Can Rabbits Eat Leeks? Risk, Issues & Complete Guide

can rabbits eat leeks

Can Rabbits Eat Leeks?

Can rabbits eat Leeks? No. Leeks are one of the foods that are considered toxic for rabbits. Leeks can cause health problems like Hemolytic anemia. Leeks are safer for humans and for some animals but not for rabbits. Don’t try to feed vegetables or any other food that contains allium like Leeks, garlic, and onions. Leeks can cause many health problems in your rabbit. Leeks are also rich in calcium and phosphorous. These things can also lead to stomach problems in rabbits.  We should avoid serving Leeks to our rabbits.

Being a rabbit lover, we know you are curious about why rabbits can’t eat Leeks. Don’t worry. This article will cover all the things you should know about rabbits and Leeks from A to Z. Let’s find out all the details and the complete guide on why you shouldn’t feed Leeks to your rabbits.

Let’s start without any delay!!!!

can bunnies have leeks?

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Extra Information About Leeks

Leeks belong to the Allium family and are related to garlic and onions. Leeks are available all year-round. Leeks have many names like English leeks, European leeks, and Wild leeks, etc. Leeks have leaves that grow nearly to one-meter height. Leeks are tasted milder than onion but it’s sweeter than onions. Leeks are commonly popular among people as the main ingredient for soups.

Leeks have many nutrition values as a vegetable. They are rich in vitamin B6 and vitamin K. Leeks are high in nutrient folate. Leeks also contain insulin, sulfur, manganese, vitamin B6, copper, iron, dietary fiber, magnesium, vitamin E, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids.

According to the USDA U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE,  100g leeks contains 

Energy255 kJ (61 kcal)
Carbohydrates14.15 g
Sugars3.9 g
Dietary fiber1.8 g
Fat0.3 g
Protein1.5 g

Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamin B60.233 mg
Folate (B9)64 μg
Vitamin C12 mg
Vitamin E0.92 mg
Vitamin K47 μg
Calcium59 mg
Phosphorus35 mg
Potassium180 mg

Unfortunately, We Can’t Provide Leeks For Rabbits. They Are Harmful Foods For Rabbits’ Health.

Can Rabbits Have Leeks?

Rabbits are herbivores that mainly eat plants and fruits. They have a complex digestive system and we need to introduce new foods to rabbits carefully and chose appropriate food types.

Rabbits Shouldn’t Have Leeks In Their Diet. We Must Avoid Feeding Allium Food Like Leeks, Onion, Garlic To Rabbits. Rabbits Shouldn’t Eat Any Part Of Leeks Plants Like Flowers Or Leeks Leaf Sheaths. They Are Off The Menu Of Rabbits.

do rabbits like to eat leeks

Do Rabbits Like Leeks?

Do not feed Leeks to check whether rabbits like Leeks or not. They shouldn’t eat Leeks. Most of the time they don’t like to eat Allium plants because they have a strong aroma. If you are gardening these allium plants, make sure to take all precautions to cover your garden (fencing) to keep rabbits out of these plants.

Rabbits love to eat foods and vegetables all day long. If you are intending to give them leeks, sometimes they will eat those. Do not take any risk by offering them any allium plants. Remove leeks from the meal plan of your rabbits. Leeks can cause critical issues in your rabbit’s health.

Why Leeks Are Bad For Rabbits?

Leeks have toxic compounds that will harm rabbit’s health. All the allium vegetables must be avoided in feeding rabbits. These plants are toxic for cats, dogs, and other animals too. Leeks can cause hemolytic anemia disorder in rabbits. This can lead to red blood cell damage in rabbits’ bodies. Rabbits will get less oxygen in their bodies & it will be hard for them to breathe.

Hemolytic anemia is a disorder in which red blood cells are destroyed faster than that they are being made. The destruction of red blood cells is called hemolysis. Red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of the body. If you have a lower number of red blood cells than the normal amount, you have anemia. When you have anemia, your blood can’t bring enough oxygen to all your tissues and organs.

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Leeks contain high amounts of toxic compounds like calcium and phosphorus. Leeks are also harder for rabbits to digest. Leaks can cause health issues like stomach problems, bloating, or diarrhea. Leeks can also weaken the immune system of rabbits. These are the most critical health issues if rabbits eat Leeks. Take all the precautions to keep away Leeks from rabbits.

can leeks poison for rabbits

Symptoms Of Leeks Toxicity In Rabbits

If your rabbits eat Leeks somehow, they will show the following symptoms. Keep looking after them and inspect them if they show any symptoms.

  • Lethargy
  • Drooling
  • Fainting and collapse
  • Heart rate increasing
  • Weakness
  • Decreased appetite
  • Pale gums
  • Fainting
  • Reddish urine

These symptoms are related to anemia in rabbits. If you have seen any unnecessary behavior in rabbits, please contact your veterinarian.

Alternatives For Leeks?

Rabbit’s diet should be mainly covered with quality hay and grass. In addition, we can provide a small portion of vegetables and fruits. We recommend giving two cups of fresh vegetables to adult rabbits daily.

  • Bell peppers
  • Bok choy
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Basil
  • Cilantro
  • Endive
  • Green leaf
  • Red leaf
  • Parsley
  • Fennel

Fresh fruits should be served one or two times per week as a treat.

  • Grapes
  • Banana
  • Berries
  • Melon
  • Peach
  • Pear
  • Plum
  • Watermelon
  • Papaya
  • Pineapple
  • Orange
alternative for leeks for rabbits

What Rabbits Really Need In Their Diet

Your rabbit’s diet should mainly contain fresh quality hay, grass, and clean water. Unlimited Hay supply is extremely important for their health. This guide will give you an overall idea about what should be contained in the rabbit’s diet.

Freshwater: They must have an unlimited supply of freshwater. Use water bowls, it’s easy for rabbits to drink water & easy to clean. Make sure to change the water daily.

Unlimited Quality Hay: Keep feeding fresh grass hays. We recommend giving good types of hays to your rabbit. Such as timothy, orchard grass, etc.

Pellets: For bunnies, you can provide timothy hay pellets in a very small amount. For adult rabbits, you need to provide one-quarter of a cup daily.

Vegetables: Feed them daily 1 -2 cups with fresh vegetables. Some good vegetables are bok choy, carrot, endive, brussels sprouts, basil, mint, green leaf, and red leaf, etc.

Fresh Fruits: Give a small amount of about 1 -2 per week. Some good fruits are apples, bananas, berries, cherries, grapes, papaya, plum, watermelon, etc.

Summary

In conclusion, Leeks are not good for the health of rabbits. Leeks have toxic compounds that will harm rabbit’s health. All the allium vegetables must be avoided from feeding to rabbits. Leeks can cause hemolytic anemia disorder in rabbits. This can lead to red blood cell damage in rabbits’ bodies. Rabbits will get less oxygen in their bodies & it will be hard for them to breathe.

Don’t serve any part of Leeks or Leeks plants for rabbits. Take all the precautions to keep leeks out of the rabbit’s reach. Do not provide any food items that contain leeks.

I think this blog helped you to learn more things about Leeks & rabbits. Stay safe and keep caring for your loving rabbits & keep updated with us.

Thank You!!!

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