Kale is a rising star in human diets.
As a fur parent…
You want to keep your furry friends healthy, too.
But can your rabbits get the same health benefits from eating kale…
Or the other way around?
Well, read on to learn:
- 7 surprising benefits of rabbits eating kale.
- How much kale bunnies can eat every day.
- 7 potential dangers of feeding kale to your rabbits.
- And so much more…
Can rabbits eat kale?
Rabbits can eat kale. It’s rich in nutrients like vitamins A and K. Your bunnies can benefit from kale’s calcium content, too. However, rabbits don’t need regular kale feeding. Occasionaly feeding them as treats will do.
Rabbit eating kale – 7 benefits
#1: Keeps preggy bunnies healthy
Vitamin K is an essential nutrient found in kale.
This vitamin is already produced in your rabbit’s body.
However, pregnant bunnies need extra doses to stay healthy.
And provide nutrition for their baby rabbits.
Also, vitamin K helps prevent them from the harmful effects of deficiencies like:
- Miscarriages.
- Coccidiosis or disease caused by parasites.
- Placental hemorrhage or splitting of the placenta from the uterus.
Moreover, 3.5 oz (100 g) of kale contains 0.015 oz (418 mg) of vitamin K.
So, feeding your bunnies with kale is a healthy treat.
#2: Rich in vitamin A
A 3.5 oz (100 g) of kale is packed with 2,920 IU of vitamin A.
This nutrient is a major component in your rabbit’s eye health.
Vitamin A boosts their night vision, too.
They need this to stay alert from predators nearby.
Or any potential threat.
This is also why rabbits need at least 5,000-75,000 IU of Vitamin A per 35.27 oz (1 kg) of body weight.
Trivia: Rabbits have difficulty seeing things near them or face-front.
#3: Boosts your bunny’s fertility
Kale contains 0.023 oz (0.66 g) of polyunsaturated fatty acids or PUFAs.
These are types of fat that are great for rabbit consumption.
Especially during mating season.
According to a study, PUFAs help improve the following in male rabbits:
- Sperm movement and speed.
- Testosterone (male rabbit hormone) concentration.
If you want to breed your rabbits or see their mini versions…
Kales or foods with doses of PUFAs are ideal for them.
#4: Strengthens their bones and teeth
Your rabbits grow their teeth every day.
This is due to its open-rooted structure.
Plus, your bunnies need stronger bones to support their daily activities.
Such as hopping and running around.
Luckily, kale is rich in calcium and phosphorus.
These minerals are your bunny’s building blocks.
Especially in bone and teeth development and quality.
Moreover, calcium helps prevent fetus rabbits from developing bone defects.
Such as rickets.
#5: Prevents vitamin deficiencies
Kale’s folate content helps prevent rabbits from lack of vitamins in their system.
A few indicators of vitamin deficiency in rabbits include:
- Brittle teeth.
- Artery damages.
- Blood vessel disorders.
- Paralysis or loss of movement.
- Increase in blood clot formation.
- Muscle weakness and twitching.
A 3.5 oz (100 g) of kale gives your bunnies 0.0022 oz (65 mg) of folate.
This can provide that extra boost your furry ones need.
#6: Vital for muscle development
Kale contains 0.10 oz (2.94 g) of protein per 3.5 oz (100 g) serving.
“Why is protein important for my rabbits?”
Well, proteins are the major component of muscles and cell tissues in your rabbits.
It’s responsible for your bunny’s optimum health.
Moreover, protein contains amino acids that rabbits can’t produce.
They’re like protein boosters.
However, traces of protein can also be found in their soft poop.
Or the type of poop that they eat.
In the case of pregnant bunnies, additional doses of protein may be required.
#7: Helps prevent potassium deficiency
Potassium deficiencies are common in rabbits.
This occurs when they have a poor-quality diet.
According to a study, rabbits die with diets containing less than 0.3% of potassium.
On a positive note, 3.5 oz (100 g) of kale contains 0.005 oz (144 mg) of this mineral.
This veggie is a healthier alternative than commercial treats in the market.
BONUS: Boosts their heart health
Kale contains linoleic acid that supports your bunny’s heart health.
Linoleic acid helps reduce the risk of the following heart problems:
- Arrhythmia or irregular heartbeats.
- Heart murmur or abnormal heartbeat sounds.
Furthermore, it helps your bunny’s immunity and cell processes.
Feeding your rabbits some kale slices boosts their reproductive health, too.
Rabbit eating kale – 7 dangers
#1: Contains oxalates
Like spinach, kale also contains traces of oxalates.
These are anti-nutrients.
They can hinder nutrients from being absorbed into your rabbit’s body.
Moreover, oxalates bind with other nutrients like calcium and iron.
When this happens, it leads to the formation of kidney stones.
Without proper treatment, this will result in the following:
- Blood in their urine.
- Pain during urination.
- Thick or cloudy brown urine.
Moreover, avoid pairing kale with oxalate-rich foods such as:
- Beets.
- Parsley.
- Sprouts.
- Spinach.
- Mustard greens.
- Radish greens.
Interesting read: Warning: 21 Plants That Are Poisonous To Rabbits
#2: Triggers goiter growth
While this is a rare disease in rabbits…
They’re still vulnerable to it through an improper diet.
Kale contains goitrogens.
This is a compound that causes goiter in rabbits.
Or the enlargement of the thyroid gland.
Symptoms of goiter include:
- Bone fractures.
- Heart problems.
- Weight loss or gain.
- A big lump in the neck area.
Some goiter symptoms are tricky.
Especially about your rabbit’s weight and appetite.
For an accurate diagnosis, always seek your vet’s help.
#3: Causes bloating in your bunnies
Bloating or gas is a common tummy problem in rabbits.
But it can be life-threatening.
Especially when their diet contains high concentrations of carbohydrates.
Unfortunately, a 3.5 oz (100 g) of kale contains 0.17 oz (5.3 g) of carbohydrates.
If given in unlimited portions, your bunny may suffer from the following:
- Diarrhea.
- Breathing difficulty.
- Increase in stomach size.
- Blood circulation problems.
Also, too much amounts of carbohydrates cause obesity in your bunnies.
Watch this video to learn more about obesity in rabbits:
#4: Contains traces of sugar
Kale contains 0.042 oz (1.21 g) of sugar per 3.5 oz (100 g) serving.
This may look like a pinch.
But the truth is, your bunnies are so friendly.
They accept anything you give them with arms wide open.
So, be cautious of every treat you feed them.
Small traces of sugar in humans might be too much for their tiny bodies.
Moreover, here’s what excess sugar can do to your bunnies:
- Diabetes.
- Dental problems.
- Parasite formation in the intestines.
- Changes in the pH level of their digestive tract.
#5: Causes kidney stones
Vitamin C helps prevent rabbits from weight loss.
In fact, they need extra doses of it.
Especially during stress or when they’re suffering from illnesses.
They may also get this from eating kale.
However, they already produce vitamin C in their liver.
So, be cautious when feeding them some kale slices.
This could lead to the formation of kidney stones and can only harm your bunnies.
#6: Lacks vitamin D
Without vitamin D, it’s difficult for calcium and phosphorus to do their job.
Especially in your bunny’s bone growth and development.
It’s because vitamin D acts like their booster.
Moreover, rabbits need at least 1,000-1,500 IU per 35.27 oz (kg) of body weight.
Unfortunately, kale can’t give this to your bunnies.
Note: Indoor rabbits are prone to vitamin D deficiency due to a lack of sun exposure.
#7: High pesticide content
Despite the many health benefits of kale…
They contain high concentrations of cancer-causing chemicals called dacthal.
According to EWG, this chemical can reach nearby homes when sprayed.
And can even cause thyroid cancers.
Ranking 3rd on the Dirty Dozens list, regular kale feeding poses a major health concern.
Especially in your small furry friends.
So, always wash your greens thoroughly with running water to rinse chemicals away.
FAQ
Can rabbits eat curly kale?
Rabbits can eat curly kale. It’s richer in fiber than other kale varieties. You can give your bunnies kale slices 1-2 times a week or as occasional treats.
Can rabbits eat kale everyday?
Rabbits shouldn’t eat kale every day. In general, vegetables should only take up 10% or less of their regular diet. So, be sure to feed these to your rabbits sparingly.
Can rabbits eat kale stems?
Rabbits can eat kale stems. It’s non-toxic and also nutritious. However, be sure to cut kale stems into small portions to prevent your rabbits from choking.