Rabbits enjoy chewing and eating like nothing else. People sometimes joke with their friends that they are born to eat. It is the same case with rabbits. As grazing animals, bunnies love to eat anything that grows in the soil.
Rabbits are not smart enough to know what is good and bad for them. It is on you to be the judge of that. When it comes to nuts, you have to be extra careful. So, can rabbits eat almonds?
Almonds are not toxic for your rabbit, but they are incredibly harmful. Almonds contain many complex nutrients your rabbit cannot digest, resulting in intestinal issues. All nuts are harmful to your rabbit.
You should always give your bunny the best food available as a pet owner. Something that seems excellent and full of nutrients is probably best to avoid, as rabbits have sensitive stomachs and fragile bodies. Keep reading more to learn why almonds are bad for your bunny rabbit.
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Can Rabbits Eat Almond Twigs and Leaves?
Almonds belong to the family of the Prunus genus. All these plants’ leaves, twigs, and wood are poisonous to bunnies. Rabbits can usually eat whole plants of many fruits and vegetables. However, when it comes to nuts and stone fruits, the trees are off-limits for your precious pet rabbit.
Nutritional Value of Almonds vs. Your Rabbit
Almonds contain plenty of nutrients that are beneficial for people. Eating 7 to 8 almonds can reduce many health issues for humans. These nuts are an excellent source of energy and an instant boost.
However, the same qualities are enemies for rabbits. Bunnies are fragile living things; heavy foods do not agree with their sensitive bodily functions and organs. Here are a few nutritional values of almonds that are troublesome for your precious bunny rabbit:
High in Calories
A hundred grams of almonds carry 579 kcal. Rabbits do not require a high-calorie diet as they can quickly become overweight.
High Protein Value
Almonds have a high protein count, which is excellent for humans. Rabbits, however, should avoid almonds at all costs. Too much protein can cause gut issues for your rabbit.
Fatty Food
Almonds are rich in fats that can cause obesity and liver issues for your fragile furry rabbit. High-fat content accumulates in your bunny’s liver, causing it to malfunction. If not treated, it can be fatal for your poor pet.
Lack of Fiber
Almonds do not contain the optimal amount of fiber required by your furry baby’s digestive system to function correctly. A rabbit’s stomach and intestines need a high quantity of fiber to break down food and carry out proper bowel movements.
Too Many Carbohydrates
Rabbits do not need as many carbohydrates as almonds offer. Bunnies are small creatures and require significantly less fat and carbs to maintain their energy levels. Too many carbs can cause unwanted weight gain in your hopping pet.
Lack of Iron
Rabbits require 20 to 400mg of iron in 100g of their food. Almonds are a low-iron food. They do not provide the required iron for your rabbit as they carry only 3.71mg of iron in 100g.
High Phosphorus Content
Almonds have a high phosphorus component than rabbits need.
Lack of vitamins A, C, and D
Rabbits require plenty of vitamins and minerals to maintain health and avoid diseases. Almonds do not have the correct amount of vitamins for your precious furry friend.
Excessive Vitamin E and B Complex
Rabbits do not need an external source for vitamin B complex as their body generates an adequate amount of the vitamin.
Almonds carry an excessive amount of B complex that can harm your rabbit. Almonds also have a high amount of vitamin E that is difficult for bunnies to break down.
Zinc and Selenium
Rabbits do not require too much zinc and selenium. In this regard, almonds are okay as they carry very few minerals. However, this one aspect cannot overshadow the other harmful nutrients in almonds that can cause health issues for your poor rabbit.
Not every food that has plenty of nutrients is going to be beneficial for your pet rabbit. Beware of foods and gather knowledge of every food that you decide to introduce to your rabbit.
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Health Risks of Feeding Almonds To Your Bunny Rabbit
If you are still thinking of feeding almonds to your pet in a moderate amount, do not. Yes, the nutrients seem very attractive, but they can cause serious health problems for your rabbit. Bunnies get stressed and anxious when they contract a physical disease. Your rabbit will suffer physically and emotionally if you feed it almonds.
Here is a list of health issues your bunny will suffer from if you feed it almonds:
Poisoning
Feeding almonds to your rabbit is feeding them poison. These nuts contain a component known as cyanide, which is highly toxic for your precious furry friend. If, by accident, your rabbit has eaten almonds, look for these signs for confirmation of cyanide poisoning:
- Your rabbit will experience seizures.
- Intestinal inflammation signs in digestion.
- Due to temperature irregularity, your pet would be either too cold or too hot.
- Your bunny will be slow and show symptoms of lethargy.
- You will notice a downfall in your rabbit’s appetite.
- Your rabbits will be depressed and demand too much alone time.
If you notice the above signs in your rabbit, contact your vet immediately and book an appointment.
Fatty Liver Disease
Due to their high fat and high-carbs value, almonds can cause fat accumulation in your rabbit’s liver resulting in severe discomfort and pain. Look out for the following signs of fatty liver disease:
- Anorexia
- Loss of weight
- Reduced fecal matter or change in the size of fecal pellets
- Dehydration
- Lethargy
- Depression
Your bunny will exhibit these signs when it has liver trouble. Get in touch with your vet immediately.
Diarrhea
Rabbits are incredibly reactive to sudden changes in their diets and routine. Your rabbit will develop diarrhea if you feed it almonds. If you notice watery fecal matter, your bunny needs help.
GI Stasis
Almonds have low fiber content that can make your rabbit have GI stasis resulting in painful gas and intestinal irritability. These are the signs of GI stasis:
- Bruxism
- Depression
- Hunched posture
- Anorexia
Contact your vet if you notice these in your rabbit.
Uneaten Cecotropes
Rabbits stop eating their cecotropes when they have any digestive health issues. As these fecal pellets are essential for your rabbit’s health, your bunny will become prone to other diseases.
Obesity
With their high fat and carbohydrate content, almonds can be a way for your precious furry friend to become overweight. An obese bunny cannot groom or hop, resulting in stress for you and your rabbit.
Also Check Out: Can Rabbits Eat Apricots?
Are All Nuts Bad for Your Bunny Rabbit?
Yes, all nuts are bad for rabbits because they contain plenty of things that are bad for your furry baby’s bodily functions and health. Here is why you should avoid feeding nuts to your rabbit:
- Nuts are high in fats and cause unwanted weight gain for your rabbit. An obese bunny cannot reach its backside to eat cecotropes, resulting in a weakened immune system.
- High carbs can cause GI stasis that can be life-threatening for your poor pet.
- The low fiber content of nuts can cause an upset stomach in your rabbit. As bunnies need fiber to have smooth bowel movements, nuts can disrupt this and result in less defecation with loss of appetite.
Alternative for Almonds for Your Precious Pet
There is no need to frown because your rabbit cannot eat almonds or nuts. There are plenty of other foods out there that your furry friend can eat. Rabbits need a balanced diet to have a good life. An optimal rabbit meal contains 80-90% hay, 10-15% greens, and 5-10% fruits or flowers as treats.
Here is a list of foods you can give your bunny without hesitation. However, give these in moderation with loads of hay:
- Bok choy
- Bell peppers
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Red leaf
- Parsely
- Fennel
- Brussel sprouts
- Apple
- Banana
- Berries
- Melon
- Peach
- Pear
- Watermelon
- Grapes
- Orange
Remember to buy these foods fresh and wash them thoroughly before giving them to your rabbit. Chop them into smaller pieces and remove the peels and seeds.
Final Words
Feeding a rabbit is a chore because it requires much research to eliminate any hazardous elements. You are responsible for your helpless rabbit’s health as a pet owner. Do not feed anything to your rabbit on a whim.
If you feel confused about any food, contact your vet and ask them to give your a recommendation. Give your precious furry rabbit loads of love, attention, care, and hay to keep them happy and hop till their very last day!