Photo by Gil Ndjouwou
Every animal must consume specific foods to maintain good health. Rabbits need nutritious food to live long and healthy. They are herbivores, which means they must consume plants like hay, fruits, and vegetables. But what foods can be toxic to rabbits?
There are also foods for rabbits that aren't toxic but need to be given in a limited amount. Some foods aren't poisonous to bunnies, but as much as possible, we must avoid these kinds because they're unhealthy.
Rabbits should be given unlimited hay and water daily. Other than hay, some plants should be given in a limited amount.
If you are a new rabbit owner, research this topic to ensure you are feeding your bunny the right foods that are healthy and beneficial. Healthy foods for rabbits provide specific nutrients that they need.
If you already know what is good for them, here is a list of food you should avoid because they are toxic to rabbits.
List of Toxic Foods to Rabbit
Fruit Seeds/pits
Fruit seeds in apples and plum pits contain cyanogenic glycosides, the natural toxins in plants.
Avocado
Avocados have a fungicidal toxin called Persin which can cause heart failure in rabbits.
Iceberg lettuce
Some kinds of lettuce are suitable for rabbits, like Romaine and Butterhead. Iceberg lettuce is toxic to rabbits because it has lactucarium which is dangerous when given in large amounts. It is safer to give the other kinds of lettuce than the latter.
Mushrooms
Any type of mushroom is bad for rabbits. It can cause organ damage, vomiting, and diarrhea because of the mycotoxins present in the mushroom.
Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine that can poison a bunny. Too much sweetness can be toxic to rabbits.
Dairy products
Rabbits are lactose intolerant, so giving them dairy products can cause digestive issues.
Beans
This plant contains a high amount of calcium, carbohydrates, and protein that surpasses a bunny's required amount of these food contents.
Disclaimer: We are not professional veterinarians or medical doctors. We created this blog based on our experiences with pet rabbits, volunteered hours in the rabbit shelter, extensive pet product research, and experienced peers. The purpose of this blog is to provide information about properly taking care of rabbits. Please know that it is still best to visit the vet regularly. For medical emergencies, contact a rabbit-savvy vet. Always observe your rabbits around new products or environmental changes.
Final Thoughts on Toxic Foods for Rabbits
Rabbits have a sensitive digestive system, so be careful about the number of treats you give them. Some plants can make them gassy, and some can cause GI Stasis which is very dangerous to rabbits.
(Read our blog on GI Stasis)
Be aware of the foods toxic to rabbits because we don't want to get our long-eared pets harmed. We want them to live long, and we want to see more binkies!
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