Last Updated on 07/06/2021 by Veronica Jones
Pears are a sweet, refreshing treat, either as a snack or after a meal. They are also part of a balanced, healthy diet for humans. So, can rabbits eat pears too? Are they healthy? Are there any important points you need to be aware of before feeding your rabbit some pear? Let’s find out…
Can Rabbits Eat Pears?
Yes, rabbits can eat pears. They make a healthy snack and treat for bunnies, as they are rich in dietary fibers. It’s also rich in vitamin A, which is important for their skin and immune system.
Further, it’s high in vitamin D, which is necessary for calcium and phosphorus absorption. Lastly, it’s a great source of vitamin K, Copper and antioxidants. Those help rabbits fight the effects of aging and may even prevent cancer.
Do Rabbits Like Pears?
Yes, rabbits do like to eat pears. Rabbits are fond of sweets, so pears are a great treat for them. However, it should only be given in moderation. As a pet owner, it’s advisable to learn more about the dos and don’ts of feeding pears to rabbits.
How Safe Are Pears for My Rabbit?
Pears are generally safe for rabbits to eat. But, it’s recommended to buy or get pears from trusted sources to ensure safety. If available, go for the organic pears that are free of insecticide and other harmful chemicals. See how safe the pear parts are for bunnies below:
Are Pear Skins Safe for My Rabbit?
Rabbits enjoy the pear skin. Just don’t forget to wash it thoroughly first to remove impurities or bacteria that stick on it. Hot water is preferable, as some fruit are covered in wax to prevent quick spoilage. If unsure about the fruit source, try peeling it.
Ingesting pesticides can lead to several health problems. That may include depression, internal bleeding, lack of appetite, seizures and even death.
Are Pear Twigs Safe for My Rabbit?
Yes, pear twigs and leaves are also safe for bunnies. Wood and leaves from trees that bear fruit with pits are dangerous, though. Avoid feeding them twigs from cherries, apricots, peaches and plums unless the wood is very dry.
Are Pear Seeds Poisonous to Rabbits?
Pear fruits might be okay, but pear seeds contain a high amount of cyanide. It is a fast-acting lethal poison. It is best not to let any fruit seeds near bunnies. If your bunny accidentally eats one, don’t panic. Just as long as it happens once, your bunny should be okay.
Should I Cook Pears for My Rabbit?
No, pears should not be cooked before feeding them to rabbits. Cooking pears only increases its sugar content and breaks down the fibers of the fruit. In other words, cooking pears takes away the benefits and reduces the nutritional value of the fruit.
What About Dried Fruits or Pears? Are They Safe for My Bunnies?
Rabbits may like dried fruits but try to limit them. Dried fruit contains about thrice the amount of sugar found in fresh fruits. Also, rabbits prefer fresh and healthy snacks.
How Many Pears Can My Rabbit Eat?
Rabbits are only allowed to eat 1-2 teaspoons or 4-5 grams of pears for every 2 pounds of body weight. Feed them pears 4 times a week maximum.
Pears and most fruits contain a lot of sugar. And feeding rabbits sugary food can lead to unnecessary weight gain and even obesity. Obese rabbits risk developing heart and kidney problems, which is the last thing we want for a beloved pet.
Why Should I Give My Rabbit Fresh Fruits as a Snack?
A rabbit’s diet mostly contains hay, vegetables, and pellets. This may seem too limiting, but rabbits can live a happy and healthy life with them. Of course, we want our bunnies to feel loved and extra special, giving them fresh fruit as a snack at times is good for them. Here are a few benefits of feeding rabbits fruit snacks:
1. Motivate Them Learn New Things
Fresh fruits encourage bunnies to explore. It serves as a treat to entice them to move from one place to another. It can also be used as a reward to reinforce positive behavior. If you want to teach your pet how to do things your way, giving them snacks is the best way to do it.
2. Get Bunnies Excited to Eat
Mixing small bits of fruit into a bunny’s hay is a nice treat for them. That can get them excited the next feeding time. And it also encourages them to eat when they become picky with food.
3. Create a Stronger Bond
Pet owners love their pets, and it is important to bond with them regularly. When fed fruit snacks that they love, they form a fond memory of their owner and connect it with a tasty snack. Thus, strengthening their bond.
4. A Healthier Alternative
Plenty of food can be given to pet rabbits but choosing fresh fruits is the healthier alternative. Although some types of fruits are not recommended, a bit of research will tell you exactly which ones are best for your pet.
Introduce Pears as Snacks Slowly
Before introducing pears as a snack, make sure that your rabbit is attuned to his daily diet. Introduce it in moderation, as the rabbit’s digestive tract is sensitive. They may have indigestion when a new diet is introduced right away.
It is important to let a rabbit get used to the new treat for at least 24 hours. If your bunny gets an upset stomach or loose stool, stop giving it temporarily. When their digestion is back to normal, try introducing it again after a few weeks.
Keep in mind that pets have different digestive systems as humans when feeding your rabbit something new. Pet owners are known to make this mistake a lot – do not become a victim.
Other Fruit Snacks Best for Rabbits
Rabbits can be notoriously picky eaters, so it’s better to prepare some alternatives if they refuse to eat pears. See the best alternatives below:
| Fruit | Notes |
| Apples | Stems and seeds need to be removed as they are poisonous. |
| Bananas and grapes | Give small portions as they contain too much sugar. |
| Berries | Include blackberries, raspberries, blueberries and strawberries. |
| Cherries, peaches and plums | Feed them the fleshy part only. Twigs, woods, pits and leaves need to be removed as they are poisonous. |
| Pineapples | Recommended as it helps with hairball prevention and removal. |
Other fruits rabbits can eat as snacks are melons, mangoes and papaya.
What Not to Feed Rabbits?
There are some foods that rabbits aren’t allowed to eat:
| Food | Reason |
| Junk food | These are high in sugar and artificial ingredients. It may cause bacterial growth. |
| Chocolate | Highly toxic. |
| Bread, rice, and crackers | Heavy carbohydrates aren’t good for rabbit’s digestion systems. |
| Meat and eggs | Rabbits are herbivores, so they cannot digest these. |
| Milk and dairy products | These may cause an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the gut. |
| Corn | Rabbits can’t digest the corn hull, which may cause an intestinal blockage. |
| Peas | High in sugar. |
| Nuts and other nut products | These are high in fat and have no nutritional value for rabbits. |
| Avocado | All parts of the avocado are poisonous to rabbits. |
| Carrots | These are high in calcium and sugar. Only give these to rabbits as very rare treats. |
| Iceberg lettuce | These may cause sickness and runny stools. |
The list goes on, but those are the most common human foods that may pose health risks to your bunny. Be aware and browse the list above before feeding anything that is new to your pet rabbit.
Final Thoughts
Rabbits can eat pears as long as it is given in moderation. They may also eat other fresh fruits. Don’t be scared to mix them up to keep the bunnies excited and engaged. The right care is essential to any pet’s well-being. By giving them balanced and various fresh fruit snacks, they sure will live healthy and happy.
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