Last Updated on 07/07/2021 by Veronica Jones
Rabbits are herbivores. It means that their diet is mainly vegetables and plant-based foods. Rabbits in the wild primarily feed on grasses, leaves, and certain kinds of fruits. You may therefore wonder, can rabbits eat pineapple? It is a fruit, right?
Rabbits are known to have a sensitive digestive system. Hence, you shouldn’t just give them anything that is on your plate. So, can rabbits eat pineapple? Let’s find out…
Can rabbits eat pineapple? Is it safe for them?
Yes. Rabbits can eat pineapple in small quantities. Pineapples are not toxic or dangerous to them. Rabbits are usually not allergic to pineapples. However, they should have it in a moderate amount. At least only 5% of pineapple should be given to them as part of their diet.
Pineapples are generally safe for rabbits at 3 months old and up. Remember not to give it as an alternative to their usual meal. Because it is sugary, it can cause bloating and painful gas. Since they are not able to pass it out, we should help them avoid it.
Do bunnies like to eat pineapple?
Bunnies love sweet food. If you give them a sweet and ripe pineapple, they will surely eat it. If you are planning to train your rabbit and you’re looking for the perfect treat to give them occasionally, pineapple can be the answer to that.
Cut the pineapples into bite-size pieces. Don’t forget to wash it before giving it to your bunny.
Can rabbits eat pineapple skin or leaves?
Rabbits should not be allowed to eat pineapple skin or leaves. Pineapple skin or leaves contain substances and sap that can irritate your rabbit’s throat and digestive tract. Aside from having a bitter taste, pineapple leaves have long fibers which can be stuck in your rabbit’s mouth and throat.
Can rabbits eat pineapple in a can or dried?
Canned or processed foods have lots of promises when it comes to nutritional value. However, you shouldn’t be swept away by those lists. When a pineapple is processed already, some of its important nutrients are gone. Some can even be changed with chemicals that are not good for your bunny.
If you prefer to give them a dried pineapple, you can try to do it yourself. In this way, you know that it is clean and no harmful chemicals were added.
However, if you want a complete amount of nutrients, it is better to choose a fresh alternative than dried or canned pineapple.
How much pineapple can a rabbit eat?
Since pineapples contain lots of sugar, they should only be given to your rabbit at least once or twice a week. Baby rabbits should not be given any amount of pineapple yet. Adult rabbits can have a teaspoon to a tablespoon of pineapple.
If it is your rabbit’s first time eating a pineapple, make sure to give it gradually. You may start with half a teaspoon. Observe your rabbit’s reaction for 24 hours. If there’s no sign of diarrhea or allergic reaction, you may add more amount the next time you feed him.
If your rabbit shows signs of allergic reaction or stomach discomfort, make sure to consult with your vet immediately.
What are the health benefits of pineapple?
Pineapple is not part of the normal diet of rabbits. They have no special dietary needs for it. But pineapples, if given in the right amount, can give lots of health benefits. Is pineapple good for rabbits then? Let’s see.
Here are the health benefits that your rabbit can get from pineapples.
- Aids in Protein Absorption
Fresh pineapples contain an enzyme called bromelain. This enzyme helps in the absorption of protein. It’s important to give them fresh pineapple and not the one from tin cans. It contains little to no bromelain enzyme at all.
- Rich in Essential Nutrients
Pineapples contain dietary fiber, fructose, vitamins, and minerals that also helps in the digestive process. It also contains B vitamins, like vitamins B1 and B6. It is also rich in vitamin C. These essential vitamins help in the production of energy, folate, and pantothenic acid – needed for fatty acid metabolism.
Pineapples are also rich in Manganese. It helps the cells to produce the energy needed by the body. Manganese also protects the cells from damage. It also helps in bone formation, the reproductive and immune systems.
- Reduce Inflammation
Wounds and injuries can cause inflammation. Bromelain, the enzyme found in pineapples, will lessen the swelling and inflammation in rabbits. It is also effective in reducing symptoms of arthritis.
- Rich in Antioxidants
Pineapples are rich in antioxidants which are important in fighting free radicals. Too many free radicals in their body can be a toxin and can cause damage to cells. Antioxidants help clean them up and reduce the risk of cancer.
Side effects of too much pineapple in your rabbit’s diet
Though pineapple can give lots of health benefits, too much consumption of it can also cause harm to your rabbit.
Pineapples contain high levels of a sugar called fructose. In moderation, it cannot harm your rabbit. However, too much of it can cause diabetes and obesity. Later on, obesity can lead to more serious complications, like organ failure or bone deformity.
Another thing that you should consider is the sensitivity of your pet’s digestive tract. Since they cannot process large amounts of sugar, it can lead to an upset stomach and diarrhea.
Remember to only give any kind of food to them in small amounts to avoid the downside and other problems. Always consult with your vet for the right quantity.
What does pineapple juice do for rabbits?
Just like the pineapple chunks, pineapple juice should be given in strict moderation. It contains lots of sugar as well, especially if it is processed already. In one BBC news article, a rabbit was saved from a hairball problem because of fibers and enzymes found in pineapple juice.
On the other hand, some studies show that pineapple juice can worsen stasis or gas buildup in the stomach of a rabbit. Therefore, before using pineapple juice as a treatment, make sure to consult with your vet.
What is your rabbit’s normal diet?
Feeding your rabbit with the right kind and amount of food that it needs will lessen the chance of unwanted diseases. It’s important to know what they naturally eat, how much should you give them, what are other alternatives that are good for them, and what foods are not.
Timothy hay is one of the best options for a rabbit diet. It is a mixture of leaves and stems from Timothy grass. It contains a high amount of fiber which is good for your pet’s tummy. This should make up at least 80 to 90% of your rabbit’s diet.
Since rabbits normally live in the grass field or forest, their main diet is grass and low-lying vegetables. You can give your bunny about a cup of fresh, green leafy vegetables per two pounds of its body weight. You may also want to add some crunchy veggies along with it.
Don’t forget to always provide fresh and clean water for them to drink.
If you are feeding them pellets as rabbit food, make sure it is age-appropriate. Though it claims to have complete nutrients that your pet needs, this should be a minimal amount in your rabbit’s diet.
What other fruits can rabbits eat?
There are lots of other fruits that you can also give to your bunny. These fruits should be given to them one at a time. Don’t mix them all. Make sure to start with a little amount and do the observation. Any of these fruits should be fed at least a teaspoon to two tablespoons per five pounds of body weight.
Here are some other fruits that rabbits can eat:
- Apple (without seeds and stem)
- Banana
- Berries
- Cherries (without seeds)
- Grapes
- Melon
- Nectarine
- Orange
- Papaya
- Peach
- Pear
- Plum
- Watermelon
- Strawberries
- Blackberries
What foods can’t rabbits eat?
While there’s a long list of what rabbits can eat, there are also lots of food that your rabbits can’t eat. Some of those foods can immediately poison your rabbit. Some may just upset their stomach.
Here is a list of what rabbits can’t eat:
- Avocado
- Bread
- Cauliflower
- Cereal
- Cookies and crackers
- Chocolates
- Hamster food
- Iceberg lettuce
- Meat
- Oatmeal
- Pasta
- Peanut butter
- Potato
- Rhubarb
- Silverbeet
- Walnuts
- Yogurt drops
Final Thoughts
Rabbits love munching and will eat almost anything you offer. Some foods may be good to them, some may not be.
So on the last note, can rabbit eat pineapple? Absolutely, but with caution. Rabbits are natural vegans. They can be given some fruits like pineapple. Rabbit can have pineapple in moderate amounts. Carefully observe its reaction before you continue giving it to him. Do not replace a natural diet with this sugary treat. Though it may give him lots of benefits, it may also result in complications.
Thanks for reading this article. If you have any questions or suggestions, please leave a comment below.
