Beetroot

[Sabine]

I bought a bunch of beetroot the other day as the green looked really fresh and I thought the buns might like it. They gobbled it in seconds and now I am wondering can they actually eat the root too as I don't really fancy cooking it after all. (Only like it pickled)
Would the dye transfer into their urine? Can it be eaten raw at all?

 

[Sabine]

Oh no I'm such an idiot. I just googled beetroot and it said: Avoid the leaves! The leaves are even listed among the poisonous plants:shock:

 

[paul2641]

Well since it is only in a small amount it should be O.K.

 

[NorthernAutumn]

I disagree with the Google note you found.... I've been compiling bunny food lists for the last few weeks, and all from HRS and experts indicate that beet greens are absolutely OK for bunnies.

The bottoms are very high in sugar, and so should be fed sparingly (obviously).

 

[Sabine]

I am glad to hear that. It's just odd that there are so many references to them being unsuitable. I couldn't quite see why they should be any different from other beet/root vegetable tops

 

[NorthernAutumn]

Would you mind listing some of those references for me? I'd like to see who is saying what & where

 

[Sabine]

There is one forum listing the leaves as unsafe next to actually poisonous plants
http://www.rabbitsnrodents.com/rabbitfaq.htm
It was mentioned as unsafe here
http://goldenbunnies.org.uk/showthread.php?t=4017
Here they also advice against the leaves
http://www.rngp.org/index-guinea-facts.shtml
No reason given anywhere:?

 

[NorthernAutumn]

Honestly, the only site of those 3 that I would put much stock in would be the UK Goldenbunnies, and the members there are obviously feeding it with success.
It is also on the safe list for many HRS.

I haven't seen a reason against the leaf myself, but I am aware that the root is very high in sugar.... thus, on the lists I've been looking at, the root is cautioned.

ANYWAY
I'd say the greens are good to go, and feed the root sparingly (if at all).

I just posted the most recent bunny-safe lists in the Lagomorph Library, if you want to take a look

 

[Sabine]

Thanks. I did give them all some beetroot today (1 between 8 bunnies) and they were not exactly wild about it. I guess I will have to look up some recipes to cook it for myself

 

[Hazel-Mom]

Sabine wrote:

I bought a bunch of beetroot the other day as the green looked really fresh and I thought the buns might like it. They gobbled it in seconds and now I am wondering can they actually eat the root too as I don't really fancy cooking it after all. (Only like it pickled)
Would the dye transfer into their urine? Can it be eaten raw at all?

Yes, the dye will very likely color their urine red. It may also colour yours .