It’s true: rabbits can technically eat corn, as it’s not poisonous, but should they eat corn? The answer is no. Because rabbits have such delicate digestive systems, avoiding corn is best. Instead opt for other treats like lettuce greens, herbs, and some fruits like bananas. If you do feed your rabbit corn, whether intentionally or unintentionally, read on to ensure your bunny stays safe and healthy.
Tip 1: Maintain a Balanced Diet
While most people think of carrots as a rabbit’s go-to meal, hay makes up the majority of their diet. Timothy hay is ideal.
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Just like humans, rabbits need a nutritious and balanced diet for to function and feel their best. What that balanced diet looks like may vary on your rabbit’s breed, age, or other factors. Rabbits are characterized as hindgut fermenters, which means a pouch or section of their large intestine helps break down high-fibrous foods with yeast and bacteria after it passes through the animal’s stomach. This section of the intestine, known as the cecum, means that rabbits and other hindgut fermenters (like horses and elephants) can eat their required fiber-rich diet without health issues or discomfort.
In other words, make sure rabbits get plenty of fiber in their daily diet. That means lots of hay, roughage, and fresh water to wash it down. Rabbits also require less sugar intake, which corn has lots of!
Ensuring your rabbit eats well routinely means that encountering less-ideal foods like corn won’t disrupt their gastrointestinal tract so drastically. Below is a table of foods that are great options to feed your rabbit and foods to avoid:
| Safe Foods For Rabbits | Unsafe Foods For Rabbits |
|---|---|
| Lettuce Greens (i.e. romaine, arugula, red leaf) | Beans |
| Herbs (basil, parsley, cilantro) | Beet greens |
| Sprouts | Cabbage |
| Carrots | Corn or corn-cob treats |
| Bell peppers | Nuts |
| Cucumber | Seeds |
| Dandelion greens | Sugar |
| Kale | Potatoes |
| Spinach | Peas |
Tip 2: Check With Your Vet
It’s important to do some research for a vet who is knowledgeable about rabbits. While most are familiar with dogs and cats, not every vet will be able to provide the best possible care for your rabbit.
© leaf/ via Getty Images
Anyone with a sweet tooth will tell you that eating a delectable treat can be a great joy in life. Giving your beloved pets the same joy is no different. And while rabbits must limit their sugar intake, having a special treat occasionally shouldn’t pose serious threats. The key is checking with your vet.
At your rabbit’s next check-up appointment, ask the vet whether corn is a safe treat for your rabbit and its individual needs around its diet.
Tip 3: Play It Safe
You can offer your rabbit a wide range of veggies and fruits, but make sure to introduce them into your bunny’s diet gradually.
© Sasiistock/ via Getty Images
Even if your vet gives the go-ahead for your rabbit to eat corn, make sure that it’s a special and rare treat, or feed them the corn husk. This is the safest part of the plant to feed your rabbit.
And better still: choose sweet treats that don’t pose quite the risk to your rabbit’s digestion. A slice of apple, a piece of banana, or blueberries can satisfy your beloved pet’s sugar craving.
Rabbits Can Eat Corn: Conclusion
Even though your rabbit may have enjoyed snacking on the kernels of sweetcorn in the past, offer them a safer alternative to satisfy their sweet tooth. And with a rainbow of vegetables and fruits to choose from, there are plenty of healthy options!
The photo featured at the top of this post is © Photography with Canon DSLR Camera/ via Getty Images
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