Is it Safe for Bunnies to Have Strawberry?
Are you wondering if rabbits take strawberries? You may also want to make him happy by giving him sweet treats. But eating healthy food is as important as enjoying the food.
Can Rabbits Be Fed Strawberries?
The answer is yes, and rabbits can be fed strawberries. You can give your bunnies strawberries, but it must be in bits and occasionally. Rabbits enjoy strawberries as they are harmless if fed in small quantities.
They can easily digest them without any complications. Also, strawberries are useful plants too. They are beneficial to the health of your rabbits.
However, strawberries can become harmful to your bunnies when you give them in large quantities. Frequent feeding of strawberries to your rabbits can also lead to severe complications in your rabbit’s digestive system. It may also lead to weight-related problems.
So, you must ensure that the right quantity of strawberries is given to your rabbits. How do we then know the exact quantity of strawberries to be given to the rabbit, and how frequently do we give them? If you want your rabbits to be healthy and live long, you must follow the guidelines to feed your rabbits strawberries and other fruits below along with the best bunny food:
- The right quantity: the ideal quantity of strawberries to give your rabbit is nothing more than two tablespoons of strawberries, cut at the size of your thumb. If it is a medium-sized strawberry, one is enough for the rabbit. It is recommended that you strictly adhere to this quantity to avoid causing some complications for your rabbit.
- How frequent should they be given: fruits generally should not be an everyday food for the rabbit. He might get obsessed with it and then refuse to take other food. Avoid giving only fruits or the same type of treats to your bunnies; you can substitute them with beetroots or carrots.
Give him the few fruits seldom and always give him this treat only after taking vegetables and hays. Ensure that your treats should be just a little portion of your rabbit’s daily meal. When introducing new food to your bunnies, make sure to introduce the new food little by little.
Lastly, don’t forget that moderation is key! Be observant of your bunnies’ reaction. If your rabbit shows any form of distress taking the new food, you should stop giving him the new food, mostly fruits.
- Variation: If your bunny doesn’t show any distress eating those fruits, then you can feed him different kinds of fruits twice a week. Not just strawberries, other fruits can also be used as a substitute; variation is good. Fruits like an apple (with no seeds and stems), melon (with no seeds), orange (with its peel), blackberries, blueberries, and others are advisable, following the two tablespoons guide.
Fruits that are extra-sweet like the banana and grapes should be fed in smaller quantities.
Other Things to Note
Strawberries should be thoroughly washed before fed to the bunnies, especially if you’re feeding them the plants. Ensure that the vegetables and fruits you want to buy for your bunnies are 100% organic. This is to avoid feeding them with chemical and pesticide-treated plants.
These toxic chemicals can’t be thoroughly washed with water. If all these can be ensured, then be guaranteed that you’re feeding your bunnies with a good supply of vitamin C. Mind you, it is also a good source of antioxidants.
Although bunnies can produce their own vitamin C from the food they eat yet, these treats also matter. If your bunnies react well to the consumption of fruits, then it means your bunnies are healthy. It is also essential to train the rabbit and lastly to also ensure the rabbits’ happiness.
It’s a perfect way to ease stress. Please do not feed your pets with too many strawberries; you can always substitute them with vegetables. Vegetables are even more nourishing, hence suitable for your rabbit.
The Rabbits’ Regular Meal
Naturally, rabbits do not digest starchy foods (like cereals, pasta and bread), and legumes (beans). Similarly, avoid starchy vegetables like corn and potatoes and yogurt drops. No chocolate, no sticky foods, or foods with high sugar content should be given to your rabbits.
This is because your rabbits cannot digest these foods, and they accumulate inside the stomach. It then causes fermentation, thus enhancing the growth of bacteria. Its physical effect is bloating, gastrointestinal stasis, and diarrhea.
They may also experience loss of appetite, loss in weight, and dehydration. Once you observe something wrong with your rabbits, visit the vet immediately. Of all other treats being sold in vet stores, we recommend strawberries.
However, also note that your pet also needs these primary foods as listed below;
- Green vegetables. Give them fresh leafy vegetable occasionally. Ensure to wash them thoroughly with clean water before feeding them.
- Fresh straws. Perceive its smell. Does it smell fresh? If yes, give it to your pets as it enhances the activities of good bacteria.
- Some pellets! Pellets provide the essential nutrients for your rabbits. You can feed them with about 10%. But make sure to check out for its expiry date.
- Lastly, provide your pets with lots of clean and drinkable water.
Conclusion
Please, bear in mind that kittens (baby rabbits) cannot digest sweet foods at all. Do not feed them with fruits or vegetables with high sugar content (carrot, for instance). Alfalfa is the ideal food for kittens as it has acceptable sugar content and protein required for kittens.
Furthermore, you’ll need to wash his coat as soon as they finish eating the fruits. Rabbits may get messy while taking fruits, so to avoid soiling their beautiful furs, you may need to wash them right after. Ensure not to make it a habit for your pet to feed on fruits only.
Your pet may like it, yes, but imagine if your pet eats a valuable item in your house, would you watch them continue? This means you should caution your rabbits on eating fruits always.
After feeding your rabbits with new fruits or food, watch their reaction for the following day. If you observe a change in their behavior, stop giving them the treat and provide them with only clean water and fresh hays. Rabbits can take strawberries, but in moderation and occasionally.
