Can A Rabbit Eat Celery Leaves and Stalk?

If you are looking for answers on whether rabbits can eat celery including its leaves and stalk, we have the answers you need. However, before we give you an answer, lets us have an overview.

overview

Celery scientifically known as Apium graveolens is a vegetable that comes in closely packed succulent leafy stalks. It is known to lower inflammation, reduce blood pressure, lower the risk of cancer and a vision loss due to aging.

Celery is loaded with phytonutrients including flavonols, phenolic acids, flavones, dihydrostilbenoids among others. Also, it is rich in vitamin K, has vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B2 and B6, Potassium, folate and a good source of dietary fiber.

Human beings can enjoy raw celery in salads, use it to make soup, stews, broth, stock as well as use it to add flavor to many dishes. What about rabbits? Can bunnies eat it?

 Do rabbits eat celery and is it safe?

The answer to whether rabbits eat celery or not is yes. It is safe for your bunnies, and they often love it.

Note that, these pets will from time to time enjoy nibbling various vegetables such as basil, broccoli, carrots, parsley, celery, kales, romaine, lettuce, turnip greens, celery, okra leaves and so on.

If you intend to start giving them celery, Rabbits.life advises that you “start them off with small amounts. You can gradually increase the amount over a few days if your pet doesn’t show signs of stomach upset or diarrhea,” bloating or gas.

Like most bunny friendly vegetables and fruits, celery should be given in moderation. Also, check for any signs of diarrhea. If you notice your rabbit has diarrhea, stop giving it this vegetable.

How much celery should I give my bunny?

It is essential to ensure your bunny’s diet is balanced nutritionally. Do not overfeed them with one type of food, even if they like it. The diet should have an unlimited amount of grass hay such as Kaytee Timothy Hay, leafy greens, pellets, and occasional treats of some fruits and vegetables. Do not forget to give them unlimited clean water.

As already mentioned, you should start with small amounts such as one small piece and see how your bunny reacts to it. Afterward, gradually increase the amount.

Although, they may love nibbling this nutritious vegetable, do not overfeed them. Typically, half to one stick is enough per bunny. It should not account for more than 15% of the total vegetables given to your furry friends.

Note that, to provide them with the required nutrients, bunnies need at least 3 to 6 different types of vegetables every single day. Always vary the vegetables you offer them.

To give you a hint on greens, vegetables, and fruits to feed your furry friend, according to rabbit.org, “an approximate amount to feed would be around 1 cup of greens for 2 lbs of rabbit body weight once a day or divided into multiple feedings a day.”  This should consist of herbs, weed and leafy green vegetables.

For other roots and flower vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower, keep the ratio to one tablespoon for every 2 pounds of your bunny weight. This is also the same amount of fruits you should give your bunnies.

Preparing it for your furry friends

Always go for fresh celery. Cut any bruised or damaged areas, rinse in on running water, cut the stalks into lengths of about an inch long (2.5cm). This will help stop their long fibers in it from sticking in between your rabbit’s teeth as well as make it easy to control the amount you will be serving.

Serve them while wet to increase the amount of water intake. If your furry friend does not like it, given it a different type of vegetable.

Can rabbits eat celery leaves and tops

Most local groceries sell celery after chopping off its leaves. You must be wondering if the leaves are also safe for your furry critter. The answer is yes. Like stalks, the leaves are safe, and your rabbits can eat them.

They contain all the nutrients found on stalks abut should also be given in moderation just as stalks.

Conclusion

Unlike domestic ones, wild rabbits hardly eat celery. However, this does not mean it is not safe. It is safe, nutritious and healthy.