Mushrooms are fun for an occasional treat and they do offer some nutritional values both for humans and pets like rabbits. But, can rabbits eat mushrooms? Are they safe for your pet bunny’s consumption?
The answer to this question is A BIG NO! Unfortunately, mushrooms are poisonous to your pet bunny and are in no way edible for them. If consumed, your pet will become severely sick and you will have to rush your pet to the vet immediately.
When rabbits find mushrooms in the wild, they may not show much interest in them compared to other animals. But, does this mean your pet is missing out on the nutrients in mushrooms? Let’s find out.
Why Are Mushrooms Poisonous For Rabbits? – 2 Must-Know Basics
Mushrooms are a type of fungus which is normally found in the wild. Although it is edible for us humans and other animals, for your pet bunny it is a big no-no, and here is why.
Mushrooms contain mycotoxins. When your pet bunny feeds on it, it will lead to mycotoxicosis which is a form of poisoning. It will put your pet in immense amounts of pain and is certainly not worth the risk.
This further leads to a number of questions that many rabbit owners ask and are confused about. Here’s a detailed insight into mushrooms to answer some of the questions that you may have.
1) 10 Common Types Of Mushrooms – Is There Any Type That Rabbits Can Have?
Surprisingly, mushrooms are available in different types and aren’t limited to just one type. The most commons ones that are usually considered edible for humans include:
| White button mushrooms |
| Crimini mushrooms |
| Portobello mushrooms |
| Shiitake mushrooms |
| Black trumpet mushrooms |
| Morel mushrooms |
| Oyster mushrooms |
| Porcini mushrooms |
| Chicken of the woods mushroom |
| Reishi mushrooms |
If you’re wondering whether your cute little bunny can have these mushrooms, the answer is no. Rabbits cannot have any type of mushrooms and irrespective of the type, your pet bunny will end up being sick.
2) Types Of Toxins In Mushrooms – Which Ones Are The Most Dangerous?
Since mushrooms are available in different types, this also means there are different types of toxins in each type of mushroom.
The most dangerous are 7 in number and all of these are bad for your pet friend. More importantly, they will end up taking your pet’s life and even yours if not dealt with on time.
These include:
- Cyclopeptides – Mushrooms that contain a high concentration of cyclopeptides are harmful to both you and your pet bunny. Over 90% of deaths caused by mushroom poisoning are due to exposure to cyclopeptides.
- Gl Irritants – These toxins are found in almost all raw mushrooms. However, GI irritants are usually removed during the process of cooking. But, since animals eat them raw in the wild, this toxin can end up taking a toll on their health.
- Psilocybin – It is usually found in “magic mushrooms. The name may sound funny but it isn’t. In fact, it is the type of mushrooms that causes hallucinations.
- Muscarine – It is usually found in Inocybe and Clitocybe species of mushrooms and can end up being deadly.
- Coprine – It also leads to toxicity and is usually found in inky cap mushrooms.
- Monomethlhydrazine – It is a type of toxin that acts on the nervous system and damages it, leading to significant health complications.
- Orrelanine – It is usually found in the Orrelani species of mushrooms and can lead to a number of health complications including abdominal cramping, aches, and, an increase in gastric acid secretion.
My Rabbit Accidentally Ate Mushrooms – 7 Symptoms Of Mushroom Poisoning
If in the unfortunate event of your pet bunny munching on mushrooms, he or she may have been poisoning. It may take up to 15 mins to a few hours for the symptoms to appear.
The signs of poisoning depend on the type of mushroom your pet has been exposed to. Here are 7 symptoms of mushroom poisoning to help you diagnose the frequency and whether your pet is poisoned or not.
These include:
- Your pet bunny may feel restless and uncomfortable. He or she may become hyperactive as well.
- The rabbit may suffer from breathing complications and he/she may have a hard time breathing normally.
- Your pet rabbit may suffer from a sudden increase in the heart rate.
- Your pet may feel weak and get dizzy every time he/she tries to move its head.
- Seizures can also indicate mushroom poisoning in your pet bunny.
- If your pet bunny is frequently feeling thirsty and drinking water, it may indicate mushroom poisoning.
- Signs of diarrhea and loss of appetite are also signs of mushroom poisoning.
Irrespective of the type of mushroom, there is always a risk of mushroom poisoning. Although store-bought mushrooms may have a slightly lower risk, it is still not worth the risk.
If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, rush to your local vet immediately for further assistance. Additionally, you should also take the mushroom with you so that your vet can diagnose the intensity better.
6 Steps To Prevent Mushroom Poisoning In Rabbits
Rabbits like to have fun and that can be seen when they’re jumping around in your backyard or if you go see them in the wild. This also means they will munch on anything that they can find.
If you’re worried about your pet friend eating mushrooms accidentally, here are 6 steps that you can take to prevent mushroom poisoning.
- Make sure you’re feeding your pet bunny a balanced diet so that your pet doesn’t feel hungry and starts munching on anything that he or she finds. Additionally, feed your pet plenty of fresh herbs and veggies. This will help your pet get enough greens and stay healthy and active.
- If you’re growing wild mushrooms in your back garden, try fencing it. This will prevent your pet bunny from accidentally eating it in case you let them out to roam around in the backyard.
- Mushrooms can be grown naturally and appear out of nowhere in areas when it rains. So, before your pet goes outside, you need to check the yard for mushrooms.
- If you have trees in your yard, examine the areas under them. Mushrooms tend to grow under trees, this is why you need to check them periodically.
- If you’re having wild mushrooms for some reason, make sure to wash your hands afterward. This will allow you to get rid of the fungal spores easily.
- Store-bought mushrooms may tempt you to feed them to your rabbit. But, unfortunately, they too are toxic to your pet so it is best to avoid any kind, shape, or form of mushrooms.
Is Your Pet Missing Out? Mushrooms Nutritional Facts
There are different species of mushrooms and some of them are safe for you and other pet animals, including guinea pigs.
If you’re wondering whether your bunny friend is missing out on a lot, let’s look at the nutritional statistics of mushrooms.
A single cup serving of raw button mushrooms contains the following content:
| 15 calories | 3 g carbohydrates | 7 g fiber |
| 2 g protein | 2 g fat |
In terms of nutrients, a single gup serving of mushrooms has the following nutrients:
| 6 IU vitamin D | 5 mg vitamin C |
| 5 mg niacin | 2 mcg folate |
| 1 mg choline | 1 mg calcium |
| 3 mg magnesium | 2 mg phosphorus |
| 223 mg potassium | 0.4 mg zinc |
| 0.2 mg copper | 5 mcg selenium |
Don’t worry, your pet isn’t missing out on a lot. There are plenty of healthy foods that your cute bunny can have.
The Correct Diet For Rabbits:
Rabbits need a balanced diet that can provide them with all of the energy that they need to hop around and stay healthy at the same time. Unfortunately, mushrooms aren’t a part of their diet.
In the wild, they mainly focus on grass and other plants that they can easily nibble on. Dandelions, clover, and berries are some examples of sources of energy for rabbits in the wild.
To give you an idea of the correct diet for rabbits, here is what it looks like:
Correct Diet For Rabbits:
- Fresh hay in unlimited amounts. Rabbits need hay as part of their main diet and need it to keep their bodies healthy. It can either be timothy hay, orchard, or oat.
- Clean, fresh water in unlimited amounts. Water keeps your pet’s body hydrated and the digestive system running. Refill your pet’s water bottle once a day with fresh and clean water.
- Rabbit pellets – rabbit-specific food. To make up for the nutritional requirements, you need to find rabbit pellets or foods that are specifically designed for rabbits. For more on the serving size of these pellets, refer to the instruction on the product packaging.
- Unsalted seeds or a seed mix – Feed your pet friend one tablespoon of unsalted seeds or a seed mix every day. These can either be pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds. If your pet’s rabbit-specific food already has seeds, avoid feeding them additional seed mixes.
- One cup of a few green veggies – Feed your pet bunny a cup of different veggies for their nutritional needs every day.
A good rule of thumb is to feed them one cup of veggies for every 2 pounds of their body weight. Mix in fruits as well for a bonus treat every day. - Chewable treats – If you’ve noticed your pet’s teeth, you might see that they grow all the time and never actually stop growing. This may create problems for them and they may even hurt themselves while eating.
This is why you need to feed them chewable treats to help them trim down their teeth to the normal sizes. This will also keep them entertained and make them feel good in their small hutch.
38 Healthy Alternatives To Mushrooms – Your Pet Isn’t Missing Out
Rabbits may not get to munch on mushrooms but that doesn’t mean it is the end of the road for them. There are plenty of different foods that your pet can munch on.
Here are some foods that are safe for your cute bunny and ensure they receive all of the nutrients they need.
These include:
| Parsley | Cilantro | Carrot tops | Swiss chard |
| Kale | Carrots | Bell peppers | Basil |
| Strawberries | Blueberries | Blackberries | Raspberries |
| Apples | Pears | Arugula | Romaine lettuce |
| Butter lettuce | Snow pea pods | Cucumber | Summer squash |
| Pumpkin | Winter squash | Brussels sprouts | Cabbage |
| Broccolini | Beet greens | Radish tops | Spinach |
| Endive | Escarole | Fennel |
Other Foods:
When feeding your pet bunny these treats, make sure you start slow and only feed them to your pet if he or she likes it. Always give your pet a small amount and see he or she reacts to it.
If your pet eats it, you can gradually increase the amount. However, your rabbit may react adversely to it. When introducing your pet to new foods, always keep an eye out for the following signs:
- Diarrhea
- Digestive complications
- Loose stool
- Allergic reactions
If you notice any of the signs above, avoid feeding your pet that food. There are plenty of other fruits and veggies that you can introduce your pet to.
However, if you do not see any such signs, you can safely add that food to your pet’s balanced diet. Just make sure you feed them in moderation only since an excess of anything is bad and can make your pet sick.
If you overfeed your pet, it will increase the risk of stones in your pet’s body and lead to issues like obesity, gastrointestinal issues, and diabetes in the worst-case scenario.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Do Rabbits Eat Mushrooms In The Wild?
In the wild, rabbits may occasionally nibble on mushrooms but they are wise enough to know that mushrooms are bad for them. So, apart from the occasional nibbling, rabbits tend to avoid mushrooms in the wild.
2) Are Store Bought Mushrooms Safe For Rabbits?
Store-bought mushrooms may have a lower level of toxicity but that still doesn’t make them safe for your pet bunny. So, no, rabbits cannot have store-bought mushrooms either.
3) What Other Foods Can Kill Rabbits?
There are many foods that can kill rabbits if you feed them frequently. These include:
- Sugary foods
- Chocolate
- Avocados
- Apple seeds
- Tomato plants
- Almonds
- Belladonna
- Foxglove
- Ragworts
- Wild peas
- Bracken
Can Rabbits Eat Mushrooms – Conclusion:
Can rabbits eat mushrooms? No, rabbits should never be fed mushrooms in any way whatsoever. Irrespective of the type of mushrooms, they all contain toxins that are harmful to your bunny’s health.
Feeding your pet mushrooms will make him or her severely sick and if the conditions aren’t treated on time, it may end up taking your pet’s life. Instead, you can feed your pet other foods to keep them healthy and active.