"Feed in moderation" list

[Thumperina]

Are high oxalates the only problem or is this something else?
I am finding contradicting info on what veggies are high in oxalates. One source may list something high, while another says it's not.
I really would like to reveal the truth about this "feed in moderation" list...
So far, my rabbits would eat the following (also this is what our stores carry and what looks good and worth buying)

Kale
Collards
Parsley
Romaine
Endive
Broccoli

I think all of them except endive and romaine are in that "moderation" list. I tried some other things (like chard) but no luck. I don't feed spinach knowing it's problematic, plus they won't touch it anyway.
What do you think about my list, what else should be fed in moderation, and what you recommend me to add ?

 

[Blue eyes]

Hmmm... I know what you mean about contradicting info. It seems that while some lists warn about moderating certain greens, other lists are aware of additional or different greens to moderate.

It was my understanding that kale, collard greens and parsley are all high in calcium and therefore may need to be limited somewhat (not fed daily) to prevent a build up of calcium.

Have you tried other lettuces like green leaf and red leaf?
Not sure if you garden, but basil grows like a weed once established. Basil is safe in large quantities.

 

[Thumperina]

thank you. The problem is that my rabbits are spoiled and conservative. They can be simply ignoring what I want them to eat.
Yes tried red and green leaf lettuces. They like it so-so sometimes leaving uneaten. Another problem with them is that they don't keep very well, I mean that romaine is more firm so it would stay fresh longer after being served. Green and red get wilt really fast.
I never gave them basil I think. and I don't garden. Maybe I should try to grow it indoors in the pot.
thank you once again. I hope you don't feel that your advise was not good enough.

 

[Azerane]

On my personal feed in moderation list are also cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, kale, bok choy and cabbage because they tend to cause gas which can obviously lead to GI stasis if you're not careful. So as a rule I don't feed these at all, or if I do it's only a very small amount, maybe once a week as a treat. Certainly not every day, or every other day for me.

 

[Thumperina]

On my personal feed in moderation list are also cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, kale, bok choy and cabbage because they tend to cause gas which can obviously lead to GI stasis if you're not careful. So as a rule I don't feed these at all, or if I do it's only a very small amount, maybe once a week as a treat. Certainly not every day, or every other day for me.

what do you feed not in moderation then?

 

[Azerane]

what do you feed not in moderation then?

Dark leaf lettuce, basil, chervil, rosemary, thyme, coriander, oregano, mint, sometimes celery leaves if I've got them, maybe one or two other herbs that I'm forgetting. I try to have at least 3 daily foods, plus either one that's high in calcium, or one that's high in oxalates and switch them out every other day. Then I also have at least one day a week where I don't feed one that's high in calcium or oxalates.

Since I noticed you're buying foods, I know it can be more tricky, especially for herbs since buying fresh herbs can be very expensive. Celery leaves are a good one though, you can also feed the stalk but I tend not to since that's the part I use for cooking. In addition to romaine lettuce you could also feed red leaf, or rocket/arugula.

 

[Blue eyes]

thank you once again. I hope you don't feel that your advise was not good enough.

Not at all.

Until Azarene mentioned it, I completely forgot about celery. I have been giving mine celery leaves and some stalks fairly often recently. Hubby is dieting and he takes celery stalks with him to work and leaves the tops for me to give the buns. :clapping:

I've also been growing mint outside. If you try pot planting, mint is supposed to be real easy. Mint is another one safe to feed daily.

 

[Thumperina]

I am confused about celery leafs. All i see in stores are stalks with a very occasional leaf on them. It would never be enough to feed even one rabbit.

Dark leaf lettuce, basil, chervil, rosemary, thyme, coriander, oregano, mint, sometimes celery leaves

in the store, I can easily buy only dark leaf lettuces. All other mentioned herbs are sold in very small bunches (if sold at all) and rather expensive (that's what you mentioned too)

I didn't know there is different danger in oxalates and calcium. I thought that high in oxalates is the same as high in calcium. Wrong?

 

[Azerane]

I am confused about celery leafs. All i see in stores are stalks with a very occasional leaf on them. It would never be enough to feed even one rabbit.
in the store, I can easily buy only dark leaf lettuces. All other mentioned herbs are sold in very small bunches (if sold at all) and rather expensive (that's what you mentioned too)

I didn't know there is different danger in oxalates and calcium. I thought that high in oxalates is the same as high in calcium. Wrong?

It's possible it's a little different here then, as when you buy a bunch or half bunch of celery, they have most of the leaves on the top still. Romaine lettuce is a good one too though if it's available. And yes, if I didn't have room to grow herbs, I probably wouldn't feed them to Bandit because of the cost of buying them.

The oxalates and high calcium are a different thing. I'm not 100% sure on the scientific facts, but I know oxalic acid can build up in the system and result in kidney damage if fed too often. Calcium is a separate issue, which can lead to bladder sludge etc.

 

[Nancy McClelland]

Celery here is sold either cut with no bottom or leaves on top or as a cluster with every I just mentioned still attached. Definitely watch out with the cruciforms and the high oxalates--some can tolerate them but it can be problematic(life threatening) with others. I got the list of what to use from my vet--it also listed cruciform and high oxalates. One of our bunnies favorites is Cilantro. My rabbits get "Hobsons Choice", they eat what I put in their bowl. By historical fact, Hobson owned a riding stable in London that was quite busy and had a large amount of horses. He got tired of people requesting a certain horse, which took more time to find and ready, so he initiated a system where you either took the next horse that was ready or you took a walk. Guess what I have degrees in?

 

[Blue eyes]

Cilantro is one herb that isn't expensive at the grocery stores. It is usually sold in bunches like the parsley rather than in those cutesy little plastic containers that charge an arm and a leg for a tiny bit of oregano or thyme or whatever.

Bunnies can eat the celery stalks as well. They just need to be cut in 1" slices to prevent the 'strings' from causing an issue in the gut the way threads might.