Many pet owners seek to provide their rabbits with a balanced, nutritious diet that includes various vegetables; however, certain varieties may contain chemicals which are toxic for rabbits and should therefore not be fed as part of this plan.
Rabbits have very sensitive digestive systems and should only be given vegetables that are high in fiber and low in starch such as herbs or leafy greens.
Lettuce
If you are wondering what vegetables can rabbits eat, lettuce is an ideal cold season crop, suitable for most soils and growing conditions. For optimal performance, daytime temperatures of 15-20degC (59-68degF) should be ideal for growing lettuce.
Common varieties of lettuce include romaine, butterhead, iceberg, spring and Chinese greens. No matter its variety, fresh lettuce should have crisp leaves with no discolored spots or discolorations.
Leafy greens like lettuce contain antioxidant properties which may help prevent heart diseases, digestive disorders and cancer. Furthermore, they’re packed full of essential vitamins and minerals.
Lettuce is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
Diets that contain leafy vegetables have been shown to help lower cholesterol levels due to their abundant sources of fibre and vitamin E content.
Cruciferous Vegetables
If you have question that what can rabbit eat, rabbits require both pellets and hay as sources of nutrition; however, vegetables offer additional vitamins and minerals for optimal health – particularly leafy greens like kale, spinach, and parsley.
Vegetables provide essential vitamins and nutrients such as fiber, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, vitamins A-C-K-B6-foliate. Plus they’re packed full of antioxidants that support health.
But, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts and kale all contain high concentrations of oxalate acid which may cause digestive distress for some rabbits and even cause gas. So it is best not to feed too many of these foods at one time!
Celery
Celery is an extremely nutritious vegetable for rabbits, containing vitamin C, iron, folic acid, calcium phosphate potassium and fiber.
Feed your rabbit two inch-long pieces of celery as treats or snacks several times every week as treats or snacks. Be sure to wash and cut into smaller pieces prior to giving to them!
Celery stalks should never be given to rabbits because this could lead to serious choking hazards for them. Instead, cut celery into smaller pieces before feeding it to them to avoid long strands getting stuck between their teeth or blocking their digestive tracts.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are a delicious treat that pet rabbits adore eating, providing them with essential nutrition they require for good health. Cucumbers also add variety to their diet while providing important dietary benefits to keep their health intact.
Cucumbers are an excellent source of vitamin C and potassium, both essential minerals that aid in keeping rabbits hydrated. Too much vitamin C consumption may lead to kidney issues; be sure to consult with your veterinarian if your rabbit’s intake exceeds what’s safe.
Rabbits may eat cucumber seeds, skin, and rind in moderation; however, due to their high water content and not too nutritiously dense nature it is wise to limit their consumption to small servings.
Keep cucumber leaves away from baby rabbits who have yet to master digesting fruits and vegetables properly; until their mother gives them cecotropes (soft fecal pellets), this type of food may cause gastro-intestinal stasis and diarrhea that could even prove fatal to rabbits.