The feeding of the rabbit, regardless of its breed (belier type, American chinchilla or toy / dwarf) must be based on consumption of hay, recommended fruits and vegetables and feed. But the fact that the rabbit is a herbivorous animal does not mean that it can consume all kinds of plants, there are some foods that are harmful and detrimental to its he alth.
In this article on our site we will detail those foods that are prohibited for rabbits and we will explain some of the main reasons why you should never offer them.
Keep reading and discover what these prohibited foods are, whether they are homemade or of natural origin. Here's everything you need to know about harmful foods for rabbits:
Forbidden vegetables for rabbits
Vegetables should be offered to our rabbit on a daily basis, however, there are some varieties that are really toxic, so their consumption should be prohibited. Some vegetables are also not recommended either because of their high sugar content or their poor digestibility. Here are the most dangerous vegetables for rabbits:
- Potato: contains a large quantity of a highly toxic alkaloid called solanine. Solanine is eliminated by boiling it, however it is still a very caloric and starchy food, which can cause severe digestive disorders. It is highly advisable never to offer potatoes to our rabbit.
- The sweet potato: As with the potato, this tuber contains high doses of solanine and large amounts of sugar. Its consumption should be totally avoided.
- Garlic: has been used for years in tiny proportions to prevent the appearance of intestinal parasites. However, it is not a food that should be offered regularly or undiluted. It is a food that causes serious stomach disorders.
- The onion: In addition to causing poor digestion, onions contribute to the loss of red blood cells, which causes weakness and dizziness in Rabbit. In the long run, its consumption can cause severe anemia and even death.
- The turnip: the turnip itself is very indigestible for rabbits, however the leaves are an excellent prize that they will love.
- Leeks: its effects are similar to that of onions, it is a food that produces very poor digestion in rabbits. In addition, leeks give rise to the appearance of gases that the rabbit cannot expel.
- Mushrooms: in addition to the really poisonous mushrooms, other varieties such as the classic mushrooms are still very dangerous for rabbits. In the long run they can cause the appearance of tumors.
- Peas, parsnip and rhubarb: these three vegetables have in common an excess of sugar which can cause intestinal problems, brain and kidneys. It is very important to choose vegetables and fruits that are low in sugar.
- Las habas: This food is very indigestible for the rabbit's organism.
Forbidden fruits for rabbits
Fruits are generally a plant-based food that should be given with caution to rabbits. Despite being foods that are allowed or suitable for consumption, their high sugar content does not make them recommended as a usual food. Some fruits can only be eaten by rabbits 1 or 2 times a week However, there are fruits that rabbits should not eat under any circumstances. We list them below:
- Bananas and bananas: these foods are very nutritionally rich and provide vitamin B1. However, they are foods that contain high sugar and are also very difficult to digest. In addition, they should never be green, but rather ripe. For this reason, it is better to avoid the consumption of these two foods or offer them in very small quantities.
- Cherimoya: in addition to being very rich in sugar, the custard apple is a fruit that also provides excessive fat to our rabbit. Its consumption should be avoided or offered very sparingly and in tiny portions. It is not a recommended food.
- Figs: despite being a very tasty fruit with many properties, the fig contains a very high amount of sugar which, as we have mentioned, it is very harmful to our rabbit. It is a fruit that should be avoided.
- Apricot, medlar, plum and peach: these three fruits, despite providing vitamin A and fiber to our little friend, they have in common the presence of cyanide in their seed. For that reason we should always cut and wash it and never offer pieces of meat close to the seed.
- Avocado: contains a toxic compound called persin that is really harmful to the he alth of our rabbit as well as to many other pets. It is a very harmful fruit that should never be offered. It also has a lot of fat.
Remember that it is very important never to offer fruits that contain seeds, very harmful due to their low cyanide content. This can slowly cause the appearance of tumors and diseases related to the intestinal system. Before offering any fruit, we will chop it and clean it well.
Harmful Plants
The vast majority of decorative plants that we have at home are toxicfor rabbits. There are some poisonous because they contain toxic elements in their composition, and others that are not toxic, but produce gases.
The intestinal tract of rabbits is unable to eliminate gas through flatulence. For this reason, these toxic gases enter the rabbit's bloodstream, producing enterotoxemia (toxins from the intestine pass into the blood), an event that can be fatal for rabbits. Next we list the prohibited plants:
- Oleanders
- Ferns
- Belladonna
- Hemlock, Ivy
- Lilies
- Laurel
- Daffodils
- Poppies
- Spark
- Burdock
- Iris
- Tulips
- Stramonium
- Milkweed
- Good herb
- Lupine
- Rush
- Seagrass
- Chimes
- Honeysuckle
- Snowdrop
- Daffodils
- Horehounds
Carbohydrates
Excessive carbohydrates are very harmful for rabbits since they are foods that are very difficult to digest, moreover, when consumed disproportionate use of these products can cause fermentation in the rabbit's stomach, damaging its intestinal system. Avoid:
- Rice
- Bread
- Cookies
- Walnuts
- Sugary cereals
- Beans
- Corn
- Oatmeal
All kinds of cakes, fruits in syrup and sweets should be avoided, since refined flour and sugar are harmful to rabbits. This type of food can have serious consequences on your body and should never be offered.
Dairy and other prohibited foods
Dairy is very harmful to rabbits. Cheese, butter, and any derivative of milk under no circumstances should be offered to rabbits. Nor should they be given dog or cat feed, as they provide animal protein, indigestible for rabbits.
The importance of offering quality hay
hay is an indispensable part of a he althy diet for Rabbit. However, there are he althier varieties of hay than others. The point is to avoid as much as possible those that contain more calories.
Our rabbits do not even remotely practice the physical activity of wild rabbits. Therefore we must satisfy their appetite with low-calorie hay varieties Meadow Hay hay and Timothy Hay are the most appropriate for a rabbit with low activity.
Alfalfa should be given in small amounts because it is high in calories. It will be an appropriate food for rabbits in the process of recovering from some ailment.
How do I know if my rabbit has been poisoned?
Despite controlling our rabbit's diet in detail, sometimes we can forget about some specific properties that some fruits and vegetables have. For this reason we wanted to add a final section in which we will explain some common symptoms of rabbit intoxication:
- The rabbit has not fed for more than 12 hours: especially if it has not eaten hay, this is a serious he alth problem.
- You haven't had a bowel movement or urination in more than 12 hours.
- Obvious symptoms of apathy, pain, discomfort, or decreased activity.
- Excessive growth of rabbit teeth.
- Unusual stools or urine: very liquid, with mucus, abnormal color.
- Twitching and abnormal movements.
- Vomiting and seizures.
If we observe any of these symptoms, it is essential to go to the vet as soon as possible to carry out a test of emergency We must not forget that the rabbit is a very delicate mammal that needs active intestinal transit to feel good. Seeing a specialist quickly can save your life.
