Rabbits are herbivorous animals and can safely eat fruit, but the majority of their plant diet should not be fruit. Fruits should not exceed two percent of your rabbit's total diet. Grass hays, leafy green vegetables, and rabbit pellets should instead be the bulk of your bunny's daily diet, and fruits should be offered only as healthy treats. Too much fruit can result in digestive issues including ileus, a life-threatening problem.
If you want to give your rabbit some fruit as a treat, offer small amounts and stick with one kind of fruit at a time. You can slowly offer more fruit as well as different kinds of fruit, but monitor your rabbit closely to see how their digestive system responds to the new foods. If you notice that your rabbit starts eating less, is less active, gets watery stools, or has any other changes in behavior, stop giving the fruit and contact your veterinarian.
The following fruits are safe for rabbits as an occasional treat.
- 01 of 15
Apples
Apples are safe for rabbits to eat. Credit: Getty Images/Fernando Trabanco FotografÃa
A slice of apple can be offered to your rabbit as a treat. Be sure to remove all seeds and the stem before giving it to your rabbit.
02 of 15Bananas
Rabbits love bananas. Credit: Getty Images/Rolleen Annie and Rowena Ho K.
Bananas are a favorite of many rabbits but are high in sugar, so limit them to just a slice or two and remove the peel before treating your bunny.
03 of 15Berries
Strawberries are a popular treat for rabbits. Credit: Getty Images/Fernando Trabanco FotografÃa
Rabbits can enjoy many varieties of berries, including:
- Blackberries
- Blueberries
- Boysenberries
- Cranberries
- Gooseberries
- Loganberries
- Mulberries
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
04 of 15Melons
Watermelon can be a refreshing summer treat for a rabbit. Credit: Getty Images/zhaojiankang
Small pieces of the following melons can very refreshing for both you and your rabbit. Just avoid the rind and seeds.
- Cantaloupe melon
- Honeydew melon
- Watermelon
Continue to 5 of 15 below05 of 15Currants
Dried currants are a lot like raisins. Credit: Getty Images/IP Galanternik D.U.
Currants aren't as commonly seen as some other fruits, but these dried berries are still a great treat for rabbits.
06 of 15Apricots
Apricots are safe to give to rabbits. Credit: Getty Images/duckycards
A smaller alternative to a peach or nectarine, apricots are tasty fruits that are also safe to give to your rabbits, sans the pit and stem.
07 of 15Papaya
Papaya is a unique fruit with a cluster of seeds in the center. Credit: Gety Images/Westend61
The fruit that surrounds these seeds is tasty and also contains beneficial digestive enzymes. Remove the black seeds and the outer skin before sharing with your rabbit.
08 of 15Kiwi
Kiwi fruits are fuzzy on the outside but slimy on the inside. Credit: Getty Images/Antagain
Rabbits can safely eat the inside as well as the fuzzy exterior of this bright green fruit. The unique texture may be a favorite of your rabbit.
Continue to 9 of 15 below09 of 15Mango
Mangoes are safe for guinea pigs to eat as treats. Credit: Getty Images/ALEAIMAGE
You can peel mangoes before giving a slice to your rabbit, but it isn't necessary. Your rabbit will have no problem chewing through the skin to get to the sweet flesh. Just don't let them eat the inner hard core.
10 of 15Pears
Pears are safe to give to your rabbit as a treat. Credit: Getty Images/RedHelga
Rabbits require diets high in fiber, and pears are some of the most fiber-rich fruits you can find. This makes them a great option for an occasional treat for your rabbit.
11 of 15Pineapple
Pineapples are tart and sweet treats for guinea pigs. Credit: Getty Images/FuatKose
Pineapple contains digestive enzymes that may benefit your bunny. Simply peel and core them before sharing.
12 of 15Plums
Plums are safe treats for guinea pigs. Credit: Getty Images/aluxum
Softer than an apple but firmer than a peach, the plum might just be that in between treat your rabbit is looking for. Remove the pit before giving a slice to your bunny.
Continue to 13 of 15 below13 of 15Peaches
Peaches are safe for rabbits to eat. Credit: Getty Images/Semih Palanci / 500px
Peaches are a popular fruit with both people and rabbits. You can safely offer a slice of this fuzzy fruit either peeled or with the skin on but be sure to remove the pit.
14 of 15Nectarine
Nectarines are a safe treat to give rabbits. Credit: Getty Images/SerKucher
If you prefer nectarines over peaches due to their smooth skin, rest assured that you can still share these juicy fruits with your pet rabbit. As with peaches, it is safe to give a nectarine to your rabbit with or without the skin, but the pit should always be removed.
15 of 15Starfruit
Starfruit is an exotic fruit that is safe for guinea pigs. Credit: Getty Images/mikehillpics
Arguably the prettiest shape that a fruit slice naturally comes in, the star fruit is also a tasty treat you can give your rabbit. If you're looking for an Instagram-worthy bunny treat, try the star fruit.
RECOMMENDED NEWS
exotic-petsHow to Care for a Pet Pink Toe Tarantula
The pink toe tarantula, sometimes referred to as the South American pinktoe or the Guyana pinktoe, ...
Read More →exotic-petsShould You Keep a Russian Red Fox as a Pet?
The tame Russian red fox is the only domesticated breed of fox, developed from selective breeding e...
Read More →exotic-petsLaws on Exotic Animals for Each State
Every state has laws that determine what kind of animals can be kept as pets. These laws can change...
Read More →guinea-pigsHow to Care for a Pet Teddy Guinea Pig
Guinea pigs are large rodents that don't have tails, and their fur can come in a variety of texture...
Read More →guinea-pigsGuinea Pig Musts: Must Have and Must-Not Items
Guinea pigs, also called cavies, need certain basics to ensure their health and happiness at home. ...
Read More →hamstersCan Hamsters Eat Cheese?
Cheese has been associated with rodents for ages, and cartoons have a lot to do with this. Do roden...
Read More →rabbitsHow Long Do Pet Rabbits Live?
Rabbits are very popular pets, and their lifespans have lengthened over the years thanks in part to...
Read More →rabbitsMyxomatosis in Rabbits
Myxomatosis, sometimes referred to as myxi, is a serious viral disease that presents with severe sy...
Read More →exotic-pets150 Fun and Unique Duck Names for Your Feathered Companion
Naming your pet duck is a fun experience, whether you have one duck, a pair, or an entire flock. A ...
Read More →
Comments on "What Fruits Can Rabbits Eat?" :