It can get pretty challenging for any pet owner to figure out what fruits are best for their pet bunny and which are not. If you are wondering the same you should consider watermelons, but can bunnies eat watermelon?
The answer is A BIG YES! You can absolutely feed your little cute bunny watermelon. Your bunny would love to have a sweet and refreshing watermelon. Not only are they nutrient-rich, but they are also safe and healthy.
Bunnies are cute pets that many people love. They are even cuter when they are eating something. A safe treat for them is watermelons. Continue reading to find out how you can feed them watermelons safely.
Can Bunnies Eat Watermelon – What’s Good And Bad?
Watermelons are safe for your pet friends. But, always remember to not feed them in excess or make it a part of their main diet.
This is because it contains a very high amount of sugar which is not suitable for your small little bunny.
You can feed your bunnies the rind part of watermelon as well. In fact, it the best part for them. This is primarily due to the fact that it contains less sugar as compared to other parts.
Most people think that all the nutrients are in the pink flesh part of the watermelon. But when it comes to the rind part, it contains even more nutrients as compared to the pink flesh part.
When you feed them to your pet friend in moderation, they would love you for this. Specifically on a hot summer day as it will keep them fresh and hydrated.
1) Is It Safe To Feed Your Bunnies Watermelon?
You will be glad to know that feeding watermelon to your bunny is perfectly safe for them. There is nothing that could go wrong when it comes to feeding your bunny a piece of watermelon.
The fun part is that there is nothing in watermelon that can be toxic for your rabbits. For this very reason, every time you are eating a watermelon, you can feed your bunny as well.
But always remember to feed them only once in a while and not that much. The main diet of your bunny must contain fresh and veggies, grass, and most importantly hay.
Also, you can feed them pellets that would provide them with most of the nutrients that they need. One thing that you strictly need to follow is never making fruits your pet’s primary meal in their diet.
Watermelons are very nutritious and juicy fruits. They comprise over 90 percent of water. It will allow your cute bunny to stay hydrated throughout the day.
They are also low in calories and have a significant amount of vitamin C. But there is a catch. Watermelons are very high in sugars.
For this very reason, you need to make sure to feed them in moderation. Or else, your pet bunny will be taking a toll on its health.
2) Can Rabbits Eat The Peel Of Watermelon?
In short, YES! You can feed your pet rabbits the peel of watermelon. They are fibrous and not that very juicy. This means there will be a slim to no possibility of flatulence for your pet bunny.
Due to the peel being less juicer, your pet will not make a mess or make his hair dirty when eating the peels of a watermelon.
However, do not feed them these peels in excess. Feed them as a combo with a small layer of pulp. It will make it taste better.
The peels of watermelon are also very nutritious. They are composed of:
- Vitamins A
- Vitamins C
- Vitamins E
- Vitamins Bs
- Dietary fibers
- Organic acids etc.
Feeding the peel of watermelon will be significantly beneficial for your pet friend considering the vitamin content of the peels.
3) Can Bunnies Eat The Seeds Of Watermelon?
The answer is no, you cannot feed your bunny the seeds of watermelon. The seeds of watermelon are not toxic. But still, it is better to keep them away from the seeds.
You should remove the seeds from the fruit prior to giving them to your pet rabbit. They will make your pet choke easily, so do not give them to your rabbits.
You should purchase a seedless watermelon for your little furry friend if possible.
4) What Is The Correct Amount Of Watermelon You Can Feed Your Bunny?
The recommended amount that you can serve your pet bunny is:
One or two tbs of watermelon for every five pounds of your pet’s weight.
The same goes for any other fruit as well. This is the recommended amount and anything more than this will put your pet in digestive discomfort.
No matter what you are feeding your bunny, always feed them in moderation and never exceed the recommended amount. Anything more than this will be considered overfeeding which is strictly not recommended.
Another thing that you need to consider is that you can only feed them one or two times a week. This is due to the fact that watermelons have a high concentration of sugars.
Feeding them once or twice a week will be more than sufficient for your pet and allow them to safely benefit from it.
5) How To Prepare Watermelon For Your Rabbit?
First of all, always try to choose the appropriate watermelon. Remember that the watermelon should be ripe.
Avoid unripe ones as they do not suit your cute bunny. A ripe watermelon is composed of over 90% more water compared to the unripe ones
After that what you have to do is to wash the outer rind thoroughly. It will allow you to remove any chemicals or pesticides from them. It is best to choose an organic one.
The next thing you have to do is to chop the watermelon properly. Watermelon should be given only in the recommended amount to avoid any health complications that your pet may suffer from if overfed.
Lastly, you need to feed them the white part of the rind and the red flesh. Remember to clear any unnoticed area within a few hours of inactivity. This is mainly to help avoid the formation of unwanted bacteria.
Nutritional Facts Of Watermelon
Watermelon is full of essential nutrients and antioxidants and there is no denying that. It is very beneficial to your cute bunnies. In fact, it is a perfect treat in summer for your rabbit.
When fed in moderation and during the hot season, your pet can get all the benefits including the high amount of water content.
Following are the nutritional content of watermelon (per 100g serving):
| Phosphorus – 11 mg | Potassium – 112 mg | Sodium – 1 mg | Total lipid (fat) – 0.15 g | Protein – 0.61 g |
| Carbs – 7.55 g | Dietary fiber – 0.4 g | Sugars – 6.2 g | Energy – 30 kcal | Magnesium – 10 mg |
| Calcium – 7 mg | Iron – 0.24 mg | Vitamin C – 8.1 mg | Vitamin B-6 – 0.045 mg | Vitamin A – 28 µg |
| Lutein – 8 µg | zeaxanthin – 8 µg | Vitamin E – 0.05 mg | Vitamin K – 0.1 µg | Folate – 3 µg |
| Lycopene – 4532 µg |
You can see from the chart above that the number of calories and proteins in watermelon is very low. But they are low for us humans.
For your pet bunny, they are just about the right amount. This is specifically true due to the fact that they have just the ideal amount of vitamin C and carbs.
Both vitamin C and carbs are essential for the healthy development of your pet rabbit.
11 Health Benefits Of Feeding Your Bunny Watermelon
Watermelon contains a wide number of nutrients. They are all very beneficial for your bunny. Here are some of the nutrients that your pet bunny can benefit from when he or she is being fed watermelons.
1) Vitamin A:
It plays an important role when it comes to maintaining the health of the brain, skin, lungs, eyes, kidneys, and heart. It also makes the immune system stronger which lowers the risk of your pet suffering from numerous diseases.
2) Vitamin B6:
Vitamin B6 is a crucial requirement of your pet’s diet. It keeps your pet rabbit relaxed, and allows him or her to sleep with peace of mind. It also reads to your pet staying happy.
You heard me right! This vitamin can, in fact, improve sleep quality and reduce stress. It also promotes the production of the hormone “serotonin”. It is essentially the hormone that keeps your pet in a happy mood.
3) Vitamin C:
It is the most essential nutrient that you can give to your pet bunnies. Any pet, including rabbits, require a decent amount of vitamin C in their diet. This is due to the fact that it can lead to a disease, known as scurvy. If you want to know more about this disease? You can check it here.
Due to this, no pet animal including bunnies can survive with it. Watermelons, including the rind part, are rich in vitamin C, which can keep your pet friend healthy and energetic.
4) Zinc:
Just like the nutrients mentioned above, zinc is also required for your pet’s well-being. It is known to be beneficial when it comes to treating diarrhea and boosting overall immunity.
Due to a boost in the immune system, your pet will much likely be protected against a number of diseases.
5) Potassium:
It allows your pet to have regulated blood pressure. Due to this, your pet will have none to slim chances of having high blood pressure.
6) Iron:
A mineral that is important for the health of the blood.
Fun fact:
Your pet will likely suffer from fewer or no health problems if his or her blood is strong and healthy.
It is present in every cell, but most abundantly in red blood cells. Providing your pet with iron-based foods will allow your pet to tackle fatigue and weakness. More importantly, it prevents anemia and strengthens overall immunity.
7) Calcium:
Calcium allows your pet to build strong bones. But, only if fed in moderation and under the recommended dosage for your pet rabbit. On the contrary, if taken in excess amount, it can harm the urinary tract of pet bunnies.
Fortunately, watermelon rind contains a small amount of calcium. It is well within the recommended limits and you won’t have to worry about your pet consuming too much of it.
8) Lycopene:
It is essentially an antioxidant that lowers the risk of your pet suffering from certain cancers.
Furthermore, lycopene is also known to improve your pet’s heart health.
9) Citrulline:
It is essentially a member of the amino acid family. Feeding watermelons to your pet rabbit will allow him to have healthy blood vessels and a healthy heart. It also provides strength to the immune system and maintains a healthy flow of blood.
It also improves blood flow and it also strengthens the immune system.
10) Flavonoids:
They are known to provide your pet with a certain level of immunity against cancer, heart complications, and strokes. In addition to this, they also allow your pet bunny to have healthy overall mental health.
11) Riboflavin:
It is also referred to as vitamin B2. It improves the oxygen circulation in your pet’s body. In addition to this, it also allows your pet to absorb energy from foods better.
For other nutrient-rich foods, you can go with bananas and green beans.
Risks To Consider When Feeding Your Rabbit Watermelon
We know watermelons are high in vitamins. But, they are full of water and sugar as well.
Avoid giving them too much watermelon if you intend to avoid the risks of overfeeding watermelons to your pet friend. Always feed them merely as a treat only and never use watermelon as an alternative for freshwater.
In nature, rabbits do not like to eat fruits. Therefore, it would be better to feed them in small amounts if you intend to avoid any trouble.
Due to the high concentration of sugar in it, there is a chance of diabetes if given in excess.
Your bunnies are different from humans. They are very sensitive to sugar as compared to us. The amount which may appear small to us can cause damage to their digestive system leading to diarrhea.
It is suggested to buy organic watermelon if possible as they are free from various poisonous chemicals and pesticides.
If not, it is recommended that you carefully and thoroughly wash them before feeding them. Doing this will wash off all the dirt and harmful chemicals from them.
Moreover, whenever you are feeding them something new, make sure to feed them in small quantities. Then keep an eye out on your pet to see how his or her stomach reacts to it. This will allow your pet to consume them safely and allow you to observe your pet for any allergies he or she might have.
What Is the Correct Diet For Your Bunny?
We all know that the correct diet is very important for your pet’s health. Your pet friend depends on you. For this very reason, you have to make sure he gets the correct diet and in the right quantity.
Your pet bunny also needs the same type of diet as the wild ones which include high fiber grass.
Below is how the correct diet looks like, as recommended by vets.
1) Clean Fresh Hay In Unlimited Quantity:
Make sure you provide them with unlimited access to fresh hay. It is very healthy and is a must in your bunny’s daily diet.
2) A Lot of Clean & Fresh Water:
Water is a must for everyone be it humans or animals. Make sure to provide them fresh and clean water daily. Do not skip the supply of water or else your pet might risk dehydrating themselves.
3) Rabbit Pellets:
Rabbit pellets will provide your pet the nutrients that he or she may have trouble getting from their primary diet. These are age-specific and you need to carefully read the instructions on the packaging to find out more about them,
4) Salad:
Salad can be a great addition to your pet’s diet. They love eating fresh green veggies which is why you should always feed your pet bunny a cup of green veggies. One cup per every 2 pounds of your pet’s body weight would suffice.
5) Treats:
You can feed your bunnies some special treats every once in a while. Your rabbits love to be surprised by new treats. So, make sure you give them some mixed fruits or veggies to make them feel special.
6) Seeds:
Rabbits simply love eating seeds. Feed them with a tps of pumpkin and sunflower seeds as occasional treats. You can either serve them as a standalone serving or sprinkle them on top of their favorite foods.
41 Healthy Alternatives Of Watermelon For Your Bunny
Your little cute bunny friends love to have variety in their daily meals. This is specifically true if they are a combination of fresh veggies and fruits.
Here is a list of 40 fruits and veggies that your pet bunny will absolutely love to have a go at it. All of the veggies and fruits listed below are entirely safe for your pet bunny and you can choose any.
| Parsley | Carrot tops | Spinach | Beets | Beet greens |
| Basil | Cilantro | Carrots | Radish tops | Arugula |
| Red cabbage | Brussels sprouts | Endive | Dandelion greens | Escarole |
| Yu Choy | Bok choy | Fennel | Bell peppers | Swiss chard |
| Romaine lettuce | Bibb lettuce | Butter lettuce | Cabbage | Cucumbers |
| Kale | Blueberries | Grapes | Strawberries | Melons |
| Asparagus | Squash | Butter squash | Zucchini | Pumpkin |
| Cilantro | Pineapples |
Other Foods:
Make sure to feed them a variety of these treats and try different combinations. But as with any fruit or vegetable, you can only feed them as treats only and never as part of their main diet.
You should also try not to overfeed them. This is due to the fact that some of these contain oxalates. It can put your pet in severe discomfort and lead to kidney or bladder stones.
Another reason why you should feed them as treats is the fact that some contain a high amount of sugar. Overfeeding them can cause diabetes and diarrhea sometimes.
Not sure what to go ahead with first from the list? Your rabbits love to feed on tomatoes. You can know more about tomatoes and rabbits here.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Can Bunnies Eat Watermelon Every Day?
The answer is no, do not feed your rabbits a watermelon on a daily basis. You can feed them in a small amount and that’s it. You can safely feed them two to three times a week.
Remember only to give it considering it as a snack and nothing else. The reason behind their intake being limited is due to their high concentration of sugar.
Sugary foods can cause some serious damage to the health of your pet. This is why their food intake should be toned down to the recommended limits when introducing them to new treats.
In addition, prior to feeding them, make sure you wash the watermelon properly. It will allow you to remove any impurities and harmful chemicals on them, thus making them safe for your pets.
2) Can Bunnies Eat A Whole Watermelon?
The simple answer is no, your bunny cannot eat an entire watermelon. The reason is simple, it is too much for these little furry creatures.
You can feed them half a cup of watermelon but make sure to cut it into small pieces prior to feeding them.
Your pet bunny does not know when to stop. If you give them a whole watermelon, they will likely eat too much of it. Therefore, it is very important to minimize their portion every time you feed them watermelon.
3) Can You Feed Your Rabbit The Juice Of Watermelon?
No, you cannot give your cute bunnies the juice of a watermelon. It is not healthy for your bunny because it contains a high concentration of sugar.
As mentioned earlier, feeding them sugary foods will take a toll on your pet’s health. It can lead to:
- Diarrhea
- Diabetes
Key Takeaways:
- Make sure to choose the ripe watermelon only.
- Always feed them in the recommended amount and never overfeed them.
- Wash them thoroughly to remove all of the pesticidal residue and chemicals.
- Try giving your bunny chopped rind. This will allow your rabbits to chew it easily.
Conclusion:
Can rabbits eat watermelon? Yes, rabbits can eat watermelon. Bunnies can only eat this fruit in moderation. Watermelon will be an interesting treat for your little bunny.
But this is only true if given in small quantities. Whenever introducing your pet to a new treat like watermelon, always start slow and serve them a small amount.
Watch out for any possible signs of digestive discomfort. If you do not notice anything strange, you can continue feeding watermelon to your pet bunny.