Do Rabbits Love Sweet Foods? (Natural Treats & Feeding Guide)

Rabbits, in general, have a sweet tooth, and they love treats. This is why sometimes you should control yourself, especially if your rabbit shows cute begging faces. 

Hays and pellets should still be their primary source of nutrients because your pet’s metabolism needs a lot of fiber from the grass. High-fiber food helps them digest and distribute energy nutrients all over their body. 

However, it’s not bad if you sneak a few slices of healthy treats for them, especially if it will give your pet additional nutrients from munching the treats. 

Rabbit Satisfaction

Rabbits enjoy munching on some foods aside from grass hay because of its sweet content. However, note that excessive glucose can cause health issues you don’t want your pet to catch on to.

There are several rabbit treats available in the market; it’s important to always remember that if you buy your rabbit treats, ensure they contain no added sugar or artificial flavors and colorings.

But if you are second-guessing some rabbit commercial pet treats that can contain questionable and imbalanced nutrition, you may offer them sweet but natural treats to satisfy their cravings.

So, as a rabbit-savvy owner, you should make good options for your pet. Introducing a few sweet treats like sugary treats of fruit and veggies is best. 

Natural Treats

Fruits and vegetables make a good alternative natural treat you can offer your rabbit. Here are some lists of food that your rabbit will surely enjoy munching while getting a nutritional benefit. 

Apples

This fruit is rich in fiber, one of the primary nutrients that the body of your rabbit needs. Remember to feed this in moderation and remove the excess pits and kernels of the apple because they can be poisonous to your pet. 

Blueberry

One of the safest fruits that your bunny can enjoy without feeling guilty. Blueberry is a great source of antioxidants that helps your rabbit’s body cells against free radicals. 

Strawberry

Your bunny will be satisfied with this natural treatment because it is rich in vitamins and minerals to boost their body function. Strawberry leaves are also healthy; you can add them to your rabbit staple diet.

Banana

Banana is a good occasional sweet treat you can offer to your rabbit. This fruit is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that assist the rabbit’s development. However, remember not to overfeed them bananas because it can upset their metabolism. 

Grapes

Fiber and Vitamin K are the main benefits your rabbit can take advantage of when they eat grapes. This perfect-size fruit is also a good alternative if you want to satisfy the cravings of your rabbit.

Spinach

Spinach is a staple food that your rabbit can safely eat. The stalks and stem of this veggie can also contribute to their wellness because of its folic acid and vitamin content. 

Broccoli

This veggie is good for your rabbit’s heart and liver, making it a perfect treat for your pet. However, too much intake can cause constipation for them; a few slices is enough for your rabbit to get the nutritional benefits of broccoli.

Carrots

A carrot is a good option to escape your rabbit’s boredom. It has a hard texture and vitamins and minerals that can contribute to the body. Do not feed them too much because it might cause them dental issues. 

Zucchini

Zucchini has a great amount of water content in its flesh. This is a great option to fodder your bunny, especially for summer when they need extra help to increase your pet’s hydration. However, a moderate amount is enough for your pet because it may lead to diarrhea if they intake too much water. 

While these natural treats listed above are not as satisfying as the desserts such as chocolate and ice cream, they are a great alternative for your rabbit’s cravings. Since your pet will be consuming timothy hays and grasses all their life, adding a little flavor to their diet is not bad. However, stick to the right amount and sizes because it might cause your rabbit some health problems. 

For more details on what your Rabbit Can and Cannot Eat, Read this article: The Definitive Guide To What Foods Rabbits Can & Cannot Eat

Feeding Guide

Like the amount of grass hays your rabbit should consume, satisfying their sweet tooth should also be limited. According to some reports, veggies, especially fruits, have a natural sugar content meaning excessive intake has some disadvantages. This may cause your rabbits to get obese and develop tooth decay. 

When giving food to your rabbit, it will depend on its size and weight. But in general recommendations, fruits and veggies should be given for 2 or 3 days a week. Fruits like bananas and grapes should be offered less because they are higher in glucose content than the rest of the fruits. 

Rabbits below 7 months old must not be fed with fruits. Those between 7 months to 1 year can eat only 1 to 2 ounces of fruits, equal to 2-4 tablespoons, for every 6 pounds of body weight per day. If your pet is already 1 year old, you can give up to 2 tablespoons.

However, if you want to make sure about the feeding guidelines for your pet, you can always check your veterinarian’s advice. They can also give you a list of safe and beneficial food for your rabbit. 

Rabbit’s Dental Health

Dental health should be as important as your rabbit’s diet because serious issues with their teeth can cause further problems for your pet. If not addressed, your rabbit may lose their appetite. 

You may check out these tips on how to maintain your rabbit’s dental care:

• Routinely check your rabbit’s gum and teeth to monitor if there are problems.
• Giving your rabbits something extra or food to chew can help them maintain dental health.
• Be aware of hard-to-chew foods because they can damage your pet’s teeth. 
• Schedule a visit to your pet’s doctor for their dental check-up.

Here are some early symptoms that you can notice in your rabbit if they are experiencing dental problems:

• Difficulty in chewing food
• Prefer taking food in a water bowl over a sipper bottle
• Loss of Appetite
• Decrease in weight
• Nasal discharge
• Excessive drooling
• Tooth grinding
• Weakness
• Excessive teardrops

Key Takeaways

• Your rabbit naturally craves sweet foods. And you can satisfy them with available commercial treats, or for a healthier option, some fruits and veggies are safe for them to eat. In addition, it is more beneficial for them because of the nutritional value it can give to their body. 
• Simple desserts for humans, such as ice cream and chocolate, are unsuitable for your rabbit’s metabolism because of their high sugar content. 
• Be aware if you see your rabbit licking or showing interest in your sweet foods. They might enjoy it, but there can be health consequences.  
• Avoid giving Ice cream, chocolate, and cake to your pet, even if it’s a homemade sweet. There might be ingredients that are unsafe for your rabbit to eat. 
• A variety of natural food, such as veggies and fruits, can satisfy your rabbit’s sweet food. 
• Some fruits have higher sugar content, so avoid overfeeding them because it raises digestive and dental issues for your pet.
• It’s always advisable to have a veterinarian check your pet regularly regarding their overall wellness and diet.