Yes, Rabbits Can Eat Apples! But Follow These 6 Tips

Pet rabbits are surprisingly popular, as they are as adorable as they are easy to take care of. One popular way to pamper your pet bunny is to include fresh fruits and veggies into their diet. Not all of these delights are recommended for snacktime, though. However, apples are one of the safer fruits you can treat them to, whatever the occasion may be. So, yes, rabbits can safely eat apples. There are some key factors to keep in mind when doing so, though. Read on to discover more about the ubiquitous apple and how to best share it with your fuzzy friends!

Are Apples Safe for Rabbits?

Apples are one of the most iconic and simplest fruits found in nature, and bunnies aren’t shy about getting their share of them. As a food they’ve likely also enjoyed finding in the wild, domestic rabbits can and will eat apples without any trouble. Also, this applies to apples of any species, so long as they’re prepared and portioned mindfully. Whether Fuji, Red Delicious, Braeburn, or Pink Lady, they’re all free game in the eyes of a bunny!

Which Parts of Apples Are Safe for Rabbits?

While rabbits chomp down apples with glee, apple stems, seeds, and cores should be removed before giving eager bunnies this fruity snack. While they can certainly digest sticks, twigs, and seeds, the idea is to get rid of areas that may pose a choking hazard. Also, apple stems and seeds contain a substance known as cyanogenic glycosides, a naturally occurring deterrent. This nasty chemical is meant to shoo away herbivores and can cause unwanted side effects like vomiting and muscle spasms if ingested.

How Many Apples Can Rabbits Eat?

Less is more when it comes down to giving bunnies fruits and vegetables. Rabbits love many plant-based foods but do require a majority of their nutrition to come from hays and grasses. So, just as with many other dietary extras, apples should be fed to rabbits in carefully supervised amounts. One or two slices of apple should be enough for most bunnies, although they likely won’t agree!

What Benefits Do Apples Have for Rabbits?

Apples are light and healthy and are almost always in season. Just like the health benefits they can bring pet parents, these crunchy powerhouses offer rabbits a generous amount of vitamins B and C. However, both of these nutrients are rarely a concern for bunnies enjoying a properly balanced diet. That said, apples also provide a good deal of water and fiber, both of which are necessary for happy rabbit digestion. You could say that although not as nutritious for bunnies, they’re often a crowd favorite due to their amazing flavor!

How Do You Prepare Apples for Rabbits?

Apples are a great snack for everyone because they’re super healthy and easy to prepare. Here are some tips to make sure your apples are served up perfectly for your rabbit:

• Select organic apples whenever possible. These fruits are less likely to have unhealthy chemicals or GMOs.
• Wash the apples vigorously with cold water and your favorite fruit cleaner.
  • Natural fruit cleaning sprays and baking soda have proven to be effective cleaners.
• Ensure all cleaning products are rinsed off after washing.
• Slice the apple into very small chunks, and remove the stem, seeds, and core.
• Reward your rabbit with apple pieces for fun, or as an incentive.
• Remember to limit the amount of apples your rabbit has to one or two slices per week.

What Are Symptoms of Rabbits Eating Too Many Apples?

If all precautions are taken to only give your rabbit apples with no stems or seeds, the only threat you’ll need to watch out for is sugar. Too much of it can lead to unhappy tummies and issues like gas and bloating. Also, bunnies that overeat on sweets run the risk of an imbalance in their gut bacteria, which can lead to more serious conditions over time. If you ever notice your rabbit exhibiting signs of discomfort after trying a new food, we recommend contacting your veterinarian to make sure everything’s all right!