Can Rabbits Eat Honeydew? The 91 Correct Answer

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On a hot summer afternoon, there are few treats more delicious than a refreshing slice of watermelon.

But before you share a sweet, juicy watermelon with your lovely bunny, ask yourself: can rabbits eat watermelons? Is Watermelon Safe for Bunnies?

Fortunately, the answer is yes. Rabbits can eat watermelons and even watermelon rinds. However, please note that the high sugar content of this fruit means that you should only feed it to your rabbit occasionally. You should also remove the seeds or purchase seedless watermelons if you plan to feed them to your pet.

Is Watermelon Safe for Rabbits?

If you’re thinking of giving your rabbit a watermelon to nibble on as a treat, you’ll be pleased to know that this fruit is perfectly safe for your furry friend. Watermelons don’t contain anything toxic to rabbits, so you and your rabbit can share a snack together.

However, watermelon should only ever be given as an occasional treat. The majority of your rabbit’s diet should consist of good quality hay and grass. While pellets and leafy greens can be used as supplements, fruit should never form a major part of your rabbit’s diet.

However, watermelon can give your rabbit a small nutritional boost. As the name suggests, watermelon has a high water content of more than 90%, so it can help your rabbit stay hydrated. It’s also low in calories and a good source of vitamin C.

However, watermelon is also high in sugar, so it should only be given to your rabbit in small amounts.

For more information on the nutritional value of watermelon, see the table below.

Raw Watermelon, 100g serving Water 91.45g Energy 30kcal Protein 0.61g Total Lipid (Fat) 0.15g Carbohydrate 7.55g Dietary Fiber 0.4g Sugar 6.2g Vitamin C 8.1mg Potassium 112 mg

Source: FoodData Central

Can Rabbits Eat Watermelon Peel?

You can eat the delicious pink watermelon pulp and throw away the rest, but don’t be so quick to throw the watermelon rind in the trash.

The green skin and white bark are also absolutely harmless for rabbits. In fact, the rind contains more fiber and potassium than watermelon pulp, with potassium helping to protect your pet from hypokalemia.

Risks of Feeding Watermelon to Your Rabbit

Before you head out and start crushing a watermelon for your rabbit, you should be aware that there are some risks to consider when feeding this fruit to your pet.

Watermelon is high in sugar. Like many other fruits, watermelon is high in sugar. Too much sugar can cause your rabbit to have an upset stomach and possibly diarrhea.

Like many other fruits, watermelon is high in sugar. Too much sugar can cause your rabbit to have an upset stomach and possibly diarrhea. risk of obesity. Consuming excessive amounts of sugar can also cause your rabbit to gain weight. Obesity can lead to myiasis, GI stasis, and a host of other health problems, so keeping your pet in a healthy weight range is important.

Consuming excessive amounts of sugar can also cause your rabbit to gain weight. Obesity can lead to myiasis, GI stasis, and a host of other health problems, so keeping your pet in a healthy weight range is important. Watch out for the seeds. Watermelon seeds can potentially cause intestinal obstructions in rabbits, so be sure to remove the seeds before giving this fruit to your pet.

Watermelon seeds can potentially cause intestinal obstructions in rabbits, so be sure to remove the seeds before giving this fruit to your pet. Can lead to a picky eater. Like a child who would rather eat sweets than fruits and vegetables, too much fruit in your rabbit’s diet could result in him becoming a picky eater. This could result in her giving up the nutritious foods she needs as part of a balanced diet in favor of unhealthy snacks.

How much watermelon can a rabbit eat?

Watermelon, along with all other fruits, should always be given to your rabbit in moderation. The recommended maximum is 1-2 tablespoons of fruit for every five pounds of body weight, so be careful not to overdo it. You also need to make sure that you only feed your pet fruit occasionally – once or twice a week should provide a good balance.

To prepare watermelons for your rabbit, be sure to remove all of the pits. If you give him some rind and skin to eat as well, make sure they are cut into bite-sized pieces to prevent choking.

Finally, remember to introduce each new food to your rabbit gradually. Start with a small taste of watermelon and if there are no side effects, you can give your rabbit a slightly larger portion at the next fruit snack.

Conclusion

Due to its high sugar content, watermelon should only be given to your rabbit occasionally. You must also purchase seedless watermelons or remove the seeds before giving any of this fruit to your furry friend.

But if you follow these simple guidelines, watermelon can be a delicious treat for your lovely bunny.

Proper nutrition is one of the most important factors for a healthy rabbit. Rabbits should be fed the type of food to which they are adapted. In the wild, rabbits eat mostly grass. They can graze up to 6-8 hours a day. Your entire digestive tract from the teeth to the end of the gastrointestinal tract is adapted to this diet and eating habits.

Providing grass or grass hay for pet rabbits is vital to maintaining their health. Eating grass/grass hay encourages prolonged chewing, which is necessary to wear down continuously growing teeth, thereby preventing dental disease (a common health problem in pet rabbits).

The high fiber content of grass and grass hay is crucial for normal digestion. A diet that is too low in fiber can lead to fatal digestive problems – another common problem in pet rabbits. Gathering and chewing grass or grass hay also helps increase activity levels and prevent boredom and behavior problems [1].

To ensure your rabbits are getting a healthy, balanced diet, you should:

Provide a constant supply of good quality fresh grass and grass hay (this should make up around 80% of the total ration) – e.g. Timothy, oat, wheat, pasture, paddock, meadow or rye grass hay. Rabbits should not be fed lucerne (alfalfa) or clover hay as they contain too much protein and calcium which could lead to the formation of urinary stones [2].

Provide plenty of fresh leafy greens and greens (10-20% of total diet). As a guide, feed about two cups of leafy greens per kg of body weight per day. Some examples are vegetables like broccoli, celery, endive, beet/carrot tops, Brussels sprouts, spinach leaves, bok choy, other Asian vegetables, dark leaf lettuce, and herbs like parsley, dandelion, cilantro, basil, dill, and mint.

Treats may be offered in small amounts (1-2 tablespoons per rabbit per day). Examples include most fruits, root vegetables (like carrots and sweet potatoes), and peppers. Note that carrots should not be fed in large quantities.

Provide approximately 1 tablespoon/kg of pellets with at least >18% crude fiber (indigestible fiber content >12.5%) (no more than 5% of total diet) and ensure the pellets are for pet rabbits and not commercial rabbits agricultural purposes are formulated [3]. Rabbits can do without pellets as long as they are fed hay and fresh green vegetables daily.

Avoid grain/cereal mixes (e.g. rabbit mix muesli) as they can promote selective feeding, dietary imbalance and obesity [1,4].

It’s also a good idea to provide other items to chew on. Examples are wooden chewing blocks or old phone books.

Try to keep food and eating habits consistent. Any dietary change needs to be done gradually (over a period of 2-3 weeks) to minimize digestive upset.

Always have unlimited fresh, clean water available. Rabbits prefer open bowls (bowls) to bottle drinkers because licking from a bowl is more natural and encourages greater water intake [5].

DO NOT feed: Grains, grains, nuts, seeds, corn, beans, peas, bread, crackers, candy, sugar, breakfast cereal, chocolate or other garden plants poisonous to rabbits (see links below).

More information

For more information, see the following useful links:

Find out why honey is not safe for rabbits. A complete breakdown of all the problems of giving honey to your rabbit.

Like many people I love honey. It is both sweet and a natural food; what do you not like? My favorite is the thicker variety, but we also use runny honey for cooking. But is it safe to give rabbits? Would honey be a nice treat for bunnies?

Is Honey Safe for Rabbits?

Rabbits should not be fed honey. Although honey is not toxic to rabbits, it is completely unsuitable as food for rabbits’ complex and delicate digestive systems. Because all honey, raw or processed, is a combination of pure sugars, giving a rabbit too much honey can cause diarrhea and other intestinal problems, and contribute to obesity in the long term, which also causes health problems for rabbits.

Why honey is bad for rabbits

Honey is a poor choice to give to rabbits as it is mainly a combination of sugars:

Ingredient Amount per 100g Energy 304kcal Water 17.1g Sucrose 0.89g Glucose 35.8g Fructose 40.9g Galactose 3.1g Maltose 1.44g Information from USDA

As you can see, honey is mostly made up of glucose and fructose. It contains virtually no fiber or protein. But rabbit guts are designed to process high-fiber foods (hay, for example, typically has around 17-18% fiber). Fiber is vital as it helps food move through the intestines.

Without enough fiber, rabbits can quickly develop gastrointestinal stasis (an extremely dangerous form of constipation). They stop pooping and stop eating. If you suspect your rabbit may have this, contact a veterinarian immediately.

But even if your rabbit is getting fiber, high levels of honey can still likely cause problems with their gut.

Rabbits’ digestive systems, in particular, have evolved to handle fructose (the main sugar in fruit) but not other types of sugars, particularly glucose [source here]. As the table shows, honey contains a large amount of glucose as an ingredient.

Bacteria in the rabbit’s gut (especially their appendix) feed on the glucose, and the wrong bacteria are likely to grow and multiply. The growth of the toxic bacteria then makes the rabbit sick. This can lead to diarrhea. If diarrhea occurs, contact a veterinarian immediately.

Here you can learn more about the sensitive digestive system of rabbits.

Honey is also unhealthy because (just like for us) it adds calories to a diet. If you give a rabbit 20 g of a banana, you give him about 18 kcal. If you give a rabbit 20g of honey, you are giving them 61kcal – more than three times as many calories.

Can you add honey to other rabbit feeds?

You should not add honey to other foods for rabbits. While honey isn’t toxic, you’re just adding unhealthy sugar to a food. You may also be conditioning your rabbit to get used to foods that are too sweet.

Some commercial rabbit snacks occasionally contain honey. If you only occasionally give your rabbit one of these as a treat, there is a good chance that you will harm your rabbit. Just be aware that they are an unhealthy snack and should therefore only be given infrequently if you choose to use them.

What are alternatives to honey as a rabbit treat?

Instead of giving honey, small pieces of fruit are a great treat for rabbits. Fruit still has some sweetness (most fruits contain some of the sugar fructose).

You have to be careful though – while most fruits are good for rabbits, there are a few that can be dangerous. You can find out here which fruits you can give your rabbit.

What is the best diet for rabbits?

The best diet for rabbits is to feed them mostly hay (preferably timothy hay) and fresh water. Hay should make up the majority of a rabbit’s diet.

In addition to hay, you can also give them an egg cup full of bunny nuggets, a handful of fresh vegetables (here’s what herbs are good for bunnies) and a small treat every day.

Conclusion

Honey makes a great treat for humans, but don’t feed it to rabbits. It can upset their guts and cause them to get sick.

If you’re interested in what’s good for rabbits, read our post on what vitamins and minerals rabbits need.

One thing all rabbit owners should understand is that they tend to have sensitive tummies and you really need to watch their diet. We’re going to dig a little deeper into what a rabbit can and can’t eat, but now you need to know: Can rabbits eat pineapples?

Adult rabbits can eat pineapple, but only moderation is recommended as pineapples are high in natural sugars and can cause painful and trapped gas or bloating. It’s best to feed your rabbit pineapple as a sweet surprise, because it’s packed with nutrients but also tastes like a special treat!

To learn a little more about how fruit, and pineapple in particular, can affect your rabbit’s digestion and what to ensure in their daily diet for a happy and healthy rabbit, read on! We have all the information you need.

How often ; How Much Can Rabbits Eat Pineapple?

Research has shown that there is a schedule that you should stick to when feeding your rabbit pineapple, as well as how much is actually good for them and not harmful.

We recommend the following:

Baby rabbits should never be fed pineapples as their stomachs are too sensitive.

Only feed your adult rabbit 1 teaspoon of pineapple, especially when introducing it into their diet.

You should only use pineapple once or twice a week as a special treat.

You can increase the amount of pineapple up to 1 tablespoon if you’re sure it won’t cause gas or diarrhea.

It is important to note that these instructions are for a healthy rabbit. If you want to know how to tell if the pineapple is affecting the rabbit negatively, read on!

How can you tell if pineapple is upsetting your rabbit’s stomach?

If you think about where a rabbit is common in nature, the habitat usually contains long grasses, not tropical fruits. It’s important to understand that while pineapples can be a healthy treat, they shouldn’t make up a large part of a rabbit’s diet.

If you decide to offer your rabbit a little pineapple every now and then, be sure to monitor their secretions for 24 hours after ingesting the fruit. If you notice diarrhea, your stomach probably cannot handle the exotic fruit.

You can also tell if your rabbit is gassy because you will hear a soft gurgle coming from their tummy after eating. As your rabbit’s caretaker, it is your responsibility to determine if the pineapple is causing him any discomfort. Rabbits aren’t quite as conscious as humans and even if it upsets their gut, rabbits will continue to eat pineapple when offered it because it tastes so sweet and delicious!

What can I give my rabbit if he’s having trouble digesting pineapple?

If you’re a good and observant rabbit owner and have found that even half a teaspoon of pineapple seems to upset their stomach, there’s no need to forego sweet treats for them! There are a variety of other fruits and vegetables you can try, but we recommend following the same protocol and starting with extremely small amounts and then paying attention to their gases and secretions to make sure they’re not causing any discomfort.

Here are some popular product options that are safe to feed your rabbit:

apples

bananas

celery

cucumber

carrots

Leafy vegetables

pumpkin

blueberries

cabbage

Again, these should be used as a special treat and not as the main part of your rabbit’s diet. As you most likely know, their diet will consist primarily of pellets, grass and hay.

It’s also important to know the fruits and vegetables that can be extremely harmful to your rabbit! These include: stone fruit such as plums, peaches and avocados as well as potatoes, beans and mushrooms.

What Food Should You Feed a Rabbit With an Upset Stomach?

You may find that your rabbit has gas or diarrhea from time to time, even if you are extremely careful about their diet. If your rabbit seems unwell or their poop is abnormal, there are a few things you can feed them to help combat the problem, but pineapple is not one of them.

As we’ve learned, the sugar in pineapple can make a rabbit’s stomach aggravate it, so it’s not recommended as a remedy for digestive problems. However, you can feed your rabbit leafy greens, carrot tops, dandelion greens, and herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil to help.

Final Thoughts

Rabbits, like most humans, love a little sugar! If you put a plate of fruit in front of them, they will most likely eat it all, but shortly thereafter, they will likely experience extreme physical discomfort.

You are the conscious adult in this relationship and it is important that you are aware of what fruits and vegetables your rabbit can and should eat, and at what frequency and in what amounts is healthy.

Let’s reiterate what we learned here today: adult rabbits can eat pineapples, but baby rabbits can’t! It should be served in extremely small amounts (½ to 1 teaspoon) to begin with and gradually increased to a maximum of 1 tablespoon if you do not notice any diarrhea or gurgling sounds of gas coming from your rabbit’s abdomen. Although your rabbit doesn’t seem to have any problem with pineapple, it should only be given once or twice a week as a special treat and never on the same day as other sugary snacks.

You are now an expert when it comes to feeding your rabbit pineapples! And hopefully you also understand a little more about which fruits and vegetables are good for them, how often they are rewarded with fresh produce, and how to use them as medicine for their upset stomach!

Watermelons are a summertime BBQ staple—sweet, juicy, and thirst-quenching. But did you know that watermelon is technically a berry? That’s correct! Although they are melons in name, they are berries in nature.

And if you’ve never seen a wild rabbit near a berry vine, know that rabbits absolutely love berries of all kinds. Especially in autumn and winter, a fresh berry can be an absolute treasure for a rabbit.

But are watermelons safe for your pet rabbit? What about their seeds? And if you feed your rabbit a watermelon, can they eat the rind too?

We answer all of these questions and more in today’s article. From nutrition facts and health benefits to some things you absolutely must avoid when feeding your rabbit watermelon, we cover everything you need to know to feed your bunny friend. By the end of this guide, you will be fully informed and ready to decide if watermelon is a good choice for your rabbit’s diet.

Yes! Rabbits can eat watermelons

Rabbits can eat watermelon – and most do so with surprising enthusiasm! It’s no big secret that all rabbits have a sweet tooth… And the rich, juicy flesh of a watermelon is a treat they’re sure to enjoy.

As much as most rabbits love watermelon, it’s not a particularly nutritious food. That means you should generally reserve it as an occasional treat rather than daily food.

Nutritional facts for watermelon

Nutritionvalue.org gives the details of watermelon as a very low-nutrient food: It’s made up almost entirely of sugar and water, and is 89% carbohydrate (with very little fiber), 7% protein, and 4% fat. With no vitamins or minerals to speak of, it’s a very, well, watery fruit.

Watermelon health benefits and hazards for rabbits

Watermelon has no significant health benefits for rabbits; Their relatively low nutritional content and high sugar content make them a treat best served very infrequently. Unlike humans, however, rabbits can eat watermelon rind — making it a useful source of fiber that’s hard to find in other sweet rabbit treats.

How to feed your watermelon to your rabbits

Always choose an organic watermelon for your rabbit as you can also feed the healthier rind without the use of pesticides and waxes. It is important to note that rabbits cannot digest watermelon seeds! Their mild toxicity can cause serious digestive issues, which means you should either buy seedless watermelons or take the time to shred and pit any watermelon you plan to feed your rabbit.

How Much Watermelon Should I Feed My Rabbit?

Due to its very watery nature, you can feed your rabbit slightly larger amounts of watermelon than other sweet treats. For small bunnies, a few 1-inch cubes will do as an occasional treat — while larger bunnies might be able to enjoy half a cup without going overboard with sugar.

Types of watermelon to feed your rabbit

Whenever possible, you should buy seedless organic watermelons to feed your rabbit. This ensures complete safety for your rabbit: there are no pesticides or waxes on the bark and the absence of seeds avoids gastrointestinal problems. We’re particularly fond of the ‘personal-size’ seedless watermelons that can be seen hitting stores in the summer: slice one and you’re ready to share right next to your bunny!

Final Thoughts on Feeding Watermelon to Your Rabbit

While far from being a nutrient dense food, watermelon is perfectly acceptable to feed your rabbit as an occasional treat. To make life easier for you and your rabbit, buy seedless organic watermelons and keep feeding frequency to just once or twice a week.

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide has taught you everything you wanted to know about feeding watermelon to your rabbits. For more sweet treats safe for your bunny, be sure to check out our other articles on blueberries and strawberries too!

Featured image: pasja1000 from Pixabay

Watermelons are a safe feeding option for rabbits.

Watermelon and watermelon rind both contain a lot of sugar. Rabbits like to feed on sugary foods.

Compared to other fruits and vegetables other than veggies, watermelon is a comparatively safer option for your rabbit. Rabbits typically enjoy eating foods high in sugar, carbohydrates, and fiber. This is the reason why they would not hesitate to munch on large chunks of such foods if left unmoderated.

On the other hand, watermelon and watermelon rind, although high in sugar and water, are safe for rabbits to feed in regulated amounts. The high sugar and watermelon seed can potentially harm the bunny. Sugar intake is still fine as long as it’s limited and occasional, but unfortunately the same cannot be said for the seeds. Ingesting seeds poses a high risk of choking, especially for baby rabbits, so the seeds must be removed before feeding the watermelon or rind part. For new pet owners and breeders, a better alternative may be to purchase and feed the seedless watermelon, which is artificially processed and has a lower sugar content than the natural variety, making it a great fruit treat for your pet rabbit.

If you’ve enjoyed reading this article so far, you might also enjoy our articles on Can Rabbits Eat Corn and Can Rabbits Eat Cucumbers?

How much watermelon rind can a rabbit eat?

As an occasional snack for your pet rabbit or wild rabbit, watermelon is definitely a good fruit when fed regularly. The same goes for the rind of the watermelon.

After eating the sweet, pink part of the watermelon, the rest is usually thrown away. What we don’t know is that the fading-white to green part of the watermelon rind, which is usually discarded, contains a number of essential nutrients that may not have any nutritional benefits for us humans, but certainly do for a rabbit. Watermelon peel can be fed to a rabbit along with small pieces of sweet watermelon flesh, or they can be cut after removing the pink-red flesh part of the watermelon and fed to rabbits. Ideally, giving your rabbit a few bite-sized pieces of the rind is very good. It’s a great pleasure for her. Although it should be closely monitored and largely depends on the rabbit’s diet and size. If the rabbit is smaller, owners and breeders can feed them a few very small pieces once or twice a week, with at least a three-day interval between these two occasions. However, if the rabbit’s diet and size are significantly larger, they can safely consume half a cup of watermelon rind chunks without risking a sugar rush or digestive problems.

Can rabbits eat watermelon juice?

Can rabbits eat watermelon in general? Yes, rabbits can eat watermelons. Can a Rabbit Eat Watermelon Peels? The answer is yes again. However, when it comes to watermelon juice, the answer is a bit tricky.

Some experts believe that watermelon juice is extremely high in sugar and calories, which can be harmful to a rabbit. On the other hand, some say that watermelon juice is not that harmful and can be given to rabbits in small amounts, albeit not regularly. Overall, it’s safe to say that a small amount of raw, natural watermelon juice can be included in a rabbit’s diet. It can even be fed to them by mixing it with their drinking water. But processed and packaged juices can harm them as they contain large amounts of artificial sugars, additives and preservatives that are not good for a rabbit’s digestive system as their intestines cannot process them.

Therefore, natural watermelon juice is fine in very small amounts, but processed juices must be avoided at all costs. It should also be noted that watermelon seeds must not be mixed with the juice. They should be completely removed before making the juice from watermelon pulp. However, the peel can be added to the juice as it is a healthy part of the fruit for rabbits.

Can pet rabbits eat watermelon peel?

Watermelon in its entirety is safe for rabbits. Be it the pink-red sweet part inside or the white-green rind. What is decisive, however, is the share of consumption.

The sweet pulp of watermelon is usually fed to rabbits in a small, controlled amount due to the high sugar content it contains. However, the peel portion of the fruit can be fed to rabbits more often because it is less juicy and contains more fiber and vitamin C. The roughage is easily digestible and thus helps the rabbits to keep their body weight in check. Therefore, feeding your rabbits watermelon rinds is beneficial to them in several ways. However, it should be noted that the appetites of pet rabbits and wild rabbits are different. Since watermelons contain large amounts of water and sugar, animals such as wild rabbits, because of their larger body size, can eat larger amounts without significant health risks. However, domestic rabbits do not tolerate this due to their smaller size. Therefore, it is important that they are fed fewer portions of watermelon, which is high in sugar and carbohydrates, and more of what is high in vitamin C, fiber, and other nutrients that are low in calories and needed by a rabbit. It contains several parts of watermelon, like rind and skin.

In addition, everything must be seedless and in small quantities because while these foods can have several benefits, they still pose a high risk of digestive upset in rabbits if consumed in excess. Therefore, it is safe to say that feeding your rabbit watermelon peels is safe and pet rabbits can occasionally eat them in moderation as a snack.

How is watermelon peel useful for rabbits?

Watermelon cannot be fed to rabbits as part of their normal diet. But it can certainly be given as a treat in moderation and in limited quantity along with other fruits and vegetables as that quantity is healthy for them.

Watermelon rinds are similar in nutritional value to hay and other fibrous, seedless fruits. It is rich in vitamins, contains less sugar and has no seeds. Feeding your rabbit watermelon is good and healthy because watermelon contains several beneficial nutrients that help a rabbit meet specific nutritional needs that they have. On the other hand, watermelon peels are comparatively very useful and healthy for a rabbit, as they contain less sugar, are low in calories and, in addition to vitamin C, are packed with fiber. Rabbits are known to have very sensitive digestive systems, which is why eating most portions of a watermelon can harm rabbits by making them susceptible to diarrhea and other forms of indigestion. For example, watermelon seeds may not cause as much of a problem when consumed by humans.

Rabbits, however, lack the enzymes to break down and digest watermelon seeds, and eating them can cause problems as large as organ failure in their internal system, potentially leading to their death. The only part that is really useful and contains nutrients that a rabbit needs as part of their normal diet is the bark. Rides are a whitish-light green shaded portion of the watermelon rind present just below the sweet pink-red flesh. It prevents weight gain in rabbits and also controls the overflow of water content in their system to prevent deadly bacteria from spreading in their bodies. Therefore, it is one of the foods that can be included in their diet, but preferably not on a regular basis. Like other vegetables and fruits, owners and breeders can feed them to their rabbits two or three times a week.

Here at Kidadl we have carefully compiled lots of fun family friendly facts for everyone! If you liked our suggestions for can rabbits eat watermelon rind, then take a look at can dogs eat kale or can dogs eat cilantro!

The Royal Veterinary College has released the latest results from its VetCompass programme, this time identifying the most common medical problems and causes of death in pet rabbits1.

The study analyzed data from 6,349 rabbits that visited 107 veterinary clinics across the UK.

The researchers found that the most common causes of death recorded by veterinarians were fly infestation (10.9% of pet rabbits), anorexia (4.9%), collapse (4.9%) and intestinal obstruction (4.3%). .

The average lifespan of pet rabbits was 4.3 years, although survival rates of up to 14.4 years have been recorded. Male rabbits tend to live longer, averaging 5.2 years, than females, averaging 3.7 years.

The most common medical problems are overgrown nails (16%), overgrown molars (7.6%), dirty butts (4.5%), overgrown front teeth (4.3%) and intestinal congestion (4.2%). Many of these problems are related to inappropriate housing or feeding. However, the researchers also point out that the fact that rabbits evolved as prey animals hasn’t helped owners and veterinarians. Evolution has meant that rabbits can disguise outward signs of illness, making them less likely to be attacked by predators, but this also makes it harder for owners to tell their rabbit is ill until it’s often too late.

Researchers hope this new study will help owners and veterinarians prioritize which signs of illness to monitor.

Other findings were:

Male rabbits are more likely to have overgrown claws, overgrown molars, overgrown incisors, and dental disease than females.

The average age of pet rabbits presented to veterinarians in this country is 3.2 years.

The average adult body weight of rabbits presented to a veterinarian is 2.1 kg.

dr Dan O’Neill, VetCompass Researcher and Senior Lecturer at the RVC, said: “For years, rabbits were considered the perfect pet for children: fluffy, cute, passive and requiring only minimal care and handling while being fed granola-like food in a hutch garden, where it was mostly kept singly.

“We now know that this level of care is totally unacceptable from an animal welfare perspective. This new paper can further improve the lives of rabbits by helping owners and veterinarians to recognize the common health problems faced by rabbits and therefore prioritize the most important management factors that will make our rabbits even healthier. Rabbits don’t show their suffering like other species, so it’s our duty to prevent and recognize their problems.”

dr Jo Hedley, VetCompass researcher and lecturer at RVC added: “This study definitely highlights some of the most common manifestations observed in pet rabbits. Unfortunately, due to the rabbit’s ability to mask disease, signs of a problem are often non-specific and detected far too late, so recorded causes of death are often only end-stage symptoms of an underlying disease. Many of the most important medical problems are still problems that we can address through proper husbandry , diet and health checks should be able to completely prevent . Better owner education is needed if we are to improve rabbit health and welfare for years to come.”

Relation

vet record. https://doi.org/vetrec-2019-105592 O’Neill DG, CRAVEN HC, BRODBELT DC, CHURCH DB & HEDLEY J 2019. Morbidity and Mortality of Domestic Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) under primary veterinary care in England.

PS: If you’re here, take a moment to see our latest veterinarian job openings.

What should pet rabbits eat? Contrary to popular belief, rabbits need more than just carrots and lettuce. They need a balanced diet of hay, fresh vegetables and fruit, and some pellets. Rabbits have very sensitive digestive tracts, so switching to hay or pellets or introducing new fruits and vegetables must be done gradually to allow the rabbit’s system to adapt.

Hay: A rabbit’s staple diet

The bottom of a rabbit food pyramid would contain long-stemmed fiber in the form of hay, which makes up 80 to 90 percent of a rabbit’s diet. As grazing animals, rabbits need an unlimited supply of fresh hay every day.

You will want to feed your rabbit grass hay. Good types of grass hay for rabbits include timothy, orchard, brome, and oat hay. You can feed your rabbit one type or a mix of different types of grass hay. Buy fresh hay if possible and look for mold or dust that could make your rabbit sick.

Alfalfa hay is not a good choice for an adult rabbit as it is a legume rather than grass and as such is too rich to feed daily. Alfalfa can be given to rabbits occasionally as a treat. Rabbits under one year old can be fed alfalfa hay, but as they get older they should be switched to grass hay, especially if they are also fed alfalfa pellets.

Pellets: Feed a rabbit in small amounts

Timothy hay pellets can be given to rabbits in small amounts. An average sized (6-10 pounds) adult rabbit will only need a quarter cup of pellets daily. If your rabbit weighs less than five pounds, feed only one-eighth of a cup. Rabbits larger than 10 pounds need no more than 1/4 cup, as this is not a crucial part of a bunny’s diet.

Rabbits under one year old can be fed alfalfa pellets. Be sure to feed grass hay (instead of alfalfa) when feeding your young rabbits alfalfa pellets. Look for pellets that are high in fiber – the higher the better. Also note that many foods marketed to rabbits are not actually healthy for them and can sometimes be harmful so please read the ingredients. Do not buy rabbit pellets that have dried corn, nuts, and seeds added to them as these foods can potentially be very harmful to rabbits.

Vegetables: A rabbit’s favorite food

Rabbits count vegetables and herbs among their favorite foods. Most vegetables found in a supermarket are safe for rabbits, with some caveats and exceptions. (See the list of foods to avoid below.)

Adult rabbits should not be fed more than two cups of fresh vegetables per day. Miniature breeds and rabbits under five pounds should only be fed one cup of fresh vegetables per day. A choice of two or three vegetables is ideal. Add a new vegetable at a time and watch for signs of loose stools or diarrhea as, as mentioned above, rabbits have delicate digestive systems. Certain vegetables can be given every day, while others should be fed sparingly once or twice a week.

Don’t feed your rabbit potatoes, corn, beans, seeds, or nuts. These foods are difficult for rabbits to digest and can cause serious digestive problems.

Vegetables that can be fed to a rabbit daily:

paprika

Bok choy

Cauliflower

carrot tops

cucumber

endive

escarole

fennel

Herbs: basil, coriander, dill, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, thyme

Lettuce: Romaine, Green Leaf, Red Leaf, Boston Bibb, Arugula, Butter

okra leaves

radicchio

radish tops

Sprouts: alfalfa, radish, clover

watercress

wheatgrass

zucchini

Vegetables and plants to give a rabbit sparingly (once or twice a week):

Broccoli (stalks and leaves only)

carrots

chard

shamrock

collards

Dandelion Green (No Pesticides)

Flowers: Calendula, Chamomile, Daylily, Dianthus, English Daisy, Hibiscus, Honeysuckle, Marigold, Nasturtium, Pansy, Rose

Kale

spinach

Fruit: Give to a bunny once or twice a week

Fruit should be given to your rabbit once or twice a week. A reasonable serving is one to two tablespoons of fruit (either one type or a mix) for every five pounds of body weight. Like vegetables, fruit should be introduced slowly and one at a time.

Fruit to feed your rabbit (once or twice a week):

apple (without seeds)

banana

Berries: blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries

Cherries (without pits)

Grapes

melon

nectarine

orange

papaya

peach

pear

pineapple

plum

watermelon

Treats: Feed rabbits sparingly

Like many people, many rabbits have a sweet tooth. As with humans, treats are at the top of the food pyramid for rabbits and should therefore be fed sparingly. Healthy treats for your rabbit include small pieces of fresh or freeze-dried fruit (the permitted fruits listed above); natural, unprocessed mixtures containing hay and dried flowers (the permitted flowers listed above); and Oxbow brand rabbit treats.

Always read the ingredient list of store-bought treats, as not all are safe for bunnies. Avoid treats that contain added sugar, preservatives, and artificial colors, and never give your rabbit human treats.

Foods to Avoid Giving a Rabbit

Some foods are definitely not good for rabbits as they can make rabbits extremely sick. Here are foods you should avoid giving your rabbit entirely:

All human goodies

beans

beet greens

cabbage

cauliflower

Muesli

chocolate

Treats made from corn or corn on the cob

cracker

iceberg lettuce

legumes

mustard green

nuts

pasta

Peas

potatoes

rhubarb

seed

sugar

Kohlrabi

yogurt

Freshwater: Unlimited supply for a rabbit

Finally, rabbits need to stay hydrated, so they should have an unlimited supply of fresh water that should be changed daily. The water tank should be cleaned with soap and water every few days. Water bottles are not easy to clean and can be difficult for rabbits to use, so bowls are better. A heavy ceramic bowl is ideal as it won’t tip over easily.

Additional rabbit information and resources

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What can rabbits eat?

It is important to know what foods your rabbit can and cannot eat.

Your pets rely on you to provide them with nutritious food and keep them healthy.

When most people imagine a rabbit eating, they imagine them enjoying fresh vegetables.

It is a common belief that pet rabbits can survive on a diet of lettuce.

Rabbits actually require a balanced diet made up of many different components, with vegetables making up a small part of their diet overall.

But can rabbits eat celery, cucumber, watermelon, lettuce, can they?

Can rabbits eat cucumbers?

Yes, it’s safe for rabbits to eat cucumbers! Most rabbits will love the fresh taste.

Rabbits can also eat cucumber leaves.

Before feeding your rabbit cucumbers, wash them in cold water to remove pesticides. Choose organically grown cucumbers whenever possible.

Only give your rabbit a few small pieces of cucumber at a time.

Health Benefits of Cucumber

Cucumbers are 95% water.

Feeding your rabbit cucumber can be a great way to give her a hydration boost, especially in hot weather or when your rabbit isn’t drinking enough water.

Cucumber is low in kilojoules, making it a great treat for rabbits as they are prone to obesity.

The skin is the healthiest part of the cucumber as it is high in fiber.

Otherwise, cucumbers have no real nutritional value.

risks

Cucumbers are low in nutrients. Therefore, if you feed it too often, you risk satiating your rabbit without providing any significant nutritional value.

Because of its high water content, cucumber can cause diarrhea in your rabbit. When your rabbit produces loose cecotropes (the kind of feces rabbits eat), they’re harder to consume.

Rabbits depend on consuming cecotropes to get many of their nutrients, including B vitamins. Therefore, diarrhea can lead to malnutrition.

Only feed your rabbit small amounts of cucumbers at a time. If cucumbers are causing gas or diarrhea, stop feeding them to your rabbit.

Can rabbits eat celery?

Yes, rabbits can eat celery! It can be included as part of their balanced diet.

Remember to feed your rabbit a variety of different vegetables to keep them as healthy as possible.

Most rabbits enjoy eating celery. It’s sweet enough to taste great without being loaded with excess sugar.

Always give your rabbit raw celery, never cooked celery. Rabbits cannot properly digest cooked vegetables.

Plus, crunching raw celery is both comfortable for your rabbit and great for their teeth.

Rabbits can also eat the leaves of the celery plant. Sometimes the leaves are even more nutritious than the rest!

In terms of quantity, celery should be included in the small amount of mixed vegetables that you give your rabbit daily.

When introducing celery to your rabbit for the first time, introduce it slowly at first, using very small amounts.

Health Benefits of Celery

Celery is very healthy for your rabbit. It is a good source of various vitamins and minerals, including vitamins B, C and potassium.

The indigestible fiber in celery helps keep your rabbit’s digestion healthy and regular.

Eating celery can also keep your rabbit hydrated.

Its high water content helps keep your rabbit’s hydration level high. This is especially beneficial if your rabbit isn’t drinking enough water.

Chewing on crunchy celery also helps wear down your rabbit’s ever-growing teeth.

risks

Introduce celery into your rabbits’ diet slowly and feed celery in moderation.

Too much celery can cause indigestion and diarrhea. If this occurs, stop feeding your rabbit celery. Rabbits can have sensitive digestive tracts, and some individual bunnies just aren’t cut out for certain vegetables.

The stringy parts of celery can get stuck in your rabbit’s teeth, just like human teeth.

Likewise, these long strands can get caught in your rabbit’s throat and be uncomfortable or even become a choking hazard.

To avoid this, always cut the celery into small pieces. Shorter strands are less dangerous. The smaller the better, but at least cut into pieces no longer than 2cm.

The sheets pose no risk of choking and are safer.

Can Rabbits Eat Watermelon?

Yes, adult rabbits can safely eat small amounts of watermelon. Most rabbits will love the sweet and refreshing taste.

Never feed baby rabbits fruit.

Watermelon can be fed as a treat once or twice a week. Each serving should be no more than a tablespoon. Less is more!

Always feed ripe watermelons. It is safer to feed unripened watermelons than wilted watermelons.

Rabbits can eat the rind of the watermelon. It’s actually healthier for your rabbit than meat. Make sure you cut it into small pieces as it can be quite chewy.

Rabbits cannot eat watermelon seeds. Always cut watermelons into small pieces and remove all seeds. If possible, buy seedless watermelon.

Health Benefits of Watermelon

Watermelon is high in water and can help keep your rabbit hydrated on warmer days.

It is also rich in vitamins A, C, magnesium and choline. Choline helps improve your rabbits’ sleep and muscle movement.

The healthiest part of the watermelon is the rind. It contains more fiber and less sugar.

risks

Watermelons have a very high sugar content. Rabbits cannot break down this sugar naturally. While it’s okay in small doses, too much sugar leads to indigestion and diarrhea.

Seeds can clog your rabbit’s intestines. You cannot chew or vomit them properly. Always remove seeds!

Much like humans, rabbits can develop a sweet tooth when fed sugar regularly. If you feed him sweet fruits daily, he may begin to refuse necessary foods like hay or pellets.

Watermelon juice can also be quite sticky. If your rabbit gets watermelon juice on their fur, it will stick together. You then have to bathe it or at least spot clean its fur.

Feed your rabbit bite-sized pieces and check their fur after eating.

Can rabbits eat spinach?

Yes, you can! Spinach is healthy for both you and your rabbit. You can buy a large pile for yourself and share the leftovers with your pet.

Spinach should be fed fresh to your rabbit. Never give him spinach that has gone bad (wilted, smelly, and slimy). This could give your rabbit a bacterial infection.

Always feed your rabbit raw spinach. Never give him cooked spinach. They are unable to properly digest cooked food.

Wash the spinach before feeding it to your rabbit. This removes both dirt and harmful pesticides.

Rabbits can be very sensitive to chemicals.

Organic spinach can be a great option for your bunny. It has been less exposed to pesticides and may have higher nutrient levels.

If spinach is a new food for your rabbit, introduce it gradually to minimize diarrhea or indigestion.

Give it a small amount, wait 24 hours and see if it processes soft poop.

If this is the case, stop feeding him spinach. If not, give him very small amounts for 2-3 weeks. Then you can feed normally.

Health Benefits of Spinach

Spinach is a superfood! It’s packed with essential vitamins and minerals that will benefit both you and your long-eared friend.

It is rich in vitamin A, which is essential for healthy rabbit growth.

It’s also a great source of vitamins C, E, and K and the minerals calcium, iron, folate, magnesium, and potassium.

The stems and stalks of spinach are the healthiest parts. They are richer in fiber.

The spinach leaves are also very nutritious. The roots have the highest sugar content (since that’s where the spinach plant stores its energy), so don’t feed them to your rabbit.

For the healthiest possible rabbit, feed them a balanced diet with a variety of fresh leafy greens.

Healthy vegetables include broccoli, celery, carrot tops, bok choy and dark leaf lettuce. Herbs rabbits like include parsley, oregano, cilantro, basil, dill, and mint.

risks

Rabbits should be fed spinach in moderation. It is best to feed it spinach once a week, but no more than twice a week.

Spinach should be given as part of a balanced diet with a variety of fresh produce, grass hay and pellets. Variety is essential.

Feeding your rabbit too much spinach can make them uncomfortable.

Spinach is rich in oxalic acid. Oxalic acid is a naturally occurring toxin that’s okay in small amounts. However, when consumed in excess, oxalic acid binds minerals and renders them insoluble. These include magnesium and calcium.

This can cause itchy skin, urinary tract problems, and life-threatening bladder stones.

Spinach itself is also very rich in calcium. Excess calcium can cause kidney problems.

Don’t let these risks stop you from feeding your rabbit spinach! The health benefits are definitely worth making spinach a part of your rabbits’ diet. Just make sure you feed it in moderation.

Can rabbits eat lettuce?

Rabbits can eat lettuce. However, a rabbit’s diet should never be based primarily on lettuce.

Any lettuce given to your rabbit should be given in moderation as part of their vegetable intake. Large amounts of lettuce can cause digestive problems and general health problems for your rabbit.

Some salads are better than others.

You shouldn’t feed your pet rabbit light-colored and watery lettuce, such as iceberg lettuce. Iceberg lettuce has very little nutritional value. This means your rabbit will get full from it but not get the nutrients or kilojoules it needs.

Iceberg lettuce commonly causes diarrhea in rabbits, which if bad enough can be fatal.

Some veterinarians also claim that iceberg lettuce can be harmful to pet rabbits in large quantities. It contains a compound called lactucarium.

This is a milky liquid secreted by lettuce stalks. Some argue that lactucarium can have a calming effect on your rabbit and cause health problems.

You can feed your pet rabbit darker and leafier varieties of lettuce. These include cos (aka romaine), loose leaf and lettuce. These contain more nutritional value, including vitamins A, C, K and fiber.

You can also eat dark green salads like arugula or spinach.

What foods are best for rabbits

While rabbits love to eat leafy greens, there are many foods that are much more nutritious for your pet rabbit than lettuce.

A rabbit’s diet should be primarily grass based. You should provide your pet rabbit with an unlimited supply of fresh grass hay (including timothy and meadow hay). This supports your rabbit’s digestive health and helps wear down their teeth.

Pet rabbits should be fed about a cup of vegetables per day, depending on the rabbit’s size and body weight.

It is best to include a variety of vegetables (including lettuce). This gives your rabbit a wider choice of nutrients, as well as different flavors.

The best vegetables for your pet rabbit are bok choy, basil, celery, bell peppers, carrot tops, Brussels sprouts, broccolini, and parsley.

Only ever feed your rabbit raw, undercooked vegetables, not cooked ones.

There’s a lot of debate (and undecided by many) as to whether or not it’s okay to feed your rabbit cabbage. Some believe that kale contains high levels of oxalic acid. This is a naturally occurring toxin produced by plants as a repellent.

It is also healthy for your pet rabbit to regularly eat small amounts of high-quality, fibrous pellets.

Fruit can occasionally be given to your pet as a treat. Note that fruit is high in sugar and should not be given on a regular basis. Rabbits love strawberries, bananas and apples (careful, avoid seeds!).

Always provide your pet rabbit with a constant source of clean water.

Never feed your pet rabbit avocado, chili, potatoes, onions, coconut or cabbage.

If you have any doubts about whether or not you can feed your pet rabbit anything, don’t do it. Rabbits will eat almost anything offered to them, so it’s up to you to decide what is and isn’t okay for them.

Can rabbits eat tomatoes?

Tomatoes are a fruit, and fruit should only ever be a treat for pet rabbits. You can feed your rabbit a slice of tomato or a small cherry tomato once a week. Tomatoes can be a great exercise tool. Gently hand feed your bunny tomato chunks to help bind.

You can give your rabbit red or yellow tomatoes. They should be raw (not cooked or canned) and ripe (not rotten). Always wash tomatoes before giving them to your rabbit to clean and remove pesticides. Cut the tomato into small pieces and remove all the seeds.

Do not feed your rabbit green tomatoes or any part of the tomato plant (including leaves, stems, vines and flowers). These can be toxic. Never give baby rabbits fruit.

Health Benefits of Tomatoes

Tomatoes provide some food for rabbits. They are high in vitamins A, B6 and C. They are also high in potassium and antioxidants.

However, rabbits should get the majority of their diet from other sources.

risks

Eating too many tomatoes can make your rabbit uncomfortable. The high sugar and acid content in tomatoes can encourage the growth of harmful bacteria in your rabbit’s gut. This can lead to painful bloating or diarrhea.

Eating tomatoes too regularly can cause your rabbit to become overweight. Green tomatoes, as well as tomato leaves, stems, vines, and flowers can be poisonous to rabbits. They contain solanine and tomato, which can irritate your rabbit’s digestive system and lead to death. Avoid feeding any of these to your rabbit.

Tomatoes are also very juicy and messy, and the juice can get stuck in your rabbit’s fur. Always check and clean your rabbit after feeding dirty fruit.

Can rabbits eat grapes?

White and red grapes can be occasionally fed to your rabbit as a treat. Most rabbits will love the sweet taste. They’re a great treat for training and bonding.

Feed your rabbit fresh (not dried) grapes that have been washed. Feed only one to two grapes per week, cut into small pieces. Remove seeds and skin. Although the skin is edible, too much of it can lead to kidney problems.

Health Benefits of Grapes

Grapes are high in water and can help keep your rabbit hydrated. Studies have shown that rabbits who eat grapes have healthier hearts. Grapes contain vitamin C, B6 and potassium. However, your rabbit should get most of its nutrients from other sources.

risks

Grapes are high in sugar. Consuming too much sugar can lead to obesity in rabbits. It can also be digested too quickly, causing painful gas and bloating. Eating too many grapes can change the acidity in your rabbit’s stomach and prevent the growth of good bacteria. It is debated that excess grapes can lead to kidney problems in rabbits. Always feed in moderation.

Compared to other fruits and vegetables, grapes have a particularly high level of pesticide residues. Always buy organic whenever possible. Wash and soak the grapes thoroughly in water before feeding them to your rabbit.

Can rabbits eat corn?

Whether or not rabbits can eat corn is a contentious issue. Corn isn’t toxic to rabbits, so technically they can eat it.

However, it is extremely difficult to digest and can cause digestive problems. In some rabbits, these problems appear immediately. For others, they can build up over time.

It is safest to feed your rabbit an entire corn diet. There are many other healthier vegetables you can feed your rabbit that have more benefits and no risks.

Health Benefits of Corn

Corn has no real nutritional benefit for rabbits. It just fills them up.

risks

All parts of corn are difficult for rabbits to digest, especially the tough outer layer of the kernels. Rabbits often swallow their food without chewing it properly. The corn is then not broken down during digestion. Undigested food can get lodged in the rabbit’s intestines, causing intestinal blockages, sores, and illnesses such as gastrointestinal stasis (where digestion slows or stops entirely).

Corn contains too much starch, sugar, and carbohydrates to be healthy for rabbits.

Stringy corn husks can get caught in your bunny’s teeth and windpipe, causing pain and possible choking.

Can rabbits eat cauliflower?

Rabbits can eat all parts of the cauliflower. This includes flowers, leaves and stems. The leaves are the healthiest part. You can feed your rabbit some cauliflower leaves several times a week as part of their daily mixed leafy greens.

Cauliflower florets and stalks can be fed as a treat. Feed your rabbit a few teaspoons of cauliflower florets and stalks occasionally. Many rabbits don’t like the taste of cauliflower. It’s not an essential vegetable. If they don’t like it, they don’t have to force it.

Health Benefits of Cauliflower

Cauliflower is high in fiber, which rabbits need to keep their digestive systems healthy. Fiber also makes your rabbit feel full after a meal. This, along with the fact that cauliflower is low in kilojoules, will help keep your pet rabbit from becoming overweight. Cauliflower is also a good source of vitamin C, protein, and potassium.

risks

Feeding your pet rabbit an excess of vegetables can upset their digestive system and make them uncomfortable. Feeding him too much cauliflower can cause painful gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Introduce new vegetables to your rabbit slowly and in moderation.

introduction of new foods

When first feeding your rabbit lettuce (or a new food), always introduce it gradually, in small amounts. This can help prevent digestive problems.

Rabbits are all unique and some will not tolerate food that others may.

If your rabbit produces soft poop 24 hours after you first gave him the new lettuce, it’s a sign that it’s not suitable for your pet.

attribution / sources;

How much does a rabbit eat?

The majority of a rabbit’s natural diet should consist of good quality hay or grass (but not fresh lawn clippings as these can ferment quickly) relative to their body size. Fresh hay is an essential part of a rabbit’s diet and you need to provide your rabbit with enough hay to eat at all times. Chewing hay is good for a rabbit’s teeth, which grow throughout life and need to be worn down naturally.

We usually recommend a bundle of fresh hay at least the size of the rabbit. This type of food helps maintain your rabbit’s overall health, with hay helping to wear down your pet’s teeth as they continue to grow and giving them the right amount of fiber needed for their digestive health.

There are a number of different types of hay and the right choice depends on the age, health and size of your rabbit. For example, alfalfa hay can be a good choice for younger rabbits, but should not be fed to adult rabbits due to its high calcium and carbohydrate content.

In the American Southeast, strawberry season is a highly anticipated time of year—and with good reason! These amazingly lush and ripe berries have attracted many fans, humans and rabbits alike.

Sweet, ripe strawberries are available fresh from the bush from the beginning of April until Mother’s Day. And if you’re like us you can’t help but share your delicious produce with your pet rabbit, no matter how much they love strawberries, is it really safe for bunnies to do so?

In today’s article, we cover the pros and cons of feeding strawberries to your pet rabbit. From their nutritional value and health benefits to the best way to feed them to your rabbit, find out everything you need to know to share nature’s bounty with your furry friend.

By the end of this guide you will be fully informed and ready to decide how often to feed your rabbits strawberries and how much they can eat at one time. So let’s get started!

Yes! Rabbits are allowed to eat strawberries

You only have to look at wild rabbits to know that bunnies can definitely eat strawberries! Because they grow on the vine in the spring, any plants left unattended are likely to be nibbled on by nearby wild rabbits. Although their high sugar content means they shouldn’t be a major part of a rabbit’s diet, they’re a perfectly safe option to give as an occasional treat.

Nutritional values ​​for strawberries

According to Nutritionvalue.org, strawberries have the following properties:

Rich in vitamin C and manganese

High content of vitamin C and manganese. Moderate sugar and fiber content

Moderate sugar and fiber Small amount of a wide variety of vitamins and minerals

Small amount of a variety of vitamins and minerals Low calcium content (great for rabbits!)

And with a calorie composition of 85% carbohydrates, 7% protein and 8% fat, strawberries are an excellent option as an occasional treat for rabbits.

Health benefits of strawberries for rabbits

In general, sweeter foods that you give your rabbit as rewards have very little nutritional value. Not so with strawberries! Not only do they have a moderate amount of a variety of vitamins and minerals, but they also have a decent amount of fiber — making them one of the healthier treat options to feed your rabbit. Their low calcium content also makes them a lot easier on your rabbit’s digestive system!

How to feed your rabbits strawberries

As long as the strawberries are off the vine, you can feed them whole to your rabbit. However, due to their insatiable appetite for sweets, most bunnies will swallow a whole strawberry in no time. We therefore recommend cutting up your strawberries and feeding them to your rabbit over a longer period of time.

Always make sure to choose organically grown strawberries to feed your rabbit. By avoiding harmful waxes and pesticides, you’ll help your rabbit’s delicate digestive and immune systems stay in peak health.

How Much Strawberry Should I Feed My Rabbit?

For small or dwarf rabbits, a whole strawberry could almost be considered a feast – be sure to slice them to avoid overloading your rabbit’s digestive system. However, larger rabbits can easily eat 2-3 strawberries in one sitting.

Just remember that strawberries should be an occasional treat. No matter how cute it might be to watch your furry friend eat a juicy strawberry, they’re best kept as a treat once or twice a week.

Types of strawberries to feed your rabbit

Always feed your rabbit fresh strawberries – never frozen, cooked or canned! Anything but fresh, organic fruit can cause serious gastrointestinal distress for your rabbit. When available, choose freshly picked strawberries for their higher vitamin content.

Final Thoughts on Feeding Strawberries to Your Rabbit

Strawberries are one of the best occasional treats you can choose for your rabbit due to their relatively balanced sugar and fiber content. So if you feel like treating your rabbit to something special, strawberries are an excellent choice! Thanks for reading today and we hope you learned everything you wanted to know about rabbits and strawberries.

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Image: Pixabay

Watermelons are a summertime BBQ staple—sweet, juicy, and thirst-quenching. But did you know that watermelon is technically a berry? That’s correct! Although they are melons in name, they are berries in nature.

And if you’ve never seen a wild rabbit near a berry vine, know that rabbits absolutely love berries of all kinds. Especially in autumn and winter, a fresh berry can be an absolute treasure for a rabbit.

But are watermelons safe for your pet rabbit? What about their seeds? And if you feed your rabbit a watermelon, can they eat the rind too?

We answer all of these questions and more in today’s article. From nutrition facts and health benefits to some things you absolutely must avoid when feeding your rabbit watermelon, we cover everything you need to know to feed your bunny friend. By the end of this guide, you will be fully informed and ready to decide if watermelon is a good choice for your rabbit’s diet.

Yes! Rabbits can eat watermelons

Rabbits can eat watermelon – and most do so with surprising enthusiasm! It’s no big secret that all rabbits have a sweet tooth… And the rich, juicy flesh of a watermelon is a treat they’re sure to enjoy.

As much as most rabbits love watermelon, it’s not a particularly nutritious food. That means you should generally reserve it as an occasional treat rather than daily food.

Nutritional facts for watermelon

Nutritionvalue.org gives the details of watermelon as a very low-nutrient food: It’s made up almost entirely of sugar and water, and is 89% carbohydrate (with very little fiber), 7% protein, and 4% fat. With no vitamins or minerals to speak of, it’s a very, well, watery fruit.

Watermelon health benefits and hazards for rabbits

Watermelon has no significant health benefits for rabbits; Their relatively low nutritional content and high sugar content make them a treat best served very infrequently. Unlike humans, however, rabbits can eat watermelon rind — making it a useful source of fiber that’s hard to find in other sweet rabbit treats.

How to feed your watermelon to your rabbits

Always choose an organic watermelon for your rabbit as you can also feed the healthier rind without the use of pesticides and waxes. It is important to note that rabbits cannot digest watermelon seeds! Their mild toxicity can cause serious digestive issues, which means you should either buy seedless watermelons or take the time to shred and pit any watermelon you plan to feed your rabbit.

How Much Watermelon Should I Feed My Rabbit?

Due to its very watery nature, you can feed your rabbit slightly larger amounts of watermelon than other sweet treats. For small bunnies, a few 1-inch cubes will do as an occasional treat — while larger bunnies might be able to enjoy half a cup without going overboard with sugar.

Types of watermelon to feed your rabbit

Whenever possible, you should buy seedless organic watermelons to feed your rabbit. This ensures complete safety for your rabbit: there are no pesticides or waxes on the bark and the absence of seeds avoids gastrointestinal problems. We’re particularly fond of the ‘personal-size’ seedless watermelons that can be seen hitting stores in the summer: slice one and you’re ready to share right next to your bunny!

Final Thoughts on Feeding Watermelon to Your Rabbit

While far from being a nutrient dense food, watermelon is perfectly acceptable to feed your rabbit as an occasional treat. To make life easier for you and your rabbit, buy seedless organic watermelons and keep feeding frequency to just once or twice a week.

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide has taught you everything you wanted to know about feeding watermelon to your rabbits. For more sweet treats safe for your bunny, be sure to check out our other articles on blueberries and strawberries too!

Featured image: pasja1000 from Pixabay

Can Rabbits Eat Watermelon?

Yes, rabbits are allowed to eat watermelon, but that’s not their main dish. Watermelon is high in sugar, but it can also be a nutritious treat. A fruit, as we already know, can only play the role of a treat.

If your rabbit has never eaten watermelon, give them a small amount and monitor their bowel movements over the next 24 hours. If his stools are soft, stop feeding him for a few days. Feed him the regular rabbit diet, which consists of hay, water, and some pellets. Also avoid vegetables.

To avoid health problems like loose stools or bloating when feeding watermelon:

Don’t feed watermelons every day. We recommend feeding only 1 or 2 servings per week. Variety in your rabbit’s diet is key. Too much sweetness can alter the bacterial balance from the intestinal tract.

If you decide to offer 2 servings per week, each should be no more than 1 tablespoon per 2 pounds of body weight. You shouldn’t give your rabbit more than one 2″ x 2″ cube per week (almost the size of a Rubik’s cube).

Make sure the watermelon isn’t wilted. It is better to feed him an unripe watermelon than a wilted one.

Rabbits are very small animals, even smaller than a tiny baby. Just because of a few more discs that are larger than appropriate, your rabbit can suffer from loose stools for several days in a row (remember that rabbits do not have true diarrhea, only when they are infected with a bacterium).

Good versus bad in watermelon feeding

1. Although watermelon is a nutritious fruit and it is perfectly hydrated (high amount of electrolytes), watermelon is not high in fiber. Yes, this fruit can supplement your rabbit’s vitamins (A, C) and minerals (magnesium) and it will easily meet their water needs on a hot day, but fiber is so important in a rabbit’s diet. In addition, with all the vegetables available, you can always offer your rabbit a balanced diet.

2. It’s important to note that watermelon contains choline, a really good nutrient that improves sleep, muscle movement, and brain response.

3. Its fur sticks together when the sap gets inside. Think about your rabbit when you give him watermelon. Can he eat it easily? Is the disc small enough that he can’t walk across it? Since rabbits don’t like to bathe, you need to spot wash him to avoid long-lasting stains.

4. If you feed him watermelon or other sweet foods too often, your rabbit may start refusing necessary foods like hay and other vegetables.

5. Pet rabbits really need their bonding time with you, especially if you have a single rabbit in the house. You can use the “Watermelon Enjoyment Moment” to have a great time with your furry friend.

6. Frozen and then thawed watermelons have a mushy consistency. We recommend feeding it fresh or in the form of a frozen small cube.

Can Rabbits Eat Watermelon Seeds, Peels or Leaves?

Can Rabbits Eat Watermelon Seeds?

No, they cannot chew them, so they can get an intestinal blockage. Because rabbits cannot vomit and can choke on watermelon seeds, be sure to clean the watermelon seeds before feeding your rabbit.

Do rabbits eat watermelon peels?

Yes, watermelon peels are a great treat too. All green parts of the watermelon are ok for rabbits. The watermelon rind consists of two parts, the green part of the rind and the white part of the rind.

We actually suggest giving your rabbit the rinds instead of the meat. The rind of a watermelon contains larger amounts of citrulline amino acid than the red part. It has more fiber and less sugar. It’s a great treat for your rabbit. Respect the same quantities even when it comes to the rind of the watermelon.

Avoid choking on the watermelon’s harder and greener rind (skin or rind) by chopping it into smaller pieces.

Can rabbits eat watermelon leaves?

The leaves and flowers of a watermelon are not poisonous to rabbits. Wild rabbits like to nibble on them while strolling around the garden.

What about baby rabbits, wild rabbits or angora rabbits?

Do Baby Rabbits Eat Watermelons?

Do not feed baby rabbits watermelon or other fruits. Baby rabbits or very young rabbits have a very special diet. By the time he’s a year old, rabbits have a very delicate digestive tract. Keep it simple and easy.

Do wild rabbits eat watermelons or watermelon rinds?

When it comes to wild rabbits, be careful and introduce any type of fruit very slowly. Watch her bowel movements. We don’t actually advise you to feed him fruit or lots of vegetables. Eat a diet of hay, twigs, and lots of grass. In the wild, fruits are a very rare treat.

Can Angora Rabbits Eat Watermelon?

What fruits can Angora rabbits eat? There is no difference between the diet of Angora rabbits and the diet of other rabbits when it comes to watermelon. However, it is good to give angora rabbits papaya or pineapple when molting to avoid constipation. However, avoid overfeeding. Once or twice a week is sufficient.

Feeding your rabbit watermelon is a good thing, but you should always follow the rules above. If you do this, everything will work out well for your rabbit. Never feed your rabbit fruit when they are on a diet.

One thing all rabbit owners should understand is that they tend to have sensitive tummies and you really need to watch their diet. We’re going to dig a little deeper into what a rabbit can and can’t eat, but now you need to know: Can rabbits eat pineapples?

Adult rabbits can eat pineapple, but only moderation is recommended as pineapples are high in natural sugars and can cause painful and trapped gas or bloating. It’s best to feed your rabbit pineapple as a sweet surprise, because it’s packed with nutrients but also tastes like a special treat!

To learn a little more about how fruit, and pineapple in particular, can affect your rabbit’s digestion and what to ensure in their daily diet for a happy and healthy rabbit, read on! We have all the information you need.

How often ; How Much Can Rabbits Eat Pineapple?

Research has shown that there is a schedule that you should stick to when feeding your rabbit pineapple, as well as how much is actually good for them and not harmful.

We recommend the following:

Baby rabbits should never be fed pineapples as their stomachs are too sensitive.

Only feed your adult rabbit 1 teaspoon of pineapple, especially when introducing it into their diet.

You should only use pineapple once or twice a week as a special treat.

You can increase the amount of pineapple up to 1 tablespoon if you’re sure it won’t cause gas or diarrhea.

It is important to note that these instructions are for a healthy rabbit. If you want to know how to tell if the pineapple is affecting the rabbit negatively, read on!

How can you tell if pineapple is upsetting your rabbit’s stomach?

If you think about where a rabbit is common in nature, the habitat usually contains long grasses, not tropical fruits. It’s important to understand that while pineapples can be a healthy treat, they shouldn’t make up a large part of a rabbit’s diet.

If you decide to offer your rabbit a little pineapple every now and then, be sure to monitor their secretions for 24 hours after ingesting the fruit. If you notice diarrhea, your stomach probably cannot handle the exotic fruit.

You can also tell if your rabbit is gassy because you will hear a soft gurgle coming from their tummy after eating. As your rabbit’s caretaker, it is your responsibility to determine if the pineapple is causing him any discomfort. Rabbits aren’t quite as conscious as humans and even if it upsets their gut, rabbits will continue to eat pineapple when offered it because it tastes so sweet and delicious!

What can I give my rabbit if he’s having trouble digesting pineapple?

If you’re a good and observant rabbit owner and have found that even half a teaspoon of pineapple seems to upset their stomach, there’s no need to forego sweet treats for them! There are a variety of other fruits and vegetables you can try, but we recommend following the same protocol and starting with extremely small amounts and then paying attention to their gases and secretions to make sure they’re not causing any discomfort.

Here are some popular product options that are safe to feed your rabbit:

apples

bananas

celery

cucumber

carrots

Leafy vegetables

pumpkin

blueberries

cabbage

Again, these should be used as a special treat and not as the main part of your rabbit’s diet. As you most likely know, their diet will consist primarily of pellets, grass and hay.

It’s also important to know the fruits and vegetables that can be extremely harmful to your rabbit! These include: stone fruit such as plums, peaches and avocados as well as potatoes, beans and mushrooms.

What Food Should You Feed a Rabbit With an Upset Stomach?

You may find that your rabbit has gas or diarrhea from time to time, even if you are extremely careful about their diet. If your rabbit seems unwell or their poop is abnormal, there are a few things you can feed them to help combat the problem, but pineapple is not one of them.

As we’ve learned, the sugar in pineapple can make a rabbit’s stomach aggravate it, so it’s not recommended as a remedy for digestive problems. However, you can feed your rabbit leafy greens, carrot tops, dandelion greens, and herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil to help.

Final Thoughts

Rabbits, like most humans, love a little sugar! If you put a plate of fruit in front of them, they will most likely eat it all, but shortly thereafter, they will likely experience extreme physical discomfort.

You are the conscious adult in this relationship and it is important that you are aware of what fruits and vegetables your rabbit can and should eat, and at what frequency and in what amounts is healthy.

Let’s reiterate what we learned here today: adult rabbits can eat pineapples, but baby rabbits can’t! It should be served in extremely small amounts (½ to 1 teaspoon) to begin with and gradually increased to a maximum of 1 tablespoon if you do not notice any diarrhea or gurgling sounds of gas coming from your rabbit’s abdomen. Although your rabbit doesn’t seem to have any problem with pineapple, it should only be given once or twice a week as a special treat and never on the same day as other sugary snacks.

You are now an expert when it comes to feeding your rabbit pineapples! And hopefully you also understand a little more about which fruits and vegetables are good for them, how often they are rewarded with fresh produce, and how to use them as medicine for their upset stomach!