Can Rabbits Eat Cauliflower?

Can Rabbits Have Cauliflower?

Planning a fun summer vacation to California? Stop by the beautiful beaches and maybe visit the cauliflower fields? 90% of the Cauliflower eaten in the United States is grown in California, it has also grown in popularity over the years due to the newly discovered ways you can cook the crunchy vegetable. People are turning it into rice, flour, and even roasting the tiny little trees. While more and more people are finding ways to eat healthier with this super veg, why not toss a bit to your rabbit?

Before you give them parts of your new favorite vegetable, there are a few things you should know and consider first before deciding if it is a good food for your pet.
 
Can you give your dog cauliflower?

Answer: Yes, but in moderation. Cauliflower is one of those vegetables that can easily give your rabbit gas. Similar to broccoli and brussel sprouts it should be a small treat once or twice a week. When serving, be sure to pair the small nibbles with some other veggies that are not prone to make your rabbit bloat.

Health Benefits

Cauliflower can provide plenty of health benefits to those that enjoy those little ivory trees. Cauliflower is made up of 92% water and 8 % Vitamin C, protein, potassium, and fiber. Making them a great way to keep your friend hydrated, strong, and regular.

The combination of high amounts of fiber with their regular hay will ensure your rabbit stays nice and full. This can prevent overeating which can further progress into obesity. Fiber is an especially important part of a rabbits diet, but sometimes these fiber-rich foods can come with a few consequences, like gas. If you have a rabbit that frequently has stomach issues it may not even be a good idea to let them try a bit of cauliflower. Cauliflower is not hard on a rabbits stomach but it can cause gas and it may be even more painful for rabbits who have frequent tummy problems.

Things to keep in mind

A rabbit’s diet should consist mainly of pellets and hay. Fruits and veggies should make up about 15% of a rabbits diet, meaning they should be only given as a treat. Which part should they be given? Any part of the cauliflower is ok to feed your rabbit! Everything from the florets to the stems and leaves is filled with fiber and ok for your little guy to munch on.

Since cauliflower is prone to give rabbits gas, it is best to introduce the veggie to your rabbit’s diet slowly. Begin with a very small amount and observe how they react. If your rabbit appears fine, it is ok to increase the amount slightly, but continue to feed in moderation with a mix of other great vegetables once or twice a week.

If your rabbit reacts poorly immediately remove it from your rabbit’s diet. A rabbit with a bloated belly can actually turn dangerous. Your rabbit may become backed up, experience extreme pain, and become backed up. In some extreme cases, it can become fatal. If you notice the gas does not subdue after 4 hours, he looks curled over, and his belly is hard to the touch, you should visit your local vet.

When it comes to serving cauliflower, be sure to mix them with some other vegetables that are less likely to give your little one a bloated belly. You could mix cauliflower with some papaya, raspberries, or green bell peppers. These are all vegetables that typically should not contribute to the gas. When feeding to your rabbit allow for 1 cup for every 4 pounds of weight. Be sure to cut all these vegetables up into smaller pieces. Your rabbit will be able to munch on them easier.

If you have a newborn bunny, wait at least 12 weeks before you begin introducing vegetables and do so one at a time. Make sure with each new vegetable your bunny has no problem digesting their new treat by watching them closely for the following few hours.

Final Thoughts

Giving your rabbit a bit of variety is a great way to keep them healthy. A combination of fruits and veggies can give them boosts to essential nutrients, helping promote a healthy and well-rounded diet. Cauliflower can be a great addition to a little fruit and veggie salad for your bunny, but be sure to mix it with other items that do not cause gas. If you notice your rabbit is particularly sensitive to the cauliflower, eliminate these sort of foods from their diet. If they react poorly, be sure to visit your vet so the issue does not progress into something serious.