Owners of rabbits have repeatedly faced the challenge of providing their pets with a complete and balanced diet. It doesn’t matter if it is a farm animal or a representative of an ornamental breed: the feed should consist of the lion's share of greenery and herbs. In connection with this circumstance, many rabbit breeders are interested in the question of whether it is possible for rabbits to get horseradish. In the warm season, this plant is easily accessible - it can be grown in areas, but is it possible to give horseradish leaves to rabbits? Would this plant harm a pet? No, if you follow the rules of processing and introducing into the complementary foods of this green.
Is it possible to feed rabbits horseradish
This culture, like any other tops, is not given in its pure form, but with an admixture of other varieties. Can rabbits have horseradish leaves in their pure form? With the right dosage, this will not harm the pet, but here you need to be extremely careful: in addition to the unique healing properties, the culture also has components that are contraindicated in rodents in large quantities. In addition, in its pure form, this plant has a too tart smell and heavy taste; a pet may simply not like this treat.
What is horseradish and how it is useful for rabbits
Horseradish ordinary, or rustic, is a type of perennial deciduous crop with a branched stem and large leaves. The culture grows mainly in the Eurasian zone. Most often found in places with high humidity. This plant is famous primarily for the amount of vitamins and nutrients that it contains. Among them, one can especially highlight:
- vitamins B, C and E, which improve blood circulation, color and texture of the coat, provide good absorption of proteins, fats and carbohydrates;
- folic acid - a component necessary for the proper growth and development of the pet;
- fiber;
- healthy essential oils, etc.
The animal body is not able to independently replenish all these vitamins, therefore, it needs additional feeding. Also, the leaves and stem of the culture contain ascorbic acid and mustard oil. In small doses, this plant increases appetite and improves the work of the stomach in a rabbit. The composition of the culture contains bactericidal substances, so the leaves can help cleanse the rabbit's body of toxins and toxins. Sometimes a few drops of the essential oil from the stems of this plant, added to the water, significantly help the pet to endure complex poisoning.
Fresh horseradish has many more nutrients and vitamins. But it is important to remember that fresh greens in the rabbit's diet should be dosed, depending on the weight and age of the animal.
Optimal places for picking leaves and stalks of horseradish
The easiest way to get green fodder in summer is to grow them on your site. Then you can be sure that the horseradish is useful and was not subject to chemical processing. Horseradish in the public domain can be bought at any market or farm.
Near the rivers and swamps you can meet wild horseradish, which is also suitable for feeding rabbits. In this case, a number of simple collection rules should be followed:
- it is best to collect the plant away from the road or dusty places;
- it is important to carefully examine the stems and leaves for insects and diseases;
- the tops should be green and voluminous, but the root should be a light brown in color on the outside and off-white inside.
At first, horseradish should be given dosed, not more than the edge of the leaf per day. When feeding young rabbits with horseradish, it is important to monitor the behavior of the eared ears. You need to carefully monitor the pet: if after eating the rabbit did not show signs of indigestion, then the rodent liked the greens. Now you can gradually increase the daily horseradish rate in the rabbit menu. For an adult, a quarter of one leaf per day will be enough. Before use, it is better to mix with clover or nettle.
Horseradish can be given to rabbit both fresh and dried, but before that the plant should be properly processed.
Methods for processing fresh horseradish
Can rabbits be given fresh horseradish leaves? Yes, if you yourself grow a plant in your garden.
In this case, it is enough to simply rinse the tops with boiled water from pollen and dirt, wipe with a cloth, and then cut the right amount from the leaf. To reduce the severity of horseradish, you can make a mixture of different tops. Horseradish is in perfect harmony with nettle, clover, stalks of carrots or beets. Before you start feeding, beet tops should be treated with crushed chalk: this will prevent an upset stomach in the animal, since beets can have a laxative effect.
We must not forget to carefully examine the leaves and stems of horseradish: the plant should not be sick or rotten. Wild horseradish is also suitable for feeding, but only the one that grows away from highways.
It is better not to give the store vegetables and fruits to the pet: they are often processed with various means to preserve the goods during long-term transportation. These chemicals do little harm to humans, but can greatly undermine the health of the little fluffy.
Dried horseradish leaves
During the winter, a rabbit whose 30% monthly ration consists of greenery needs additional vitamins. To do this, it’s enough to prepare horseradish leaves from the summer. The best time to collect this plant for drying is August or early September. Horseradish leaves and stems accumulate enough mineral vitamins at this point and are great for cutting. The tops should be sorted, washed thoroughly with warm water and dried with a clean sheet of paper or linen.
When the water dries, the plants need to be moved to a place with good circulation of fresh air. Hay from the leaves of this crop contains a large number of nutrients and will serve as a good addition to conventional feed. Green food with horseradish should be given to rabbits no more than 2-3 times a week. Herbs should be alternated and fed in small pieces, otherwise you can tear your pet's stomach.
What conclusion can be made? Rabbits can be given horseradish, in case of poisoning it is even necessary. But if the rabbits are decorative, you can give rabbits horseradish leaves very carefully. In small quantities, this plant enhances immunity and improves the functioning of the rabbit's gastrointestinal tract. A good gathering place, proper processing and a sustained daily allowance - all this will help to use horseradish to feed the animal.
