Can Rabbits Eat Cauliflower?
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There’s something about cauliflower: It’s got a fantastic texture, a nice neutral flavor, and loads of versatility. No wonder it’s such a popular veggie! If you’ve got some fresh cauliflower on hand and you’re wondering about whether it’s OK to share with your bunny, you’ve come to the right place!
Here’s the thing: It’s fine to feed rabbits cauliflower.
But there’s definitely a catch. While rabbits can have cauliflower, you can only give them so much – and they can only have it every so often.
Keep reading for all the answers! In just a few moments you’ll know all about cauliflower for rabbits.
Cauliflower Nutrition Stats
Cauliflower might be crunchy and satisfying but it doesn’t put a big dent in your dietary budget.
A one-cup serving of cauliflower offers approximately:
- 25 calories
- 3 g carbohydrates
- 5 g fiber
- 2 g protein
- .1 g fat
Cauliflower Nutritional Facts
Cauliflower is among the most “diet-friendly” foods for a reason!
Not only is it low in calories, it’s got a pretty impressive nutritional profile. That same cup of cauliflower gives you about:
- 5 mg vitamin C
- 303 mg potassium
- 15 mg magnesium
- 16 mcg vitamin K
- .2 mg vitamin B6
- 57 mcg folate
- .2 mg manganese
- .1 mg thiamine
- 44 mg phosphorus
- 15 mg magnesium
- .1 mg riboflavin
Can Rabbits Have Cauliflower?
Yes, rabbits can have cauliflower as an occasional treat, but it shouldn’t be part of your bunny’s daily diet.
Is Cauliflower Good For Rabbits?
Cauliflower is a good source of vitamins and minerals, plus it’s got lots of antioxidants that help your bunny stay healthy on a cellular level.
Just remember, it’s possible to have too much of a good thing. Only give your rabbit cauliflower in moderation.
Do Rabbits Like Cauliflower?
While we’ve heard stories about bunnies who tried cauliflower and didn’t like it, our rabbits like cauliflower just as much as they like broccoli, lettuce, and brussel sprouts.
How Much Cauliflower Can A Rabbit Eat?
Because cauliflower can cause gas, your rabbit needs to have just a little at a time! Here’s how much cauliflower to feed your rabbit:
| Age | Amount |
| Baby rabbits | None |
| Juvenile rabbits | None |
| Adult rabbits | 1 teaspoon per 2 pounds of body weight |
Every time you give your rabbit something new, you’ll want to make a gradual introduction. This means offering just a fraction of the food instead of a full portion.
If your bunny already eats vegetables that can cause gas (brussel sprouts, broccoli, and cabbage are the most common ones) then you can give them about half a serving the first time and then gradually increase over time, until they’re eating a full portion.
In case your rabbit is new to gas-producing veggies, you’ll want to start with an even smaller portion – maybe a quarter of the recommended serving size.
In both cases, be sure to watch your bunny carefully over the next 24 hours or so, keeping an eye out for any signs of bloating, discomfort, or diarrhea. If you notice anything unusual such as your bunny pressing their tummy on the bottom of their hutch, stop giving your rabbit cauliflower and consider keeping gas-producing veggies off their menu.
Sometimes cauliflower just isn’t a good match for bunnies, and that’s OK. There are lots of other things to eat, after all!
How Often Can A Rabbit Eat Cauliflower?
Your rabbit can eat a little bit of cauliflower once a week or less. Don’t give your bunny cauliflower on the same day as you offer another gas-producing vegetable like cabbage, broccoli, or brussel sprouts.
The Correct Diet Is Important
Since cauliflower can’t be part of your bunny’s everyday menu, you might be wondering what rabbits really ought to eat.
Luckily for us bunny parents, a rabbit’s diet isn’t complicated.
- Just as wild rabbits spend their lives enjoying an unlimited amount of grass and little leafy plants, your pet rabbit needs to eat an unlimited amount of fresh hay such as Timothy, orchard, or oat.
- Offer your rabbit a daily serving of complete, balanced rabbit food. The package label is your guide to the correct serving size.
- Fresh foods are a healthy addition to your rabbit’s menu. Offer about one cup of leafy greens plus a tablespoon of different crunchy vegetables per two pounds of body weight. Mix things up! Variety is important.
- Tiny bits of fresh fruit can be a nice treat but they aren’t necessary. Just as we can have limited amounts of dessert, bunnies should have a limited amount of fruit – no more than about 1 teaspoon per two pounds of body weight.
What Are Other Healthy Alternatives To Cauliflower In A Rabbit’s Diet?
There are lots of good veggies for rabbits, making it easy (and fun!) to give your bunny friend a bit of variety.
Next time you’re looking for a natural treat for your rabbit, try:
- basil
- parsley
- cilantro
- carrot tops
- swiss chard
- beet greens
- radish tops
- spinach
- arugula
- romaine lettuce
- butter lettuce
- cabbage
- broccoli
- dandelion greens
- clover
- snow pea pods
- green beans
- celery
- raspberry leaves
- pumpkin
- squash
- endive
- escarole
- fennel
- zucchini
- bok choy
- yu choy
- kale
- carrots
- bell peppers
Because a compound called oxalate can build up in the kidneys and contribute to kidney stones and bladder sludge when the same greens are fed too often, it’s important to rotate veggies so your bunny gets lots of different nutrients.
Giving your rabbit cauliflower is a great way to add a bit of variety (and fun!) to their diet. Stick to the right amount and the experience should be a positive one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cauliflower safe for rabbits?
Yes, it’s generally safe to feed rabbits cauliflower. Be sure to wash it well, introduce it slowly, and offer only the recommended amount.
Can cauliflower make my rabbit sick?
Yes, but this is only likely to happen if you feed too much at once. If you think cauliflower or any other food has made your rabbit sick, get in touch with your vet right away.
Can rabbits have cauliflower leaves?
Yes! Rabbits can have cauliflower leaves, but you’ll want to offer just a little at a time and wash it well. A single cauliflower leaf makes a tasty treat for your bunny.
