What rabbits can eat and can’t eat is an eternal mystery. As responsible rabbit moms, we are all always on the lookout for our rabbit’s health. This includes what they should eat and what not.
One wrong diet choice can put your bunny’s health in danger so it’s only natural that a rabbit mom gets extra careful.
Rosemary is a staple in many of our households. We use it on many dishes and also as a garnish in many dishes. So it’s only natural that we tend to think, what if I feed a bite of it to my furry friend? Well, hold on, because we have to make sure it’s safe for our furry friends!
Can Rabbits Eat Rosemary? Yes, rabbits can eat rosemary. It is safe for rabbits to eat this herb. Even though it’s safe it should be fed in moderation.
So now you know that rabbits can eat rosemary there are still many questions we should address. Luckily for you, we will discuss everything you have to know about feeding rosemary to your bunnies in this article.
Let’s hop straight in!
Is Rosemary Safe For Rabbits?
Rosemary is related to the mint family plant. These plants are native to the Mediterranean but are now grown worldwide. It’s mostly used as a herb in cooking.
Rosemary has a range of health benefits like improving digestion, enhancing memory, neurological protection, reducing cancer cells, and many other health benefits.
Rosemary is safe for rabbits to eat. Rosemary is a non-toxic herb. It is a healthy item to add to your rabbit’s diet. It has many health benefits for your rabbit.
Rosemary contains essential vitamins, fiber, minerals & antioxidants for rabbits. Even though it’s healthy and safe, Rosemary should only be fed in moderation to your bunnies. Rosemary is excellent as an occasional treat.
Rosemary has a really strong flavor. It also has a very pungent smell. Sometimes rabbits don’t like this strong smell.
If they refuse to eat because of the smell then don’t force them to eat because they are healthy. Forcing them to do something can cause panic in them which could lead to other health issues.
You can begin feeding Rosemary to them at 12 weeks. You should start feeding it in small quantities and then gradually increase the amount.
Do not give a large amount in the beginning. Remember that rosemary should not be a substitute for rabbits’ regular food. Rosemary can be used only as a supplement.
But always remember that Rosemary shouldn’t be a regular staple but a treat. A rabbit’s diet should be mainly hay and water. This diet is essential for maintaining a rabbit’s health.
Can Baby Rabbits Eat Rosemary?
The answer to this question is Yes! Baby rabbits can indeed eat rosemary. But in moderation.
Baby rabbits have a very sensitive digestive system. Because of that, it’s very important that you only feed baby rabbits a very small amount of rosemary.
Baby rabbits can get affected when they try something new to their system. Feeding baby rabbits is kind of a big problem. The best way to make sure it’s okay to feed your baby rabbit Rosemary is by enquiring with your veterinarian. If you get a green signal from the vet, you are good to go.
While feeding rosemary to your baby rabbit, there are a few pointers you have to keep in your mind. Make sure you get fresh and organic rosemary for your baby rabbits.
You have to make sure that the rosemary that you want to feed the babies is free from all pesticides and chemicals.
Can Rabbits Eat Rosemary Stems?
Yes, rabbits can eat rosemary stems. The stem part of rosemary is edible for rabbits. While feeding stems to your rabbit make sure that the stems are not woody.
Rosemary stems can get woody and hard if the plant is older. It is better to choose tender and green stems for your rabbit.
Can Rabbits Eat Rosemary Flowers?
Rosemary has white, purple, and blue color flowers. The flavors also are very aromatic. Just like the leaves and stems, rosemary flowers are also edible.
They are safe for the rabbits to eat. It is better to feed them the flowers also in moderation.
Can Rabbits Eat Dried Rosemary?
Yes, rabbits can eat dried rosemary. Dried rosemary is also as safe as fresh ones. While you feed the dried Rosemary to the rabbit make sure it’s free from all chemicals.
Give the dried Rosemary only in moderation to your bunnies.
Do Rabbits Like The Smell Of Rosemary?
Rosemary has a very strong and pungent smell. This smell is the reason why everybody uses it in their household. But rabbits and strong smells aren’t that great friends. So do rabbits like the smell of Rosemary?
Some rabbits don’t like the strong smell of rosemary. First, you can offer them a few Rosemary to check whether they like them or not. If your rabbit refuses to eat it then do not force them to eat it.
However, this is not common to every rabbit. It’s not necessary that all rabbits hate the smell.
Also, check out Can Rabbits Eat Oregano? Benefits And Risks!
Nutritional Value Of Rosemary For Rabbits
Let’s see what 100 grams of rosemary contains…
- Energy: 131 Kcal
- Carbohydrates: 20.70 g
- Protein: 3.31 g
- Total Fat: 5.86 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Dietary Fiber: 14.10 g
Vitamins and Minerals
- Thiamin: 0.036 mg
- Vitamin A: 2924 IU
- Vitamin C: 21.8 mg
- Sodium: 26 mg
- Potassium: 668 mg
- Calcium: 317 mg
- Copper: 0.301 mg
- Iron: 6.65 mg
- Magnesium: 91 mg
- Manganese: 0.960 mg
- Zinc: 0.93 mg
Health Benefits Of Rosemary
Rosemary has many health benefits for your bunny. It has many nutrients. It contains carbohydrates, dietary fibers, proteins, vitamins complex B, vitamin A, C, K, and E, magnesium, potassium, iron, manganese, calcium, etc.
Rosemary contains enough fiber to be added to the rabbit’s diet. This will help in the rabbit’s bowel movement. It will also aid in such as diarrhea, gases, and bloating.
Rosemary is a good source of Vitamin K. It will strengthen their bones. It increases the efficiency of the immune systems in rabbits. Rosemary provides vitamin E which acts as an antioxidant for your bunnies.
Rosemary is also rich in potassium and magnesium. Potassium can protect from muscle mass loss and reduce the risk of developing kidney stones. It can also decrease the chances and risks of heart diseases.
Rosemary is also a rich source of vitamins. It will aid in your rabbit’s eyesight. Vitamin A also develops bones in rabbits. Rosemary is a good supplier of beta-carotene that helps to prevent age-related blindness.
Vitamin C in rosemary is essential for rabbits, as lack of vitamin C can cause scurvy disease. Rosemary will also be good for your rabbit’s brain activity. It is also good for lowering your bunny’s blood pressure.
You might also like to read about Can Rabbits Eat Thyme? Is Thyme Safe For Rabbits?
How To Feed Your Rabbit Rosemary?
As you know by now, Rosemary is a good healthy treat for your bunnies. But before feeding it to your rabbit you have to know a few pointers about how to feed rosemary to your rabbits.
When you first feed Rosemary to your rabbit, only give it to them in a small quantity. You have to feed the rosemary 24 hours prior and check if it is causing any health problems to your rabbits like gas trouble, diarrhea, or constipation.
If they do not show any sign of discomfort then you can increase the amount for your bunny.
Give them enough time to adjust to this new addition. Only after they get well acquainted with the first portion of rosemary, then increase the quantity of this herb to your bunny.
While preparing rosemary for your bunny, you have to keep a few important rules in mind. Make sure you buy good quality rosemary which is fresh and free from chemicals or pesticides. Organic rosemary is better for your rabbits.
If it’s store-bought then you have to take extra time to wash the herb thoroughly to make it clean from chemicals. Even if it’s from your backyard, you still have to wash it properly to make it safer for your furry babies.
After washing you can chop the herb up into smaller pieces. Mix it with 4-6 vegetables or greens. You can sprinkle some of the rosemary in this mix of veggies. Serve them 1 cup of mixed rosemary according to 2 pounds of your rabbit’s weight. Always feed it together with water.
Make sure you only provide rosemary to your rabbit in moderation. Also do not overfeed them. Only feed rosemary to your bunny if they are over 12 weeks old.
How Much Rosemary Can I Give My Rabbit?
Rosemary is a healthy addition to your rabbit’s diet. However, there is a recommended amount of how much you should feed your rabbit.
You should only feed a small amount of rosemary to your bunny. You can provide almost a cup of rosemary mixed with other 4-6 vegetables.
Make sure you only feed them rosemary once or twice a week and not more than that. Make sure that you give plenty of water along with the herb.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Rabbits Eat Pumpkins?
Yes, rabbits can eat pumpkins. There is no wrong with rabbits having pumpkins. Since the pumpkin’s flesh is sugary and sweet, rabbits love to eat them. You can even feed the leaves of the pumpkin to your rabbits.
Can Rabbits Eat Endive?
Yes, rabbits can have endive. Endive is a source of potassium, vitamins, and lots of other minerals. So, they can have endives safely. It provides lots of fibers and other nutrients that your bunny friend needs.
Final Word
This article has come to an end. So far we discussed everything you have to know about feeding rosemary to your rabbit. Rosemary is a herb with great health benefits for your rabbit. It is a rich source of vitamins and minerals.
However, while feeding rosemary to your rabbit, moderation is the key. Do not overfeed them. It can lead to health problems like diarrhea, lethargy, and constipation.
It is a great treat for your bunnies and makes sure you include it in your rabbit’s diet effectively. I hope this article solved all your questions about feeding Rosemary to your rabbit. For more questions comment down below!
