Bunnies love to chew!

Wild rabbits are always on the prowl for goods from gardens to nibble and snack on.

Maybe they find a garden with some carrots or some lettuce to enjoy.

Pet rabbits have the same instinct to nibble and chew!

Today we will answer the question, can rabbits eat cabbage and help you understand how to feed a rabbit cabbage safely.

While timothy hay and store bought food may be enough to keep you rabbit healthy, to keep them happy some treats may be added.

If one of your treats on hand is cabbage, I am going to give you some insight into whether your rabbit can eat cabbage and things you should be cautious of.

If your are getting ready to adopt your first bunny, be sure to check out our checklist to help you prepare for your new rabbit.

Can Rabbits Eat Cabbage?

Yes, you can feed adult rabbits cabbage.

Cabbage is a highly recommended treat for bunnies because it is filled with health benefits and is an easily digestible vegetable.

But, you need to help them transition safely to this new healthy treat.

You should always start off feeding your rabbit just a small bit of cabbage to ensure they can digest it well.

Just like people, some rabbits may be more sensitive to new foods than others and you do not want them to get a belly ache.

This can happen if you give them too much too fast, so just go slow.

Start off with one leaf, if they can handle it, then a day or two later try two leaves and so on.

It may take them a few days to “adjust” to the cabbage so even if they do not eat it the first day – keep trying.

If after a few days they do not nibble at it, they may just not be interested and you can try a different kind of treat.

How Much Cabbage Can A Rabbit Eat?

You know how you cannot eat just 1 potato chip, well that is what it is like for your rabbit.

When that yummy goodness hits the mouth, the eating won’t stop.

It is your job as the parent to keep them on the right food track.

Just a they can (and want) to eat the cabbage does not mean you should give them an endless supply.

The House Rabbit Society recommends no more than 15% of their diet should be cabbage.

Related: Can rabbits eat cherries?

The Problem With Feeding Rabbits Cabbage

The downside to feeding rabbits cabbage is the fact that it ca cause gas.

This is why it is recommended to go slow and feed a small amount at a time.

Rabbits cannot pass gas and can cause your rabbit pain, so be sure to keep a close eye on them for any personality changes after feeding them.

It us also high in calcium which can sometimes lead to kidney issues if fed too often.

Health Benefits Of Cabbage For Rabbits

Cabbage has a great nutritional value that can offer some great health benefits to your rabbit.

It is filled with calcium which can promote strong teeth, which of course is super important for bunnies.

There is also potassium, vitamin K, magnesium, zin, fiber and vitamin E, all of which help promote your rabbits’ health in different ways.

Types Of Cabbage

There are so many different types of cabbage out there, which ones are the best?

Some of the most common types include:

• White cabbage
• Savoy cabbage
• Green cabbage
• Purple cabbage
• Spring greens

The best type to feed your bunny is the darker and leafier version like a savoy or spring greens.

While they can eat others, the darker varieties offer more health benefits.

Can Baby Bunnies Eat Cabbage?

No, baby bunnies should not eat cabbage.

Those first 3 months or so of life they will get all they need from their mothers’ milk and then they should be weaned onto a diet of pellets and some hay.

Their little bellies cannot handle foods like cabbage just yet.

Final Thoughts

If you are giving your rabbit a try at cabbage, good for you.

Remember keep an eye on how they react and limit how much they get.

If they do seem to like it, add it to a rotation of treats to keep them happy and healthy, but never feed it too often or too much.