Rabbits are little vegetarians who love munching on all plant material, including veggies, fruit, or even herbs
. However, any well-learned rabbit owner knows that not all herbs can be offered to their rabbits.
While some herbs can make delicious treats for your bunnies, others can have quite the opposite effect.
Herbs that are bad for your bunnies lead to stomach upsets and health problems.
Today, let’s find out whether rosemary is good for your rabbits or is it an herb that should be avoided.
Can Rabbits Have Rosemary?
We have some good news for you!
Rosemary is completely safe for rabbits to eat and is even considered good for their health!
Rosemary is actually categorized under one of the safest herbs to give your rabbits. It is a non-toxic herb that is rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins.
Therefore, if your bunny loves to eat rosemary, you can offer them a twig or two every now and then.
Both fresh and dried rosemary foliage is safe for rabbits. You can even offer them different cultivars of rosemary like Benenden Blue, Pinkie, and Flora Rosa.
But, do make sure that you buy organic rosemary that is labeled free of pesticides and herbicides.
It is the best kind to offer your bunnies without the risk of stomach problems, gas, or diarrhea.
Should I Offer Rosemary to Baby Rabbits?
Numerous studies have shown that baby rabbits have sensitive stomachs. Therefore, they can develop digestion problems and gas rather easily.
Since rosemary only qualifies as a treat for rabbits, there is no need to offer it to baby bunnies.
When feeding baby rabbits, your priority should be optimal nutritional value, not enjoyment.
Ask your vet which foods are safe for baby rabbits to eat, and stick to those instead of testing out food to give as treats.
Once they are older and healthier, you can move on to herbs, veggies, and other treats to have fun with your pets.
Nutritional Value that Rosemary Brings
Rosemary has a set of valuable nutrients for your rabbits. It can lend a hand to improve your rabbit’s health and make them more energetic.
Just remember, moderation is key when it comes to feeding your rabbits rosemary.
Here are the essential ingredients your rabbits get from rosemary:
- Vitamin A: Improves immunity, vision, reproductive health, and cellular communication. Vitamin A will protect your bunny against diseases and ensure their body systems work perfectly.
- Iron: Iron is as important for your bunnies as it is for human beings. It produces hemoglobin, which facilitates oxygen delivery throughout the rabbit’s body and ensures their good health.
- Calcium: Lastly, rosemary offers an ample supply of calcium, which can do wonders for your bunny’s bones. It will strengthen their bones, improve teeth health and even help in nerve impulses. This makes your rabbit stronger, fitter and reduces the chances of arthritis developing in older bunnies.
How to Feed Your Rabbits Rosemary
When offering rosemary, or any other treat, to your rabbits, remember that it isn’t a substitute for normal food.
It would help if you were very careful in selecting the right amount of rosemary to offer and how often you give it.
If you give rabbits rosemary regularly, they will start rejecting their normal food and demanding treats all the time.
They should realize that rosemary is only for special occasions!
Additionally, if this is the first time you’re offering rosemary to your rabbits, start slow. Give their digestive systems some time and observe whether your bunny faces any issues.
If they don’t, you can offer them a general amount of 6 leafy greens per 2-pound rabbit.
Change this amount depending on your rabbit’s weight and the vet’s recommendations.
Herbs to Avoid Feeding Your Rabbit
Although rabbits love munching on all kinds of herbs and veggies, many green plants aren’t good for their health.
Numerous herbs can even be dangerous to your bunny’s health, causing stomach problems and toxicity.
Here is a list of some of the most dangerous herbs you should avoid offering your rabbits at all costs.
- Agave leaves
- Aloe
- Bloodroot
- Buttercup
- Echinacea
- Eucalyptus
- Hogwart
- Lily of the valley
- Mistletoe
- Nutmeg
- Oak leaves
Please keep in mind that this isn’t an exhaustive list.
There are many more herbs and plants that can cause problems for your rabbit’s health. Do plenty of research and make sure you avoid them at all costs.
In the End
Rosemary is not only safe for your rabbits but also offers numerous health benefits.
Rabbit owners should remember only to give rosemary as a treat, though, and not a full meal.
When offered to rabbits occasionally, rosemary can improve health.
It enhances the immune system, improves their vision, strengthens their bones, and even increases iron production.
We wish you all the best in keeping your bunnies happy and healthy!
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