Rabbits mostly eat a daily diet of hay or rabbit pellets but there are some fruits and vegetables that can provide additional nutrients to your pet rabbit. Some fruits are healthier than others and there are some that your rabbit shouldn’t eat at all. Today you will learn if rabbits can safely eat apples and the potential health benefits of feeding apples to your bunny.
Let’s learn about giving your pet rabbit apples!
Can Rabbits Eat Apples?
Yes, rabbits can eat apples and they can actually receive great additional nutrients and vitamins from apples. There are dozens of different types of apples that range from McIntosh, Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, Red Delicious, Gala, Ambrosia, Golden Delicious, and other types of apples but every type are typically safe for rabbits. Apples are a great source of additional vitamins for your rabbit but should only be given as a snack in addition to their daily rabbit food.
Rabbits will typically thrive on hay or their daily rabbit food but can enjoy the taste and potential health benefits of the occasional piece of fruit or vegetable to provide them with additional nutrients. These snacks should only make up roughly 10% of their daily diet but can help to provide additional nutrients that that their daily food doesn’t provide them.
Most pet rabbits will absolutely love the flavor and texture of apples which makes it a great snack to give them!
Potential Health Benefits of Apples For Rabbits
Apples provide a numerous nutrients and vitamins to humans but also to rabbits! Apples are known to contain numerous vitamins such as Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and more vitamins that are beneficial for your rabbits health. These vitamins are great for the heart health of your rabbit, their digestive health, immune system, as well as their cognitive health.
Apples also contain a great source of dietary fiber which is health for their digestive system and gut health. Pet rabbits typically have sensitive stomachs but apples can help to aid in health digestion and allow them to produce regular and health feces.
Apples can also provide your rabbit with antioxidants and other nutrients such as calcium, potassium, and phytonutrients that will help to remove inflammation, free radicals, and improve your rabbits general health. These nutrients will also help to improve blood flow and help improve joint and muscle health.
The vitamins and nutrients in apples can help to improve your rabbit’s health and help them live a healthier lifestyle even into old age.
How Many Apples Can Rabbits Eat?
Rabbits are known to have small stomachs and a sensitive digestion system which means you shouldn’t overfeed apples to your bunny. Most veterinarians will recommend a small piece of apple that is cut into small slices which will be easier for your rabbit to digest.
Rabbits should only eat a small amount of apples each day as their daily rabbit food should make up the largest percentage of their diet. Apples contain a large amount of natural sugar and fiber which can cause stomach and digestion issues if they eat too much in one sitting.
You should start by feeding your rabbit a small piece of apple and see how they react to this fruit. Some fruits and vegetables for rabbits can cause stomach pain if they eat too much at one time.
Can Rabbits Eat Apple Seeds, Apple Skin, or Apple Cores?
Rabbits can safely eat apple skin as long as it is cleaned beforehand. You should gently wash the skin of the apple to help remove any dirt or potential pesticides from the surface of the apple. Some pet parents will remove the skin from the apple before giving it to their pet rabbit.
Rabbits should not eat apple seeds, apple stems, or apple cores as these parts of the apple are dangerous for the health of your rabbit. These parts of your apple can contain potentially poisonous compounds called cyanogenic glycosides. These compounds can potentially be toxic for your rabbit and should be avoided.
A few apple seeds typically won’t be dangerous for the health of your rabbit but you should try to avoid giving this ingredient to your pet rabbit as these can be difficult for them to digest.
What Happens If Your Rabbit Eats Too Many Apples?
It is possible for your rabbit to eat too much apple and this can potentially cause them to have an upset stomach. Apples contain a good amount of natural sugar as well as dietary fiber. These two ingredients can cause your rabbit to have an upset stomach or digestive issues such as vomiting or diarrhea if your rabbit eats too much apple.
Your rabbit should start by eating only a small amount of apple slices to see how they react to this fruit. From there you can gradually increase the amount of apple they eat in one sitting.
Can Rabbits Eat Apple Leaves, Apple Sticks, or Apple Branches?
No, rabbits should not eat apple leaves, apple sticks, apple branches, apple wood, apple blossoms, apple chips, or other pieces of an apple tree. These parts of the apple are dangerous for the health of your rabbit and should be avoided at all costs.
The only parts of an apple that your rabbit can safely eat are the cleaned skin of the apple and the inside soft part of the fruit.
