Feeding the house rabbit 3: Fresh herbs

 

 

Camilla Bergstrøm

 

 

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Rabbits possess a greater number of taste buds than humans, making them particularly fond of food with pronounced flavors. Herbs are an excellent way to enhance the flavor of a meal. They can be served fresh or dried, and they are an excellent alternative to treats. Most herbs are known to possess medicinal properties. These properties include antibacterial or analgesic effects, action on the cardiovascular and respiratory system, digestive tract, nervous system, muscles, and skin in animals. Fresh herbs can play a crucial role in maintaining the health and well-being of rabbits. It should be noted that the use of these plants should not be a substitute for the consultation with a veterinarian specializing in rabbits or the administration of prescribed drug therapies when a rabbit is unwell.

Herbs can also be harvested in nature and dried for use during the winter months. They should be picked in locations that are free from contamination by cat, dog, or fox feces, and that have not been treated with chemicals or pesticides. Many outdoor plants contain toxic molecules that could be harmful or even fatal. Therefore, it is essential to only select herbs that are known to be safe. It is important to note that rabbits may not always be able to discern which plants are suitable for consumption, unlike their wild counterparts.

Some herbs that rabbits like to eat

Basil

Ocimum basilicum

Peppermint

Mentha piperita

Parsley

Petroselinum hortense

Garden cress

Lepidium sativum

Sage

Salvia officinalis

Caraway

Carum carvi

Dill

Anethum graveolens

Oregano

Origanum vulgare

Lavender

Lavandula sp.

Comfrey

Symphytum officinale

Dandelion

Taraxacum officinale

Rosemary

Rosmarinus officinalis

Thyme

Thymus vulgaris

Clover

Trifolium pratense

Chamomile

Matricaria chamomilla

Coriander, cilantro

Coriandrum sativum

Borage

Borago officinalis

Salad burnet, small burnet

Sanguisorba minor

Chervil

Cherifolium cerefolium

Lovage

Levisticum officinale

Mustard greens

Sinapis

Tarragon

Artemesia dracunculus

Lemon balm

Melissa officinalis

Nettle

Urtica dioica

 

 

 

Camilla Bergstrøm - MediRabbit

 

Most rabbits love fresh or dried herbs.

Here, a pot of basil and a dish with dried plantain are suffering the ultimate sacrifice

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