Watermelon is one of the most popular fruits during the summertime and many pet parents will be tempted to give it to their pets. But do you know if rabbits can safely eat watermelon? Before you give them any new type of food you should always make sure that it is safe and can provide them with health benefits.
In todays article you learn about if rabbits can eat watermelon as well as the potential health benefits of feeding them this fruit.
Let’s learn about rabbits eating watermelon!
Can Rabbits Eat Watermelon?
Yes, rabbits can eat watermelon and can actually see a handful of health benefits from doing so in moderation. Watermelon is a delicious fruit that is juicy and flavorful which is why most rabbits absolutely love it! Although it does have some nutrients within the fruit, it isn’t as nutritious as other fruits because it is made up mostly of water.
Since watermelon contains so much water it can actually help to keep rabbits hydrated during the hot summer months. During the hot months of the year it is important that you keep your rabbit properly hydrated and make sure they have the nutrients they need to thrive. This is where watermelon such as other fruits and vegetables for rabbits are a great option.
Potential Health Benefits of Watermelon For Rabbits?
Watermelon contains a handful of different vitamins and nutrients which can be beneficial for the health of your rabbit. Watermelon contains a good amount of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B and minerals such as potassium and even copper.
Watermelon doesn’t have as many nutrients as other fruits because of it’s high water content but this is also a good thing because it will help to keep your rabbit hydrated. Watermelon is also a good option for bunnies because it is incredibly low in calories.
Rabbits have a sensitive stomach and only require a certain amount of calories each day which means watermelon will typically fit well into their daily diet compared to other fruits and vegetables which have larger amounts of calories. Your pet rabbit will absolutely love watermelon and the flavor and nutrients will also be beneficial for them.
How To Feed Watermelon To Your Rabbit
If you are thinking about giving watermelon to your pet rabbit there are a few things you should know. It is best if you give your rabbit organic watermelon as it won’t have waxes or pesticides on the fruit. This makes it healthier and safer for your pet bunny.
You should only give your rabbit ripe watermelon that is in season so it doesn’t upset their stomach or contain a bitter flavoring. It is also recommended that you only give your rabbit seedless watermelon as the seeds can be difficult for your rabbit to digest.
When you are giving your rabbit watermelon it is best to start off with only small amounts to see how your rabbit reacts. You can start with a small sliced or diced piece of watermelon and then slowly give them more.
You can try freezing small pieces of watermelon to give to your rabbit on a hot day to give them a cold snack to chew on.
Can Rabbits Eat Watermelon Rinds?
Rabbits are able to eat watermelon rinds but many veterinarians will recommend against it. The rind of a watermelon is not toxic for rabbits but it can be difficult for them to digest because of its firm texture.
The rind can actually be a choking hazard for rabbits because of the toughness of the rind and small size of the rabbit mouth and throat. For this reason many pet parents will recommend against giving your rabbit a watermelon rind.
Can Rabbits Eat Watermelon Seeds?
No, rabbits should not eat watermelon seeds because they are extremely difficult for rabbits to digest. Rabbits have incredibly sensitive stomachs which means they shouldn’t eat anything that is dangerous for them to digest.
Watermelon seeds can become a choking hazard for your rabbit and can cause digestion issues such as diarrhea, vomiting, or an upset stomach.
How Much Watermelon Can A Rabbit Eat?
Watermelon as well as other fruits should only be given to your rabbit in moderation as there main nutrition should be made up from their hay or daily rabbit food. Since rabbits are so small it is recommended to only give them a few small pieces of watermelon per day.
Some vets will recommend roughly 1-2 tablespoons of watermelon per five pounds of body weight of your rabbit. This means larger rabbits can safely eat a larger amount of watermelon compared to smaller rabbits.
