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If herbs are commonly stocked in the family kitchen, you may be wondering if you can give some to your rabbit. Green veggies are usually good for bunnies, right? The answer to that is sort of. Rabbits are herbivores, meaning they eat a plant-based diet, but not all veggies and fruits are healthy or safe for them.
If you want to feed them parsley, though, you are in luck, as parsley is safe for rabbits to munch on. Let’s investigate further about feeding this herb to rabbits and go over their standard daily diet.
Can Rabbits Eat Parsley?
A rabbit in the wild enjoys foraging and eating a variety of foods and vegetation to maintain the mixed diet they require. So, it is widely advised that the diet of a domestic rabbit needs to resemble the foods that they would consume in their natural habitat as much as possible. Offering parsley in moderation is a great way to do this, especially since it is classed as a safe and recommended vegetable to feed rabbits—when bought from the supermarket and not picked from the garden or woodland areas (these could potentially be contaminated with chemicals or bugs).
Also, keep in mind that some non-scientific sources suggest that parsley should not be given to pregnant females, as it may potentially interfere with lactation. If you are unsure, check with your veterinarian if it is safe to feed your specific rabbit parsley.
What Should Rabbits Eat?
Rabbits are herbivores, and if you are new to rabbit ownership, it might be helpful to discuss the appropriate diet for your bunny with an expert or your veterinarian. To summarize, a rabbit’s diet should be made up of three categories:
- 80–85% hay or fresh grass (but not fresh grass clippings)
- 10% leafy green vegetables
- 5% rabbit pellets or nuggets (about an egg cup full)
Parsley would fall into the leafy green section, but note the leafy greens should be a variety of suitable veggies mixed up across the week and not the same vegetable daily.
How Much Parsley Should I Feed My Rabbit?
Too much of anything is never a good thing, and parsley is no different. Avoid feeding it to rabbits with any allergies or intolerances, and do not overfeed it. Otherwise, this healthy herb option is a great addition to the greens section of your rabbit’s diet and can be fed alongside other leafy green veggies.
The portion control requires some attention, however, and it should only be offered two to three times a week. If your rabbit is new to parsley, begin with a small amount, and gradually increase it to avoid any digestive issues. Remember to wash the parsley first and store any excess in a refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Fresh Herbs Can Rabbits Eat?
Providing there are no allergies or intolerances, rabbits can safely eat the following herbs. Any of these may be added to their daily diet in moderation to help make up the leafy green portion of their diet.
- Basil
- Coriander
- Dill
- Mint
- Parsley
Can Rabbits Eat Parsley Roots?
Parsley root has the same nutritional benefits as the leaves and can be fed to rabbits. Small-sized pieces are the best, and they can be placed in a rabbit dispensing toy or around their environment to encourage foraging and help ease boredom.
Conclusion
Don’t mistake parsley for only being a pretty garnish; it’s actually a super healthy herb offering plenty of benefits. Also, more often than not, rabbits love it! Just be mindful not to overfeed this herb, and be sure to rule out any potential complications before introducing the veggie into your rabbit’s world.
- Related Read: Can Rabbits Eat Asparagus?
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