Mint (genus Mentha) is a genus name used to refer to about 25 different fragrant or aromatic herb species that belong to the family Lamiaceae which also has various culinary herbs such as basil, rosemary, marjoram, sage, lavender, hyssop, thyme, oregano, perilla, and savory.
Various species exist including the spearmint and peppermint and they are often used to add flavor to foods including gum, candy, toothpaste, liqueurs and so on. Other species have medicinal value among other uses.
Can rabbits eat fresh mint
Rabbits can eat mint [1][2] leaves or plant of any variety [3] except pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) as it is considered toxic as well as potentially unsafe even for human beings.
Therefore, mint is one of the safe herbs for rabbits. Other herbs that rabbits can eat include rosemary, sage, dill, and so on. They will make a great treat or snack and will not harm your pet in any way.
Fresh mint has small amounts of proteins, dietary fiber, carbohydrates. It also has vitamins A, C, B complex as well as minerals such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, zinc, manganese and copper. All these nutrients form part of the required nutrients by rabbits.
Besides the benefits, some sources [4] say that mint leaf can help make loose stool firms, improve digestion as well as reduce flatulence making it a good herb for the rabbit’s digestive system.
However, some sources [5] warn on feeding your nursing doe sage, parsley or mint as it will dry up their milk but you can feed them these herbs while their kits are weaning to help prevent mastitis.
If you decide to feed your bunny this herb, give them small amounts since they have a very strong taste. One sprig per day is enough and do it occasionally and vary the various herbs and treats you give this pet. However, if your bunny likes it, you can feed it one cup of 4-5 chopped different leafy greens, one of them being mint per two pounds of body weight in a day.
Always give your rabbit fresh mint and ensure you thoroughly wash it to get rid of any remnant farm chemicals. Begin with a small amount and introduce it over a period of about a week as you see how your rabbit’s stomach is going to respond. In case of diarrhea, gas or stomach upsets, stop giving bunnies this herb.
Finally, although it is not harmful, some bunnies may not like the strong taste and aroma of this herb. Do not force your furry friend to eat it if it does not want. Try other types of herbs.
Can rabbits eat mint leaves and plants?
Do rabbits eat mint leaves and plant (including its stem)? Yes. They will. However, in their natural habitat, these herbs are among the least favored foods or bunny resistant foods.[6]
This does not mean that this plant is harmful but rabbits may prefer carrot tops, lettuce, clovers, blackberries, raspberries, flowers, peas, green grasses, among many others.
Note that it is very important to always provide this pet with the right diet which is mostly grassy hay (over 80%) as well as some fresh foods (10-15%) and high-quality pellets. Water is also very important to your rabbit and they need an unlimited amount of fresh, clean water.
We feed our bunnies Small Pet Select 2nd Cutting "Perfect Blend" Timothy Hay Pet Food and Oxbow Animal Health Bunny Basics Essentials Adult Rabbit Pet Food for pellets.
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