Everyone loves basil, on your plates of pasta and pizzas and salads. Basil is a flavourful herd that is a staple in everybody’s household. Have you ever wondered if you could give a bite to your fur baby?
Now seriously who doesn’t love basil leaves.. but as a responsible rabbit mom, you have to know whether this delicious herb is safe for your bunny or not. Let’s dig deeper…
Can Rabbits Eat Basil? Yes, Rabbits can have Basil leaves. They are not toxic and are safe for your rabbits. Basil is also a good nutritional source for rabbits. Basil should be fed in limited quantities though.
There are still many unanswered questions like can rabbits eat basil flowers/ stem, how much is too much and more. Keep reading to find more…
Let’s hop straight in!
Do Rabbits Eat Basil Leaves?
Yes! Rabbits eat basil leaves. It is a good green herd that can be added to your bunny’s diet. A good idea is to feed basil with some other food items in moderation. It has many benefits for your rabbit.
Basil has a strong smell as it is a flavorful herb. Rabbits naturally aren’t that fond of strong odors. The smell of basil is tolerated by most rabbits even though it can change from time to time.
First, you can offer them a few basils to check whether they like it or not. If your rabbit keep
Basil contains many vitamins like A, B1, B2, B3, B5, C, and K. It also contains calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, sodium, and others. This is one of the main reasons why basil should be included in your rabbit’s diet.
Basil protects and prevents your bunnies from cell damage. It is also filled with antioxidants. This help in the elimination of the free radicals that can result in cellular damage and even cancer.
Basil reduces the chances of cancer in rabbits and also prevents other deadly diseases. It also reduces the risks of heart disease, arthritis, respiratory tract infection, and more in rabbits.
Rabbit has a sensitive digestive system. It is no surprise to the rabbit moms. Basil is easier on a rabbit’s stomach. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that will keep the rabbit healthier. Basil helps in keeping rabbits healthy and active.
Overfeeding basil to rabbits can cause diarrhea and stomach issues. It is recommended to stick to the dietary chart according to your rabbit’s weight and age.
Is Basil Safe For Rabbits?
Yes! Basil is one of the safest herbs for rabbits. It is non-toxic for rabbits. Even though it is safe and not toxic, you should risk it by overfeeding basil to your rabbits. Overfeeding basil can cause diarrhea and other digestive issues in rabbits.
Basil shouldn’t make up your rabbit’s entire diet. It should be well mixed with other veggies. Rabbits prefer munching on grass, a combination of fresh mixed greens, pellets, and hay, along with a continuous supply of fresh water.
You should not feed the wrong basil or the wrong amount of basil to your rabbit. This can make your furry friend unintentionally sick.
Always do a background check before feeding basil to your rabbit on what type of basil it is. If your basil is store brought, then you have to make sure that you clean it thoroughly and make it free from all chemicals.
Can Rabbits Eat Basil Flowers?
Basil flowers are safe for rabbits to eat. It is safe and non-toxic.
If you have basils planted around your backyard, then you have to make sure that your rabbit doesn’t always go back to the flowers because overfeeding on basil flowers can cause digestive issues in your bunny.
Can Rabbits Eat Basil Stem?
Basil has tender green stems. This is a part that is safe for rabbits to eat. There is no reason why rabbits should avoid basil stems.
Can rabbits eat basil stem??? Yes! They can. Basil stems are safe and non-toxic. Rabbits can consume them with no issues.
You just have to help your rabbit a little by simply cutting the stems into smaller pieces. You also have to make sure that no basil plants are left around. Because if your rabbit happens to eat a whole basil plant, then it can cause potential health problems in your bunny.
How Much Basil Can I Give To My Bunny?
As all rabbit moms know, the amount of food to give to your rabbit depends on their age and weight.
Overall, the treats your give to your rabbit in a day should not exceed 10% of their daily food intake. Their main diet is hay or pellet which means Basil is a treat.
You shouldn’t give basil as it is. You can mix it with other fresh green, vegetables and sometimes fruits. You can feed your bunny this mixture couple of times a week.
You have to make sure your rabbit is above 12 weeks to start feeding them this basil mixture. This is because their stomach should be mature to digest this food.
You should avoid feeding baby rabbits and young rabbits basil. It is not recommended for them as their digestive system is not mature. You can feed them once they are over 12 weeks.
You can chop a couple of leaves into smaller pieces and mix them with ingredients. You have to make sure you give a little bit for the first time, then wait for a little to see if there is any negative reaction from the rabbit. Once your rabbit gets used to it then you can gradually increase the amount of basil intake over time.
Let’s see how much basil a rabbit can eat based on its weight:
- Small breed (1.1-3.5 pounds) = <128 gm
- Medium breed (6-10 pounds) = 384-640 gm
- Large breed (9-12 pounds) = 384-760 gm
Types Of Basil That Rabbits Can Eat
There are many types of Basil in the market. Try to find organic foods as much as you can. It’s good for the rabbit’s health. Most of the market vegetables are covered with wax and fertilizers which are bad for rabbits’ health.
Always try to feed fresh Basil and wash them carefully before feeding to rabbits. Now there are many types of Basil sold in the market. Common types are:
- Sweet Basil
- Bush Basil
- Lemon Basil
- Thai Basil
- Cinnamon Basil
- Lettuce Basil
All of the Basil varieties are good for rabbits. These are the common types we can find in the market and are good for rabbits.
We can’t provide them as the main food source for rabbits. Always provide them according to the right amount and keep the moderation.
Can Basil Eat Everyday?
You should not feed your bunny basil every day. Feeding basil every day to your bunny can cause them overdosing on certain nutrients which can cause health issues.
Excess basil can cause diarrhea, itching, vomiting, and more in rabbits.
Can Basil Cause Diarrhea In Rabbits?
Yes, basil can cause diarrhea in rabbits if overfed. When rabbits eat too much basil without mixing it with other vegetables or fruits, it can cause them to overdose on basil.
This can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other stomach problems in your bunnies. You should introduce basil to your rabbit’s diet slowly and then gradually increase the amount.
You shouldn’t feed an excess of basil to them. If you have basils planted in your backyard then you should always supervise your bunnies if you let them roam around in the backyard.
Chances are there that they go back to the basil plants and can overeat it which can cause diarrhea in your bunny.
Alternatives To Basil
Although basil is safe and nutritious for rabbits, rabbit owners should still give their rabbits a variety of foods in their diet to mimic what wild rabbits eat.
Here’s a list of vegetables and leafy greens that you can feed your rabbits as an alternative to basil:
- Spinach
- Celery
- Green peppers
- Mint
- Alfalfa, radish & Clover sprouts
- Beet greens (tops)
- Parsley
- Peapods (the flat edible kind)
- Peppermint leaves
- Bok choy
- Escarole
- Clover
- Peppermint leaves
- Carrot & carrot tops
- Radicchio
- Raspberry leaves
- Wheatgrass
- Watercress
- Cilantro
- Dandelion greens and flowers (no pesticides)
These are some of the safer alternatives for basil to feed your bunny.
Interesting Read: Can Rabbits Eat Pasta & Noodles?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Give Lemon Basil To My Rabbit?
Yes, all the varieties of basil are equally healthy for rabbits if given in moderation. But before introducing a new herb, make sure your bunny likes it.
Can I Give Sweet Basil To My Rabbit?
You can give sweet basil to your bunny after making sure he’s ok with eating it. Further, keep the amount in moderation and don’t feed it more than twice a week.
Final Word
So the answer for Can rabbit eats basil is finally solved! Yes, rabbits can eat basil. Basil contains essential vitamins, fiber, minerals, and antioxidants for rabbits. But you should only feed a small amount once or twice a week to your rabbits. Always keep the moderation.
In case you see any allergic reactions or negative turns in your rabbit, then you should visit the vet immediately.
I hope this article solved all your questions on this topic. For further questions, comment down below!
