can-rabbits-eat-watermelon

Can Rabbits Eat Watermelon? (And Should They?)

Watermelon is a refreshing fruit most commonly eaten during the warmer summer months. Many pet owners want their furry friends to feel refreshed and cool as well in the summer heat, and that includes pet rabbits.

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Rabbit owners know their little friend can’t eat all the foods they can. So, this brings up the question of “Can rabbits eat watermelon?” The short answer is that yes, they can. There’s a lot more to it than that, though. Keep reading along and you’ll learn all the ins and outs of feeding your rabbit watermelon.

Can I Give My Rabbit Watermelon?

Watermelon

Watermelon is in general safe for rabbits to eat. You should only feed it in moderation because it contains a lot of sugar, which can be bad for them.

Also, baby rabbits or very young rabbits have different nutritional needs than adults. It’s best not to give your bunny watermelon until they’re a year old.

Rabbits have bodies that are very sensitive to sugar. They require a diet high in fiber, for instance, the hay and pellets you feed them. If you feed your bunny too many sugary treats, they will have an upset stomach and may have bad diarrhea.

This means that you can give your rabbit watermelon if you don’t give them too much at once. They enjoy eating it so much that it’s not only a treat for them, it’s a treat for you to watch them enjoy it.

Here’s what to do if you decide to feed some watermelon to your rabbit. Give them only a small piece, up to about two inches square. Be sure to remove the seeds because they present a big choking hazard. Rabbits are not capable of vomiting, so if they choke, they can’t spit up whatever is in their throat. Therefore, it’s super important to remove the seeds or to only offer your bunny a seedless variety.

Nutritional Benefits

Nutritional Benefits of Watermelon

There are a few benefits to giving your rabbit watermelon in moderation. It contains a lot of Vitamin A and Vitamin C, which are essential nutrients both to humans and your pet. Vitamin C is thought to help prevent cancer, and Vitamin A is important for your rabbit’s immune system.

Another nutrient in watermelon is Choline. Choline provides many different benefits to your rabbit, including enhancing their sleep and muscle development. It also works to make them function better mentally.

Although water is not considered a nutrient, the water content in the watermelon may be extra helpful to some pet parents. Watermelon will be especially refreshing during the summer for rabbits who live in outdoor hutches. Feed it to your pet cold for the best effects during those smoldering days.

Rabbits often do not drink enough water, as in the wild, they get most of their water from their food. Therefore, rabbits are prone to dehydration and watermelon is a great way to remedy that situation. However, you shouldn’t give your rabbit too much because if they get a lot of water at once, they will become bloated and experience stomach pain.

What About the Rind?

Watermelon Rind

You’ve probably noticed that the part of the watermelon that is closest to the rind has a bitter and somewhat unpleasant flavor. This is because that section of the fruit has a lot less sugar, and the rind has next to none. Because of this, you can feed your rabbit watermelon rind almost any time.

It’s important to supervisor your rabbit when you give them watermelon rind, because like seeds, it is a choking hazard. The rind is a lot less dangerous and less likely to make your pet choke, but it’s always better to be careful. One way to help limit the possibility of choking is to cut the rind into a strip that is an inch wide and several inches long.

Many pet rabbit owners say their bunny loves to play with the peel by throwing it around. They also report their furry friend will play tug-of-war with the rind when other bunnies are around. What’s so great about the melon rind is that it won’t give your rabbit a stomach ache.

Here’s a short video listing some other foods your rabbit can eat.

The Short Answer Is…

Watermelon is a great treat for your bunny when fed in moderation. It contains a lot of sugar, which gives rabbits an upset stomach resulting in diarrhea. You can give them a 2-inch square of watermelon once a week, but it’s best to remove the seeds first to avoid choking. You can feed them watermelon rind without moderation.

Now that you know everything there is to know about if you can feed your rabbit watermelon, go ahead and give them a treat. I’m sure they’ll love you for it. Leave a comment below if you have any questions!

About the Author Laura Bennett

Hello, I’m Laura Bennett. I love nature especially when it comes to flowers and different kinds of plants. I started a very small garden behind my house and I named it Humid Garden. So, I created this blog to provide aspiring and inspiring thoughts about gardening for gardeners and anyone who has the intention of keeping a garden.

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