Have you recently adopted a bunny? Congratulations! Your new pet will definitely keep you smiling with her cute face and adorable antics. Just like any other pet, bunnies love treats. However, you’ll need to be really careful with what you offer your furry friend. Not all foods are safe for rabbits, and some are even toxic to them. Read on to learn about bunny treats in this article from me, your Marion, IA vet.
Sweets
Bunnies have a sweet tooth, so your pet may go absolutely nuts for sugary snacks. Never give your rabbit yogurt drops, chocolate, cookies, or candy. However, you can give your pet some fruit. Small bits of banana, apple, blackberries, blueberries, melons, papayas, peaches, and strawberries are all fine, as long as you don’t overdo it. Dried pineapple, a bunny favorite, should also only be offered occasionally.
Bread/Grains
Many high-carb foods, such as bread, biscuits, pasta, and crackers, can upset your rabbit’s stomach. Don’t give your bunny any of these foods. Cereal is also best avoided. Oatmeal also isn’t the best option, either, unless your vet recommends it.
Certain Greens
While many green veggies are safe for bunnies, there are some concerns. Iceberg lettuce is a definite no: it contains a substance called lactucarium, which isn’t good for bunnies. Also, it has no nutritional value. Chard can cause bloating. And, while broccoli is okay on occasion, it can cause gas, so don’t offer too much of it.
Avocado
Avocados often make lists of superfoods for people, but that doesn’t mean they’re safe for pets. They’re actually toxic to rabbits!
Wild Foods
If you let Floppy go outside, you’ll need to supervise her closely and monitor what she eats. Anything that grows from a bulb, such as daffodils and tulips, is unsafe. Tomato and potato plants are also dangerous, as are many other plants, including ragwort; rhubarb; poppies; nightshades, including woody belladonna nightshades; and wild carrots, cucumbers, parsnips, and peas. Ask your vet for more information.
Other Unsafe Foods
Other dangerous foods include walnuts; garlic, onions, scallions, and chives; alcohol; caffeine; raw dough or yeast; xylitol; mushrooms; kidney beans; and anything high in sugar, salt, or fat. Food that was made for other pets, such as hamsters, is also unsafe.
Please contact me, your Marion, IA vet, with any questions about your rabbit’s health, care, or diet. I’m here for you!
