can rabbits eat parsley
can rabbits eat parsley?

Can Rabbits Eat Parsley?

Can rabbits eat Parsley? YES. Parsley is one of the safe greens we can feed our rabbits. As rabbit owners, it’s up to us to choose good healthy greens for rabbits. Choosing the wrong greens and feeding them can lead to many health problems. Most of the rabbits can eat parsley without any health problems. But we need some things to consider before feeding parsley to rabbits. Because of its high calcium content, some rabbits can get urinary problems, so parsley is not a good choice for them. But overall Parsley can be fed to good healthy rabbits. We will talk more about these things in this article.

If we feed the correct amount and feed them following a proper guide, parsley is definitely a good choice of leafy green for your rabbit. Parsley contains good nutrients that are essential for the healthy growth of rabbis such as fiber, protein, vitamin C, vitamin K, and vitamin A, etc.

But we can’t feed these leafy greens as the main food source for rabbits. We must prioritize the supply of the best quality hay for rabbits. They almost get all the nutrients from the hay supply. We can add Parsley as leafy greens for rabbit’s diet in moderation. There is also the risk of overfeeding issues and other things to consider before feeding Parsley for rabbits. In this article, we cover all the things you need to know before feeding Parsley to your loving rabbit.

Let’s start without any delay!!!!

Video Credit For Jared Edinburgh YouTube Channel

Extra information about Parsley

Parsley is a popular herb and is used for garnishing all around the world right now. Seeds, leaves, and roots of the parsley plant are used for medicine. Parsley is categorized in the Apiaceae family. Parsley is also related to the carrot family. Parsley root also has a strong flavor and is widely used for medical purposes. Parsley has bright green leaves and erect-type stems. And there are two main types of leaf varieties. They are curly leaf type and flat-leaf type.

Parsley contains many powerful antioxidants, which may help to prevent cell damage and lower your risk of certain diseases. Parsley is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense herb. It’s particularly rich in vitamins K, A, and C. Parsley is rich in vitamin K, which is an essential nutrient for optimal bone health.

Healthline

Parsley is a command herbal plant for high blood pressure and inflammatory diseases. Parsley is very low in calories and packed with Vitamins and minerals. Parsley has good health properties like improving heart health, filled with antibacterial properties, anti-cancer properties, supporting bone-building cells called osteoblasts, and good for eye health.

According to the US Department of Agriculture(USDA), 100g of Parsley contain these nutrients,

Energy151 kJ
Carbohydrates6.33 g
Sugars0.85 g
Dietary fiber3.3 g
Fat0.79 g
Protein2.97 g

Vitamins and Minerals 

Vitamin B60.09 mg
Vitamin C133 mg
Vitamin E0.75 mg
Vitamin K1640 μg
Calcium138 mg
Magnesium50 mg
Manganese0.16 mg
Potassium554 mg
health benefits of parsley for rabbits

Types Of Parsley Rabbits Can Eat

There are two main varieties of Parsley. They are flat-leaf parsley and curly leaf parsley. All of the types are good for Rabbits. There is no toxic part in the Parsley leaves or Parsley plant. It’s better to give them organic Parsley. They grow with fewer fertilizers and chemicals. We must provide them a small amount of Parsley in moderation.

Flat Leaf Parsley -This parsley has flat, broad leaves and colors ranging from dark green to light green. Flat-leaf Parsley has a robust flavor.

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Curly Parsley: This parsley has curly, thicker leaves, and leaves are a bright green color.

Both of these parsleys are used for cooking. We can provide any of this parsley for rabbits, but we must always limit the amount and follow moderation.

Do Rabbits Like To Eat Parsley

Most rabbits like to eat Parsley. Rabbits like the taste and texture of the Parsley. Even if they like Parsley we can’t serve them in large amounts. Too many herbs like Parsley can cause health problems. If they like these herbs, we can provide a small amount in moderation. Parsley is also fed as same as Mint, Cilantro, Basil, etc. Sometimes rabbits will ignore these herbs because it has a strong aromatic scent.

If you intend to feed parsley root, we can also serve them a small amount of root parsley as an occasional treat for rabbits. We can always mix parsley root with other non-leafy veggies like Zucchini, bell peppers, cucumbers, radishes and etc. Keep in mind not to exceed the right amount of vegetables for rabbits. 

Tip: When you introduce new food to rabbits, always give a small portion of it to the rabbit’s daily diet. Make sure to introduce one new food type at a time. These things apply to any type of food. Rabbits’ health is in your hands.

Do rabbits eat parsley?

Is Parsley Safe For Rabbits?

YES. Parsley is one of the leafy greens on rabbit’s safe green list. Most of the time all vegetables and leaves we bring from the market are appalled with chemicals and pesticides. Always wash them before feeding to rabbits. These chemicals can lead to many health issues in rabbits. If we feed the right amount there is nothing to worry about the rabbit’s health in feeding parsley.

Parsley is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, Vitamin K, iron, magnesium, potassium, and calcium, etc. Due to the high calcium content, we can’t serve parsley daily. If your rabbit has some issues like urinary problems, kidney stones, Parsley is not a good food choice for them. You can try other leafy green with low calcium levels.

How Often Can A Rabbit Eat Parsley?

Parsley is a good leafy herb for your rabbit only if we feed them according to a proper guide. A small amount of Parsley can provide good health benefits for them. Overfeeding can cause bloating, increase gas inside your pet, and too much calcium, phosphorus levels can be harmful to your rabbit’s health.

Always provide Parsley in moderation. It’s better if you can provide Parsley mixing with other leafy greens and vegetables. You can provide 1 cup of mixed vegetables for a rabbit with a 2-pound body weight. You can add Parsley to your rabbit’s diet a few times per week. 

Health Benefits Of Parsley For Rabbits

Parsley is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Parsley is a good source of vitamin A and flavonoids. This flavone apigenin is a good antioxidant that helps cancer prevention. Vitamin K also has health properties of improving bone health. Parsley has vitamins that support the healthy growth of rabbit’s bone and bone mineral density.

Parsley is also known as a good leafy green for eye health. Parsley has lutein and zeaxanthin antioxidants that can help to prevent age-related macular degeneration in rabbits. Parsley also has antibacterial properties and boosts the immune system, prevents liver damages, and gives many more health benefits.

Parsley is a rich source of Vitamin B folate. Folate gives benefits of improving heart health. And reduce the heart disease risks.

Health Risks of Parsley for Rabbits

Most of the Parsley in the market are applied with pesticides. These chemicals are harmful to rabbits. They can lead to serious health problems in rabbits. Wash it thoroughly before feeding to rabbits.

Because of the high calcium content, overfeeding parsley can lead to many health issues like kidney and bladder issues. We need to be careful when we feed high calcium foods and oxalate foods to rabbits.

Parsley is not a bad herb if we feed it according to a suitable amount. Feeding in moderation would not be harmful to rabbits. But if we exceed the correct amount, it can lead to many health issues.

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Proper Guide To Feed Parsley For Rabbits

As we know now Parsley is a good, natural herbal plant for rabbits. But there is a guide you must follow before feeding Parsley. Let us check it out.

Before introducing Parsley to rabbits for the first time, you need to start up with small portions. Keep monitoring them 24 hrs & check whether they show some illness such as diarrhea, lethargy, constipation, and loss of appetite. If they do not show any kind of illness, you can increase the amounts slightly to your rabbit. Don’t try to introduce many kinds of foods at the same time & try to give the same food until they are fully adapted to eat. Keep in mind to introduce a small portion of the new food with other regular foods (daily diet). Follow up the rules for better rabbit health. 

Preparing Parsley for rabbits:

  1. Purchase good quality Parsley for rabbits. Try to find organic Parsley, they are much better for rabbits’ health.
  2. Carefully wash them to remove any chemicals or wax that could be harmful to the rabbit’s health.
  3. Chop Parsley with other 5-6 types of good leafy greens  
  4. Serve them 1 cup of mixed Parsley per 2 pounds of your rabbit’s weight
  5. Always provide water for them.

Don’t try to overfeed them. Do not feed Parsley for baby rabbits less than 12 weeks of age. 

Always provide a small amount of Parsley as a part of your rabbit’s daily diet. Moderation is the key to rabbits’ health. 

how to prepare parsley for rabbits

Alternative Herbs Safe For Rabbits

All these herbs are good for rabbits. But we must Follow the popper guideline and take some precautions before feeding these herbs to rabbits. We can provide leafy greens up to 10 % of the rabbit’s diet and we should always keep the moderation. If we serve the right amount of leafy greens, it will never harm your rabbit’s health.

  • Cilantro
  • Dill
  • Mint
  • Basil
  • Parsley
  • Sage
  • Fennel
  • Rosemary
  • Tarragon
  • Thyme
  • Lavender

Other Good Foods You Can Provide To Rabbits

Rabbit’s diet should mainly be 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
  • Banna
  • Berries
  • Melon
  • Peach
  • Pear
  • Plum
  • Watermelon
  • Papaya
  • Pineapple
  • Orange

Best Common Healthy Diet To Feed Your Rabbit

We need to make a good meal plan for rabbits. We need to provide them with good quality foods. Before feeding rabbits with new food, check whether it’s good for rabbits. As a good rabbit owner, check whether you cover all the guidelines mentioned below. It’s a general food guide for rabbits.

  • Good Quality Grass Hay -I recommend Timothy hay as the most popular/good, all-around unlimited offer to your rabbits. Orchardgrass, meadow fescues are also good for rabbits. Hay is the main food supply. Hay will help your rabbits to stay healthy and strong and maintain a healthy digestive system.
  • Fresh Water – Ensure rabbits can have clean, fresh water 24/7. Water bows are most commonly used to supply water for rabbits.
  • Provide Good Quality Leafy Greens – Provide them with 5-6 varieties of safe washed green vegetables, weeds, herbs daily (arugula, basil, kale, cabbage, etc.). Try to introduce new greens in small portions.
  • Treats & Fresh Fruits – For the safety of rabbits, only provide 1 -2 tablespoons per day. Feed carrots, apples, blueberries, etc.
  • Provide Good Quality Pellets – It is good to have a small number of healthy pellets daily. There are too many products out there, keep it in your mind to supply quality and healthy foods for rabbits

(source -.https://www.rspca.org.uk/)

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Summary

As you know now Parsley is a good herbal plant for Rabbits. Parsley is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, magnesium, potassium, and calcium, etc. Because of the high calcium content, we must take precautions before feeding Parsley to rabbits. All ways serve the correct amount of Parsley in moderation.

We can provide Parsley mixing with other leafy greens and vegetables. Provide 1 cup of mixed vegetables for a rabbit with a 2-pound body weight. Keep in mind not to feed Parsley to rabbits that have a history of issues with kidney or bladder. We must avoid feeding high calcium food to these kinds of rabbits. There is no problem with feeding Parsley in moderation, it will not cause health issues.

Thank You !!!!

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