Raising A Rabbit The Right Way: Can Rabbits Eat Kale?

Kale or leaf cabbage are plants that serve as nutritious foods for humans and animals.

Kales contain high nutrition levels that can benefit a human, but for rabbits, it might not do the same. Kale in general is not harmful to rabbits, but keep reading to find out more about what rabbits eat.

Having a cute ball of fur at your home is a dream come true for many. However, it also comes with a huge responsibility. Giving the right food in the right amount is extremely essential for your pet to live a long and healthy life. The common myth is that anything green is always healthy. That might be not true for a rabbit, since its digestive system differs a lot from ours. It is true that rabbits can eat kale, however, only when it is given in the proper amounts. Too much of anything can cause serious problems for that tiny creature. Green leaf vegetables are important foods for a rabbit's diet. Here's a guide to the list of food items that are good for rabbits that will ensure a long-lasting and healthy life.

If you enjoyed this article, why not also read about when do baby rabbits leave the nest? And can rabbits eat spinach? Here on Kidadl.

Rabbits Can Eat Kale Stems

Green vegetables and plants are very important ingredients in the diet of bunnies. Kale is one of those vegetables that is known to contain nutritious values that rabbits need in their life.

Kale is a leafy green that contains carbohydrates, proteins, and fat. All of these are important for good health. Calcium is one of the key ingredients among these. While calcium is necessary for a bunny, too much of it can cause bladder stones, kidney stones, and other urinary infections. They need to be fed small quantities of it daily, 0.018 oz (510 mg) is the proper dosage of calcium that a bunny requires. Any more amount of it can lead to digestive issues. Also, before serving kale stems to a bunny, cutting the stem in small pieces is advisable for the bunnies to eat it without choking.

The food also needs to be fresh and green. Eating moldy and stale foods can cause serious issues to a rabbit's health. Just like moldy food is harmful to human beings, similarly, it should not be served to a rabbit or other animals as well. The bowls from where they eat need to be kept clean and washed daily. You’ll also need to monitor the rabbit's diet thoroughly and ensure that they are eating the proper food.

Rabbits Can Eat All Kinds Of Kale

Kales are leafy vegetables that come in various types, namely curly kale, red kale, and ornamental kale, to name a few. All types of kale are healthy for bunnies if served in a small amount.

Unlike other greens, this plant does not shrink down in size, when roasted or cooked. They generally have a sweet or spicy taste. Because of their rich nutritious value, they are considered to be healthy food by most. They are rich in calcium, which is essential for bunnies. Rabbits can eat different types of kale like baby kale, curly kale, ornamental kale as well, and even kale in your garden. Curly kale is rich in fiber and therefore helpful for pets. Rabbits are small creatures with thin bodies and can suffer from numerous diseases if they do not follow the proper diet. They do not weigh much and have a lighter weight compared to other animals. Therefore giving the proper amount of food every day is extremely essential. Too much kale or vitamin C can cause urinary infections in bunnies and can disrupt their digestive system as well.

How Much Kale Rabbits Can Eat

Rabbits thrive on grass and greens, and they spend the majority of their day, nibbling on hay. However, too much of it can cause them harm.

The ideal treats for a rabbit are cabbage, kale, and other greens. However, these foods need to be fresh and healthy and served in small amounts. Serving moldy foods in their diet can cause serious health problems in a rabbit's body. Vitamins and other nutrients need to be fed in proper amounts daily. Feeding kale to the rabbit should not be more than two or three times a week. Freshwater also needs to be provided daily to ensure good health. Fruit and broccoli are not good foods to feed, as they can cause health problems like painful gas for rabbits. A small cup of kale alongside other vegetables is sufficient for a rabbit to live a long healthy life.

Kale can be an excellent supplement for vitamins, however, they are not considered to be a staple of nutrients for your rabbit’s diet. Rabbits can eat kale, but kale should be fed to your rabbit in small quantities.

Harmful Effects Of Large Quantities Of Kale

Calcium is an important ingredient in the diet of a rabbit. Feeding a rabbit with fresh leafy greens, like kale, can keep their health in check.

Kale contains about 101 mg of calcium per cup. And a rabbit requires up to 0.018 oz (510 mg) of calcium in its body. Balancing and preparing the right amount in their diet is necessary. Too much calcium consumption can lead to painful gas and urinary infections like bladder stones and kidney stones. It can even lead to bladder sludge. If a rabbit shows any symptoms, such as loss of appetite, lethargy, straining or not going to the bathroom, or anything out of the ordinary, the vet needs to be called immediately. Although kale is not life-threatening for a rabbit, it can surely cause extreme discomfort in a rabbit's body. The best way to feed kale to a rabbit is by giving it in proper amounts. Baby kale, ornamental kale, and curly kale are among the many other types of kale that can be fed to rabbits.

Healthy Alternatives To Kale

Rabbits in the wild can be found spending the majority part of the day nibbling on leafy greens, hay, and vegetables. Although rabbits need calcium in their bodies, just like humans, too much of it can cause dangerous health effects.

Hay comprises 80% of a rabbit's diet, especially for those in the wild. A large portion of the vitamins and nutrients can be found in plant leaves and grass which is essential for your rabbit’s diet. Serving different kinds of nutrients can be beneficial for a baby rabbit. Alfalfa-based pellets are known to be extremely helpful especially for those rabbits who might have a hard time gaining weight. Some of the other foods that are safe for rabbits include, peas, pumpkin, cauliflower, spring greens, peppers, and squash, among many others. Kale can be used as a supplement. However, they should not be the staple diet for a rabbit and therefore should be given in small amounts.

Rabbits are rather fragile pets. They are thin and sometimes have a hard time gaining weight, therefore preparing the proper diet with vitamins and nutrients is important for you to do as a responsible pet owner.

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