from a young age that she wanted to help animals in whatever way she could. After completing veterinary school in New Zealand, she and her husband moved to North Carolina in 2009. There, she worked as a small animal veterinarian, seeing cats, dogs, and of course her favorite patients – rabbits! In the last few years, Dr. Cameron has been working as a locum vet while she concentrates on raising her two young daughters. She also started writing this blog to help other rabbit lovers out there.