Kelp is often given to pet rabbits in order to provide them with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. But how much do you actually know about kelp? And are there any side effects of giving it to your rabbits? If so, what can you do about it? We have put together this article just for that purpose!
What is kelp?
Kelp is a massive algae type of plant. There are many different types but usually, the one provided for rabbits is brown seaweed. This plant grows in bodies of water all around the world and can be found on various coasts. Kelp itself contains high amounts of iodine which makes it an excellent source of iodine for rabbits.
How often should I give my rabbits kelp?
Most people suggest to feed their pet rabbits with kelp once or twice a day. You can also make it into an occasional treat by only providing it every now and then. But never more than 1-2 times per week!
How much kelp do rabbits eat a day?
Bunnies will usually only take about 1 teaspoon of kelp per day or less. It is not recommended to give them more than that, even if they seem desperate for more! Because then they might get an upset stomach and be sick shortly after.
What kelp are safe for rabbits?
There are two types of kelp that rabbits can eat:
brown seaweed
bladderwrack.
Brown seaweed is much more common for pet owners to feed their bunnies, whereas bladderwrack is only suggested for really sick rabbits that need an extra boost in nutrients. It’s also somewhat hard to find, so most likely you will be feeding your bunny brown seaweed.
What is your experience feeding kelp to rabbits?
I have not had any problems with kelp, and my rabbits seem to love it! I actually get it from the farm store since our county sells small bags of it for pretty cheap.
Is it safe to feed kelp to your pet rabbits?
In most cases, yes. But it is important that you don’t give your rabbit too much all at once – otherwise they might get a stomachache and feel sick. Also keep in mind that there are a number of different types of seaweed – so it’s important you find the right kind for rabbits.
Where can I get kelp for my rabbits?
Some people have had luck finding dried seaweed at their local grocery stores. But most have found it online from various pet supply websites. It is also possible to find kelp at your local farm or feed store!
What to do if your pet rabbits are sick from eating kelp?
It is very easy for a rabbit to get an upset stomach by eating too much kelp all at once. Many veterinarians will say that it just needs to pass through the digestive system and everything should be fine after that. If this does not work, then you can try giving the rabbit an electrolyte mix and/or Pedialyte. If the problem persists, please take your bunny to a veterinarian for further advice.
Do rabbits like kelp?
Rabbits actually love kelp and seaweed. They seem to enjoy it very much because of the taste and high nutritional value. It is often used as a supplement in rabbit diets, due to its great taste for bunnies! It will be eaten immediately when you place it down in front of them.
Can pet rabbits eat kelp?
Most will say yes, some will disagree. But in most cases, it is safe to feed your pet rabbits seaweed or any type of food that is derived from the brown seaweed plant family. In addition to that, rabbits actually love eating this plant type!
3 good substitutes for kelp.
- Dandelion greens are another safe choice to feed your pet rabbits as long as they have been thoroughly washed and cooked before feeding! If you want to add a touch of sweetness to them then you can sprinkle some cinnamon on top
- Another good substitute is the carrot tops which have many of the same health benefits as kelp and dandelions! Make sure that you cook these thoroughly before feeding to your rabbit
- And finally, if all else fails then just use a high-quality rabbit pellet instead of kelp. This way you know your bunny is getting all the nutrients they need even if it’s not in natural seaweed form!
6 steps to prepare kelp for rabbits.
- You will need to find some fresh kelp to feed your rabbits if possible. This is preferably the best option since it has not gone through any cooking or frying processes.
- Freeze it for about 24 hours so all of the bacteria dies.
- After this time, place the thawed kelp in a strainer and wash it off with water repeatedly. This will ensure that any bacteria is removed, and it will clean the kelp entirely.
- Then boil it in a pot of boiling water for about 5 minutes or until it becomes soft enough to chew on.
- Let the kelp cool off before you give it to your bunnies!
- Finally – only give the right amount to your rabbits and keep it in a cool, dry place so it will last longer.
6 Possible concerns when feeding kelp to rabbits.
- Too much kelp can cause diarrhea, which is very common for most bunnies that eat too much seaweed at once! If this happens then it’s a good idea to pull the kelp away for a few days until it passes through the digestive system.
- Over time, your bunny may develop an allergy to kelp if fed too much of it! It will usually look like skin lesions or bald patches on top of their head where they usually eat from the kelp dish (and where kelp pieces tend to fall as well).
- If you’re not sure what type of seaweed your rabbit is eating, then it’s possible that there might be an actual poison plant mixed in! It’s important that you know the difference between each type and make sure to provide them with the right kelp.
- Kelp can become a breeding ground for parasites, which can cause a whole host of health problems for your pet bunnies. It’s important to make sure that all kelp you give them is thoroughly washed and cooked before feeding.
- Some seaweeds have been known to create iron deficiency in rabbits if eaten too often! But this should not be a big concern unless your pet rabbit is already lacking in iron. A good way to combat this issue is to feed them something with high amounts of vitamin C at the same time, such as oranges or kale.
- Finally – keep an eye out for when your bunny starts vomiting after eating kelp! It could mean they have gotten ahold of a poisonous seaweed and are severely sick. If this happens, then the best thing to do is call your vet immediately for advice on what to do!
4 health benefits of kelp for rabbits.
- Kelp is rich in vitamins and nutrients. Feeding your bunny kelp will help keep their fur healthy, eyes bright, and give them a shiny coat!
- It is also filled with iodine which works as an antiseptic so it will heal any wounds or cuts on the skin very quickly! This can be especially useful for older bunnies who have arthritis and other issues around their joints.
- It is also good as a digestive aid. In some cases it can even help rabbits that are having trouble taking care of their normal #2s!
- Keep an eye out on your rabbit during the first few times they eat kelp to make sure they don’t start to look or act sick in any way. But after this it will be okay to let them eat as much kelp as their little hearts desire!
6 signs your pet rabbits are sick from feeding kelp.
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dull or no appetite
- Fur loss
- Lethargy
- Constipation or difficulty with normal
By And By
I hope this article has been helpful for you. It was a pleasure to write it and share my thoughts with all of you! Comment below if there are any questions or comments about the post, please! Thanks again for reading 🙂
