Broccoli is a brassica and much like cabbage and cauliflower is occasionally known by its Italian name which is calebrese.
It is a vegetable that has tight clusters of green buds with thick and edible stems.
It is best purchased from the end of July to the end of October when it is in season.
Image wikipedia
The best types of broccoli are firm bright green and undamaged heads with firm stalks. It is often wrapped in cellophane as broccoli deteriorates the more it has contact with the air.
So can rabbits eat broccoli at all?
Lets take a look and find out more by checking out its nutritional data.
In particular its sugar, starch, fat, calcium, acidic and salt content is of particular interest as rabbits are concerned as they are nutrients that are not good for them.
Total Fat 0.4 g 0%
Saturated fat 0 g 0%
Polyunsaturated fat 0 g
Monounsaturated fat 0 g
Cholesterol 0 mg 0%
Sodium 33 mg 1%
Potassium 316 mg 9%
Total Carbohydrate 7 g 2%
Dietary fiber 2.6 g 10%
Sugar 1.7 g
Protein 2.8 g 5%
Vitamin A 12%
Vitamin C 148%
Calcium 4%
Iron 3%
Vitamin D 0%
Vitamin B-6 10%
Vitamin B-12 0%
Magnesium 5%
*Per cent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
FeedbackSources include: USDA
As you can see broccoli has no fat, is low in sugar, it is not acidic, has a little calcium.
It is super rich in potassium which is great for bunnies.
In fact it is something that they need on a regular basis and can suffer a potassium deficiency if they don’t eat it on a regular basis.
However the one thing that let’s broccoli down is that it does cause gas for the rabbit.
This is something that can effect rabbits really badly if they eat too much of it.
This means they can’t eat too much of it otherwise this causes them to get stomach ache.
So by feeding broccoli to your rabbit on a once or twice weekly basis in small amounts is fine for rabbits.
Can rabbits eat broccoli leaves?
So if rabbits can eat broccoli, what about broccoli leaves which are found on the flowers?
The great thing about broccoli leaves, is that they do not give rabbits gas unlike broccoli itself.
So they are great to give it bunnies on a consistent basis and your rabbits will just love them.
Can rabbits eat broccoli stems?
Yes they are fine as well for rabbits.
However, just like broccoli itself, feed them once or twice weekly basis in small amounts.
Can rabbits eat cooked broccoli?
Unfortunately rabbits are unable to eat cooked foods at all. Feed them raw broccoli, it is far better for them and they will enjoy it a whole lot more.
Can baby rabbits eat broccoli?
Unfortunately they can’t at all. They need a diet which is particular to their needs and their stomachs aren’t fully developed enough to be able to handle it. So keep it away from baby rabbits under six months.