Borage or starflower (Borago officinalis) is a vegetable (fresh leaves) and culinary herb (dried leaves) native to the Mediterranean region that has been naturalized in many parts of the world. Besides its use as a cooking herb, it is widely cultivated for its essential oil obtained from borage seeds.
Rabbits can eat borage plants (leaves, stems, and flowers) in moderation occasionally. They are safe and can be part of the leafy greens that you give your bunny.
Sprinkle a small amount of borage in your rabbit’s leafy green mix. There are a lot of greens to mix with including endive, escarole, romaine lettuce, watercress, chicory, collard greens, dandelion greens,
Borage is rich in vitamins A and C. It also has smaller amounts of riboflavin, iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, manganese, omega-6 fatty acid, among other nutrients. Your bunny stands a chance to benefit from all these nutrients.
Also, borage as a mild “laxative, increases milk flow of nursing does, helps with fevers, reduces stress, A great treat after a doe gives birth, plus you can check her litter while she is busy eating her treat,” notes Riseandshinerabbitry.com.
It is true that “borage plant parts contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids that are toxic to the liver and lungs and possibly carcinogenic.”(1) However, the low concentration and the fact that your bunny won’t eat a lot, and you will give them occasionally makes it safe.
Finally, don’t forget to stick to the right rabbit diet that is 80% grassy hay, 5% pellets, and 10-15% fresh foods. The fresh food includes leafy greens as well as treats like non-leafy vegetables, fruits, flowers, herbs, and commercial rabbit treats.