Can Rabbits Eat Asparagus?
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Asparagus is one of those veggies most people either love or hate! But what about rabbits? Do bunnies like asparagus? Is it even OK for rabbits to have asparagus? If so, how much can they safely enjoy?
The quick answer is yes – rabbits can eat asparagus. A balanced diet is essential and too much asparagus can do your bunny more harm than good, so keep reading.
Our guide to asparagus for rabbits has all the answers to your questions!
Asparagus Nutrition Stats
Asparagus tops the list of “good for you” vegetables for a few reasons: It’s high in fiber, low in calories, and brimming with antioxidants!
A one-cup serving of asparagus offers:
- 27 calories
- 5 g carbohydrates
- 3 g fiber
- 3 g protein
Asparagus Nutritional Facts
Just like you, bunnies need lots of vitamins and minerals each day – preferably from all-natural sources.
Asparagus is a great source of nutrients, with that same one-cup serving providing approximately:
- 5 mg vitamin C
- 1013 iu vitamin A
- 271 mg potassium
- 32 mg calcium
- 8 mg magnesium
- 9 mg iron
- 7 mcg folate
- 5 mg vitamin E
- 7 mcg vitamin K
Can Rabbits Have Asparagus?
Yes! Rabbits need plenty of fiber in their diet, and asparagus is a great source. Additionally, this crunchy veggie is very low in sugar. Overall, it’s a great natural treat for your bunny rabbit.
Is Asparagus Good For Rabbits?
Since it’s such a great source of essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, asparagus is very good for your rabbit. Keep in mind, you should offer only a small amount. Wash the asparagus very well before you give it to your bunny.
Do Rabbits Like Asparagus?
Some rabbits really like asparagus, while others don’t enjoy it at all. Next time you have some fresh asparagus on hand, try offering a tiny nibble to your rabbit and see if they like the flavor.
How Much Asparagus Can A Rabbit Eat?
So, how much asparagus is too much? You certainly don’t want to overdo it.
Here’s how much asparagus a to feed your rabbit:
Age | Amount |
Baby rabbit | None |
Adult rabbit | 2-inch section of thick asparagus or 4-inch section of thin asparagus |
Just like other new foods you offer your bunny, asparagus needs to be gradually introduced to prevent an upset tummy or a case of diarrhea. Since asparagus is high in water, it can lead to loose stools if you offer too much before your rabbit’s digestive system has a chance to adjust.
Start with a very small amount – maybe a one-inch section of thin asparagus. Over the next 24 hours, keep an eye out for diarrhea and watch for signs of discomfort.
How Often Can A Rabbit Eat Asparagus?
There are only a few foods that a rabbit should eat every day – and bad news for bunnies who love asparagus – this isn’t one of them. You can give a rabbit asparagus just two to three times per week.
The Correct Diet is Important
A rabbit’s natural diet consists of forage, meaning grass and leafy, herbaceous plants that are found within easy reach. Rabbits do eat other things when they can find them – something you’ve probably discovered if you grow a garden!
Veggies, fruits, and even flowers must be consumed in moderation though, as they aren’t a big part of a bunny’s natural diet.
Here’s what to feed your rabbit each day:
- Unlimited fresh hay such as Timothy hay – essential for constant nibbling; hay keeps your rabbit’s digestive tract moving
- Balanced rabbit food – Check the package for the proper serving size and choose a brand that’s appropriate for your bunny’s life stage
- About one cup of leafy green vegetables per two pounds of body weight, plus a small amount of crunchy veggies
- Unlimited amount of clean, fresh water; be sure to rinse and refill your rabbit’s drinking bottle at least once a day.
- Natural treats including fruits and vegetables, but no more than about a teaspoon of fruit per two pounds of body weight
- Approximately one tablespoon of seeds (sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds are favorites) unless your rabbit’s food already has them mixed in
Last but not least, be sure that you offer chewable rabbit toys or woody treats such as untreated softwood branches. Chewing prevents your rabbit’s teeth from becoming painfully overgrown and infected.
Chewables make your rabbit’s cage feel more like home, too!
What Are Other Healthy Alternatives To Asparagus In A Rabbit’s Diet?
Like many small pets, rabbits enjoy a variety of veggies when they can get them!
Here are some veggies rabbits like most:
- basil
- carrot
- carrot tops
- romaine
- beets
- beet tops
- arugula
- swiss chard
- spinach
- endive
- escarole
- butter lettuce
- bibb lettuce
- rocket
- buttercrunch lettuce
- green beans
- cucumber
- summer squash
- winter squash
- pumpkin
- bell pepper
- zucchini
- celery
- parsnip
- tomato
- broccoli
- broccolini
- bok choy
- yu choy
- watercress
The odds are good that if a certain vegetable is good for you, it’s also good for your rabbit! It’s important to remember that there are a few foods that are toxic to rabbits.
Be sure to take a few minutes to research every new food you’re considering, both to make sure that it’s a safe treat, and to find out how much your bunny should have.
Giving your rabbit asparagus (in small amounts!) is a great way to make life a little more exciting and add healthy variety to their diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is asparagus safe for rabbits?
Yes! So long as you wash it well, it’s OK to give asparagus to a rabbit.
Can asparagus make my rabbit sick?
It’s possible that asparagus could cause diarrhea if your rabbit isn’t accustomed to fresh vegetables, or if your offer too much at once. The good news is that this isn’t very likely to happen if you’re careful when introducing asparagus to your rabbit’s diet.