Let’s know about Can Rabbits Eat Beets. Beetroot is a common food found in various cuisines around the world. You may be familiar with this purple root vegetable used in a variety of recipes or as a food coloring. However, you may not be sure whether or not beets are on the list of acceptable foods for rabbits.
Yes, rabbits can eat beetroot. However, it is important to note that the beet plant consists of a root vegetable and a leafy stalk. We’ll look at which parts of beets are good for rabbits to eat, which parts are acceptable for your rabbit to eat occasionally, and why it’s important to only offer your rabbit beets sparingly.
Beetroot
The root vegetable of the beet plant, known as beetroot, is acceptable to feed to your rabbit. However, we recommend feeding only limited portions to your rabbits on sporadic occasions. Beets are high in starch and sugar, especially beetroot, which can lead to weight gain and upset stomach.
a colorful surprise
On a practical note, this round purple colored root ball may stain your rabbit’s fur. Also, you may be in for an unpleasant surprise when you notice that your rabbit’s urine has taken on a reddish tinge. Don’t be alarmed by this color change. It is not blood, but the saturated color of beetroot passing through your rabbit’s system.
beetroot benefits
Beetroot contains many nutrients that are beneficial to your rabbit’s health. Beetroot contains protein, fiber, vitamins C and B6, folate, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, manganese and iron. Calories are also less in these.
Can Rabbits Eat Canned Beets?
It is best to avoid any canned or cooked beets. Processing sugar beets increases the starch and sugar levels to levels that are unsafe for your rabbit. Raw beetroot is your best option.
leafy beet stalks
When considering whether to give beet leaf stalks to your rabbit, you need to know about oxalates and oxalic acid. Oxalates are naturally occurring chemicals known as alkaloids. This substance binds to certain essential minerals in your rabbit’s body, especially iron and calcium. While some oxalates are safe, ingesting too much of this chemical can cause kidney damage in rabbits and can be toxic.
Securely Attach Your Beet Stalks
Oxalate and oxalic acid are found throughout the beet plant from root to stalk. It is most prevalent in beet leafy greens and other leafy greens such as Swiss chard, spinach, parsley, mustard greens, radish tops and sprouts. To limit its negative effects, be sure never to mix beet leaves with other high-oxalic greens. Instead, you’re safe with kale, arugula, bok choy, carrot tops, cucumber leaves, spring greens, fennel, turnip greens, or cilantro.
Can Baby Rabbits Eat Beets?
It is best to wait until your rabbit is 12 weeks old before planting beet or beet stalks. As with many new foods, it is important to only give small amounts to avoid stomach problems. Take extra care to limit beet stalks to avoid damaging your growing rabbit’s kidney development.
conclusion
Beets are acceptable to give to your rabbit in moderation. Raw beetroot provides your rabbit with the most nutrients, especially calcium. However, the beet plant contains high levels of troublesome oxalic acid, especially in the leafy stalks. You can occasionally add beet stalks to your rabbit’s food, but take extra care of how you combine it with other leafy greens.