Why supporting your rabbit's liver is important for their health
- May 29
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 5
Almost every time we rescue a stray rabbit, we discover that there is an issue with their liver.
Typically a veterinarian will recommend bloodtests before spaying/neutering a rescue rabbit to assess general health and this is when we find out that anomalies in liver values.
In most cases the root cause is exposure to parasites, toxins and infections from surviving in nature and an antibiotic or anticoccidial treatment will solve the problem.
Other causes can lead to liver anomalies such as digestive issues, overfeeding, and prolonged medication.
The liver is important for health and longevity because it helps nutrient absorption and digestion and we know how important good digestion is for a rabbit's wellbeing.
Seasonal changes can also affect the liver and metabolism and can result in a loss of appetite and vitality in rabbits.
Regardless of root cause, a wild rabbit will instinctively look for yellow flowers that appear in the Spring or dandelion root, milk thistle to naturally support the liver.
The domestic rabbit has lost this ability and depends on us to get the nutrients to help the vitality of its organs.
As pet guardians, we in turn depends on what is available, affordable and fresh at the grocery store.
But the good news is that there are now many ways you can help support your bunny liver.
Fresh veggies
Adding or promoting bitter greens during seasonal changes is an effective way to naturally help the rabbit detoxify the liver.
Here are a list of veggies we give to our bunnies for liver support:
Dandelion leaf
Endives
Radicchio
Medicinal herbal preparations
An healthy way to help the liver is to give a medicinal preparation during the change of seasons.
You can give a dietary supplement containing a blend of herbs that support liver function.
Ingredients: bog bean, common artichoke, sand helichrysum, peppermint, milk thistle, wild thyme, common chicory, common centaury, marshmallow.
Herbal supplements
You can also add these herbs to the diet as they are good for the liver and generally very appreciated by rabbits.
Liquid feed supplement
RodiCare ® has a liquid supplement specifically designed to provide the liver with essential nutrients, including vitamins and choline, which help maintain the liver's metabolic and detoxification functions.
Rabbit are sensitive creatures with a sensitive organs like the liver and digestive and respiratory systems. But nowadays it exists many ways you can naturally support their health. We are grateful for companies that develop products designed specifically for rabbit to help them have a healthy liver.
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