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Greens

    Greens are also important to rabbit health. They provide them with essential vitamins and minerals and are a part of their natural diet. Many times you will hear that a rabbit needs vegetables, but really they need greens. Starches and sugars in other veggies are not needed in their diet and can do more harm than good. The water in greens is also essential to keep them hydrated. Some rabbits are not big water drinkers, so offering lettuce can help.

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    There is some disagreement as to whether high calcium greens can lead to bladder stone formation in rabbits. No scientific proof has been found to support this claim. However, many rabbit owners prefer not to take chances, especially with bunnies prone to sludge and stones.

    Some rabbits actually show signs of stomach upset with greens that are very high in calcium. Regardless of whether you feed them these greens, always make sure to introduce them slowly. Any new food can cause digestive upset. Never give your rabbit iceberg lettuce, it contains no real nutritional value and the excess water can make them very sick.

   If you want to find out the nutritional value of your bunnies' greens, try looking here. The higher calcium foods are marked with an *.

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Here is a list of greens to try out:

  • Green Leaf lettuce

  • Red Leaf lettuce

  • Romaine Lettuce

  • Red Romaine Lettuce

  • Boston Lettuce

  • Butter Lettuce

  • Curly Endives

  • Escarole

  • Frisee

  • Spinach*

  • Parsley--Flat or curly*

  • Cilantro*

  • Kale*

  • Mustard Greens*

  • Dandelion greens*

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    When it comes to greens in the cabbage family (cruciferous vegetables), be aware that like humans, rabbits can get gas from these foods: Broccoli, cabbage, bok choy and collard greens.

    Rabbits should get about one cup chopped greens per 2 lbs body weight. Remember to start slowly. If they haven't eaten their greens in less than 10 minutes, they're probably getting too much(or they're new to greens and unsure).

    Rabbits should never have beans, legumes, onions, garlic, dairy, bread, seeds or corn.

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   Carrots are NOT on this list because they are considered a treat. So is all fruit.

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