Yes, adult rabbits can eat all varieties of fresh cherries, including black, bing, Montmorency, and dark red cherries. But feed only fresh cherries, no more than twice per week, and only one per serving.
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Warning!
Never give your rabbit cherry twigs, or leaves as they can be poisonous. Make sure the pit is removed.
Parts Of A Cherry Your Rabbit Should Never Eat
Even though cherries can be a wonderful special treat, there are some parts you should never give your rabbit.
This includes:
- Cherry stems
- Any part of a cherry tree
- Cherry leaves
- Cherry pit
- Canned cherries (there is usually sugar added and artificial color)
- Cherry wood
Health Benefits Of Cherries For Rabbits
Despite the lack of extraordinary health advantages, they are low in fat and calories and rich in vitamins like C, A, and K.
Additionally, they provide healthy antioxidants for your rabbits like choline and beta-carotene.
They also include fiber, which is beneficial to the digestive system.
Cherries are high in sugar, so feeding them too many can actually be harmful to the animals.
I was unable to locate any solid scientific evidence demonstrating that eating this fruit can reduce the risk of rabbit diseases.
The antioxidant properties, however, are said to be able to reduce some health risks.
How Cherries Can Be Bad For Rabbits
Small amounts are generally not a problem, but there are some things you should be aware of.
- If chewed or crushed, a cherry pit’s cyanide compound can turn into cyanide in the body. The pit would typically be too difficult to open, but for a bunny, this is a risk we do not want to take.
- Rabbits should also never consume cherry twigs or leaves. These cherry components are potentially toxic to rabbits, just like the cherry pit.
- It’s important to serve sweet cherries occasionally rather than daily because their high sugar content can be harmful to health and even result in tooth decay.
- When too many cherries are consumed at once, it can cause diarrhea or upset stomach.
How Many Cherries Can My Rabbit Eat?
Too much of anything can be harmful, just like with everything in life.
A healthy, balanced diet of pellets and hay can be supplemented with small amounts of cherries.
After play or exercise, they can be given as a reward.
However, it’s far too common for people to distribute more than one or two at once, which can cause some bunnies to overeat and even become obese.
A few cherries per week are advised to keep your rabbit healthy.
Because their bodies are still developing and they get all of their nutrition from their mother, young rabbits should never be given cherries.
How Does Too Much Cherry Eating Affect A Rabbit?
Giving your rabbit permission to gorge on cherries has repercussions. A rabbit’s digestive system can become seriously disrupted by gastrointestinal stasis, which can be brought on by eating too many cherries.
This condition may result in an accumulation of disease-causing bacteria in the cecum. Your robot’s lack of appetite is the first symptom of gastrointestinal stasis. Due to the fact that gastrointestinal stasis can cause constipation, you can also look into the animal’s bowel movements.
Eating too many cherries can also cause diarrhea. A rabbit’s body can become dehydrated due to diarrhea, and continued use can result in weight loss and eventually death.
Rabbits who consume too much sugar may become obese and develop diabetes. Additionally, tooth decay and other dental problems can be brought on by the cherries’ high sugar content.
Other Cherry Facts You Need To Know
Dried Cherries
You might be tempted to treat your rabbit to some dried cherries, but kindly do not do so.
Dried cherries are processed and typically contain a lot more sugar than fresh cherries.
Wild Rabbits
It would be necessary to follow the same set of guidelines when feeding wild rabbits.
Limit the amount they receive and avoid spoiling them excessively.
Wild rabbits are typically better at eating properly and will seek out healthier sources of food, which will include more leafy vegetables and hay.
Cherry Juice
Your rabbit will be perfectly content with the cherry juice found naturally in fruit, but never give them cherry juice from a bottle!
These are unhealthy for your rabbit because they are full of preservatives and sugar.
Fresh Food
Don’t give your rabbit any other fresh foods while you’re testing cherries, please.
If something goes wrong, this could upset their stomach and make it difficult for them to figure out what is making them ill.
Varieties of Cherry
Naturally, there are many different cherry varieties; feel free to try any of them with your rabbit, but always cut them up and remove the pit.
Are Cherries A Healthy Alternative?
You can give your rabbit many healthier options besides cherries. We have compiled a short list of readily available veggies, including:
- Plants of the cabbage family
- Carrots
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Apples
- Bananas
- Kale
- Bell peppers
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Cherries Can A Rabbit Consume?
Cherry consumption is not recommended for young rabbits or those still nursing. Only one or two cherries, distributed over a few days, should be given to adult rabbits.
Do Bunnies Like Cherries?
I believe this adorable video captures it perfectly!
Do Bunnies Eat Dried Cherries?
They are too sweet for your rabbit, so I would never recommend them. Generally speaking, dried fruits are three times as sweet as fresh fruit. This fruit should not be consumed in dried form. It’s not the best method for bringing happiness to your rabbit. A few mint leaves might be preferred by rabbits over a dried cherry as a treat. Avoid assuming anything! Before anything else, introduce new foods to your bunny. Feed him sparingly as usual, and after 24 hours, check to see if he can tolerate it.
Do Savannah Rabbits Eat Cherries?
He won’t have many chances to eat a lot of fruits in the wild. Only when they are in season will he nibble on a blackberry or blueberry. Nevertheless, he will have to get by without them. For him, that won’t be an issue. All of the necessary body nutrients can be produced by his intestinal bacteria. His intelligent body can last 12 years or longer if only he is fed the right foods, such as hay, water, and vegetables (only one cup for every 2 pounds of body weight). He can eat a few high-fiber pellets when he isn’t eating any vegetables.