Can Rabbits Eat Brussel Sprouts?

Can Rabbits Eat Brussel Sprouts?

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Cute miniate cabbages that taste fantastic when roasted with some balsamic vinegar: What could be better than brussel sprouts?

If you’ve just picked up some of these lovely little veggies, you’re probably wondering if they’re OK to share with your favorite furry friend.

Just in case you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick answer: Yes, it’s fine to give brussel sprouts to a rabbit!

But you should only offer a small amount, and this isn’t a treat your bunny can have every day.

Keep reading and in moments, you’ll know all there is to know on the topic of brussel sprouts for rabbits!

Brussel Sprouts Nutrition Stats

Even though they’re big on flavor, these tiny “cabbages” are low in calories. A tasty one-half cup serving of brussels sprouts gives you approximately:

• 28 calories
• 5 g carbohydrates
• 2 g fiber
• 2 g protein
• .4 g fat

Brussel Sprouts Nutritional Facts

Not everyone likes brussels sprouts. That leaves more for you and your bunny. Those who aren’t eating them are missing out, because they’re brimming with nutrients.

That same half-cup serving of tasty sprouts offers about:

• 5 mg vitamin C
• 109 mcg vitamin K
• 604 iu vitamin A
• .2 mg manganese
• 8 mcg folate
• .1 mg vitamin B6
• .1 mg thiamine
• 247 mg potassium
• .9 mg iron
• .1 mg riboflavin
• 7 mg phosphorus
• 6 mg magnesium

Can Rabbits Have Brussel Sprouts?

Yes! Rabbits can have brussel sprouts, but only in small amounts, and only as an occasional treat.

There are a couple of reasons for this:

First, brussels sprouts are a “gassy” vegetable and rabbits aren’t capable of passing gas, so it creates serious discomfort for them if it forms in their digestive tract.

Second, brussel sprouts and other treats should only make up about 10 percent of your rabbit’s diet overall. You need to offer lots of variety in the veggie department. Yummy as they are, brussels sprouts should be given to bunnies in very limited quantities.

Are Brussel Sprouts Good For Rabbits?

Just as they’re good for you, brussel sprouts are certainly good for rabbits. All the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in brussels sprouts make them far healthier than other treats that taste good but only amount to empty calories!

Do Rabbits Like Brussel Sprouts?

Good question! We’re pretty sure that your rabbit will enjoy eating brussel sprouts. After all, we’ve never found a rabbit that didn’t like them!

How Much Brussel Sprouts Can A Rabbit Eat?

Brussel sprouts are dense little veggies! If you’ve ever taken one apart leaf by leaf, you know that there are lots of individual nibbles inside. Here’s how much brussel sprout to feed your rabbit:

Rabbits that like brussel sprouts are probably feeling a little dismayed with our answer, as this isn’t a very big serving size. But considering the fact that brussel sprouts (tasty as they are!) can cause problems if they’re eaten in excess, we think it’s best to err on the side of caution.

Only give your bunny a tiny bit of brussel sprouts, even if they seem to be begging you for more. If you have a dwarf rabbit, they should only have half a small brussel sprout, at most.

If your rabbit already eats broccoli, cauliflower, and / or cabbage, go ahead and offer them half the recommended amount of brussel sprout as an introduction.

In case they’re not accustomed to eating veggies that might produce gas, only give your rabbit ¼ of a small brussel sprout the first time it’s on their menu.

After feeding your rabbit brussel sprout for the very first time, keep an eye on their behavior and watch to ensure that they’re pooping normally.

So long as your rabbit’s behavior and bowel movements are normal, you can gradually increase the amount of brussel sprout you’re offering them over the next few weeks, until you’re feeding them an entire serving.

If you notice any signs of discomfort, lethargy, or soft poo instead of the usual firm “pellets,” stop giving your pet brussels sprouts as it’s likely their system simply doesn’t tolerate this vegetable well.

How Often Can A Rabbit Eat Brussel Sprouts?

Your rabbit can eat a little bit of brussel sprouts once a week at most.

If your bunny eats other vegetables that might produce gas, don’t offer them on the same day as you’re feeding brussel sprouts.

The Correct Diet Is Important

Since brussel sprouts aren’t destined to be part of your bunny’s regular diet, let’s have a quick look at what rabbits should eat.

Have you ever seen a wild rabbit? If so, then you probably noticed quite a bit of nibbling, mostly on things like grass and clover. Just as wild rabbits spend most of their waking hours keeping their tummies full, pet rabbits should do the same.

The reason for this lies in the way a rabbit’s digestive system works. Instead of relying on tiny muscle movements that keep everything running at a controlled pace, a bunny’s digestion is driven by the long fibers in the grasses and plants they eat.

Now that you’re in the know, here’s the thing: Since pet rabbits don’t normally have access to a wide variety of fresh meadow grasses, they need 24/7 access to fresh hay. They’ll nibble it almost constantly, helping to keep their teeth at the proper length while assuring good, healthy digestion.

Besides hay, here’s what to feed your rabbit:

• High-quality rabbit food is important for your bunny’s health. Check the label to see how much to feed your rabbit based on their age and size.
• Fresh foods aren’t absolutely necessary; however, they give your bunny better nutrition and help keep life a bit more interesting. You can offer your rabbit about one cup of leafy greens plus a tablespoon of crunchy veggies per two pounds of body weight. Always check for specific serving sizes when adding a new vegetable to your rabbit’s menu.
• Tiny amounts of fruit are extra-special treats. Research each new fruit you give your rabbit. As a general guideline, the correct amount is about 1 teaspoon of fruit per 2 pounds of bunny body weight.

What Are Other Healthy Alternatives To Brussel Sprouts In A Rabbit’s Diet?

Since brussel sprouts can’t be eaten with wild abandon, what else can you give your bunny?

The good news is that there are lots of safe vegetables for rabbits! Try:

• parsley
• cilantro
• carrot tops
• swiss chard
• beet greens
• green beans
• radish tops
• spinach
• arugula
• romaine lettuce
• butter lettuce
• cabbage
• broccoli
• dandelion greens
• endive
• escarole
• fennel
• bok choy
• yu choy
• kale
• cucumber
• pumpkin
• squash
• zucchini
• carrots
• bell peppers

Remember to offer your pet a variety of fresh treats. Rotating veggies can help prevent the buildup of oxalate, a compound that contributes to kidney stones when eaten in excessive quantities.

Now that you’ve got all the facts, why not try giving your rabbit brussel sprouts (just a little!) as a way to liven things up.

Most bunnies wiggle their whiskers with excitement while enjoying this special treat!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are brussel sprouts safe for rabbits?

Yes, it’s generally safe to feed rabbits brussel sprouts so long as you offer just a tiny bit once in a while.

Can brussel sprouts make my rabbit sick?

Yes, but it’s only likely to happen if you feed too much at once. Stick to small servings and avoid other gas-producing vegetables at the same time to minimize your bunny’s risk of digestive discomfort.
If you notice that your rabbit has diarrhea, call your vet and stop giving them brussel sprouts.

Can I give my rabbit cooked brussel sprouts?

We humans can enjoy brussel sprouts cooked or raw, but a rabbit’s digestive system isn’t set up to handle cooked foods. In addition, attempting to chew a soft cooked brussel sprout could cause your bunny to bite their tongue or the inside of their cheek, leading to a painful injury.

Can I give my rabbit frozen brussel sprouts?

No, only give your bunny fresh brussel sprouts. Frozen brussel sprouts could harm your rabbit’s mouth and once they’ve thawed, they’re too soft for your rabbit to chew.