Can Rabbits Eat Radishes?
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Spicy, crunchy radishes are an interesting natural snack and a nice addition to salad.
They’re great for you, but what about your bunny? Can rabbits have radishes? If so, how many should they eat? Can rabbits have radish leaves?
In case you’re searching for a quick answer, it’s “Yes, radishes are OK for rabbits.” But there’s a whole lot more to know; for example, too many radishes can leave your rabbit painfully bloated.
That’s where our guide to radishes for rabbits comes in: Keep reading and in a few minutes, you’ll be able to decide how to proceed.
Radish Nutrition Stats
Radishes are mostly water, and lately, roasted radishes have become all the rage for people following low-carb diets. This spicy vegetable offers quite a bit of flavor yet it’s surprisingly low in calories.
Here’s what you’d get if you ate an entire cup of sliced radishes:
- 19 calories
- 4 g carbohydrates
- 9 g fiber
- .8 g protein
- .1 g fat
Radish Nutritional Facts
Just like we humans do, rabbits need a variety of vitamins and minerals, and it’s best to obtain them from natural sources.
That same cup of spicy sliced radishes offers about:
- 2 mg vitamin C
- 1 vitamin A
- 270 mg potassium
- 29 mg calcium
- 6 mg magnesium
- .4 mg iron
- 5 mcg vitamin K
- 29 mcg folate
- 3 mg phosphorus
Can Rabbits Have Radishes?
Yes. It’s OK to give radishes to a rabbit, but you’ll want to wash them well before you pop them into your bunny’s food dish.
Are Radishes Good For Rabbits?
Since they’re very low in sugar and as they offer some important nutrients, radishes can be a good natural snack for your pet bunny.
Do Rabbits Like Radishes?
Just like people, rabbits definitely have preferences! Not all bunnies like radishes but some rabbits really enjoy them. The best way to determine whether your rabbit likes radishes is to offer a bit of radish to your pet and see how they respond.
How Much Radish Can A Rabbit Eat?
Even though radishes can be a healthy low-sugar treat for your rabbit, you shouldn’t offer a lot at once.
Here’s how much radish a to feed your rabbit:
| Age | Amount |
| Baby rabbit | None |
| Adult rabbit | 1 large radish or 2 small radishes |
Radishes aren’t high in sugar, so why worry about how much to feed your furry friend? Unfortunately, rabbits can’t pass gas – and radishes can sometimes cause gas to build up in your bunny’s digestive tract.
The best way to avoid this is to offer just a little bit of radish as a treat.
Start by offering half of a small radish. For the next 24 hours, keep an eye out for any signs of digestive trouble including diarrhea.
If everything is normal, then you can gradually increase the amount of radish you offer over the next several feedings. Scale back if you notice that your bunny seems uncomfortable after eating radish, or if their poo is softer than normal.
How Often Can A Rabbit Eat Radishes?
Since radishes can cause some digestive distress when overconsumed, it’s a good idea to take a moderate approach. Offer your rabbit radishes just 2 or 3 times per week, maximum, and not on the same day that other gas-inducing veggies or fruits are offered.
The Correct Diet Is Important
A rabbit’s natural diet consists mostly of grasses, which is why you should keep an unlimited supply of fresh hay (Timothy is a great choice) available to your bunny at all times. The long fibers in grasses – including those in Timothy hay – keep your rabbit’s digestive system running smoothly.
Now that we’ve gotten this out of the way, here’s what else you should feed your rabbit every day:
- A serving of age appropriate, nutritionally complete rabbit pellets – check the package for the correct serving size.
- About a tablespoon of unsalted seeds such as pepitas, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds, but only if these aren’t already blended into your rabbit’s food.
- Natural treats including veggies and fruits. Always check for the correct serving size before giving a new fruit or vegetable to your rabbit.
- A daily “salad” made with about one cup of leafy greens and cut-up crunchy veggies per two pounds of bunny body weight.
- Clean, fresh water should be available at all times. Remember to rinse and refill your rabbit’s drinking bottle at least once a day.
Did you know that your rabbit’s teeth are always growing? It’s true!
Rabbits keep their teeth at the right length by nibbling constantly, so you’ll want to ensure that your pet bunny has something to chew on at all times. Coconut shell, unbleached loofah, and untreated softwood are good options, as are rabbit chew toys.
What Are Other Healthy Alternatives To Radishes In A Rabbit’s Diet?
Since rabbits can have radishes only once in a while, what else can you let them nibble on? There are lots of options!
This list includes some of the veggies rabbits like most:
- asparagus
- artichoke
- cabbage
- basil
- cilantro
- mint
- parsley
- carrot
- carrot tops
- romaine
- beets
- beet tops
- sprouts
- 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
- okra
- bok choy
- yu choy
- watercress
Here’s something you might already know: If a certain vegetable is good for you, it might be good for your rabbit, too!
Unfortunately, some foods are toxic to rabbits so you’ll want to take a few minutes to double-check new foods you’re considering to make sure that they’re safe, and to find out how much your bunny should be eating.
For now, though, hop over to the fridge and get your bunny a snack! Giving your rabbit radishes is a fun way to add interest to their diet while giving them something different to nibble on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are radishes safe for rabbits?
Yes, it’s OK to give radishes to rabbits, so long as you offer the right amount and wash the radishes beforehand.
Can radishes make my rabbit sick?
Radishes aren’t likely to make your rabbit sick but since they can give your bunny rabbit gas and sometimes even lead to diarrhea, it’s important not to overdo it.
Can rabbits have radish tops?
Yes! If your rabbit likes the taste of radish tops, it’s fine to offer a small handful. Make sure that you wash the tops very well before you give them to your bunny.
