This article is about whether or not rabbits can eat Celery. It discusses which types of rabbits can eat Celery, the dangers of giving it to them, and how absorbing the nutrients in fresh vegetables can lead to a healthier rabbit.
What is Celery?
Celery is a crunchy, tasty vegetable that most people use in salads and soups. It has a highly long taproot (most of the plant is below ground), which allows it to absorb large amounts of water.
What are the nutritional values of Celery?
Celery contains vitamin A, vitamin K, calcium, iodine, iron magnesium, manganese, phosphorus potassium, selenium, zinc, vitamin C, and dietary fiber. The nutrients this vegetable absorbs from the soil create its distinctive flavor.
Can Rabbits Eat Celery
Benefits of Celery for Rabbits
The benefits of Celery for rabbits have been widely debated. Some people claim that giving Celery to rabbits can lead to digestive issues such as diarrhea and stomach cramps, while others say it is a healthy part of a rabbit’s diet.
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Benefits of Celery for Digestion:
Celery contains high amounts of fiber, which helps the digestive tract stay regular and aids in nutrient absorption. The following article explains how this improves the health of the whole body: http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4576421_fiber-keep-body-regular_.html
Nutritive Value:
Celery contains calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin C, and dietary fiber. All of these nutrients are essential for the healthy functioning of the body’s cells and muscles.
Benefits of Celery for Rabbits’ Teeth:
Rabbits’ teeth grow continuously throughout their lives. Celery helps to wear down their ever-growing teeth because of its rough texture. If a rabbit does not brush its front teeth against Celery regularly, it will overgrow and cause injuries to the lips. Overgrown back molars can also lead to digestive issues by preventing rabbits from eating hay or digesting food normally.
Disadvantage of Celery for Digestion:
While Celery does contain fiber which aids in digestion, it is also high in insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber causes food to absorb water and creates softer stools. Insoluble fiber increases the time it takes to digest food and can lead to diarrhea if too much is consumed .
According to the following article, rabbits should not eat Celery because they are unable to properly digest it even with their short digestive tracts: http://www.rabbit.org/journal/4-3/nosewabadness.html#Fiber
Celery contains large amounts of insoluble fiber, which can cause intestinal distress when eaten in large quantities. Too much fiber can also lead to fecal impaction when the large intestine absorbs too much water and becomes blocked. This is very dangerous for rabbits, especially if they are unable to pass any feces or gas.
Do Rabbits Eat Celery on their own?
Rabbits are not built to digest celery because it is made of nearly all fiber, which rabbits cannot break down properly. Even if they eat it by accident, the insoluble fiber can harm their digestive tract and cause impaction problems.
While most kinds of rabbits should not be given Celery as a treat or an ingredient in their food, some types of rabbits can eat Celery safely.
Types of Rabbit that Can Eat Celery
Some breeds of dwarf rabbits are able to eat Celery. Humans developed these breeds to have shorter digestive tracts and the ability to digest large amounts of vegetables and fruit.
Risks of Feeding Celery to Rabbits
Feeding too much Celery or the wrong kinds of Celery can be dangerous for rabbits, so it should only be fed as a tiny part of their diet. Even if lettuces are given sparingly, they still contain large amounts of water that benefit the cells in a rabbit’s body because it keeps their skin hydrated and prevents them from overheating quickly.
Alternatives to Celery for Bunny Treats
While Celery is not safe for rabbits to eat, there are plenty of other vegetables to enjoy safely. Carrots, kale, and parsley are packed with vitamin A and high amounts of fiber that benefit their skin and digestive tract. If you want to give your rabbit a healthy treat for its stomach, try these veggies instead.
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Conclusion:
While Celery contains many nutrients that are good for rabbits, it is also high in fiber and can cause intestinal distress if too much is eaten. Since rabbits do not have the digestive system to process Celery properly, they should only be given a small amount of Celery or not at all. Humans developed some breeds of rabbits specifically to eat large amounts of vegetables without danger, but others should avoid eating it.