Can Rabbits Eat Red Cabbage

Red cabbage (purple or blue kraut) is one of the varieties Brassica oleracea characterized by dark red or purple leaves eaten as a salad or cooked. Its exact color of leaves will depend on soil pH because of a pigment it has that belongs to the anthocyanins. 

Therefore, in neutral soil pH, it grows greenish-yellow, in alkaline more purple while in acidic soils, you will get a redder one. It is commonly cultivated throughout Europe, America, in Africa as well as China. 

Can I give bunnies this purple cabbage?

Yes. You can give your rabbits red cabbage.[1] It is one of the safe vegetables that this pet can eat including other cultivars such as savoy, spring greens, Dutch and green cabbage. 

When you feed it to your rabbit, they are going to benefit from the various nutrients it has including carbohydrates, some small amounts of fats and proteins, vitamin A, C, K, and B complex.

Additionally, it has minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, sodium, selenium, manganese among others. 

Whereas it is safe for these pets, you need to know the right amounts to give them since giving them too much may cause gas, bloating and other digestive issues. These pets require a chopped and packed cup of 5-6 different leafy greens per 2 pounds of their body weight. One of these vegetables can be red or purple cabbage. 

The list of the various greens you can mix with it is endless and they include arugula, dandelion greens, celery, cilantro, bok choy, basil, mustard greens, watercress, parsley, wheatgrass, collard greens, mint, spinach, kales, and so on.

However, ensure you select only one from those with high oxalic acid which include beet greens, swiss chard, radish tops, sprouts, mustard greens, parsley, and spinach. 

Introducing it

As a bunny owner, you should be aware that greens are given to bunnies after they have been fully weaned. Also, you must introduce them slowly over a period of at least a week as you observe how their digestive system will respond. 

Begin with small amounts of this cabbage and check if there are stomach upsets including diarrhea, gas or bloating. You can then increase the amount gradually to the limit we have recommended. 

Finally, ensure its source is free from herbicides, insecticides, and pesticides that may have been used and do not forget to wash it thoroughly before giving it to these pets. 

Conclusion 

Whereas your bunny may like this crunchy vegetable, you should not give it more. Stick to the recommended diets in their right proportions. 

Remember the principal diet is hay (over 80%) while fresh foods account for 10-15%. The rest can be pellets.