Rabbits love to be fed fresh fruits and vegetables like apple, peaches, oranges, kale, eggplant, spinach along with hay and pellets.. They play a part in a healthy balanced meal. Apples are a healthy and nutritious treat for the human diet but you might be thinking if you can also serve them to your rabbit. Being a responsible owner you must make sure what kind of food you are giving to your pet rabbit. To fulfill your rabbit’s nutritional demand, you must be very cautious about the diet you are giving.
However, can rabbits eat apples? Yes, rabbits can eat apples in small amount, only give your rabbit 1 to 2 slices of apple in a week as it has high sugar content . Secondly, remove the apple’s core and seeds before giving them to your rabbit. The core and seeds contain cyanide, which is toxic to rabbits.
Table of Contents
- How Does Apple Fit Into The Diet Of Rabbit?
- Are Apples Beneficial To Rabbits
- What Are Then Expected Cons While Feeding Apples To Your Rabbits
- Can Baby Rabbits Eat Apple?
- Can I Give Apple Skin and Core To My Rabbit?
- What Amount Of Apple Seeds Are Bad For Rabbits?
- Are Green Apples Safe For Rabbits To Eat?
- FAQs
- Conclusion
How Does Apple Fit Into The Diet Of Rabbit?
100 grams of apple contain the following amount of nutrients that fit best to rabbit’s diet.
| Ingredients | Nutrients per 100g of apple |
| Energy | 52 kcal |
| Fiber | 2.4g |
| Water | 85.6 |
| Sugar | 10.4g |
| Vitamin A | 54IU |
| Carbohydrates | 13.8g |
| Vitamin B | 2.6 mg |
| Vitamin C | 4.6mg |
However, vitamins B and C are unnecessary because rabbits can make them themselves. Avoid giving large amount of sweet foods like honey as they can not digest it properly.
Are Apples Beneficial To Rabbits
Apples are rich in antioxidants which are very important in boosting the immune system which protects from different types of infection of your rabbit. Make sure that you have removed the core and seeds before feeding a slice of apple to your rabbit.
Here are a few reasons why apples should be a part of your rabbit’s diet:
- Apples provide essential vitamins and minerals that help keep rabbits healthy.
- The digestive system of rabbits can work in a better way due to the presence of dietary fibers.
- Apples are a low-calorie food, which is important for rabbits who tend to gain weight easily.
- The sweetness of apples can make them a special treat for rabbits who enjoy the fruit.
- The crunchy taste of apples can keep your rabbit’s teeth healthy and clean
- Phytonutrients in apples help to fight against infections by damaging free radicals.
- In the same way, calcium in apples makes a rabbit’s bones and teeth stronger
What Are Then Expected Cons While Feeding Apples To Your Rabbits
Apples may be a tasty treat for humans, but they can be quite harmful to rabbits if eaten more.
- Apple cores, roots, and seeds contain cyanogenic acid, which badly impacts rabbit health, such as diarrhea, convulsion, and reduced heart rate.
- If you give a small number of apple slices to your rabbit, it’s not poisonous but if your rabbit eats more than normal then it can lead to hyperglycemia.
- Apples also contain a malic acid substance, which can break down the tooth enamel of rabbits and lead to dental problems.
- As apples are a rich source of vitamin A if they are eaten more, it can lead to liver diseases in rabbits.
Can Baby Rabbits Eat Apple?
No, baby rabbits can’t eat apples. For adult rabbits, apples are a good source of nutrients which makes them healthy. However, you can start giving only a small piece of apple after 6 to 8 weeks and make sure that the apple is peeled and seeded before giving it to your rabbit. As a new pet owner, you may wonder how many apples you can give your baby rabbit in a day. While rabbits love apples, too much of this sweet fruit can lead to digestive problems.
It is best to offer your rabbit one small apple daily. Half an apple per day is sufficient if you have a miniaturized or dwarf breed. If your rabbit seems to enjoy the apple and experiences no gastrointestinal distress, you can gradually increase the amount you offer. Moreover, apple peelings are also safe but in moderation, because excess of this can lead to digestion problems.
Can I Give Apple Skin and Core To My Rabbit?
Yes, you can serve apple cores and seeds to your rabbit. A variety of nutrients are present in the apple’s skin. At once you can only give a small number of apples to your rabbit. Too much fiber can cause problems for rabbits, such as gastrointestinal issues. As long as the apple core is fresh and has no pesticides, rabbits can eat apple cores. Pesticides can harm rabbits, so it’s important to ensure the apple core is clean before feeding it to your rabbit. If you are not sure about giving apple cores to your rabbit, it’s better not to take risks. Apple core is very unhealthy for your rabbit until it is clean.
What Amount Of Apple Seeds Are Bad For Rabbits?
On Average, there are about 8 seeds present in one apple. If your Rabbit eats more than two apples with 16 seeds, a small rabbit has a 50% chance of dying and for a big rabbit, 4 apples with 32 seeds would be an alarming situation.
Are Green Apples Safe For Rabbits To Eat?
Yes, rabbits can eat green apples. Apples contain large amounts of sugar, so it should only be given only in moderation for preventing diabetes. Apple should not be given as a meal, it’s better to give as a treat only. Remove all seeds from the apple while serving it to your bunny. Avoid giving the stem of the apple because it can be hard for rabbits to chew and cause some digestive issues. Green apples have a bitter taste, so many rabbits don’t like eating them.
FAQs
Can Rabbits Eat Apples With Skin?
Yes, rabbits can eat apples with skin. There are a lot of nutrients present in the skin, which can help to improve the health of your bunny. The skin contains fiber, which helps keep rabbits’ digestive systems healthy. Antioxidants present in the apple skin play a park in protecting them from a variety of diseases.
How Much Apple Can A Rabbit Eat?
Never give an entire apple to your rabbit because they only need 10% of apple sugar and more sugar can lead to hyperglycemia in them. As long as your rabbit likes apples, there is no harm in giving them the fruit as a treat. Apples can be good for rabbits because they are a source of nutrients. So, one small apple per day will be enough for your rabbit rabbits.
Can A Rabbit Eat Seeds Of Apple?
Apple seeds are hazardous because of cyanogenic glycosides, which bind to hemoglobin and break them, reducing the erythrocytes. In this way, rabbits can have respiratory problems and anemia. If you give your rabbit an apple with the seeds still in it, make sure to remove them before giving them to your rabbit. And if your bunny has eaten more apple seeds make a veterinary visit in order to take precautions from future consequences.
Conclusion
Rabbits can eat apples but without seeds, leaves, and stems as they are bad for their health. Other than this the apple peels and core are very healthy for rabbits. Make sure to wash the apples properly so the pesticides which are normally present on vegetables and fruits can be removed. If you are giving rabbits java apples then make sure it is properly ripened because immature fruit can cause coughing. Frozen apples can also be given but they are usually not preferred because the frozen material loses some of its nutrients.
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