Last Updated on March 9, 2023 by Woody Pet
Can rabbits eat strawberries? Be Berry Careful!
Did you know that strawberries are technically not berries? However, Strawberry Shortcake sure loves her red, heart-shaped treats. Can these pesky little fruits appeal to anyone other than us? Specifically, as many pet rabbit owners are concerned, can rabbits eat strawberries as we do? Well, rabbits certainly have a sweet tooth and quite enjoy having fruit in their diet to sweeten it up.
However, as every pet rabbit owner must know, fruits should not make up a considerable portion of what you feed to your rabbits. So, yes, rabbits can actually eat strawberries and will do so with pleasure, but you need to be sure to watch the quantity that you choose to feed them. Read on to find out how many strawberries are safe for your pet bunny in one day and whether or not the seeds and stems should be consumed as well.
Strawberry Benefits In Your Rabbit’s Diet
Strawberries are mostly water and sugar. However, they make up a decent source of soluble and insoluble fiber. As most pet rabbit owners are probably aware, fiber has to make up at least 15% of the nutrients that rabbits consume. Strawberries also contain plenty of Vitamin C, which can help rabbits with their skin and immune system.
However, the rabbit’s organism can actually produce its own Vitamin C, so it is not necessary for them to outsource it. Additionally, rabbits get most of their vitamins from the other parts of their diet (geens) so there is not really a big nutritional reason for you to give strawberries to your rabbit. You can, but they are not necessary and their drawbacks are not outweighed by the strawberry benefits in a rabbit’s diet.
Rabbits find sweet food very flavorful and strawberries are packed with carbs, so it is common logic that most rabbits will really enjoy eating them. However, you should look at strawberries as a treat and a dessert, not a necessary part of their nutrition plan. If your rabbit does not like them, do not give them strawberries. However, if they seem to have a sweet tooth, read on to find out how many strawberries you should let your rabbit eat in a day.
How Many Strawberries Should You Let Your Rabbit Eat In A Day?
You should always portion your rabbit’s food and never give them more than the recommended amount. Never trust a rabbit to be able to stop eating strawberries, or anything really, on his own, as they will become greedy and soon get an upset stomach from overeating. Rabbits are natural foragers and they have naturally evolved to eat food that is not high in calories or sugars, so they can gain weight very easily if those foods are introduced in large quantities.
Keep that in mind when feeding your rabbit sweet, caloric food as obesity can cause many serious health complications and the number one cause of it is an unhealthy diet, high in fats and carbohydrates. Additionally, make sure to always, always wash the produce that you feed to your rabbits, because pesticides or insect repellents can do great harm to the sensitive stomachs of our little furry friends. This is especially true for fruits.
You should never give your rabbit strawberries, unless they are washed well under running water to remove any harmful chemicals. Lastly, make sure not to give strawberries to your rabbit if he or she is super young. Wait until at least 8 weeks of age (ideally even more) to slowly start introducing sugary fruits to your rabbit and always watch for signs of discomfort.
Are Strawberry Seeds Safe For Rabbits To Eat?
Most pet rabbit parents know that the delicate stomachs of their little furry friends do not do really well with seeds, so it is only natural to ask; Are strawberry seeds safe for rabbits to eat? What about stems? Fortunately, the answer to both of these questions is “yes”.
Regarding the seeds, they are not harmful at all and your pet rabbit can easily eat them, just like you can. The stems are not at all a problem, either. Simply make sure to wash the strawberries thoroughly and your rabbit can eat any part of them. Keep in mind, though, that since the strawberries are sweeter and yummier, your bunny is likely to prefer the fruit over the stems and leaves.
Can Rabbits Eat Strawberries Conclusion
Rabbits are quite well-known for their sweet tooth and they tend to like many things, especially fruits. They are also well known for their delicate stomachs, so it is never a bad idea to check online before giving them something. Can rabbits eat strawberries? Certainly. And they look really cute while doing it. Rabbits love strawberries, so it is very good that strawberries are safe for them to eat.
That being said, we need to be careful about the number of strawberries that we feed our rabbits, as excessive consumption of sugar will do them absolutely no good. One medium strawberry served whole or diced is enough and plenty for an average rabbit. This amount can be altered and served differently considering the specific well-being of your pet bunny, their age, size, and preferences. Do not worry much about the seeds. Happy snacking!
