Is it Safe for Bunnies to Have Asparagus Stalks & Stems?
Rabbit are interesting pets to have and some people rare them for commercial purposes. One of the impressive aspects of rabbit breeding is that they can eat from a wide option of food. Have you been wondering if you can give some asparagus plant or stalk to your rabbit? In this article, you will be learning about this vegetable and if it is safe for consumption by your furry bunny buddies.
Nutritional Value of Asparagus
Asparagus is a popular vegetable of culinary importance. It is very useful on the human menu and it is known by several other names, such as sparrow grass and garden asparagus. The botanical name of asparagus plant is Asparagus Officinalis. Asparagus plant has some medical value and is used as a laxative and diuretic.
Asparagus contains water, which makes up about 93% of its entire constituent. It has several vitamins like B complex, Beta-carotene, Lutein zeaxanthin, C, E, and K. It is rich in carbohydrates and other minerals such as iron, manganese, calcium phosphorous, zinc, and magnesium.
Can Rabbits eat Asparagus?
Yes, you can have your Rabbits eat Asparagus if it is in a moderate portion. As we have seen already, this vegetable is very healthy and nutritious given the variety of vitamins and minerals it contains. Many breeders consider Asparagus as one of the several vegetables to avoid feeding rabbits with. Some of the other veggies are pumpkin, tomato, cucumber, etc. However, you must realize that it is not a staple meal but an occasional diet that should only be served occasionally. An Asparagus stalk of just about an inch long is enough for the rabbit for a whole day, and it shouldn’t be given to them daily. Also, please do not give it to little rabbits that are yet to be weaned from their mother.
The first time you feed them with this plant, you should start with a small amount and observe after 24 hours to see if it causes stomach problems for your pet. If not, you can gradually increase the given amount over a period of seven days. If it, however, causes stomach problems, like gas, diarrhea, or bloating, refrain from giving the pet more Asparagus and allow it to recover over a period of one week. Feed the bunny with its regular meals during the recovery period before trying again with Asparagus. Since Asparagus is a root vegetable, it is usually a nice idea to mix it up with 4 or 5 different leafy vegetables when feeding it to your rabbit.
Effect of Excessive Asparagus Stalks
Asparagus is a natural laxative, and coupled with the fact that it contains much water, it can cause stomach problems such as gas, stomach upset, bloating, etc. Due to its low fiber content, this plant can cause gastrointestinal stagnation. Therefore, you need to make sure that your rabbits receive a proper diet that contains at least 80% of high-quality vegetables, about 10-15 types of fresh greens(fruits, leafy greens, and leafless vegetables), coupled with high-fiber grains.
Straw brands like Timothy Hay and pellets like Oxbow Animal Health Basics will work well with pet food for baby rabbits. 10-15% of fresh food should be comprised of leafy vegetables. Leafless vegetables and fruits should only be given in small quantities in the form of desserts.
Raw or Cooked Asparagus?
Your pet rabbits should have access to fresh leafy greens, leafless greens, and fruits. Do not cook any of these crops for your rabbit, as it can alter the density, texture, and enzymes present in the raw food.
Cooking foods makes them softer, and rabbits need hard leafy vegetables to give their teeth proper filing and avoid excessive tooth growth. Lastly, in nature, rabbits only depend on raw foods, i.e., when that is how they live in the wild. This is enough confirmation that it is not permissible to cook any food for rabbits.
Do Rabbits eat Asparagus Plants?
Asparagus is a nutritious form of vegetables, and Yes, Rabbits love to eat it. Occasionally you may find several of them nipped close to the ground. They enjoy feeding on spears as the harvest season approaches. To control the damage, consider erecting fences, make use of repellents, habitat modification, etc.
In conclusion, the asparagus stem is safe for consumption by rabbits in as much as it is given in small portions. While some rabbits may refuse to eat from these vegetables, others may like them.
