Avocados are perhaps among the most adored exotic fruits by humankind. They are the go-to component for guacamole and – why not – lovely picnics and parties. Avocado is considered a superfood, too, since it’s high in protein and other precious nutrients.
So, it’s understandable that you’re wondering can rabbits eat avocado?
In case you’re in search of a quick answer, here it is: Rabbits shouldn’t eat avocado. Ever.
You’re probably aware that some of the meals, fruits, or veggies are incredibly nutritious and good for humans could be deadly for our animal companions, whether they’re dogs, cats, or bunnies. And avocado is one of them.
So, let’s see what makes avocados harmful to rabbits!
Nutritional Information About Avocado
First of all, what are avocados exactly?
Avocado refers to the tree and fruit – avocado pear – of Persea Americana, an evergreen tropical plant that can grow 40 or more feet tall.
It’s a member of the Lauraceae family, grown for its juicy, nutritious giant sphere, egg-shaped, or pear-shaped fruit with a solitary seed – and its decorative appeal.
Here’s the nutritional information of half an avocado:
| Calories | 114 |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 mg |
| Protein | 2 mg |
| Total sugar | 0.2 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Monounsaturated fatty acids | 7 g |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
| Sodium | 5.6 mg |
| Magnesium | 20 mg |
| Vitamin A | 44 μg |
| Vitamin E | 1.3 mg |
| Vitamin K | 16 μg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.2 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 4 mg |
This high-calorie fruit, with approximately 160 calories per 100 grams, aids in cardiovascular health, losing weight, arthritis illnesses, reduces cholesterol, is a source of dietary fiber, and neutralizes free radicals.
Humans seem to benefit quite a bit from avocados.
But, how about rabbits? Could they eat the entire, along with the skin and leaves?
Can You Feed Rabbits With Avocados?
There are more toxins in the pit, peel, and leaves of the avocados than in the juicy region of the fruit.
You see, avocados contain a toxin called persin. It isn’t toxic to humans but is harmful to many animals – including rabbits.
If you’re wondering what persin is, it is a fatty lipid alcohol molecule typically present in avocado flesh.
Small quantities might cause fluid buildup around their hearts and, in severe cases, congestion. Furthermore, this toxin is harmful to their respiratory system; muscles are forced to limit their respiratory route.
Also, it generates pain and discomfort in their lungs and respiratory organs. Some rabbits may also develop an allergic response when ingesting this fruit.
In addition, avocados are high in fat – and rabbits’ digestive systems aren’t designed to handle fat. You see, regular rabbit diets are modest in fat.
High-fat diets have been linked with overweight rabbits (high-calorie intake), lipidosis, aorta atherosclerosis, and GI disturbances, among other things.
Also, it has more carbs but less fiber than optimum diets like timothy hay, which could induce enteritis, diarrhea, stomach distress, GI stasis, and other symptoms.
Even in tiny doses, avocado can cause your rabbit extremely unpleasant symptoms and make it ill.
We don’t mean to terrify you – but your rabbit must stay away from this fruit!
Can Rabbits Eat Avocado Skin Or Leaves?
Unfortunately no. Even a small portion of avocado leaves and skin might be detrimental to bunnies’ health. These items also include persin, which is, as we said, poisonous to rabbits.
So, do not feed avocado plant parts to rabbits. Persin can be found in avocado stems, leaves, and wood. In short, it’s everywhere.
Signs Of Avocado Toxicity
What if your bunny ate avocados?
Here are several warning indications that your rabbit may have eaten this fruit by accident:
- Mammary gland irritation occurs in pregnant rabbits, resulting in less milk production than expected. Mammary gland epithelial cell bleeding and necrosis could also occur.
- Rabbits would have breathing problems or would be in respiratory distress.
- Fluid abnormalities can be seen around their organs, and they would feel physically weary or have limited mobility.
- They may also have fluctuating heartbeats (cardiac arrhythmia)
Additional symptoms are:
- Fainting and collapsing
- Diarrhea and even possible death
If you notice these symptoms or know your rabbit ate avocados, seek medical attention and visit a veterinarian right away!
Food You Should Never Feed To Your Rabbit
Pet rabbits may snack up to 30 times daily, requiring a consistent food supply. Rabbits’ nutrient needs differ from those of most other pet animals, though. So, you must be aware of what they can and cannot consume.
And understanding which foods – apart from avocados – are harmful to rabbits is a major part of ensuring their diet is healthy.
There are certain products that bunnies must avoid, although only a few of these could result in death. We’re sad to report that toxic foods are most likely to kill a rabbit right away.
Below we listed just a few examples of toxic foods you should avoid giving your bunny.
Fruit Seeds And Pits
While modest portions of apple flesh are permitted, apple seeds are a big no.
Apple seeds contain a chemical that’s poisonous to rabbits. So, if you’re serving an apple as a snack, ensure that all of the pips have been eliminated.
Not only are apple pips toxic – but so are apricot, peach, and plum pits. They contain detectable levels of cyanide. Fruit pips and seeds should not be provided to rabbits because they can have an allergic response.
Rhubarb
Rhubarb is a known irritant in rabbits, causing severe responses. It also has a high percentage of oxalates. These may obstruct the absorption of calcium.
So, if you have rhubarb growing in your backyard, ensure your rabbit does not have reach to it.
Among the symptoms of rhubarb poisoning are:
- A swollen or painful mouth
- Diarrhea
- Tummy ache or bloating
Although the signs might be severe, death from rhubarb poisoning is uncommon when rabbits receive treatment in time.
Allium Vegetables
The allium family of vegetables can cause serious health problems. Among these vegetables are:
- Garlic
- All types of onions
- Shallots
The issue with these veggies is that they can cause hemolytic anemia, which means the loss of red blood cells.
If not treated in time, this might result in nausea, weakness, and death. And as if that weren’t enough, some rabbits can experience anaphylactic shock when exposed to allium-type plants.
Processed Sugary Food
You might be tempted to feed your rabbit a biscuit or a slice of cake while you’re eating, but you shouldn’t:
Sugary, high-carbohydrate meals can cause Enterotoxemia in rabbits, leading to severe bouts of diarrhea, which is frequently deadly. Enterotoxemia develops when Clostridium-type bacteria proliferate in the rabbit’s intestine.
These bacteria produce a lethal poison – and sugary, high-carbohydrate diets are considered to promote the growth of germs.
A Proper Diet For Your Rabbit
Since rabbits cannot eat avocado and many other foods, what can you give them instead? In reality, a wild rabbit’s regular diet is rather basic.
Wild rabbits graze on grass and other low-growing plants. With a rabbit’s average needs in mind, here’s what – and how – to feed your bunny daily:
- Fresh hay, like Timothy, must be available at all times for pecking; this should be kept away from your rabbit’s bedding. Related Read: Can Rabbits Eat Bermuda Hay?
- If they’re not already in your rabbit’s meal, a teaspoon of seeds – for instance, unsalted pepitas, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds – can be added.
- Healthy rewards – like one tablespoon of fruit for two pounds of your rabbit’s body mass and a selection of colorful veggies.
- A portion of high-quality rabbit food; each brand is different, so check labels to discover how often (and how much) your bunny should eat each day.
- Be sure to provide fresh, clean water 24 hours per day, and wash and replenish your rabbit’s drinking container a minimum of once a day.
- Provide “lunch” of around one cup of leafy greens for two pounds of your rabbit’s body mass, with crispy vegetables, every day.
Chewable treats are as crucial as the proper rabbit diet.
Your bunny should have constant access to treats such as hay cubes, unprocessed softwood branches, unbleached scrubbing brush, and coconut shell.
Chewable bunny items are also recommended:
Your rabbit’s teeth will constantly grow; these chewable treats could potentially help you avoid uncomfortable overgrown teeth. These toys also assist rabbits in retaining excellent mental health and keeping their home feel more friendly.
Avocado Alternatives
Although rabbits and avocados don’t get along, bunnies can eat plenty of other things!
Here’s a rundown of some of the vegetable bunnies prefer:
- Baby corn
- Asparagus
- Cabbage
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Tops of carrots
- Romaine lettuce
- Tops of beets
- Arugula
- Spinach
- Cucumber
- Pumpkin
- Zucchini
- Bell pepper
- Celery
- Sweet potato
- Tomato
- Broccoli
As you can see, if a vegetable is excellent for you, likely, it’s also healthy for your bunny!
Of course, the opposite could be true. As you have just discovered, certain foods are safe for humans – but harmful to rabbits.
Conclusion
“Can rabbits eat avocados?” was the topic of this article.
They, unfortunately, can’t eat them. Avocado toxicity is not well tolerated even by large animals, such as dogs, cats, and horses.
And unlike these animals, rabbits have an even more delicate digestive system.
As previously stated, all parts of the avocado plant are toxic to rabbits and should be avoided. If your bunnies consume these fruits, they could develop serious health problems and, terrifyingly enough, might even die.
Instead of harmful avocado, try some yummy – and healthy – rabbit-friendly fruits. Remember: A proper rabbit diet should consist of at least 80% hay and 5% high-fiber pellets.
Understanding what is – and what isn’t – appropriate for your bunny is a small but crucial step to making better decisions for them and making sure your fluffball lives a long and happy life!
Best wishes, and keep you and your bunnies safe!