Top 5 Bunny Superfoods

While there’s no shortage of articles when it comes to human superfoods, the same can’t be said for bunnies. Luckily, we’re here to remedy that. Here’s our top five list of “superfoods” that you might want to add to your bunnies diet.

-Disclaimer-

As you probably are aware, the average bunny diet should consist primarily of hay and pellets. However, we’re not going to water down our list with suggestions you’ve already implemented. The following foods should be fed in moderation and introduced slowly just like any other treat.

1. Dandelion Greens

Nutrients: Vitamin A, C & K, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, fiber

Health Benefits: Boosts immune system, increases respiratory health, helps reduce stress, anti-inflammatory

If you’ve never fed your bunny dandelion, you’re missing out. This extremely underrated green contains many of the vitamins and minerals found in fruits and vegetables without the added sugars. If you don’t have access to a pesticide free garden to weed it out of, your local grocery store probably has a bunch in stock.

2. Watercress

Nutrients: Vitamin K & C, antioxidants

Health Benefits: Boosts Immune system, increases heart health

Though you won’t likely have access to this aquatic green outside of a grocery store, both the sprouts and leaves of this plant are very nutritious. It has a rather intense flavor similar to that of mustard greens. If you feed your bun a mix of greens daily, it’s a great add-in.

3. Papaya

Nutrients:  Vitamin A, C, papain, antioxidants

Health Benefits: Breaks down fur in digestive track to prevent hairballs and improve digestion

Papaya has been a lifesaver for our buns during molting season. It contains enzymes that break down the loose fur many bunnies have trouble digesting after they groom themselves. Like all fruits, it needs to be fed in moderation. You can buy a whole papaya and feed the flesh (not the seeds), buy sugar free dried papaya, or papaya enzyme tablets.

4. Plantain

Nutrients: Vitamin A, C & K, antioxidants

Health Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal ,and anti-bacterial properties

Here, plantain refers to the backyard weed rather than the banana like fruit. As less conventional food, plantain is a bit harder to get your hands on. Don’t expect to see it at the grocery store, but you may be able to find wild pesticide free plantain or dried leaves online. It’s known for aiding the immune and digestion system, and is one of the best greens for a daily mix or treat.

5. Wheatgrass

Nutrients: Vitamin A, C, E, K, & B6, potassium, iron, copper, magnesium, fiber 

Health Benefits: Immune booster, anti-inflammatory

Wheatgrass is both my and my bunnies favorite. If you’re interested in growing any of your own rabbit food, it’s a great start. and your bunny will love you for it. It can be fed in similar quantities as greens, and is even healthier than many of the commonly fed ones. Though some grocery stores carry it, I would recommend buying some organic wheat berries and sprouting it yourself for a more affordable option.