Can rabbits eat cauliflower leaves?

[stoneeater]

I have some cauliflower plants that were planted too late and probably won't make it. It's already hitting the mid to high 80's here. So it's just a big clump of leaves. Can I cut these leaves off and feed them to my wife's rabbit? I saw a list of foods they can eat and can't eat and cauliflower wasn't listed on either list over at the House rabbit website. Anyone know?

 

[Akane]

In small amounts. Especially if they haven't had any vegetables before. Cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower can cause gas problems in mammals which can become dangerous if the digestive tract is slowed. If they aren't used to vegetables I'd only give them a few bites at a time at first and stop at a leaf a day.

 

[Bunnylady]

As Akane said, small amounts shouldn't do any real harm. Cruciferous vegetables contain an enzyme that inhibits the absorption of iodine. Even if an animal is used to eating lots of veg, too much from this family can cause a goiter.

 

[stoneeater]

She's been living on pellets, romaine, carrots and lots of Timothy hay. Will only give small amounts of the cauliflower leaves. Still learning what they can eat to keep her diet somewhat varied. Thanks.