Top Foods Rabbits Should Avoid: A Quick Guide

What Rabbits Should Not Eat

1. Cooked or Fried Foods: Rabbits are natural foragers of fresh foods, and any processed human cuisine is offlimits for them.

2. Frozen Foods: Cold and refrigerated items can upset a rabbit's delicate digestive system, leading to diarrhea. Always let fruits and vegetables sit at room temperature before offering them to your pet rabbit.

3. Spoiled Food: Never assume that a rabbit's stomach can handle decayed food. Their digestive systems are much more fragile than ours, and such foods can be harmful.

4. Chocolate and Coffee: These contain high levels of xylitol, a substance that can be toxic to rabbits.

5. Sweets and Candy: High in calories and sugars, these treats offer no benefits to rabbits and can lead to obesity, digestive issues, and dental problems.

6. Spicy Vegetables: Herbs like garlic, onions, chives, and peppers are not suitable for rabbits.

7. Meat: Rabbits are herbivores, and their digestive systems are not equipped to process meat. Eating it can cause intestinal blockages, necrosis, and skeletal muscle deformation.

8. Biscuits and Bread: High in carbohydrates, these can cause gas in rabbits' stomachs and may contain yeast that could be fatal. Avoid foods high in oil, sugar, and salt.

9. Human Snacks: Besides sugar and salt, rabbits should also steer clear of snacks with additives, flavorings, and artificial colors, as these can be detrimental to their health.

10. Corn and Peanuts: These can spoil easily, leading to toxins, so it's best to avoid them.

11. Nuts and Dried Fruits: While they can be consumed in small quantities, these are high in oils, which rabbits do not need, especially since they do not hibernate. It's best to limit or avoid these altogether.

12. Yogurt: Contrary to some beliefs, yogurt is not easily digested by rabbits and may not provide the intended probiotics. Rabbits typically do not require probiotic supplements, and if they do, it should be a specialized probiotic formulated for rabbits.

13. Grains: Rabbits can eat grains in moderation, but since many commercial rabbit foods already contain grains like barley and wheat, there's no need to add more.

These are the foods that rabbits should avoid or consume with caution. Dr. OxygenPet hopes that all rabbit owners will keep these nogo items in mind to prevent their pets from falling ill or worse, due to inappropriate dietary choices.