Can Rabbits Eat Rhubarb? (Plants, Leaves, Greens + Stalks)

For rabbit owners, springtime brings the tantalizing question – can I offer my bunny a taste of that tasty rhubarb growing in the garden? Rhubarb’s tart and tangy stalks seem like they would tempt any rabbit’s appetite. However, extreme caution is required before sharing this spring treat. Both the leaf and stalk contain toxins that can cause severe, even fatal, poisoning in rabbits if ingested raw. But with proper identification, preparation, and portion control, your rabbit may be able to enjoy small amounts of rhubarb without risk. This article will explore everything you need to know about safe rhubarb consumption for rabbits. Discover when and how to share tiny tastes of this tempting springtime crop.

What Is Rhubarb?

Rhubarb is a vegetable that is commonly used in pies, jams, and other desserts. It has thick green leaves and red stalks. Rhubarb is a perennial plant that grows well in temperate climates. It is often one of the first fresh foods harvested in spring.

Rhubarb originated in Asia and has been used medicinally for thousands of years. It was brought to Europe likely by Marco Polo. Rhubarb was first grown in England in the early 18th century and became popular in the United States by the 19th century when it was commonly grown for consumption.

The part of the rhubarb plant that is eaten is the stalk. Rhubarb stalks are crisp and tart with a strong, sour flavor. The taste is often described as being similar to that of green apples. The leaves of the rhubarb plant are toxic and should not be eaten.

Rhubarb is low in calories but high in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium, and manganese. It contains antioxidant polyphenols that may help protect against cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Rhubarb stalks can range in color from green to pink to red. Red stalks tend to be more tender and sweeter than green stalks.

Rhubarb does contain oxalic acid which can cause health concerns in very high amounts. Cooking rhubarb helps to reduce the oxalic acid content. The leaves contain a higher concentration of oxalic acid and should always be avoided.

Overall, rhubarb is a tasty and nutritious early spring vegetable when harvested and prepared properly. The stalks can be used in sweet or savory dishes. Rhubarb leaves should always be removed before eating due to their toxicity.

Why Can’t Rabbits Eat Raw Rhubarb?

Rabbits should not eat raw rhubarb stalks or leaves. Both parts of the rhubarb plant contain substances that can be toxic to rabbits. Here's an overview of why rabbits should avoid raw rhubarb:

• Oxalic Acid – All parts of the rhubarb plant, including the stalks and leaves, contain oxalic acid. This acid is found in many vegetables, but rhubarb contains it in very high concentrations. Oxalic acid binds with calcium to form crystals that can lead to kidney damage in high amounts.

• Toxic Leaves – The leaves of rhubarb contain an even higher oxalic acid content than the stalks. But they also contain anthraquinone glycosides. These compounds can cause gastrointestinal irritation, diarrhea, and other digestive issues. The stalks contain little to no anthraquinones.

• High Fiber Content – Raw rhubarb stalks are very fibrous. Rabbits' digestive systems are not equipped to handle high fiber vegetables like raw rhubarb. Too much fiber can cause intestinal blockages.

• Calcium Binding – The oxalic acid in rhubarb stalks and leaves binds to calcium, making it unavailable for absorption. This can lead to hypocalcemia or calcium deficiency in the long term.

• Sensitive Digestion – Rabbits have very sensitive digestive systems compared to humans. They are unable to tolerate even moderate amounts of toxins that may not always affect humans. Rhubarb must be cooked before feeding to rabbits.

So in summary, the high oxalic acid content, toxic leaves, fibrous nature, calcium binding effect, and rabbits' sensitive digestion all make raw rhubarb unsafe and potentially deadly for rabbits if ingested. Proper cooking is needed to make rhubarb safe for rabbits.

Can Rabbits Eat Wild Rhubarb?

Wild rhubarb refers to rhubarb that grows naturally without being cultivated. It has the same botanical name as garden-grown rhubarb – Rheum rhabarbarum. The main question is whether wild rhubarb is safe for pet rabbits to eat. Here's what rabbit owners need to know:

• Same Toxicity – Wild rhubarb contains the same toxic components as garden-grown rhubarb, including high levels of oxalic acid and anthraquinone glycosides. So the stalks and leaves can be poisonous.

• More Bitter Taste – Wild rhubarb tends to have thicker, tougher stalks and a more bitter taste than cultivated varieties. The increased bitterness indicates higher toxin levels.

• Higher Fiber – The stalks of wild rhubarb tend to be more fibrous than cultivated rhubarb. This makes it more likely to cause intestinal issues in rabbits.

• Unpredictable Growth – You don't know what contaminants wild rhubarb may have been exposed to. Also, growth conditions affect toxicity levels.

• Identification Issues – It can be hard for the average person to positively identify rhubarb in the wild versus other look-alike plants.

So in general, wild rhubarb should be considered unsafe for rabbits to eat. Even if you correctly identify it, the higher fiber content and unpredictability of toxin levels make it too risky. Only rhubarb that has been brought into cultivation and properly cooked should be fed to bunnies. Foraging for wild rhubarb leaves and stalks is not recommended.

How To Identify Rhubarb

Rhubarb has a very distinctive appearance. Here are the key features that can help you identify rhubarb plants:

Rhubarb Stalk

• Colors range from pale green to deep red
• Thick, crunchy, and juicy texture
• Long oval stalks around 1-2 inches wide
• Smooth skin with small bumps along the length
• Raw stalks have a firm, stringy flesh
• Taste is tart and sour, similar to green apples

Rhubarb Leaves

• Large, triangular or oval-shaped leaves
• Green on top and pale green/red on underside
• Leaf edges are wavy or curly
• Leaves grow on long reddish-green stems
• Toxic to humans and animals
• Should never be eaten

Rhubarb Flowers

• Flower stalks emerge from the leaf clusters
• Greenish-white flowers cluster on red-tinged stalks
• Individual flowers are small with 5 petals
• Flowers mature to large plume-like seed heads
• Flowers stalks are also toxic like the leaves

So look for the combination of thick green and red stalks, large ruffled green leaves, and small white flower clusters to positively identify rhubarb. Remember – never eat the leaves or flowers!

Is Rhubarb OK for Rabbits?

The simple answer is yes, rhubarb can be fed to rabbits, but only under certain conditions and in limited amounts. Here is an overview of the key factors to consider when feeding rhubarb to bunnies:

• Only the stalks are safe – Rhubarb leaves and flowers must always be removed, as they contain high levels of toxins.

• Must be cooked – Raw rhubarb stalks are too tough, fibrous, and acidic for rabbits. Rhubarb should be cooked before feeding it.

• Limit portion size – Even cooked rhubarb should only be fed in small amounts, about 1-2 inches of stalk at a time. Too much can upset their digestion.

• Occasional treat – Rhubarb should be fed as an occasional treat only a few times per week at most. It should not be a staple part of a rabbit's diet.

• Watch for diarrhea – If diarrhea occurs after feeding rhubarb, discontinue serving it and see a vet if diarrhea persists.

So in summary, rabbits can eat a small amount of cooked rhubarb stalks a few times a week. But proper preparation and portion control is crucial for safety. Rhubarb leaves and flowers must always be avoided.

Rhubarb Greens And Stalks

Rhubarb leaves are toxic and stalks need to be cooked before feeding to rabbits. Here is more detailed information:

Rhubarb Leaves

• Contain high concentrations of oxalic acid and anthraquinone glycosides.

• Even small amounts can be poisonous to rabbits.

• Symptoms of toxicity include diarrhea, dehydration, seizures, and potential death.

• Rhubarb leaves should never be fed to rabbits in any form.

Rhubarb Stalks

• Contain lower levels of oxalic acid than leaves.

• Too fibrous and acidic to feed raw, stalks must be cooked.

• Cooking helps break down fiber and reduce acidic content.

• Only cooked stalks can be fed to rabbits in limited portions.

• Remove all leaves before preparing rhubarb stalks for rabbits.

So the leaves are always unsafe, while the stalks can be fed in moderation if properly cooked without any leaves present. Never underestimate the toxicity of rhubarb leaves to rabbits.

Raw Rhubarb

It is not safe for rabbits to eat raw rhubarb stalks or leaves. Here's an overview of why rabbits should never consume raw rhubarb:

• Toxicity – All parts of raw rhubarb contain oxalic acid and other toxic compounds that can poison rabbits.

• Fiber – The fibrous nature of raw stalks can lead to intestinal blockages.

• Acidity – Raw rhubarb is very acidic and can cause digestive upset in sensitive rabbits.

• Calcium loss – Oxalic acid binds to calcium, causing depletion over time.

• Kidney damage – Excess oxalic acid can crystallize in kidneys, leading to damage.

• Nausea – Rabbits may refuse raw rhubarb due to the bitter taste. Forced consumption causes nausea.

• Diarrhea – Raw rhubarb and its toxins often cause severe diarrhea in rabbits if consumed.

• Lack of nutrients – Raw rhubarb provides some fiber and polyphenols but lacks other key nutrients for rabbits.

The bottom line is raw rhubarb in any form should be kept far away from rabbits. Make sure rabbits cannot access any growing in the garden. Only cooked rhubarb stalks are appropriate for bunnies.

Cooked Rhubarb

Cooking rhubarb into foods appropriate for rabbits can make it safe for consumption in moderation. Here are some key tips for feeding cooked rhubarb to rabbits:

• Remove leaves – Always discard the toxic leaves and leaf stems before cooking.

• Cook stalks – Sauté, boil, bake, or stew rhubarb stalks to soften them.

• Include liquid – Cooking rhubarb in water, broth, juice, or milk aids in reducing oxalic acid.

• Mash consistency – Cooked rhubarb should be mashed, chopped finely, or pureed for easy digestion.

• Limit portion – Only feed rabbits a teaspoon or so of mashed rhubarb a few times a week at most.

• Mix with greens – Combine a small amount of rhubarb with leafy greens and vegetables.

• Avoid sudden changes – Introduce rhubarb slowly and monitor stool quality.

• Discontinue if soft stool develops – Too much rhubarb can cause diarrhea.

So cooked rhubarb can be safe for rabbits when fed properly and in strict moderation. Appropriate cooking methods help remove toxins.

What To Do If a Rabbit Eats Rhubarb

If you suspect your rabbit has ingested any part of a rhubarb plant, take action quickly. Here are important steps:

• Remain calm – Stress will worsen your rabbit's reaction.

• Identify what was eaten – Stalks, leaves, roots? Whole plant or kitchen waste?

• Estimate amount eaten – Small tasting vs large quantity is important to know.

• Look for symptoms – Diarrhea, mouth irritation, lethargy, etc.

• Call your vet – They will advise you based on symptoms and amount eaten.

• Limit food – Withhold other foods temporarily to allow rest of GI tract.

• Provide water – Ensure rabbit stays well hydrated after potential toxin exposure.

• Monitor closely – Watch for next 12-24 hours for additional symptoms.

• Go to emergency vet – If rabbit is severely ill, take to emergency vet immediately.

• Prevent access – Thoroughly rabbit proof any areas where rhubarb is growing.

Stay alert following rhubarb ingestion, as effects may be delayed. Quick action improves prognosis. Never hesitate to involve your vet.

Symptoms of Rhubarb Poisoning in Rabbits

If a rabbit ingests the leaves, stalks, or roots of rhubarb plants, it can cause rhubarb poisoning. Here are the most common symptoms:

• Digestive upset – Diarrhea, soft stool, decreased appetite.

• Dehydration – From fluid losses related to diarrhea. Notice thick saliva.

• Oral irritation – Drooling, licking lips, difficulty eating.

• Weakness and lethargy – Due to dehydration and metabolic disturbance.

• Muscle tremors – Caused by electrolyte imbalances.

• Kidney problems – Blood in urine, abdominal pain, kidney failure.

• Seizures – Can occur if toxins or electrolyte levels severely disrupted.

• Collapse – In extreme cases, toxin levels are fatal.

• Death – Kidney failure and electrolyte imbalances can be deadly.

Prompt veterinary care is vital at the first signs of rhubarb poisoning. Aggressive treatment within the first 24 hours results in the best prognosis. Prevention through restricting access to rhubarb plants is key.

Rhubarb Toxicity Treatment

If a rabbit ingests toxic rhubarb plant parts, treatment focuses on supporting normal organ function and preventing further toxicity. Here are the main approaches:

• Fluid therapy – Intravenous or subcutaneous fluids to treat dehydration and maintain kidney function.

• Electrolyte correction – Sodium, potassium, and calcium levels optimized through fluids.

• GI protectants – Medications to coat intestines and normalize motility.

• Antiseizure medication – Given if seizures occur to reduce brain excitation.

• Pain management – Pain medication if kidney stones or severe intestinal irritation is present.

• Laxatives – May be used judiciously to help pass remaining plant material.

• Vitamin K – May be given to help with blood clotting problems.

• Kidney function monitoring – Important to catch kidney issues early.

• Supportive care – Keeping rabbit calm, warm, and hydrated.

With aggressive detoxification therapy in the initial stages, the prognosis for full recovery from rhubarb poisoning can be good to excellent if no organ damage has yet occurred.