Yes, Rabbits can eat Microgreens, however they may cost extra as compare to regular greens. Avoid Microgreens high in Carbohydrate Content.
Rabbits are strictly herbivores who eat grass hay, leafy weeds, vegetables, and, on rare occasions, nuts and fruits. The stomach of a rabbit contains bacteria that create enzymes that break down fiber cellulose, a type of plant matter.
Rabbits, unlike humans, should avoid high-sugar, high-carbohydrate, and high-starch foods like potatoes, bread, and rice.
What about microgreens, for example?
Microgreens (7-14 days) and sprouts (1-5 days) are generally considered safe for rabbits. While hay (of any sort) should be the primary food source, rabbits can benefit from a moderate (10-30%) microgreens intake.
Microgreens such as spinach, beet, kale, chard, endives, and wheatgrass, for example, can be added in small amounts. In fact, as we discussed earlier, eating microgreens is 40 times better than eating mature vegetables.
Microgreens, on the other hand, are not inexpensive. It might cost anywhere from $25 to $100 per pound.
To give you an idea, we’ve discussed over different types of microgreens, although not all of them are ideal for rabbits.
Read Here:
What are the Best Microgreens for Rabbits?
Microgreens, like vegetables, are beneficial to rabbits. People prefer not to feed them foods that are too bitter or spicy. In fact, many rabbits enjoy eating chilli peppers!
As a general rule, avoid feeding foods that are very spicy and hot. The following are some microgreens you should give for raising healthy rabbits:
- The Sunflower
- Alfalfa
- Sprouted lentils
- Wheatgrass
- Peas
- Spinach
- Mustard
- Chard
- Beet
- Cucumber
- Collard
- Endive
- Fenugreek (fenugreek)
- Lettuce
- Kale
- Turnip
- Dandelion
- Mint
- Corn
- Barley
- Millet
- Basil
- Chicory
- Cilantro
- Pak choy is a type of pak choy.
- Fennel
- Borage
- Dill
- Celery
- Broccoli
- Broccoli sprouts
These microgreens should not be used to replace the rabbit’s main diet, but rather as a vegetable supplement (10-30%).
What Microgreens are Harmful to Rabbits?
Microgreens here, in contrast to the milder microgreens discussed above, have a stronger flavor, are more sweet, and have a greater carbohydrate content, and are not suitable for feeding rabbits in large quantities. Overfeeding rabbits with microgreens can cause stomach distress and possibly health problems.
Read Here: What do Microgreens Taste like? – 28 Best Tasting Microgreens
Have you noticed that the title does not contain the word “bad”? Make sure to keep these microgreens in a minimal state, or utilize them as snacks on occasion.
- The azuki bean
- Arugula
- Radish
- Fava
- Parsley
- Lemongrass
- Cress
- Spreen Magenta
- Nasturtium
- Popcorn
- Tangerine
- Wasabi
Make sure the ‘bunny salad’ doesn’t have any mold on microgreens.
Mold is a major concern when producing microgreens for rabbits. Because microgreens are grown in a small, moist, and compact environment, be sure to check for mold before feeding them to your bunnies. Mold can make them sick if consumed.
Read Here: 4 Simple ways to get rid of Mold on Microgreens
Can Rabbits Eat Sprouts?
You may occasionally notice your rabbits eating seeds or sprouts. That’s perfectly OK. Never let the bunnies consume too many of these. Because many seeds (and nuts) are high in fatty acids, eating too many of them can lead to an accumulation of fat in the liver.
A few seeds that are better for rabbits are listed below:
- Seed of the sunflower
- The chia seed
- Flaxseed
- Melon
- Squash
Also, make certain the seeds aren’t dry or salted. The seed must be consumed as part of a balanced diet in amounts of no more than 5%.
Surprisingly, a study found that the rabbit’s diet included an increasing amount of wasted chia seeds (up to 40%). Despite the fact that the rabbits all demonstrated a better ‘economic efficiency,’ the study revealed no opposite effect on body weight and growth. Given the increased feed intake and weight gained, this translates to a lower total feeding cost.
Read Here: Sprouts vs Microgreens – Are not they same?
Can rabbits eat Radish Greens?
Radish microgreen are not recommended for Rabbit in large quantity, as these have a greater carbohydrate content, and are not suitable for rabbits.
What are the Advantages of Microgreens over Conventional Greens?
Both microgreens and ordinary veggies are known to be beneficial to rabbits. The three primary reasons why microgreens are thought to be a better option than conventional greens are listed below.
- A small quantity of microgreens is known to have (up to 40 times) more nutrients than a mature plant pound for pound. Minerals, proteins, vitamins, amino acids, folate, and other nutrients are among them as per a study. Eating microgreens would allow rabbits to absorb more nutrients.
- Microgreens contain more water, are easier to digest, and are more tender
- Anti-nutrients (compounds that prevent nutrients from being absorbed) in microgreens are smaller than in ordinary greens. Because the sprouting process reduces the concentration of anti-nutrients as per a study, nutrients are more easier for rabbits to absorb.
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