Savoy cabbage is an excellent food for rabbits and can be fed regularly as part of a balanced diet. However, they should only eat a small amount because too much savoy cabbage can cause problems like gas and bloating.
Savoy cabbage is a type of cabbage that is dark green and has a wrinkled appearance. It is a member of the Brassica family, which also includes broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and kale. Savoy cabbage is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, fiber, and minerals.
Rabbits are herbivores that enjoy eating various fruits, vegetables, and hay. While savoy cabbage is not a necessary part of a rabbit’s diet, it can be a healthy occasional treat. When feeding savoy cabbage to a rabbit, it is essential to remove the tough outer leaves and chop the cabbage into small pieces.
This article will cover the benefits of savoy cabbage for rabbits. You’ll learn how much to feed your rabbit and the best veggies to feed along with savoy cabbage to maximize your rabbit’s daily nutrients.
What You'll Learn
Savoy Cabbage Is One of The Healthiest Forms of Cabbage For Rabbits
Cabbage, in general, is great for rabbits, but savoy cabbage stands out from the rest. Here are a few of the main benefits your rabbit will receive from eating this veggie:
1) High in Fiber
Savoy cabbage is a good source of fiber, which is important for rabbits. Fiber helps keep the digestive system healthy and prevents problems like constipation. Fiber also helps rabbits feel full and can help prevent overeating.
2) Vitamins A, C, and K
Savoy cabbage is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K. Vitamin A is important for vision and immunity. Vitamin C is an important antioxidant and helps keep the body healthy, and vitamin K is important for blood clotting.
3) Minerals (Calcium, Potassium, and Magnesium)
Savoy cabbage is a good source of minerals, including calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Calcium is essential for bone health, potassium is important for heart health, and magnesium is important for energy production.
4) Low in Sugar
Limiting your rabbit’s sugar intake is important because too much sugar can lead to obesity and other health problems. Thankfully, savoy cabbage is a low-sugar veggie.
5) Can Keep Rabbits Teeth Healthy and Clean
Rabbits teeth grow continuously, and they need to gnaw on things to keep their teeth at a healthy length. Savoy cabbage can help keep rabbits’ teeth healthy and clean. Chewing on savoy cabbage can help grind down a rabbit’s teeth and prevent overgrowth.
How Much Savoy Cabbage Should I Feed My Rabbit?
Rabbits should only eat a small amount of savoy cabbage because too much can cause problems like gas and bloating.
A good rule of thumb is to start with 1/8 of a cup of chopped savoy cabbage per 5 pounds of body weight and adjust as needed. For example, a 10-pound rabbit could have 1/4 cup of savoy cabbage.
If your rabbit is eating other fruits and vegetables in addition to savoy cabbage, you may need to adjust the amount of savoy cabbage accordingly. For example, if your rabbit eats 1/2 a cup of other fruits and vegetables, you would only need to give 1/8 of a cup of savoy cabbage.
The best way to know if you’re feeding your rabbit the right amount of savoy cabbage is to monitor their weight and watch for any changes in their digestive system. If your rabbit starts to gain weight or has problems like diarrhea, you may need to reduce the amount of savoy cabbage you’re feeding.
How to Introduce Savoy Cabbage to Your Rabbits Diet
Like any new food, it’s important to properly introduce savoy cabbage into your rabbit’s diet. If you skip the “introduction” phase, your rabbit may suffer severe digestive issues.
To start, prepare the cabbage by:
1) Removing the tough outer leaves
2) Chopping the cabbage into small pieces
3) Adding the chopped cabbage to your rabbit’s regular food
Start by adding a small amount of chopped cabbage and gradually increase the amount over time. For example, you could start with 1/8 of a cup and increase it to 1/4 of a cup over the course of a week.
It’s important to monitor your rabbit closely during this process and watch for any changes in their digestive system. If your rabbit starts to have problems like diarrhea, stop feeding savoy cabbage and consult with your veterinarian.
The Best Veggies to Feed Along With Savoy Cabbage
It’s completely fine to feed savoy cabbage by itself to your rabbit, but if you want to maximize the number of nutrients, it’s best to feed savoy cabbage along with other veggies that have different nutrients. The veggies that best complement savoy cabbage include:
- Carrots
- Kale
- Cucumber
- Bell Peppers
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Asparagus
- Cauliflower
- Spinach
- Zucchini
You can mix and match these veggies however you’d like. They all have nutrients that complement savoy cabbage, which means your rabbit will get a nice boost of vitamins for the day!