A balanced diet is key to maintaining good health in our pet rabbits. At the wonderland, we feed unlimited hay but we also give a cup of leafy greens twice a day. The natural vitamins and minerals supplements their diet while the extra hydration refreshes their tastebuds! Delish!!
When choosing greens, It is important to know what your rabbit requires. They receive vitamin A from hay so greens like kale and lettuce should be given in moderation. They also make their own vitamin C so there is no need for dark greens, peppers or anything citrusy. Instead, a few varieties with low to zero oxalic acid such as bok choy, chye sim or cilantro are excellent local choices.
Rabbits do have sensitive gastrointestinal system and it is best to avoid ‘gassy’ vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage. Roots like potatoes and beans contains sugar and starch which can cause indigestion. The onion family (leeks, chives, onions) can also cause blood abnormalities. For a complete list of recommendations, check out the links below.
As with all things in life, there is no one size fits all. There are rabbits who benefits from greens but some with weaker digestion who should avoid. Do discuss with a trusted vet what diet works best for you. For rabbit owners who would like to learn more, world-renowned Rabbit Specialist, Dr Don Doneley, will be speaking at our Sept 29 Bunny Care Forum on ‘Gastrointestinal Health’. To attend, please register here: https://goo.gl/DB3ecp.
Reference:
1. https://bunnywonderlandsg.com/bunny-101-2/our-rabbit-care-guide/healthy-diet/
2. https://rabbit.org/suggested-vegetables-and-fruits-for-a-rabbit-diet/