Did you know that all domesticated rabbits are descended from a wild European ancestor? Yes, the bunnies we know and love today originally hail from an area now controlled by Spain and Portugal. This European upbringing is largely responsible for how rabbits’ diets developed: Rich in grasses, with the occasional vegetable.
Where do fruits fit into the picture, then? With tropical fruits available at the local grocery store, you may be wondering whether your rabbit can eat some of your favorite naturally sweet foods.
That’s why in today’s article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about whether your rabbit can eat pineapples. Read on to find out more about how your pet’s digestion will interact with this popular of tropical fruit.
Yes! Rabbits Can Eat Pineapple
Your rabbit most certainly can eat pineapple, and they’ll likely try to steal some off your plate if given the chance! In case you didn’t know, most rabbits have a real sweet tooth – and will gladly swipe fresh fruits right out from under your nose.
Pineapple Nutrition and Fun Facts
According to Nutritionvalue.org, pineapple is rich in only one nutrient essential to your rabbit’s health: Manganese. It’s also incredibly rich in sugars, with nearly 10 grams of sugar per 100 grams of fruit.
Introduced to Europe in the 17th century, the pineapple quickly became a symbol of luxury and decadence. They have been cultivated in greenhouses and tropical plantations since the 1820s and are the 3rd-most popular tropical fruit in worldwide production.
Health Benefits of Pineapple for Rabbits
The Manganese found in pineapples helps your rabbit’s body make energy and protect against damage to its cells and is essential for their skeletal, reproductive, and immune systems. While pineapple’s high sugar content makes it less than ideal for daily consumption, its health benefits make it a better choice to give as a treat than many other fruits.
Can Pineapple Be Bad for Rabbits?
Any food that is high in sugar can cause problems for your rabbit – and this includes pineapple. Your rabbit’s digestion relies on a complex environment of gut bacteria, and this balance can be adversely affected by sugar. In large quantities, pineapple can cause bloating, diarrhea, and general gastrointestinal distress for your rabbit.
How to Feed Pineapple to Your Rabbits
While the sweet flesh of a pineapple is perfectly safe for your rabbit to eat, the spiky skin and leaves are not. For any pineapple you’d like to feed your rabbit, you’ll need to shave off the tough outer layers and feed them only the soft inner fruit.
How Much Pineapple Should I Feed My Rabbit?
Pineapple should be reserved as an occasional treat for your rabbit. Feed it to them no more than once per week, and in portions no larger than your rabbit’s head – meaning more for larger rabbits, and significantly less for small bunnies.
Final Thoughts on Feeding Pineapple to Your Rabbit
These sweet tropical fruits make an excellent occasional treat for your rabbit and can be fed to them safely in small amounts. Always watch for any signs of indigestion that would indicate you’re feeding your rabbit too much pineapple, with once-weekly feedings being a good starting point.
Related Reads:
- Can Rabbits Eat Strawberries? What You Need to Know!
- Can Rabbits Eat Cherries? What You Need to Know!
- Can Rabbits Eat Oranges? What You Need to Know!
Featured Image Credit: Phoenix Han on Unsplash
