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Every Rabbit owner should know that fresh hay (timothy, other grass hays, or oat hay), quality pellets and fresh water are the most important part of a rabbits diet.
But, apart from their regular diet, bunnies also love vegetables and fruits, which are often given as occasional treats.
In this article, we will discuss basil and its safety for rabbits.
Is basil safe for a bunny or it is harmful to them? How much basil can rabbits consume in order to stay healthy? Read on and find out.
Can My Rabbit Eat Basil
The answer is yes, rabbits can eat basil in moderation.
Many of the most powerful human superfoods (such as garlic and onions) are extremely dangerous for our bunnies, but basil appears to be one of the safest herbs you can give your rabbit.
Basil does not contain any substances that are known to be toxic to rabbits, so there is no reason you can’t mix a little bit of fresh or dried basil into their food for a burst of flavor.
This also means you don’t have to panic if your rabbit starts munching on fresh basil leaves growing in your backyard!
Health Benefits of Basil
If you were afraid basil was bad for rabbits because your pet accidentally had some, rest-assured that rabbits can eat basil without issues.
In fact, basil offers many health benefits for rabbits.
It’s an herb that is believed to have cancer-preventing properties and can also help prevent arthritis.
In addition, basil is one of the most powerful superfoods and is perfectly safe for rabbits to eat, in both fresh (raw) and dried forms.
- Prevents Cell Damage
Basil helps protect and prevent your rabbit from suffering from cellular damage.
Furthermore, basil contains many antioxidants that help destroy free radicals that can damage cells and cause cancer.
- Reduces The Risk of Cancer
Thanks to its high levels of antioxidants, basil can also help prevent a number of diseases including certain types of cancer.
It can also help protect your bunny against heart disease and arthritis, as well as other health issues associated with aging.
- Anti-Inflammatory
Basil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help protect rabbits against some diseases including arthritis.
Basil is especially helpful for rabbits that have mild arthritis, as you don’t want to put them on painkillers just yet.
Negative Side Effects
Basil is not toxic to rabbits and most rabbits don’t face any problems with the herb.
However…
You must keep an eye out for allergies—you never know what your bunny friend may be allergic to! Some rabbits are known to be allergic to certain herbs.
How Much Basil is Fine?
Well, the quantity of Basil should be moderate! Feeding a moderate amount frequently can bring several health benefits without any risk.
Wrapping Up:
Most rabbits like basil and some varieties make pretty good components of a well-rounded diet.
Just be sure that you stick to the best varieties available, and that you continue to provide your pet with rabbit pellets and timothy hay on a regular basis.
