If you are looking for an answer to “can rabbits eat cabbage?”, then you are at the right place. As a new bunny parent, you may be wondering what foods are safe for your furry friend to eat. Thankfully, there is a comprehensive list of rabbit-safe foods available online. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common food items on that list. So whether your bunny is eating hay, pellets, vegetables, or fruit, you can be sure they are getting the nutrients they need!
Can rabbits eat cabbage?
The short answer is that yes rabbits can eat cabbage and it can be a nutritious part of your bun’s daily diet. Not only is this crispy leafy vegetable sweet and delicious, but it’s also a great source of fiber and other nutrients that your bunny needs to keep hopping around for years to come.
However, all brassica vegetables are high in sulfurous compounds that create gas and can irritate some rabbits’ digestive systems, causing them to have diarrhea. Because rabbits don’t have a good way to release gas (aka – can’t burp or pass wind), these intestinal issues might be serious or even fatal if they build up.
On the plus side cabbage is a nutritious vegetable that contains high levels of Vitamin C and other essential nutrients like folate, potassium, and magnesium. It is also low in calories, making it a perfect addition to your bunny’s diet.
What cabbage can rabbits eat?
Rabbits can eat any cabbage but Chinese cabbage, Savoy and Cavolo Nero are the most preferred. White cabbage is the least preferred as it has the highest sugard content and lowest fibre levels.
nutrient facts of cabbage
You don’t have to be a nutritionist or dietician to understand that the content of the foods you feed your rabbit is important. According to the USDA, raw cabbage provides
- High in fiber
- Moderate amounts of iron, calcium, and potassium
- High in Vitamins C, B, and K
One of the biggest benefits is the large amounts of dietary fiber which makes it a beneficial food for them to eat in moderation. There are roughly 2.5 grams of dietary fiber in every 100 grams of cabbage.
Among the other healthful aspects of this veggie are the relatively high levels of vitamins C, K, and B6. Unlike some other vegetables, cabbage also has a fairly significant amount of protein, though most of its calories come from carbohydrates in the form of sugar. Below are the top three minerals.
Folate is an essential nutrient for both humans and rabbits. It helps to form red blood cells, and plays a role in the production of DNA and RNA. For rabbits, folate is essential for healthy growth and development. It helps to maintain a healthy gut flora, which is important for digestion and overall health.
Potassium is an essential nutrient for all living creatures. It helps regulate blood pressure and keeps the heart functioning properly. In rabbits, potassium also helps with nerve function, digestion, and the production of red blood cells.
Magnesium is another essential nutrient for both humans and rabbits. It helps to regulate blood sugar levels and supports the function of many enzymes in the body. For rabbits, magnesium is essential for healthy gut flora, strong bones, and proper nerve function.
health benefits of cabbage for rabbits
In addition to being a good source of nutrients, cabbage also has some amazing health benefits for rabbits. For starters, it can help improve their digestion and keep their gut healthy. Cabbage is also anti-inflammatory, which can help reduce the risk of certain diseases and ailments.
And lastly, cabbage is high in antioxidants, which can protect your bunny’s cells from damage.
Antioxidants are important for rabbits because they help protect their cells from damage. This is especially important in cases of chronic inflammation, which can lead to serious health problems. Antioxidants can also help protect rabbits from the effects of aging, and may even reduce the risk of some types of cancer. So, if you want to keep your bunny healthy and happy, be sure to give them some shredded cabbage every now and then!
Is cabbage safe for rabbits?
Yes, cabbage is safe for rabbits to eat as part of a balanced diet in moderation. As with all new foods, you should introduce cabbage slowly and gradually so that your bunny has time to get used to it.
Cabbage is not toxic to rabbits but as mentioned is a sulfurous vegetable and can cause gas.
There are some clear signs of internal distress, however, and owners should always be cautious. If your bunny’s behavior becomes noticeably different, it might be evidence that it has ingested too much cabbage. Rabbits that don’t play as much as usual or seem especially lethargic might be suffering from the ill effects of this veggie.
Additionally, unusual feces or diarrhea are often warning signals. In any such case, it’s a good idea to forgo any future cabbage at feeding time, at least until a veterinarian gives you the all-clear.
How to Feed Cabbage to Your Rabbits
Most rabbit owners already know that their beloved pets enjoy eating raw veggies. In fact, this is the healthiest way to feed leafy fresh vegetables to bunnies.
Although there are several variations of this veggie that can make a tasty rabbit snack, any type you choose should be in its most natural raw state. That means you shouldn’t cook it at all!
Of course, if you try to feed any type of cooked veggie to a rabbit, it’s not likely to eat it in the first place. In case your pet is the type that will eat anything, however, always be responsible and keep its food raw – no leftover stirfry for your bun, please.
How much cabbage should you feed your rabbit?
As stated earlier, you should introduce cabbage slowly and gradually so that your bunny has time to get used to it. Start by feeding them a small amount (about one tablespoon or one small leaf) every other day and increase the amount over time as needed. As a general rule of thumb, it’s generally safe to grab a leaf and offer it to your rabbit every other day or so.
How often can rabbits eat cabbage?
Two to three times per week
Alternatives to Cabbage for rabbits
If your bunny doesn’t like cabbage or if you’re looking for some variety in their diet, there are plenty of other vegetables that they can eat. Some good alternatives to cabbage include:
Below are some alternative veggies you can consider feeding your furry friend instead of cabbage:
- Celery and celery leaves
- Beet greens or carrot tops
- Romaine Lettuce or other dark leafy lettuces
- Brussel sprouts and broccoli in moderation
- Kale
- Mustard leaves
- Endive
- Escarole
- Watercress
- Radishes including leaves
- Bok Choy
- Cauliflower (leaves and stems)
- Sweet potato (in moderation)
- Zucchini (skin ok)
- Swiss chard (only small amounts as it is high in oxalic acid)
- Herbs: parsley, dandelion, coriander, basil, dill, mint, thyme
Wrapping Up
Rabbits love to have a variety of different vegetables to choose from, so feel free to mix up your bunny’s menu with some shredded cabbage. Just be sure not to give your bunny too much, as cabbage can cause gas and stomach discomfort. A little bit of cabbage every now and then is a healthy and tasty snack for your bunny!
Frequently asked questions
can rabbits eat cabbage everyday?
No, you should not give your rabbit cabbage every day. As with all new foods, you should introduce them slowly and gradually so that they have time to get used to it. Too much cabbage can cause diarrhea, gas and bloat. Stick to feeding a cabbage leaf twice per week
can rabbits eat cabbage leaves and stems?
Yes, rabbits can eat both the leaves and stems of cabbage. Just be sure to chop them into small pieces so that they are easier to chew.
Can rabbits eat purple cabbage?
Yes, both green and purple cabbages are safe for rabbits to eat in moderation. However, you should mix different types of vegetables together in order to provide them with a variety of nutrients.
Can Rabbits Eat Cooked Cabbage or boiled cabbage?
No rabbits can’t eat cooked cabbage (and they will likely not eat it anyway). Keep your leftover stirfry to yourself and only feed raw cabbage.
Can Rabbits Eat White Cabbage?
They can but there are far better cabbages to feed. White cabbage is higher in sugar, lower in fiber and has generally fewer nutrients
Can Baby Rabbits Eat Cabbage?
No – baby rabbits do not have a properly developed digestive system and gas-producing brassicas like cabbage could make your baby bun quite sick!
Can rabbits eat the cabbage core?
Yes they can – in moderation as the core is still a sulfurous vegetable.
Can rabbits eat chinese cabbage?
Chinese cabbage (or Lombok) is probably one of the best cabbages you can feed your bunny. A leaf 2-3 times per week should be fine. Lombok is high in fiber and antioxidants and much better than the typical white cabbage.
Can rabbits eat frozen cabbage?
No rabbits can’t eat frozen cabbage and the soggy texture will put them straight off anyway. Cold food can cause major digestive upsets in your bun.
Can rabbits eat mustard cabbage (gai choi)
Yes, mustard cabbage or gai choi is a great leafy vegetable to feed your rabbit. They have far fewer sulfates so won’t cause the gas-producing issues that regular cabbages can.
Can rabbits eat napa cabbage?
Yes, they can eat napa cabbage.
Can rabbits eat ornamental cabbage?
They can but only in moderation.
Can rabbits eat cabbage and leek
While rabbits can eat cabbage in moderation, don’t feed leeks. In fact avoid all foods in the onion family such as leeks, chives and onions because eating these foods could cause blood abnormalities in your precious bunny.
Can rabbits eat cabbage and broccoli?
Both broccoli and cabbage should only be fed in moderation. Both are in the Brassica family and can cause digestive upsets and bloat if fed in high amounts.
What cabbage can rabbits not eat
While rabbits can eat any cabbage, it is not advised that they eat white cabbage as it just doesn’t have the same nutritional value as other cabbage types such as savoy.
Can rabbits eat sweetheart cabbage (hispi cabbage)
Sweetheart cabbage is a green cabbage and Rabbits can eat it in moderation. It is higher in sugar and lower in fiber than many of the other cabbages so don’t feed it too often.
Can rabbits eat bok choy?
Yes, bok choy is a great leafy vegetable to feed your rabbit. They have far fewer sulfates so won’t cause the gas-producing issues that regular cabbages can.
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.