As you may know, it is important to supplement your rabbit’s hay and pellet diet with vitamin and mineral rich leafy greens, vegetables, and even fruits.
However, it can be tricky to know which foods are rabbit-safe. So if you’ve been wondering ‘Can rabbits eat asparagus?’, this post will clue you in and let you know all about asparagus for rabbits.
The quick answer is yes, mature rabbits can enjoy asparagus as an infrequent treat. Asparagus is a crunchy veggie snack that provides your rabbits with some great essential nutrients! However, there are certain guidelines and precautions to take before offering your bunnies asparagus and it should never be offered as more than an infrequent treat.
Can Rabbits Have Asparagus: Nutritional Information
First, let’s take a look at if and why rabbits can eat asparagus. According to Healthline, asparagus contains Folate, Iron and Zinc as well as a handful of vitamins and minerals like
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- Folate
- Potassium
- Phosphorous
And although asparagus is part of the Lily plant family, which often contains plants that are toxic to rabbits, it does not contain any toxic or harmful substances!
Rather, the range of nutrients in asparagus can greatly boost the health of your mature bunny. Rabbits must ingest all needed vitamins from their diet, and with four to offer asparagus is a great source of essential vitamins.
Potassium is also pivotal for healthy growth and development in rabbits. In fact, if a bunny receives less than 0.6% potassium from their diet they can suffer from muscular dystrophy and other serious health issues.
Bunnies can have asparagus because it is a non-toxic vegetable that offers a host of beneficial nutrients to support the health of mature rabbits.
Do Rabbits Eat Asparagus Plants
Knowing that asparagus is okay to feed your rabbit and actually having your rabbit eat asparagus are two different things. Many rabbits DO eat asparagus if offered to them, but some are more picky than others and may not enjoy the strong taste.
Will Rabbits Eat Asparagus Plants
If you offer your bunny fresh, green asparagus they will most likely nibble at it.
The rabbits that enjoy the stronger flavor of asparagus will eat the whole plant happily while some bunnies will leave it alone after a few nibbles. Either way, you can feel free to offer this veggie to your rabbits.
Feeding Rabbits Asparagus
While asparagus can be very beneficial for your mature rabbits, it should never be overfed. Rabbits have evolved a specialized and sensitive digestive system that relies on constant high fibers (this is why hay is the primary part of a healthy rabbit’s diet!).
Asparagus is high in water and low in fiber. This means that overfeeding asparagus to your rabbits can result in diarrhea, bloating and even GI stasis.
We recommend offering no more than 1-2 pieces of asparagus to your bunny, ensuring this veggie never makes up more than 5-10% of their daily diet. A general rule to follow is about 1 cup of greens or veggies per 2lb of body weight.
Now, let’s go over the parts and forms of this vegetable that are safe for your rabbit to enjoy!
Can Rabbits Eat Asparagus Stems
Yes, mature rabbits can eat the thick, juicy stems of asparagus. They are a delicious snack that many rabbits will enjoy!
Can Rabbits Eat Asparagus Stalks
The stalks and stems of asparagus are one and the same! So yes, mature rabbits can nibble away at the stalk (aka stem) of asparagus without worry.
Can Rabbits Eat Asparagus Ends
The ends of the asparagus contain a lot of fibers and are usually too tough for humans to eat and enjoy.
However, you can offer a few asparagus ends to your bunnies as the higher fiber content is healthy for them. Note that very old asparagus ends are almost woody and shouldn’t be offered to rabbits.
Can Rabbits Eat Raw Asparagus
Rabbits are exclusive herbivores that thrive on raw (uncooked) plant materials. As such, we never recommend feeding cooked greens or veggies to your bunny. So, yes, as is natural, bunnies can eat raw asparagus!
Can Rabbits Eat Sweet Asparagus
Asparagus is most naturally sweet in spring and can be offered in moderation to mature rabbits at that time. They will be sure to enjoy the slightly sweet and nutritious treat!
Can Bunnies Have Green Asparagus
Asparagus is a naturally green vegetable that should not be eaten if it is yellowed or wilted.
Be sure to pick out fresh green stalks for your bunnies, as green asparagus contains the most vitamins and minerals for your rabbit’s benefit.
How to Offer Asparagus To Rabbits
When giving your bunnies any type or part of asparagus, it is best to follow the following guidelines:
- Choose only fresh and green asparagus.
- Inspect the asparagus well to remove any insects or slugs.
- Wash the asparagus well with cool water, removing any residual dirt and potential pesticides.
You can then feed asparagus to your rabbits like this:
- Place a very small bit (1-2 pieces) of washed asparagus in the hutch or house of your rabbit OR cut it into bite size pieces and place it into a clean bowl inside the hutch or house of your rabbit.
- Allow your rabbit to enjoy the veggie.
- Be sure to remove the feeding bowl and any excess asparagus later in the day.
Can Baby Bunnies Eat Asparagus
No, do not feed baby rabbits asparagus. Rabbits less than 12 weeks old do not have a fully developed digestive and GI tract and cannot eat any exotic or complex veggies.
You can begin feeding your rabbit asparagus as a treat when they reach 12 weeks. At this point, their stomach and digestive tract is ready to process and pass small quantities of natural veggie treats!
To introduce asparagus to your newly mature rabbit, offer it a small piece and observe its reaction. Even if everything seems okay, we recommend waiting a full 24 hours before offering more, to ensure all your bunnies behavior and fecal matter is normal.
If your newly mature rabbit seems to exhibit discomfort, abnormal behavior, or soft stool do not feed it more asparagus! This means that your rabbit needs a little more time to strengthen and develop its stomach and digestion; try the whole process again in two or more weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions Related To Can Rabbits Have Asparagus
Is Asparagus Poisonous To Rabbits?
Unlike other members of the lily family, asparagus is NOT poisonous to rabbits and can be eaten as an infrequent, nutritious treat.
How Much Asparagus Can A Rabbit Eat?
Asparagus should never be a main part of your rabbit’s diet as it does not provide high fibers. However, mature bunnies can enjoy about 1 cup of asparagus per 2lb of their body weight.
Can Wild Rabbits Eat Asparagus?
Yes, if wild rabbits come across asparagus in your garden they are sure to take a few nibbles! Some rabbits do not like the strong taste of asparagus and may leave it alone, but it may be a good idea to put in a low fence around your veggie garden to prevent unwanted snackers.
Quick Video: These Lops are not interested in Asparagus
Final Thoughts on Can Rabbits Eat Asparagus
Asparagus can be added as a nutritious treat and supplement to the diet of your mature rabbits. This green veggie offers numerous essential vitamins and minerals but should never take the place of your bunny’s high quality hay!
Remember that rabbits can only digest raw plant materials and should never be offered cooked or steamed veggies.
In addition, immature baby rabbits are not yet equipped with the digestive strength needed to properly metabolize veggie treats. It is best practice to refrain from offering baby bunnies asparagus.
Finally, don’t fret if your rabbit doesn’t eat the asparagus you offer him, many rabbits are picky and they will only eat what appeals to them; if your bunny isn’t happy with asparagus, try other beneficial greens such as wheatgrass and Radish Greens!
Want to know more about vegetables for rabbits and what vegetables can rabbits have daily? Read our post on Vegetables for Rabbits