Broccoli never fails to gross both kids and adults out. It’s a shame because it’s such a nutrient-dense vegetable, and it’s incredibly good for anyone who can tolerate the taste. Can you safely feed broccoli to rabbits, though? And do rabbits even like broccoli?
Is Broccoli Safe For Rabbits?
Rabbits can safely eat broccoli, and it’s a great source of fiber and vitamins. There’s nothing dangerous about it, but it should only make up a small portion of their overall diet, not the majority of it.
Broccoli should be slowly introduced to help prevent any side effects. If your rabbit has never had broccoli, you should keep their servings very small over the period of a week or two before gradually increasing how much you’re giving them. If you’ve ever changed your dog or cat’s food, then you know how important it is to introduce new foods slowly. Your rabbit isn’t an exception to this rule, and all new foods should be deliberately introduced to prevent digestive upset.
Are There Any Side Effects to Broccoli?
Broccoli has been known to cause uncomfortable gas in rabbits. Excessive gas is uncomfortable in anyone, but it’s very uncomfortable in rabbits. Too much broccoli may also lead to diarrhea or loose stools. If either gas or diarrhea occurs, remove broccoli from their diet altogether. Sometimes they experience tummy troubles because the broccoli was introduced too quickly, so if you think that was the case, stop feeding it for about a week and then start introducing it more slowly. If they keep having problems, then broccoli just doesn’t agree with their system, and they shouldn’t eat it anymore.
Is Any Part of the Broccoli Safe for Rabbits?
You can feed any part (stem, floret, leaves) to your bunny, but some owners report that the stems are more gas-inducing than the leaves or florets are. The leaves are probably the least likely to cause gas, so you can always give those a try if the florets seem to be an issue.
Broccoli is a great veggie to throw into your bunny’s rotation, but always introduce it slowly and keep a close eye on them to watch for any gastrointestinal discomfort.
