Can rabbits eat cat grass? Whether you have cats or rabbits or both, you’ve probably come across the question of whether or not your rabbit can eat cat grass. While some sources say cat grass is healthy for your rabbit and will even help curb their appetite, others say it can make your bunny sick or even kill them. Don’t worry! We’re here to help you get the truth about whether or not rabbits can eat cat grass.
Is it safe for rabbits to eat cat grass?
It depends on what kind of grass you give them. Most commercial varieties contain high levels of nitrates, which can be poisonous to rabbits. Using clippings from your yard may also be dangerous since it could have a variety of pesticides or chemicals from other plants that grow nearby.
Yes, rabbits can eat cat grass. However, rabbits should only be fed cat grass as a treat. While cats enjoy it for its nutritional value, many veterinarians do not recommend feeding cat grass regularly because of its low protein content. When providing cat grass as a treat to your rabbit, be sure it is pesticide-free and grown in a controlled environment—just like you would for your kitty!
Things you need to know before feeding cat grass
Rabbits and cats can live together in one household, but that doesn’t mean they can eat whatever they want! While it’s true that cat grass is technically fine for your bunny, there are a few things you need to know before feeding it. You see, feeding cat grass—or any weeds or greens—to your rabbit could be a severe health risk. That said, even if your rabbit has a different diet plan than Fido, we’re not speaking he can’t partake of some delectable feline fare from time to time. After all, what’s more fun than hanging out with your furry friends as they chow down on some deliciously grown greenery? Make sure it’s safe for them, though!
What are the benefits of feeding your rabbit cat grass
Most people probably don’t think of cat grass as a food source, but it is. Cat grass is an excellent alternative to feeding your rabbit a typical hay-only diet. First, rabbit pellets can contain too much protein for rabbits, so switching to a diet with lots of hay and just a few shots can be better for their digestion.
How much and how often should you feed your rabbit cat grass
Contrary to popular belief, rabbits are safe to eat cat grass. This superfood can be an excellent way for your rabbit to get a bit of nutrient that isn’t available in their typical diet. You may have heard that rabbits should not be fed cat grass because it could cause them harm and make them sick—but there are no documented cases of harmful side effects.
The key is moderation. As with any new food, introduce it slowly and watch closely for changes in your bunny’s health and behavior. Overfeeding is more likely to cause problems than cat grass, but if you monitor your rabbit carefully as they start eating cat grass, you shouldn’t have any issues!
This raises other concerns.
What about my rabbits’ nutrition or that of my other pet? Will feeding them cat grass cause vitamin deficiencies? Not likely. A rabbit’s diet, which should be 75 percent hay, will provide plenty of fiber and other nutrients to compensate for any loss from eating cat grass, says Dr. Bob Reed of ABZ Pet Emergency and Specialty Center in Houston.
However, he warns over time; it could build up enough toxins to cause poisoning if fed regularly. If given too much or a sick animal ingests large amounts, it could result in an upset stomach or diarrhea. If you are concerned about your rabbit’s health, talk with your vet before giving him cat grass regularly.
But it’s good they like it.
There is little doubt that rabbits like cat grass: Some pet owners report their pets can be pretty picky about it; they will throw out their pellets if mixed with any other food (like hay) and only eat fresh cat grass alone.
But is it safe for them to eat? There has been a lot of debate on rabbit forums about whether or not rabbits should eat cat grass. Still, an expert weighed in recently and gave his professional opinion on how much is too much and what you can do to keep your rabbit from overeating without jeopardizing its health. I recommend reading The Truth About Rabbit’s Eating Cat Grass.
How should you handle it if your rabbit eats cat grass?
It’s likely safe for your rabbit to eat cat grass. If it doesn’t seem to bother her, there’s no need to worry about potential risks. The main concern for rabbit owners is that cat grass might make their bunnies sick if they haven’t been eating hay and other bunny-safe foods already.
Many rabbits won’t be interested in eating cat grass, so don’t force them to try it if they seem uninterested. Make sure you only offer something new to your bunny after you watch her chew some hay and clean out her cage—this is a good way of knowing she has an appetite first. And before offering anything new, always ask a vet whether it’s OK.
If you have more questions, I highly recommend consulting with your vet
You can also seek out books written for pet owners on how to care for your specific animal. The internet is a valuable resource, but you should consult a trusted expert before making changes to your rabbit’s diet or health routine – especially if you aren’t sure about what you’re doing.
For example, it’s safe for rabbits to eat cat grass, as long as it doesn’t have any poisonous pesticides on it and is grown in clean soil! However, some rabbits can’t handle any plant matter due to digestive issues, so proceed cautiously.