kale

Question
Hi,
I have in my house fresh bought kale which has black dots is that safe for rabbit to eat? (i noticed that most of the time i get kale that has the black dots the kale is turning yellow. this time its both yellow and green.)
What about if their is a rust colored spots on the leaves is that safe?

if i don't have to throw it out that would be really great.
thanks

Answer
Dear Ed,

I've found kale with black spots, too, and these could be caused either by bacteria or by fungi.  Neither one is great for a bunny to ingest.  Good rule of thumb is:  If you wouldn't eat it yourself, then don't feed it to your bunny.  A bunny's intestinal flora is far more delicate than yours, and a bunny "on the edge" for other health reasons might get GI upset from ingesting fungi and/or bacteria on a plant.  This is one reason it's extremely important to wash all your bunny's produce very well before serving.  Even organic.  ESPECIALLY organic.  Various bacteria may lurk in the folds of the leaves, and it's better to be safe than sorry.

If you can remove the parts of the kale that are spotted, the healthy parts of the leaves should be okay to feed.

Hope this helps.

Dana