Can Rabbits Eat Asparagus Safely? – 11 Questions Answered

Ever wondered why rabbits seem to be forever munching on something? Rabbits eat whenever there is food because they are grazers by nature.

Adorable as they seem, you need to know what and when to feed them to keep them healthy and strong. A specific question that we often see is this: can rabbits eat asparagus?

Is it safe to feed rabbits asparagus?

Rabbits are herbivores. Their main diet consists of hay and grass, with a little bit of fruits and vegetables mixed in for a balanced diet.

To answer the question, yes, your rabbits can eat asparagus. Although they are typically not picky eaters, you should try giving them a small amount first to see if they like it.

How should you feed asparagus to a rabbit?

If it is the first time that you are feeding asparagus to your rabbit, you should do it gradually.

Introduce a small amount (about an inch) so that it does not disturb your pet’s digestive flora.

Feeding too much asparagus the first time can upset your rabbit’s tummy and cause loose stool.

Monitor your pet’s reaction to the new food for 24 hours. Watch for any signs of discomfort and diarrhea.

How much asparagus can rabbits eat?

Just like any other food, rabbits can only eat so much asparagus. It has to be a part of your pet’s balanced diet and should not be given solely by itself.

Your rabbit can safely take in about 2 inches of asparagus in one feeding.

How often can rabbits eat asparagus?

If your rabbit loves asparagus, you can give it to them as a healthy treat or snack. But always bear in mind that they can only eat it in moderation.

Give asparagus as a treat or add a small piece to their meal to mix it up a bit. Just make sure you never give your rabbits asparagus more than three times a week.

Can bunnies eat asparagus?

Bunnies, baby rabbits, kittens – whatever you may call them, it is important that you know just what to feed them. While some rabbits really love asparagus, it is a big no-no to feed it to the young ones.

In general, rabbits less than 12 weeks old should not be given asparagus or any other fruit and vegetable. That’s because they need to eat more alfalfa hay as they grow up.

Alfalfa hay is rich in protein and calcium, which helps bunnies grow into strong and healthy adult rabbits.

As a general rule, only feed asparagus to rabbits 12 weeks and older. They no longer have special dietary needs unlike growing bunnies, and their gastrointestinal systems are more equipped to digest fibrous foods.

Can you feed cooked asparagus to rabbits?

Cooked asparagus is softer and therefore easier for rabbits to chew and digest. So, yes, it is ok to give your rabbits cooked asparagus as long as it is in moderation.

However, some vets don’t recommend giving rabbits cooked asparagus . Their main reason for this is that asparagus (and any other vegetables) lose their nutrients when cooked.

Some would argue that the amount of asparagus that rabbits can eat is too small that it can barely make a dent on their nutritional needs.

So, if you really want to feed your rabbits cooked asparagus, use your own judgement. Play it by ear or give whatever your pet likes the most.

The same rule of thumb when it comes to feeding amount and frequency applies to both raw and cooked asparagus.

Can rabbits eat the entire asparagus plant?

If you let loose a rabbit in the garden, you will notice that it will try to eat almost everything.

Being the natural grazer that they are, they will raze your garden to the ground in search of food.

Vegetables and flowers are their favorites and it is safe to say that they are likely to eat an entire asparagus plant when given the chance.

However, keep in mind that the woody or bottom part of the asparagus plant can be tough for younger rabbits. This part of asparagus is harder to chew and digest.

When should you not give asparagus to your rabbit?

Asparagus is 94 percent water. So, there is a pretty good chance that it can worsen any digestive problems that your rabbit is experiencing.

Don’t give asparagus – or any other food, really – if your rabbit is showing signs of an upset stomach. Only feed them hay and water, especially if you notice that their stool is soft.

Take your sick rabbit to a veterinarian as soon as you can for an emergency treatment.

Diarrhea and gastrointestinal stasis could be fatal if not treated immediately. GI stasis occurs when gas-producing bacteria proliferate in the GI tracts. These bacteria may produce toxins that can cause organ failure and death.

What are the health benefits of asparagus?

Asparagus offers plenty of health benefits to rabbits. It is low in sodium, a good source of fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin E, folic acid, zinc, beta-carotine and many more nutrients.

It contains vitamin C which a rabbit needs to have a healthy immune system. Asparagus also supplies a large amount of vitamin K necessary for proper blood clotting and healthy bones.

What are the medical concerns of asparagus?

There are also circumstances when asparagus can be bad for your rabbit. The presence of pesticides tops the list.

Make sure you wash the asparagus properly before feeding it to your rabbits. It might also contain parasites that can make your rabbits sick.

So, be on the look out and throw away asparagus if they look suspicious. On the other hand, overly ripe and rotten asparagus can upset your rabbits’ GI tracts and cause diarrhea.

What are the alternatives of asparagus for rabbits?

Not sure if you want to feed your rabbits asparagus? Fret not because there are plenty of healthy alternatives. These fruits and vegetables can add variety to your rabbits’ diet to keep them happy:

• Arugula
• Basil
• Beets/beet tops
• Bok choy
• Broccoli
• Carrot/tops
• Cucumber
• Green beans
• Parsnip
• Romaine
• Spinach
• Summer/winter squash
• Swiss chard
• Tomato
• Watercress

Conclusion

If you’re still unsure whether to feed your bunnies asparagus, we offer this useful tip: remember that everything should be given in moderation, and do a trial feeding if it is your rabbit’s first time.