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| Safe? | Yes, a normal daily green |
| How much | Part of about 2 cups of greens per 2.7 kg (6 lb) of rabbit a day |
| How often | Most days in small amounts, rotated with non-cabbage greens |
| Best served | Raw, washed, leaves and stalks |
| Watch out for | Wind or soft droppings if introduced too fast |
Is bok choy good for rabbits?
Yes. Bok choy is a dark, leafy green with crunchy stalks, the kind of food that should make up most of a rabbit's fresh portion. The House Rabbit Society names it in its main leafy greens list, with no asterisk, so it is not one of the high-oxalate greens it asks you to ration, though its "Greens are great" page asks for caution with all cabbage-family greens because they can cause gas. The Rabbit Welfare Association lists the same plant under its UK name, pak choi. Leafy greens bring water, fibre and variety alongside hay, which stays the bulk of the diet. Our rabbit diet guide explains the full daily balance.
How much bok choy can a rabbit have?
The House Rabbit Society suggests at least 2 cups of chopped vegetables per 2.7 kg (6 lb) of body weight a day, with about 75% of that as leafy greens, and at least three different greens daily. PDSA puts it as an adult-sized handful of greens twice a day. For an average 2 kg (4.4 lb) rabbit, a couple of bok choy leaves with their stalks, mixed with two other greens, makes a good share of one meal.
How to introduce and prepare bok choy
- Start with one leaf. Add a single leaf to greens your rabbit already eats.
- Check droppings. Over the next day, look for plenty of firm, round droppings.
- Build up over a week. If all is well, increase slowly to a normal share of the greens.
- Wash well. The House Rabbit Society washes greens for at least two minutes in a bowl, changing the water.
- Serve raw. Leaves and stalks, whole or torn. Remove wilted or slimy bits.
Leaves, stalks and cooked bok choy
| Part or form | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Raw leaves | Yes |
| Raw white stalks | Yes |
| Baby bok choy | Yes, same plant picked young |
| Cooked, stir-fried, with sauce or garlic | No |
| Wilted or slimy leaves | No, throw them out |
Who should go carefully?
Rabbits that get gassy on cabbage family greens, rabbits with a sensitive stomach and young rabbits new to fresh food should have smaller amounts, built up slowly.
What to offer alongside it
Pair bok choy with non-cabbage greens such as romaine, coriander (cilantro) or herbs so the mix is not all brassicas. Other cabbage relatives on our list include kale, cabbage and spring greens. Our pak choi page covers the UK side of the same plant, and the safe food list for rabbits and rabbit care guide cover the rest.
Bok choy and rabbits: questions
Is bok choy the same as pak choi?
Yes. Bok choy is the usual name in the US and pak choi in the UK, for the same Chinese cabbage. The House Rabbit Society lists it as bok choy and the Rabbit Welfare Association as pak choi, and both put it among safe leafy greens. Baby bok choy is simply picked younger.
Can rabbits eat bok choy every day?
It can be in the bowl most days, as one of several greens. The House Rabbit Society suggests at least three different leafy greens a day and PDSA five or six different fresh foods. Rotating keeps the diet balanced and means no single plant dominates.
Can rabbits eat cooked bok choy?
No. Stir-fried or steamed bok choy is soft and usually cooked with oil, garlic, soy sauce or ginger. Garlic is on the House Rabbit Society's do-not-feed list. Rabbits need raw greens that they have to chew, so keep their portion aside before it goes in the pan.
Can bok choy give rabbits gas?
It can in some rabbits. Bok choy is a cabbage relative, the House Rabbit Society asks for caution with the cabbage family, and the Rabbit Welfare Association notes that large amounts of brassicas may cause digestive discomfort and should be rotated. Introduce it slowly, mix it with non-cabbage greens, and cut back if you see soft droppings or a quiet, uncomfortable rabbit.
