Grapes are plump, juicy, and
delicious fruits that everybody loves. They are sweet and feels good in your
mouth, not to mention excellent for your health. But can rabbits eat grapes?
Well, you’re not the first one to wonder if your pet rabbit is allowed to enjoy
this fruity treat. As a general rule, rabbits can be fed grapes—as long as you
do so in moderation.
Health Benefits of Grapes
Grapes are extremely versatile
fruits that can be consumed fresh or frozen. They may be used as a base for
juices, slushies, and shakes. Some grape variations are fermented to make wine
and others are made into dried fruit treats and raisins. Grapes are also a
great addition to salads, and they can even be roasted to add additional
flavors to any dish.
With plenty of ways to enjoy
grapes comes excellent health benefits. Grapes have been shown to contain the
antioxidant glutathione. This fruit is also known for being a low glycemic
food, which is good for insulin regulation and maintaining optimum blood sugar
levels.
Grapes are indeed healthy but you
also have to remember that commercial grapes have been found to contain
relatively more amounts of residual pesticides, compared to other fruits and
vegetables you find at the store. So, it’s definitely best to minimize if not
avoid the consumption of commercial grapes. If you want to stay on the safe
side, organically grown grapes are definitely a good choice to reduce the risk
of ingesting harmful toxins. 
Can Rabbits Have Grapes?
Rabbits would eat anything that
appeals to their tastes. And most of them do love fruits, including purple or
red grapes. You’d do well to remember, however, that fruits aren’t a staple to
a rabbit’s diet. Grapes and other fruits can make excellent treats for your pet
bunny but shouldn’t be used to replace its main diet staples.
Do rabbits eat grapes? There’s no
question, your fluffy bunny definitely would! However, you should make sure to
feed grapes to a rabbit only in small amounts. Animal health experts suggest
feeding your rabbit no more than 2-3 pieces of grapes at a time, and for no
more than 2-3 times a week. If you’re training your rabbit to perform tricks,
you can use grapes as treats and give it to your pet as a reward.
Grapes contains
vitamins and fiber that can be beneficial to rabbits. However, they also
contain sugar, carbohydrates, and water that can cause digestive and health
problems. If fed too many grapes, your rabbit can grow obese. He may also
refuse to eat leafy greens which would result in nutritional imbalance.
Excessive consumption of watery
foods like grapes causes diarrhea in rabbits, while too much sugar leads to
stomach problems like gas. Other potential health issues include bloating and
indigestion, which could result in further complications including liver
failure, dehydration, or a fatal condition known as gastrointestinal tract
stasis.
What Can Rabbits Eat?
A rabbit’s core diet is made up of
hay or grass, which you can enhance with the occasional leafy green or a
well-measured number of pellets. Rabbits need protein, fiber, amino acids, and
vitamins and minerals to stay healthy. Wild rabbits get the nutrients they need
from eating different grasses. Domestic rabbits may have a slightly different
diet but the experts recommend your pet’s diet should still be about 80% grass
hay.
So, what can rabbits eat? Grapes
are definitely an option, if your rabbit is able to consume grapes without
showing any health issues. As long as you feed them grapes in small amounts and
only as a dessert or treats.
Rabbits can be fed unlimited
amounts of hay and served clean, fresh water at all times. Commercial rabbit
foods can also be good as long as you make sure to serve age-appropriate
serving sizes. Your pet rabbit would also enjoy the occasional salad with one leafy green
vegetable per 2lbs o body weight, mixed with other greens. Rabbits would
also benefit from small servings of large, nutritious seeds like sunflower
seeds and pumpkin seeds.
Rabbits have been shown to love
carrots in literature and pop culture, but did you know that carrots aren’t
actually a staple food of our fluffy bunnies? Carrots, like grapes, kale and other
fruits and vegetables, should be fed to rabbits only in small amounts to
supplement their diet.
Can rabbits eat grapes with seeds? It’s generally safe for rabbits to consume grapes, as well as grape seeds, leaves, and stems. Raisins are also safe but remember that the concentration of sugar in dried grapes is relatively higher. Don’t forget that treats should supplement not more than 5% of your rabbit’s diet.
Feeding Grapes to Your Rabbit
If you’re feeding your rabbit
grapes for the first time, observe your pet for the next 24 hours to see how
his body reacts. Rabbits generally have a more sensitive digestive system, and
some of them may have low tolerance for fruit and vegetables. If your rabbit
shows signs of indigestion, diarrhea, or other unusual symptoms, it might be
better to search for another fruity alternative.
Baby rabbits should also not be
fed grapes or any other fruit before they turn at least a year old. Aside from
its potential effects on their digestive system, baby bunnies may grow
accustomed to eating them and refuse to eat healthier rabbit food, resulting in
malnutrition. Baby rabbits must nurse from their mothers first and stick to hay
and pellets.
Grapes make excellent rabbit
treats but remember that overfeeding your pet with grapes can make him sick.
The fruit is packed with healthy vitamins and minerals that boost your pet
bunny’s immune system but don’t feed him more than three pieces at a time, for
no more than three times a week. It would also be best to serve organically
grown grapes instead of commercial grapes because these are healthier and safer
for your pet.
