Rabbits have a diet based on hay and vegetables, but they should also eat rationed fruit and some pelleted feed (products processed under humidity, pressure and heat). In order for them to grow and stay healthy and strong, it is very important to give them a varied and balanced diet.
Apples can be a good food supplement in a rabbit’s diet, as long as there is no abusive intake. In addition, it is essential to know which parts of the fruit are optimal for the body. Find out can rabbits eat apples and the different fruits they can eat in this article.
Can rabbits eat apples?
Is apple good for rabbits? Really yes, as long as they consume them in moderation. Rabbits can eat the apple, red or green since it is a harmless and safe fruit for their body. However, like other fruits, it is not recommended as daily food, as it contains high levels of sugar. Therefore, it is important that you rationalize the consumption of apples in your rabbit.
Another aspect to consider in the intake of apples in rabbits is the parts that they can eat. Rabbits can eat apple peel and pulp without posing a risk to their health. So, if you give your rabbit an apple, you should choose these parts of the piece.
On the other hand, under no circumstances can they eat apple stems or seeds. Cut the fruit into small pieces and remove all the seeds before feeding it. But what if my rabbit eats apple seeds? The consequences for your health can be very severe.
The stems and seeds of apples contain cyanogenic glycosides, that is, poisonous compounds capable of triggering very dangerous symptoms in rabbits, such as diarrhea, stomach pain, vomiting, reduced heart rate, seizures and respiratory problems. In the most serious cases, they can end the life of the animal.
What can rabbits eat?
To specify what rabbits eat, we must differentiate between the group of foods that they can consume daily and those restricted to a couple of times a week. The foods that rabbits can eat daily are the following:
- Hay: it is the main food of your diet. This food keeps the intestinal transit of the animal active, so you must always provide it in a fresh and quality state.
- Carrot and radish leave: never in whole portions due to the high sugar content of both vegetables.
- Alfalfa: it is highly recommended for the contribution of proteins and fibers that help strengthen the bones of rabbits.
- Green leafy vegetables: Watercress, endive, arugula, clover and lettuce are other vegetables that rabbits can eat. It helps that they are well hydrated, but avoid giving your rabbit iceberg lettuce because it could cause diarrhea.
The group of vegetables that rabbits can consume in a restricted way, that is, once or twice a week, is wide. Some of them are the following:
- Artichoke
- Basil
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Lombarda
- Oregano
- Tomato
- Cucumber
- Cabbage
The fruits are also foods recommended for feeding the rabbits, but because of the high sugar content should be restricted as above vegetables. That is, you can give them to your rabbit once a week.
Fruits that rabbits can eat
Now that you know that rabbits can eat apples, both green and red, we want to help you so that you can vary the fruits you give your pet. These are the main fruits that rabbits can eat:
- Kiwis
- Cherries
- Strawberries
- Peach
- Orange
- Tangerine
- Mango
- Green and red apple (never stems or seeds)
- Pineapple
- Pear
- Melon
- Papaya
- Watermelon
It should be noted that the skin of melon and watermelon love rabbits, so yours will especially appreciate eating this part of the fruits.
