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| Safe? | Yes, in moderation |
| How much | 1 or 2 leaves for an average 2 kg (4.4 lb) rabbit |
| How often | 2 or 3 times a week |
| Best served | Raw, washed, leaves and stems |
| Watch out for | Gas, bloating, soft droppings, thick pale urine |
Is kale good for rabbits?
Yes, as one green among several. PDSA lists kale as a safe vegetable, Burgess names it among good greens, and Woodgreen lists curly kale. It is leafy, fibrous and full of flavour, so it makes a good part of the daily greens, which should be about 10% of the diet after hay and grass. Our rabbit diet guide shows how that fits together.
Two things set the limit. First, kale is in the cabbage family, and Rabbit.org notes these greens can cause painful gas in some rabbits and are high in calcium, so owners often rotate them. Second, VetPartners says kale is high in calcium and oxalic acid. Neither makes kale unsafe; they just mean it should not be the main green every day.
How much kale can a rabbit eat?
Rabbit.org suggests about 1 cup of greens per 2 lb (900 g) of body weight a day in total. For a 2 kg (4.4 lb) rabbit that is about 2 cups, of which we would make kale no more than one or two leaves, two or three times a week. On other days, use low-gas greens such as romaine lettuce, rocket, herbs and spring greens.
How to serve kale
- Choose fresh leaves. Pick crisp, dark kale with no yellow or slimy patches.
- Wash it. Curly kale traps soil, so rinse well and shake dry.
- Start small. Offer part of one leaf the first time and watch droppings the next day.
- Mix and rotate. Serve with two or three other greens, and swap kale out for a different green on other days.
Which kinds of kale are OK?
| Kind | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Curly kale, leaves and stems | Yes, in moderation |
| Cavolo nero (Tuscan or lacinato kale) | Yes, in moderation |
| Baby kale | Yes, in moderation |
| Cooked, kale crisps (chips), frozen | No |
| Kale in a salad with dressing | No |
Who should skip kale?
Woodgreen advises avoiding brassicas for rabbits that have had digestive problems. Rabbits with bladder sludge or stones should have their greens chosen with their vet, as PDSA notes the calcium link. Babies under 12 weeks should not have vegetables yet.
Greens to rotate with kale
Swap between kale, cauliflower leaves and broccoli, but not all on one day. Spinach is another green to keep to now and then. Our rabbit safe food list has plenty of everyday greens, and our rabbit care guide covers the rest.
Kale and rabbits: questions
Can rabbits eat kale every day?
We would not. Kale is safe, but the Rabbit Welfare Association says to rotate brassicas rather than feed large amounts daily, and VetPartners says to feed kale in moderation because it is high in calcium and oxalic acid. Two or three times a week, mixed with other greens, is a better pattern.
Can rabbits eat kale stems?
Yes. The stems are fibrous and good to chew, and they are part of the same plant. Cut thick stems into short lengths so they are easy to manage. Count them in the day's greens rather than adding them on top.
Can rabbits eat cavolo nero or baby kale?
Yes, on the same terms as curly kale. Cavolo nero (Tuscan or lacinato kale) and baby kale leaves are all kale, so a leaf or two a few times a week, raw and washed, is fine. Bagged kale is often chopped finely, so check for and pick out any mixed-in extras.
Is kale bad for rabbits with bladder problems?
It may be. Kale is high in calcium, and PDSA says too much calcium can contribute to bladder stones and that rabbits with urinary or bladder conditions need vet advice on their diet. Ask your vet before feeding kale to a rabbit with sludge or stones.
