Is it Safe for Bunnies to Have Broccoli Stems & Stalks?
Moms always recommend that you eat broccoli. As an obedient child, you probably ate broccoli week after week. There is no doubt that broccoli is the best veggies for you, but can rabbits eat them too?
Several factors would determine the answer to that question. Broccolis make you fart a lot, except you grow to become used to it; rabbits don’t seem to get along with the flowery part. The experience is different for some other rabbits as they enjoy it and don’t have any tummy issues.
Alright, should you then feed broccoli to rabbits? Follow closely in this article as we unravel lots of juicy information regarding this subject.
You will learn all that there needs to be learned about broccoli and rabbits.
Related:
Nutrient Profile of Broccolis
Asides from being a very delicious veggie, everyone knows that broccoli is a highly nutritious vegetable. It has low-calorie content and is packed with loads of nutrients. Broccoli belongs to a class of vegetables classified as “cruciferous” vegetables; these are recommended for regular diets.
Even if you do not want to feed your rabbit with broccolis, you should ensure that you are getting lots of it in your meals.
Here is what a one-cup broccoli serving contains:
- 11 grams of carbohydrates
- 55 grams of calories
- 4 grams of protein
- 0.3 grams of fat
- 5 grams of fiber
Nutritional Facts About Broccoli
Beyond being a veggie with a great taste, this vegetable has an impact on your body cells. Its influence has made it earn a name as the “superfood.” Broccoli is very vital in keeping you healthy by reducing oxidative stress and protecting your body cells.
Broccoli is seething with minerals that help protect your heart and give your muscles what they need to function correctly. It is also stated that broccoli also plays a role in keeping your bones healthy also.
Here are the nutrients derived from every cup serving of broccoli:
- 457 milligrams of potassium
- 100 micrograms of vitamin K
- 120 milligrams of vitamin A
- 168 micrograms of folate
- 0.4 milligrams of vitamin B6
- 101 milligrams of vitamin C
- 0.4 milligrams of manganese
- 62 milligrams of calcium
- 105 milligrams of phosphorus
- 33 milligrams of magnesium
Should You Offer Broccoli to Rabbits?
Although there are severe contentions and disagreements regarding feeding broccoli to rabbits, still humans love it. If humans can be fed broccoli, then why not rabbits? Alright, let’s take a quick look at this tricky aspect, shall we?
To prevent your rabbits from going all gassy after eating broccoli, ensure to do this one thing. Feed your rabbits with just small stems and leaves of the veggies. Avoid giving it the portion of the flowers and stalk, and don’t give it in excess; introduce it slowly.
Rabbits cannot pass flatus, and as a result of this, the gas gets to build up within their bowels overtime after the meal. That causes intense pain and discomfort for the rabbit and builds up toxicity for the rabbit.
For bunnies with gastrointestinal problems in times past, it would be a bad idea for them to be fed broccoli. The reason is that a history of digestive issues makes their tummy even more sensitive than usual. We advise that you see your vet and get expert advice on what to feed your bunny with this past tummy issue.
We also maintain that once your pet has had tummy issues in the past, your vet would take a firm stance against broccoli.
Is This Veggie Good for Your Rabbit?
It is a “Yes” and a “No.” Broccoli is so nutritious that it benefits your bunny’s whole body. If your rabbit is part of the lucky few, it can promote dental health if the bunny consumes the stalks and florets.
Even as we proceed in this topic, here is something we should keep at the back of our minds:
To ensure proper dental wear, giving rabbits food alone won’t be enough; chew toys are vital too.
What Is the Quantity of Broccoli That Can Be Eaten by Your Rabbit?
Most broccoli lovers can eat a chunk of it every day; unfortunately, the case isn’t so for rabbits. Even if your cute bunny loves and tolerates broccoli, there must be a limit as to the quantity it should eat.
Below is a quick guide as to the quantity of broccoli you should feed your rabbit:
The amount of broccoli that can be given to rabbits vary based on age. Baby rabbits should not be fed any broccoli, same with juvenile rabbits. For adult rabbits, one tablespoon for every two pounds of rabbit’s body weight should be offered daily.
Like you would be very cautious while feeding other foods to rabbits, apply the same to feeding bunnies broccoli. If you plan to give florets and stalks, make sure it is given slowly and over a time frame. Toss in a little leaf of broccoli first and then watch your rabbit’s reaction; turning its nose up means it doesn’t like it. At least we now know that every rabbit doesn’t love broccoli.
Ensure that you do not force it on your rabbit, especially if it shows obvious signs of aversion.
However, if you discover that your rabbit loves to eat broccoli, observe it after giving it broccoli leaves for 24 hours. If you notice tummy pains, diarrhea, and discomfort for your rabbit after that timeframe, never offer it again.
There is no point experimenting with your rabbit’s life.
If the opposite is the case, and your rabbit seems to have hard stools and no discomfort after the meal, give it some more. Feed it just a little broccoli leaf and a teaspoon of stalk a day after the first meal. Keep watching your rabbit and waiting for a response and if it all goes well, give it some floret and find out if it loves it.
If your bunny takes in the florets without any issues, then go ahead to include small amounts in its daily salad.
