Bok choy (pak choi, bok choi, pak choy) refers to a Chinese cabbage type classified as Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis that is popular in Southeast Asia and southern China and gaining popularity in Europe.
This vegetable has loose leaf blades and their bulbous bottom is lighter, making it resemble the mustard greens.
Can my rabbits have it?
Yes. Rabbits can eat bok choy including choy sum. They are highly recommended[1] and they have vital nutrients including some carbohydrates and dietary fibers, proteins, vitamin A (including beta-Carotene), B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, C and K.
Furthermore, besides the small quantity of fat, this vegetable has minerals including calcium, iron, manganese, potassium, sodium, and magnesium. All these are necessary nutrients that rabbits need and it is also among veggies with low oxalic acid!
When feeding your bunny this veggie, you need to mix it with at least 4-5 other leafy veggies or greens. Go for those that bunnies can eat such as kale, arugula, spring greens, turnip greens, cilantro, radicchio, dill leaves, mint, basil, spinach, and so on.
On amount, 1.5 cups of this mixture is enough per one kilogram of rabbit weight and only include a maximum of one type of leafy greens that has high oxalic acid such as sprouts, radish tops, swiss chard, spinach, mustard greens, and parsley.
Finally, you need to know that bok choy core and stems tend to make some rabbits gassy. However, this depends on their unique digestive systems and if you notice they cause this problem you should stop giving them these parts of the vegetable.
Introducing it to your bunnies
Like any other fresh foods for rabbits or vegetables, you need to introduce it gradually over a period of at least a week. Begin with small amounts and watch how your bunny's digestive system is going to respond.
If it causes diarrhea, gas and other intestinal problems, revert to diets that your bunny is used to eating. Otherwise, you can increase the amount to what we have recommended.
Secondly, you need to ensure its source is free of the various farm chemicals and wash it under running water.
Do not forget that rabbits only need 10-15% fresh foods. The bulk of their diet should be hay accounting for over 80% with timothy hay brands such as Small Pet Select 2nd Cutting "Perfect Blend" Timothy Hay Pet Food, Kaytee Timothy Hay, Oxbow Timothy Hay or Vitakraft Timothy Hay, Premium Sweet Grass Hay most recommended.
Provided 5% high fiber pellets like Small Pet Select Rabbit Food Pellets or Kaytee Supreme Food for Rabbit.
On fresh food, leafy greens should make the bulk of their diet with non-leafy veggies and fruits only given as occasional treats. Do not forget to provide unlimited amounts of fresh, clean drinking water.
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