Can Rabbits Eat Turnips Including Greens

Turnips (Brassica rapa subsp. rapa) are root vegetables that belong to the family Brassicaceae which are mainly they are grown for their fleshy white, red or purple colored taproot. 

Smaller varieties that are tender are often for human consumption while larger ones are cultivated to feed livestock. 

Do rabbits eat turnips? 

Yes. Bunnies eat turnips only as an occasional treat. [1] This root vegetable has carbs (including dietary fibers and sugars), vitamins B1, B2, B3 B5, B6, B9, and C. They also have calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, zinc, sodium, phosphorus and manganese as well as very small amounts of fats and proteins. All these nutrients are beneficial to your pet. 

However, you should know that these pets can only eat this root vegetable as an occasional treat and in small amounts. This is due to the high amounts of carbohydrates (including sugars) associated with dysbiosis and enteritis. Also being highly calorific, it can lead to rabbit weight gain and obesity. One teaspoon is enough for a bunny weighing about two pounds. 

Finally, to make eating easy, consider cutting it into small dices and introduce it gradually as you do to other new foods. Introduce one new food at a time. 

Can bunnies have turnip greens 

Yes. Turnip greens are also ok for bunnies to eat. They are much more recommended than the root since they are less starchy and have a higher fiber content. 

Nutritionally, they have all the vitamins that the root has in addition to vitamin E and K. On minerals, they have similar ones as the root except zinc. Also, they have carbohydrates, small amounts of proteins and fats. 

On quantities, you should feed them as you do to other leafy greens. A chopped cup of at least 5-6 different veggies including turnip greens per a bunny weighing two pounds daily. 

As with any other leafy veggies, excessive amounts are associated with diarrhea, gas, and other stomach problem. Bunnies require foods that are very high in fiber such as Small Pet Select 2nd Cutting "Perfect Blend" Timothy Hay in unlimited amounts to promote a healthy gut and gut motility. 

Conclusion 

We have seen that bunnies can eat both the root and greens or the garden rocket. However, ensure you still stick to the right diet that these pets require, and in their correct proportions.