Who doesn’t love some fancy fennel in their diet, right? But does your rabbit love this sweet and crunchy diet? Let’s see…
Fennel can be consumed by both rabbits and humans. It is safe for rabbits to eat it with no health problems. As a responsible rabbit mom, you will have to feed them fennel as per the dietary requirements and make sure you do not overfeed them.
As we know fennel has many parts to it: the leaves, seeds, flowers, and bulbs… is it all safe for rabbits? And do you know how fennels can affect rabbits’ health and if it’s beneficial?
Do not worry because in this article we are gonna discuss all you have to know about fennels and rabbits.
Let’s hop straight in!
Is Fennel Safe To Rabbits?
Fennel, botanically known as Foeniculum vulgare, belongs to the family Apiaceae or Umbelliferae (carrot, celery, or parsley family) that also has coriander, cumin, dill, parsnip, anise, and caraway, among others. It is a staple in many of our homes. It is a very aromatic and flavorful herb.
Fennel has many parts to it. The leaves are the tender part of the fennel which can be used as garnishes and in a salad. The bulb is a white crispy part that can be eaten raw, grilled, or literally in any way you want.
Coming back to our question: Is fennel safe for rabbits to eat? Yes, fennel is safe for rabbits to eat. rabbits can eat fennel greens or tops (stalk, leaves, and flowers) as well as the bulb-like, swollen stem base in moderation.
You have to make sure that you don’t give them fennel in excess and give it to them once a day occasionally. You can cut the bulb part into smaller pieces and give your rabbit a few pieces.
Fennel is a nutritious addition to your rabbit’s diet. The bulbs have vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and manganese.
Also, this herb has volatile compounds such as rosmarinic acid, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, and apigenin (polyphenol antioxidants) with anti-inflammatory properties and are beneficial to health.
It is no surprise that our little furry friends do not like strong aromas and won’t go anywhere near something if they don’t like how it smells.
Since fennel is a very aromatic veggie it is possible some rabbits might not like them. But if they happen to like fennels, then it is a great deal because it will be good for your bun’s health.
Also, check out Can Rabbits Eat Dill? Benefits, Risks, And More!
Can Rabbits Eat Fennel Leaves?
Yes. Rabbits love leaves and veggies. Fennel leaves are no exception. Rabbits can eat fennel leaves. Fennel leaves are safe for bunnies.
Fennel leaves are a great addition to your rabbit’s diet. It is highly nutritious and can be given to your rabbit regularly. Rabbits enjoy fennel leaves more than any part of the fennel.
It is recommended that you give fennel leaves more than you give fennel bulbs to the rabbit because bulbs contain more carbs which can cause obesity in rabbits if you overfeed.
You can feed fennel leaves to rabbits by making them into smaller pieces or mixing them with some leafy vegetables. Some rabbits also consume fennel leaves without chopping them up and will eat them as it is.
Fennel leaves contain many micronutrients which are great for your rabbit’s health. Fennel leaves are a great source of minerals, vitamins, omega 3, and fiber. Feeding fennel leaves can reduce the risk of your rabbit developing diabetes or getting obese.
Think no further rabbit moms. Fennel leaves are safe and good for your rabbit. A big thumbs up from our side!!
Can Rabbits Eat Fennel Seeds?
Fennels are healthy and now you know fennel leaves are too. But can rabbits eat fennel seeds? Let’s jump into it.
Fennel seeds are not recommended for your rabbits. Fennel seeds do not only do anything for your rabbit’s health but are also bad.
One of the main reasons why fennel seeds are bad for your rabbits is because of the presence of a high amount of fats and oils in these seeds.
By ingesting these seeds, your cute little charming pet can go into obesity and can develop many other health complications.
Also, the seeds are high in carbohydrates 52g per 100g, and low in fiber. High carbs and low fiber foods may throw your bunny’s hindgut microflora out of balance, causing enteritis, diarrhea, and stomach upsets. Also, your pet may end up being obese.
All the rabbit moms know that it is not recommended to feed your rabbits seeds. There is a risk that they might choke on it and cause health problems.
The chewing ability of rabbits is not good and they will swallow the seed as it is without chewing which can cause the seed to end up getting stuck in their trachea.
In cases of choking, anything we should be worried about is the rabbit’s inability to vomit. Because they can’t vomit the seed will be stuck and cannot be removed. If you see your furry baby choking on fennel seeds then you have to immediately take your rabbit to the vet.
Can Rabbits Eat Fennel Flowers?
Yes!! Do not worry, fennel flowers are safe for your rabbits. Most times when your rabbit consumes fennel leaves, the flowers will also be a part of it and they can eat it without any problems.
Fennel flowers are also a good source of fiber, potassium, and zinc. If you are considering feeding your rabbit fennel flowers, make sure to wash them thoroughly first.
Can Rabbits Eat Fennel Bulbs?
Yes, fennel bulbs are safe for rabbits to eat. Bulbs are the most common part which is given to the rabbits. The fennel bulb is the white and crispy part that is fed to rabbits commonly.
The bulb can be cut into small pieces and can be given to rabbits once a day. You can give rabbits fennel bulbs as a treat a few times a week. Rabbits enjoy the sweet licorice taste of the bulb and will eat it pleasantly.
The fennel bulb is a great source of vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and manganese. It is a healthy addition to your bun’s diet.
Health Benefits Of Fennel For Rabbits
Fennel is not only good for us but also great for our furry baby’s health. If your rabbit eats fennel then it is good news and you can add them into their usual diet.
So we know fennels are healthy so why don’t we look at their nutritional value?
a raw fennel bulb weighs around 234g and consists of:
- 73 calories.
- 7.3g of dietary fiber.
- 2.9g of protein.
- 0.47g of fat.
- 17g of carbohydrate.
- No cholesterol.
A full cup of fennel will offer:
- 838 IU of vitamin A.
- 0.041mg of vitamin B-6.
- 10.4mg of vitamin C.
- 360mg of potassium.
- 15mg of magnesium.
- 43 mg of calcium.
- 45mg of sodium.
- 0.64mg of iron.
In addition to this, fennel also contains:
- Vitamin E.
- Vitamin K.
- Phosphorous.
- Manganese.
- Copper.
- Zinc.
- Folate.
- Selenium.
- Lutein.
- Niacin.
- Choline.
- Zeaxanthin.
- Pantothenic acid.
- Beta-carotene.
Some other health benefits of fennel are:
- Fennel has low sugar content, which means you can feed it to rabbits with a sweet tooth.
- Fennel is good for rabbits that are suffering from joint pains.
- Fennels contain an antioxidant called anethole. This will help reduce the chances of your bunnies getting cancer.
- Anethole even can also fight against toxic substances and protect the liver.
- Fennels contain high fiber content. It will aid in your rabbit’s indigestion.
How Much Fennel Can A Rabbit Have?
A rabbit can eat a small amount of fennel. Too much fennel can cause gastrointestinal problems for the rabbit.
A good rule of thumb is to give no more than 1/8 of a cup of fennel per two pounds of body weight.
If you’re unsure, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and give less fennel rather than more.
Can Rabbits Eat Fennel Every Day?
If your rabbit gets used to eating fennel you can give it to them every day but it’s still not recommended to feed them fennel every day.
It is not recommended to feed your rabbit fennel every day right away. Introduce it to their diet slowly and gradually. When they get adjusted to eating fennel then you can give them a small amount of fennel every day.
If you overfeed them fennel, it can cause obesity and diabetes in rabbits. So make sure just because you can feed them every day, it is not recommended. If you see any signs of overfeeding in your rabbit then take them to the vet immediately.
Dangers Of Overfeeding Fennel To Rabbits
Even though fennels are healthy for your rabbits, overfeeding them can be dangerous.
Excessive eating of fennel can result in indigestion in rabbits. Some of the symptoms related to it are:
- Gas.
- Diarrhea.
- Pain in the stomach.
- Bloating.
- Lethargy.
On noticing any of these symptoms, it is advisable to contact a vet and follow the remedial measures, as advised.
When it comes to feeding fennel to rabbits, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- First, only give your rabbit small amounts of fennel at a time. Too much can cause digestive issues.
- Second, make sure the fennel is fresh and hasn’t been sprayed with pesticides or other chemicals.
- And finally, don’t give your rabbit fennel every day – a few times a week is plenty.
Do Rabbits Eat Fennel Garden?
This is a possibility. If you have a fennel garden in your backyard and you let your rabbit roam around in the backyard, there’s a chance your rabbit will find its way to the fennel garden.
If they find the garden, there’s a chance they can munch on the plant. You have to keep an eye on them as they can be overfed by the greens and will affect their health.
How To Prepare Fennel For Rabbits?
It is very easy to prepare fennels for your rabbit. You can feed them raw or uncooked. Both ways are fine to eat for your rabbits.
If you are feeding them raw, make sure you wash them thoroughly. All parts of raw fennel are safe for rabbits to eat. You can chop it up and mix it with other veggies.
If you are feeding them cooked fennel, you have to make sure the ingredients are good for the rabbit to eat. Make sure the ingredients are not toxic for your rabbit.
You can give fennels to your bunny mixed with carrots, lettuce, bok choy, and dandelion greens.
So, one cup is fine once a day. You can mix and match the veggies as you wish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can rabbits eat cherries?
Yes, Rabbits can eat cherries. They can eat the sweet fruit only if they are fed in petite quantities and under close supervision.
Can rabbits eat pomegranates?
Well, rabbits can eat a pomegranate, but not as a part of their daily diet. You can feed your rabbit pomegranate in moderation on an occasional basis. The fruit has high sugar as well as phosphorus content that can have negative effects on your little bun’s health.
Final Word
Fennels are a big yes for your rabbits. It is healthy and is also a tasty treat for your rabbits. If your rabbit enjoys it, then it is a great addition to its diet.
But you have to keep in mind that you don’t overfeed fennel to your rabbit. Following the tips given above, you are good to go.
For more questions about this topic, comment down below.
