If you are looking for simple answers that is red or purple cabbage is safe for the rabbits. The answer is ‘Yes, purple cabbage is safe and more effective than green cabbage but you have to consider a few things that I have discussed in detail before feeding purple cabbage”. I shifted from green to purple cabbage a few months ago and my bunnies are stronger. However, I have shifted this diet slowly and now it is perfect for my babies.
Why Purple Cabbage is safer and more effective than Green cabbage for rabbits?
Purple cabbage contains the pigment anthocyanins which give it purple or red color. These anthocyanins are absent in green cabbage and it is a strong anti-oxidant. This increase in antioxidants increases immunity, reduces inflammation, and prevents the rabbit’s body from cancer. Most of the nutritional value in both the cabbage is same but red cabbage has more Vitamin A and C. Therefore, Purple cabbage is not only safer but also provides extra protection against the cancer of Rabbits.
What are the major nutrients in the Purple Cabbages?
Vitamins A, C, and K: The presence of vitamins especially A, C, and k increases the nutritional value of cabbage
Potassium and Calcium: Cabbage also has a high amount of calcium and potassium which benefits the rabbits
Dietary Fibers: Cabbages have a high amount of dietary fibers which are absent in other feeds.
What are the health benefits provided by Purple cabbage to Rabbits?
High immune properties: Red cabbage is an immunity booster and acts like a vaccine for the immunity of rabbits. It contains a high amount of antioxidants that improve the germ-fighting abilities of your rabbit
Rich in Fibers: fibers are an important product of cabbage in the stomach of rabbits. Dietary fibers improve digestion and muscle strength. If your rabbits are getting obese, cabbages are the perfect diet for them
Water-rich content: Cabbage has an important property in that it holds a significant amount of water that is rich in carbohydrates. Thus, this water is highly consumable and the use of purple cabbage can improve the water content of your rabbit.
Improvement in digestion; In research, the National Health Institute found that red cabbage intervention in food improves the bile movement, weight, and microbial activity in the stomach. It is a scientifically proven fact that cabbages improve stomach digestion and bile movement in rabbits.
What are the side effects of Purple Cabbages for Rabbits?
There is not a single food that has no side effects. Similarly red cabbage has certain issues and side effects and most of these side effects are secondary and non-severe
Gas- production in the Stomach; Red cabbage has indigestible “Ruffinose” that can cause gas in the stomach of the rabbits but this does not happen with a moderate amount. The production of gas is mostly in case over-consumption that can hurt the stomach and digestion of bunnies
High Calcium diet: cabbage has a high amount of vitamin K and calcium that benefits the bones and muscles of the rabbit but it can increase the urinary tract infection. Also, do not give it while your baby bunny is on medication.
Lazy Diet: Rabbits have high potassium in them which causes dizziness, sleepiness, and lack of concentration. Nation Institute of Health proved that cabbage caused sleepiness in rats. Thus, it can be a potential issue if your rabbits are already sluggish but it can be a plus point if your babies are sleep-deprived due to high warm diets.
Tips to feed the Purple cabbage to the Rabbits
- The transition of cabbage should be slow. Do not give a high cabbage diet if your bunnies have never been exposed to the cabbages before
- Wash the cabbages properly and peel the layers so that bunnies that can easily consume it
- Remember moderation matters and therefore give an appropriate amount of cabbages to rabbit
- Donot give cabbages to the rabbits when they are on medications
- Diversify your food menu and give cabbage with gaps
- Some rabbits are allergic to cabbages, therefore, feed a small amount first before giving a full dose.
FAQS
Is Red\Purple cabbage safe for rabbits?
Yes, it is safe to give cabbages to the rabbits but take precautions above
Can rabbits eat purple cabbage daily?
Yes, cabbage can be given to the rabbits every day but moderation should be necessarily held.
Which cabbage is better for bunnies?
Both purple and green cabbages are good but purple cabbages have a more effective impact on rabbit body
Can I mix other vegetables with my diet?
Cabbage can be adjusted with any diet given your suitability and financial status. It does not react with any other diet.
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