Leafy greens are an essential part of a rabbit's diet, but not all greens are safe for them to eat. In fact, some greens can be harmful to rabbits and should be avoided.

 


In this blog post, we'll discuss what greens rabbits can't eat and why.

Iceberg lettuce

        Iceberg lettuce is a popular salad ingredient, but it's not a safe choice for rabbits. Iceberg lettuce has very little nutritional value and contains a high amount of water. This can lead to digestive problems in rabbits, including diarrhea and bloating. In addition, iceberg lettuce contains lactucarium, which can be harmful to rabbits in large amounts.

Spinach

        While small amounts of spinach are safe for rabbits to eat, large amounts can be harmful. Spinach contains oxalates, which can interfere with the absorption of calcium in the body. This can lead to the formation of bladder stones and other health problems. It's important to introduce spinach gradually and in small amounts, and to monitor your rabbit for any signs of digestive upset.

Swiss chard

        Swiss chard is a leafy green vegetable that is high in fiber and vitamins, but it's not a safe choice for rabbits. Swiss chard contains a high amount of oxalates, which can lead to bladder stones and other health problems in rabbits. It's best to avoid feeding Swiss chard to your rabbits altogether.

Beet greens

        Beet greens are another leafy green that should be avoided when feeding your rabbits. Like Swiss chard, beet greens contain a high amount of oxalates, which can lead to bladder stones and other health problems in rabbits. Instead of feeding your rabbits beet greens, consider feeding them other leafy greens that are safer, such as romaine lettuce or kale.

Rhubarb leaves

        Rhubarb leaves are toxic to rabbits and should never be fed to them. Rhubarb leaves contain oxalic acid, which can cause kidney damage and other health problems in rabbits. If you have rhubarb growing in your garden, be sure to keep your rabbits away from it and dispose of any fallen leaves or stems.

        In addition to these greens, there are other foods that should be avoided when feeding your rabbits, including chocolate, avocados, and onions. These foods can be toxic to rabbits and should never be fed to them.

Summary

        it's important to be mindful of what greens you're feeding your rabbits. While leafy greens are an essential part of their diet, not all greens are safe for them to eat. Be sure to avoid feeding your rabbits iceberg lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard, beet greens, and rhubarb leaves, and always monitor your rabbits for any signs of digestive upset. By providing a healthy and balanced diet, you can help your rabbits live a long and happy life.