There are many potential upsides to giving pets treats - it can help the bond between animal lovers and their pets, can promote good behavior, aid in training and potentially help with dental or nutritional support.
There are many benefits to giving pets treats — they can strengthen the bond between pet parents and their animals, promote good behavior, aid in training, and even support dental or nutritional health. But what about rabbits? Let’s see what treats are safe for them, according to experts at the Global Animal Aid.
Rabbits are herbivores, but being an herbivore is more complex than just eating plants. Understanding their digestive system is key to knowing what treats are safe.
Herbivores have adaptations such as grinding teeth, long digestive tracts, and gut microorganisms that help break down plant cellulose. While cows and goats are ruminants with four stomachs, rabbits are hindgut fermenters with one stomach, a large cecum, and a long colon — all designed for digesting fiber-rich plants.
For rabbits to stay healthy, their diet should focus on fiber from high-quality grass hay, with small amounts of leafy greens, vegetables, and occasional fruit.
Safe treats for rabbits include fresh fruits, vegetables, and even commercial baked hay treats. Here are some options:
Cut fruits and vegetables into bite-sized pieces, and always remove pits and seeds before serving. Introduce new foods slowly to avoid upsetting your rabbit’s sensitive digestive tract.
Rabbits can overindulge, so limit treats to no more than 5% of their daily calories. Moderation is key to keeping your bunny happy and healthy.
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