Of course, you know that rabbits eat mostly hay and about 20% pellets, but they also need to eat some fruits and veggies to get all their minerals and vitamins.
In this context, the question of whether rabbits can eat strawberries arises.
To put it philosophically, the answer isn’t no. That doesn’t mean the answer is yes.
Read the article below to find out all the pros and cons of strawberries for rabbits, as well as precious tips and tricks on how to feed them to your buddies.
PROS
Strawberries keep your rabbit hydrated
And that’s because they pack a lot of water. In fact, a strawberry’s water content, 91%, is almost as high as a cucumber’s water content, 96%.
Strawberries can help rabbits fight stress
Rabbits are prey animals, so they’re always on their toes. They can experience high amounts of stress because of reasons we can’t even picture. Fast movements, noises, being picked up, can all cause anxiety in rabbits. But strawberries are packed in vitamin C, which helps fight anxiety.
Strawberries have a lot of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B9, potassium, and manganese
Just like you, rabbits need these micronutrients to survive.
Strawberries are high in fiber
Rabbits’ digestive systems have evolved to require food that is high in fiber, moderate in protein, and with little to no fat. That’s the exact profile of strawberries, which can help your bunny’s digestive system.
Strawberries are low in calories
Domestic rabbits are predisposed to obesity, and it’s wise to offer them low-calorie snacks.
Strawberries pack a lot of antioxidants, which fight chronic diseases
As it happens, rabbits are prone to all sorts of chronic diseases, including cancer and infections, so it’s good to build up their forces.
CONS
Strawberries might have too much vitamin C
An excess of vitamin C can cause kidney problems in your rabbit.
Strawberries contain a lot of sugar for rabbits
Rabbits’ bodies have not evolved to digest sugar. Their good gut bacteria specialize in digesting fibrous foods, so sugar-rich foods mess destroy these bacteria, which causes GI distress in rabbits. Besides, high-sugar foods can lead to diabetes and dental issues.
Strawberries are mushy
Rabbits’ teeth never stop growing, which is why they’re naturally trimmed by eating crunchy foods. As strawberries are mushy, they can’t help your rabbit with this issue.
How Many Strawberries Should I Feed My Rabbit? Tips and Tricks
Can rabbits eat strawberries? Yes, but no more than one strawberry twice per week for medium-sized rabbits. Bigger rabbits can eat more strawberries, while Dwarf breeds should be limited to half a strawberry twice per week.
Here are other tips to consider:
- Don’t give your rabbits strawberries every day. Use strawberries for training or bonding.
- Wash strawberries very carefully to get rid of pesticides.
- Cut the strawberries to reduce the risk of choking.
- Don’t give your bunny dried strawberries because these pack much more sugar and fewer vitamins and minerals than raw strawberries.
- Introduce strawberries gradually into your rabbit’s diet. Start with one small piece and watch for allergic reactions or GI distress.
- Just like humans, rabbits can also be allergic to strawberries. Symptoms include dehydration, apathy, diarrhoea, gas, and loss of appetite. Contact your vet if you notice these symptoms.
- Mix and match. Your bunny’s diet should be about 7% fruits and veggies, meaning you shouldn’t give your rabbit just strawberries or just fruits, but a full palette of fruits and vegetables.
- You can give your rabbit strawberry leaves. Wild rabbits eat plants, grass, and weeds, so you can give them strawberry tops too because they’re the best part of the strawberry for your rabbit. Follow the same principle of moderation and limit the intake of strawberry leaves to a few per day. If you notice digestive or allergic issues, contact your vet.