Copyright © 2018 - 2020 SmallPetJournal.com. Cabbage should not be given to rabbits because when given to your fluffer in large quantities it can cause digestive problems and can also enlarge the thyroid gland. They can eat rabbits when they are available, so we can say that they do not rely upon rabbits – but rabbits form a part of their diet. Wild plants that are toxic to rabbits. Required fields are marked *. Bread, Pasta, Cookies, and Crackers. You can feed them to your pet rabbit as a treat, but a wild rabbit is not going to touch them unless they are absolutely starving. Providing rabbits healthy snacks and nutrient rich supplements can often be accomplished by growing your own rabbit colony treats, and giving the meat animals fresh scraps from your garden or kitchen. There are tons of vegetables in the fridge that I know he can have, but what can rabbits not eat? And meat. Remember hay and/or grass are much more important and should make up the majority of diet.See: feeding tips to ensure rabbits eat plenty of hay. Therefore it's up to you to limit it! Then you think: can they eat that? Yes, rabbits can eat tomatoes, but only as a treat. My wife shakes her head. It’s important to note that not all fruits and vegetables are safe for your rabbit to eat. He rushes to his food bowl and places both of his tiny paws inside it as soon as he hears the rustling sound of a plastic bag. Some muesli type rabbit foods and treats contain artificial colors, which are generally used in pet food to make it look more appealing to human eyes. In sensitive individuals, it can cause problems with the skin, gut, respiratory tract, and the central nervous system. Avocados are a really popular food right now and because you might have spares in your fridge right now you need to know: Avocados are poisonous to Rabbits and should not be given to them under any circumstances. The rabbit can eat vegetables. They can also eat rabbit pellets. Foods that are safe to feed a rabbit in small amounts are Basil, Beet Greens, Carrot and Carrot tops, Celery leaves, Dandelion leaves and flower, Dill, Mint, Parsley, Watercress, Wheatgrass. Confusion Over What Can Rabbits NOT Eat is Easy. If we state that the rabbit can eat oranges it’s noted implies that oranges are extremely good for the bunny. Daisies. The green fruits are also toxic. Otherwise, they could face the digestive problem. They contain vitamin C and K as well as fiber, copper, and antioxidants. My point is if you’re looking for a list of foods rabbits can eat maybe that’s the list you need. Now that you know what to feed a rabbit, it is also important to talk about foods not to feed rabbits. To balance this, they must be fed a mineral-rich diet that meets their needs. Because of this, their healthy diet is limited, and there are many food items they shouldn’t eat. Above all, we need to know which foods are poisonous to rabbits. But do not feed your rabbits too much cucumber because it can cause rabbit diarrhea. Although the current research isn’t conclusive, most vets encourage a lower calcium diet for any rabbit with high blood calcium, kidney disease, or bladder stones. Fruits should be fed in moderation due to sugar content (up to 2 tablespoons worth per day). Rabbits do not have the same dietary requirements as most other domesticated animals, so we need to be aware of what they can and can’t eat. We will tell you whether a rabbit can or can not eat them. It may seem like rabbits can pretty much eat everything! Pellets can also cause rabbits to stop eating hay, which is crucial to their health. That’s why it is crucial to be aware of plants rabbits can’t eat and shouldn’t eat. Rabbits, however, have a somewhat different digestive system and generally absorb all of the available calcium. Your email address will not be published. As a general rule, you shouldn't feed your rabbit lettuce. You have some leftover veg in the fridge and you’re thinking about giving it to your little fluff monster. All of the fruit (flesh, stone, and skin) contains persin, but it is more concentrated in the skin and stone. FYI - if you click this link and buy something, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Some rabbit owners like to dehydrate fruit and vegetables to create bunny treats. Always read the label before you buy your rabbit pellets. You can tell when rabbits, not deer, have been chewing on your plants because rabbits make clean, 45-degree cuts in young stems and can reach only approximately 3 feet high. Because of their lower sugar content, they pose much less of a problem. No. Giving Rabbits meat is also an obvious no-no. Many veterinarians suggest feeding your rabbit no more than ⅛ cup of quality pellets per 5 pounds of rabbit per day, according to Krempels. It’s much the same for a wild rabbit. Some are quite surprising and some are not, so it’s quite important that you double check with this list or our safe rabbit food list if ever not sure whether you should be feeding your little fluffer something. While not incredibly nutritious, daisies can be a yummy treat for your rabbit. The runny stool sometimes misidentified as diarrhea in rabbits is more often composed of unformed, almost-liquid cecotropes. Let’s start by busting a widespread myth. However, newspaper is particularly bad because the print ink can be petroleum-based, containing chemicals that are toxic to rabbits. Survival rates are not high when wild infant rabbits are taken care of by humans. They would have to eat a lot of seeds for this to be a real threat, but some vets recommend that you avoid feeding them to be on the safe side. The problem is, Rabbits cannot burp or pass gas (although I blame Ron for a lot of wind that goes on in my house) and this can cause your little fluffer pain or could even lead to death. Papaya: Sure! Timothy hay is the best type of hay to offer your rabbit. The difference is that they will eat fresh grass instead of straw. You can offer fruits like grape as a treat. Almost all types of vegetables like celery are safe for rabbits. These plant chemicals are called antinutrients because they can stop your rabbits (and you!) Sweets. Calcium is another nutrient essential for your rabbit but can be a problem if the diet contains too much. Rabbits can get all of the sodium and chloride they need from an excellent diet, so it is unnecessary, but not thought to be harmful to give your rabbit a salt/mineral lick. The muesli is not desirable for several reasons. Hence just give cucumbers to them when you want to give your rabbit a change in their food menu. All food contains calories, with fats being the most concentrated form of energy in food. However, hay, greens, and herbs, in particular, are also generally rich in minerals. If you’ve never heard of arugula before, you may know its leaves better by another name: rocket. Thirdly, legumes, grains, and seeds can also contain high levels of antinutrients like phytates and lectin, which can affect the absorption of essential minerals in a rabbit’s gut by binding to these elements. Some of them (like fiber) also have important beneficial effects on the digestive process or (like lectin) as a powerful antioxidant. We believe these foods to be safe if fed in moderation, with plenty of variety. You have to admit, some of the foods on this list are kinda obvious. Finding Baby Wild Rabbits. Bad bacteria can then build up within the gastrointestinal tract resulting in bloating. There are several common antinutrients with different ill effects. This is because of their predisposition to bladder and kidney stones and the link between oxalates and these conditions. We’ll also consider nutrients that are essential but can cause problems if too much is given. Alfalfa hay is not a good choice for an adult rabbit, since it’s a legume, not a grass, and as such is too rich to be fed on a daily basis. Rabbits can eat lettuce. 9. The fruit is not bad for rabbits excepting all plant parts like the leaves, vines, flowers, and stems which are toxic. The breakdown products of protein can put a strain on the rabbit’s kidneys as they age. A good example of what they should NOT eat. Whether you allow your rabbit to eat some or not, you can rest easy knowing that these plants won’t harm your rabbit. Pride Veterinary Centre has published a neat PDF that lists toxic and safe common plants for rabbits. Unless you have a perfect memory and know, in great detail, every single fruit and vegetable that’s safe to feed your rabbit, you could probably use a really detailed rabbit food list. “What can Rabbits NOT eat?” My Wife calls. It is not suitable to feed any vegetable, fruit or plant until you have checked on them and know they are safe. We’re rushing to get ready for work because we’re both late (standard) and we need to feed Ron before we leave. However, not all flowers and plants are safe for rabbits to eat — in fact, some are highly toxic — so it’s essential to be aware of what flowers rabbits can eat. Okay, okay. Your email address will not be published. Hello on July 18, 2017: I have an 8monty old bunny and my dad just bought lettuce for her Italian and Ceaser lite which one do I feed her? Rabbits can stop eating for a variety of reasons. Nuts might surprise some people, but they are mostly high in fat and because of this are difficult for rabbits to digest. Any leafy green that is safe for a human to eat is safe for a rabbit as well. 5. Rabbits should never be fed avocado, fruit pips, or rhubarb. 10. Legumes and seeds have a high protein content, and selective feeding can boost the effect of this even more. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We hope you now feel informed about the foods your bunny can’t eat, and why these foods could harm your precious pet. Berries contain less sugar than most fruit, so if you are sure that you want to feed fruit to your rabbits, it is best to choose a variety of berries in treat amounts. Low-quality commercial rabbit food. Wait…I thought rabbits can eat tomatoes? from getting the nutrition they need. Not to do so, can cause your rabbit to have serious problems that may become fatal. 8. There are tons of vegetables in the fridge that I. he can have, but what can rabbits not eat? What do Wild Rabbits Eat? The whole plant … It should be noted that a small piece of dried fruit has much more sugar in it than a piece of fresh fruit the same size. I get from the couch and wander over to the fridge. However, a rabbit’s diet should never be primarily based around lettuce. Rabbits don't naturally eat root vegetables/fruit. Rabbits do not eat grasshoppers or any other bug including crickets, fleas, beetles, moths, spiders, mites, aphids, and so on. It may not seem like a big deal if your dog, cat, or other pet skips a meal, but if a rabbit does, it may be an indication of an emergency situation. Hay is important for rabbits because it provides the essential fiber needed for good digestive health and it helps wear down a rabbit’s teeth (which continuously grow) for good dental health. The most common artificial colors used are: These dyes are a completely unnecessary addition to your rabbits’ diets. Iceberg lettuce can be toxic in large quantities as it contains lactucarium, a substance that can be harmful for your rabbit. Salt licks are actually mineral blocks that contain a spread of minerals – not just sodium and chloride. document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a8a2e597c23ff1976fb6a94fe4d0d3f4" );document.getElementById("gc142749c7").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); SmallPetJournal is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.ca. Still, because of the potential issues, highly colored mixes are rabbit foods to avoid. These should be around a cup full, and will not be more than 15% of your bunnies total diet. Also, cucumber, which is about 98% water – better alternatives are broccoli, green pepper, or squash. Let me put your mind at ease with this list of food you shouldn’t feed your bunny. Potatoes themselves are also problematic as they are full of starch, which the rabbit’s digestion hasn’t evolved to process properly. Pellet food. With the exception of Hay , Pellets and Fruits, it is ideal to keep a focus on the wide variety of green leaf and non-leafy vegetables available. They require a high fiber, low sugar, and low-fat diet. Much like Peas, Mushrooms are high phosphorus, but are also very acidic and will cause your bunny harm if you feed it to them. Let’s start by busting a widespread myth. Not only are they safe for your bunny, but they are healthy, crisp, and refreshing. Which fruits can rabbits eat? What can rabbits not eat? BUT, if you do need a list of foods your rabbit definitely can’t eat, you’re in the right place. In the wild rabbits would forage for a variety of different foods to benefit from a good nutritional mix. This makes the bunny more reluctant to eat and drink which, in turn, causes their condition to worsen. Join our newsletter and get the latest lowdown on your pet bunny! (Here Are 4 Signs So You Can Be Sure), Understanding Rabbit Behaviour (23 ways your bunny tries to communicate with you). This post may contain affiliate links. Can he eat toast?”. Bread. Rabbits love sugary fruit and will eat too much of it, which is bad for them. What can rabbits not eat? Rabbits love to eat! Wild rabbits can eat pellet foods designed for domestic rabbits, but only in small amounts, as they are so nutrient-rich. While this definitely warrants a trip to the vet, there are a few things you can do in the meantime to possibly help your bunny feel better. Rabbits seem to be particularly sensitive to persin – the plant chemical that makes avocado toxic to several species of pets. Boasting a peppery, tangy taste, arugula is low in calories but high in calcium, potassium, vitamin C and more. You can place your rabbit’s hay in the litter box for your rabbit. We all know that aroma adds to the enjoyment and flavor of our food, … Crackers. There are a few foods that rabbits must not eat because they can cause problems with digestion and health. But broccoli contains more sugar compared to other leafy greens. Other Plants Rabbits Can‘t Eat Good quality rabbit pellets should have at least 22% fiber, not over 14% protein, and 1% fat. See rabbit meal planner. I’ve already created a handy guide about what foods Rabbits can eat to help supplement their diet. 6. Rabbits will not do this. You can purchase water bottles for rabbits, but these are largely used in breeding facilities and the like because they are convenient for staff—not because rabbits enjoy them. Rabbits should not eat newspaper. Understanding this is just as important as knowing what a healthy rabbit diet should look like. After all, this food is being marketed specifically for rabbits. Some things rabbits can't eat (this is NOT a complete list! They can eat rabbits when they are available, so we can say that they do not rely upon rabbits – but rabbits form a part of their diet. To keep your rabbit safe and healthy, think not about what they can't eat, but what they CAN eat. You more about it in our fully detailed article, but the basics for a healthy rabbit consists of two main elements: Hay should make up 80% of their diet, with the rest mostly being made up of pellets. Native to the Mediterranean, arugula is widely available in countries all around the world. Yes. Rabbits can eat cucumbers but it is not really very nutritious for rabbits. Rabbits should receive fresh fruits as an occasional treat. Here’s all you need to know, Rabbit Diet: How to keep your pet bunny healthy, Do I Have an Unhappy Rabbit? Why Do Hamsters Bite & Chew On Cage Bars? It is imperative to be aware of these foods so that you can ensure your rabbit’s long and healthy life. Many mammals have issues with eating onions and garlic. They can also have green leafy vegetables – but not ones that cause gas, as they cannot pass it. However, excess protein and carbohydrate – especially processed carbohydrate, like bread – is readily converted by your rabbit into fat. Yes, Rabbits can overeat. Pet rabbits often seem to chew on anything they can get their teeth into. Rabbit pellets are high in carbohydrates. Some wild plants are toxic to rabbits – this delightful poem … Can rabbits eat peanut butter. It can also mean digestion suffers as hay intake is decreased or nonexistent. You can feed your rabbit one or two small slices a few times a week. What’s actually dangerous for them? However, some plant chemicals are toxic to feed to your bunnies, and we need to avoid plants where the level of these toxins is high.