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Can Rabbits Eat Kale?

Although not your first choice when it comes to adopting a pet, bunnies can become true companions if treated right. By showing them the right amount of affection, discipline, love and trust, your rabbit can live a long and healthy life.

Moreover, they will reward you with their kindest temper and be completely submissive and playful.

Rabbits can truly make great pets, if you consider some vital aspects on raising them. Bear in mind that they are extremely sensitive when they are little, so make sure they stay warm during winter and away from direct sunlight during summer.

Rabbits are also extremely clean animals, meaning that they will do their physiological needs just like cats, in their own boxes. The key to teaching your pet to “go to the bathroom” in only one spot is to first let him choose a corner the first time you bring him home. Bear in mind that rabbits are extremely vivacious animals, thus they will require constant physical exercising, and meaning that keeping them in cages will lead to a sedentary lifestyle and possible health issues.

Looking after a rabbit also means taking care of his diet. Herbivorous by nature, rabbits can eat a variety of fresh, dry fruits or veggies, including a series of more “human” aliments.

They are also rodents, meaning that they constantly require something strong to sharpen their teeth. Wood or dry foods make the best in these conditions. Rabbits like regular products like grass hay, lettuce, radicchio leaves, carrots, apples, seeds, dry foods, but can become really pretentious and enjoy dates, figs, plums, etc. But what about kale?

What is kale?

Kale represents one of the most nutritious and delicious vegetables out there. It is a member of the cruciferous family, along with broccoli, collard greens, Brussels sprout and arugula. Kale is extremely rich in vitamins A, C and K. The rich amounts of vitamin K can help in a variety of situations, including ailing heart health, prevent blot clogging, keep bones healthy and strong, and prevent cancer or diabetes.

On the other hand, vitamin A is crucial for rabbits, as it supports skin health, improves vision and prevents future eye risks, including glaucoma or eye wounds. Vitamin C boosts the natural immune system, improves health and keeps the body hydrated.

Moreover, kale is also rich in calcium, magnesium, natural antioxidants and iron, crucial nutrients for your rabbit’s health. Last, but not least, kale also contains high amounts of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as potassium.

Is kale good for your rabbit?

Although a rabbit’s main dietary plan should consist of grass hay and dry seeds, rabbits can eat a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as nuts. In fact, kale is one of the most nutritious and healthy foods for your rabbit, thus it should be included in your pet’s dietary plan. Rabbits can safely eat kale, as long as it is fed in moderate amounts, just like other fresh veggies.

Kale makes for a good snack and even reward for your rabbit, but make sure he does not eat it on a regular basis. On the long run, kale does not make for a healthy food substitute for your rabbit. Sure, variety is always good when it comes to your pet’s diet, but keep in mind that too much variety could lead to unbalances and even health issues.

Fed in excessive amounts, kale can cause gas or a series of other digestive problems, including bloating or diarrhea. Although these signs are usually visible right after your rabbit has ate too much of a product, some side effects might take time before becoming noticeable.

However, before feeding anything new to your fellow rabbit pet, make sure you know some things about his own dietary habits and digestive system. Although rabbits love variety when it comes to their food, too much can cause severe health unbalances. It is best to stick to primary foods like alfalfa sprouts, carrots, lettuce, and grass hay.

After establishing a healthy eating routine for your rabbit, consisting only in those primary foods, you can start introducing one new element per day or per week. Celery, zucchinis, radicchio leaves, green peppers, cucumbers, watermelon, turnip or wheat grass can also make for great additions to your rabbit’s diet.

For a truly variable diet, kale can also be introduced in your pet’s diet, but only after your rabbit has become an adult, to avoid further complications. Start with small amounts of kale, no more than one leaf at a time, for nearly one week. If you don’t notice any signs of diarrhea or stomach aches, you can safely feed your rabbit kale from now on as well. Just remember that diversification should be made in time, and only after thoroughly observing your rabbit’s eating habits and own health system.

Final Thoughts

Kale makes for a good addition to your primary rabbit food, but should not replace any of those elementary and nutritious aliments. Kale can be served to rabbits in small portions but, because they are extremely rich in vitamins, minerals and natural antioxidants can help boost your rabbit’s health system in no time.

Too much kale could lead to intestinal and digestive problems, so avoid feeding your rabbit kale in excess. Adopt a balanced diet, dubbed by plenty of fresh water and enough room to run around if you want your rabbit to live a long and healthy life.