Do Rabbits Like Apples? Yes, but Avoid These Parts for Their Safety

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What Are Apples?

We are probably all familiar with apples, however, below is a quick synopsis of the apple...

The apple is the pomaceous fruit of the apple tree (Malus pumila, commonly and erroneously called Malus domestica) of the rose family (Rosaceae). It is one of the most widely cultivated tree fruits, and the most widely known of the many members of genus Malus that are used by humans. The tree originated in Central Asia, where its wild ancestor, Malus sieversii, is still found today.

An apple is a fruit that grows on trees. It is typically round, green, and has a red, yellow, or golden center. Apples are often eaten fresh, but are also used in a variety of baked goods, beverages, and desserts. Apples grow in temperate climates, are usually picked in the fall, and are available year-round.

Here's what you need to know about apples and rabbits!

Do Rabbits Like Apples?

Fresh fruits are a great treat to give your pet rabbits every once in a while. They are healthy and tasty, and can provide a good energy boost to your bunnies as they play and exercise in the yard.

However, fruits are high in sugar, so you should keep the portions small and give fruits to your bunnies just a few times a week, as a reward for good behaviors.

It is always a good idea to discuss a diet plan for your rabbit with your veterinarian, who can advise you as to the best fruits and vegetables to give your rabbit.

Which Type of Apples Are Suitable

In the wild, rabbits are naturally herbivores and their diet consists of hay and plant based foods. The actual diet of a wild rabbit is very similar to the diet of a domesticated bunny.

In the wild a rabbit will feed on grass and plants, while a domestic bunny will feed on hay and a limited amount of vegetables. (The only difference is that in the wild a rabbit will consume more greens than a domestic bunny.)

When we talk about rabbit treats we mean a small portion of fruit or vegetables. Some fruits and vegetables are high in sugar. Therefore your rabbit can only tolerate small amounts of fruit. As too much sugar would be bad for their weight, their teeth and their digestion.

Why Eat Apples

Rabbits are herbivores, which means they only eat vegetables. While a few wild rabbits eat small amounts of grass and occasionally insects, the vast majority of rabbits live on a diet of grass, fresh fruit, and other vegetables.

Rabbits have rather unique eating habits, but they’re not that different from many other herbivorous animals. Their teeth are specifically adapted to eating fibrous cellulose, which is rich in the carbohydrates they need to survive. (In fact, their teeth are so good at grinding down plant matter that rabbits have a hard time eating meat!)

That’s why they’re almost always herbivores, and why they’re often fed hay and grass to supplement their diet.

You may think of apples as a healthy snack, but they aren't always the best for your pet rabbit. While most rabbits should eat some apples, they can be problematic for some bunnies because of their high sugar content. Keep reading to learn more about this popular fruit.

Nutritional Value Of Apples

Apples contain a lot of sugar, and should be given in small amounts to your rabbit!

One medium apple contains 3 grams of fiber, and, as you know, fiber helps to provide a feeling of fullness. Apples also contain a compound called phloridzin, which slows the rate at which apples turn into sugar in your rabbits body. This is also beneficial to fullness and appetite control. Apples are also a great source of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals.

A diet rich in plant foods can reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease by reducing blood pressure, inflammation and cholesterol levels.
When it comes to controlling blood sugar levels, the apple may be a particularly potent fruit. A new study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry indicates that flavonoids in apples may protect cells from damage in the pancreas, an organ responsible for secreting insulin in response to extra sugar in the blood.
Apples are an excellent food to help control rabbits weight. As a matter of fact, many clinical studies have shown that foods rich in soluble fiber help people feel full and satisfied after eating, helping them eat less overall. The high fiber content of apples is a major contributor to this effect.
Research suggests that fiber, phytochemicals, and antioxidants in apples can help to prevent cancer. Studies also show that these same phytochemicals and antioxidants in apples may protect a cell’s DNA from oxidative damage, which is a precursor to cancer.

Serving Size And How To Feed?

1 or 2 slices one a week.

A side effect of apples' high sugar content is that when you feed too many to your rabbit, it can develop oral disease, and even obesity. Although rabbits love eating apples, they're high in sugar and should only be fed moderately. If you want to give an apple to your rabbit, make it a small slice, no bigger than a baby carrot.

Poisonous look-a-likes for Apples

It is unlikely but the manchineel tree is a peculiar-looking tree with broad, smooth, ash-gray trunks and dark-green, glossy, oval leaves.

Its curious appearance has earned it the title “tree of death,” and its bark-like fruit is so toxic that it has been known to kill all nearby fish in a pond at the slightest touch of its boughs.

Manchineel is native to the Caribbean, the U.S. in the state of Florida, The Bahamas, Mexico, Central America, and northern South America.

Side effect of Apples for Rabbits

The seeds and the core contain the highest concentrations of cyanogenic glycosides, which can be lethal to a pet if consumed in large quantities.

Rabbits and Water

Water should always be available to rabbits

In short, water is vital. Rabbits must have access to plenty of fresh water at all times. Rabbits eating lots of fresh grass and greens will drink less, whilst those eating mostly hay will drink more. Bowls are better than bottles as lapping from a bowl is more natural to rabbits.

Pesticides

Rabbits do not do well when there are pesticides on the apple skin. Always wash the skin thoroughly to clean off any pesticides

Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved diphenylamine (DPA) for human consumption in both apples and pears, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that the chemical is “likely to be carcinogenic to humans.” This is based on the results of one study in which laboratory rats were exposed to DPA in their drinking water.

How To Consume Apples

Apples Leaves And Tops

The Apples branches, twigs and leaves are safe for rabbits to eat.

Fresh Apples

Apples are a healthy fruit for humans and can be enjoyed by rabbits in moderation. However, apples are high in sugar, which can cause dental problems and obesity in rabbits.

So give them 1-2 slices once a week to stop obesity

Dehydrated Apples

Dried fruit is very high in sugar. Dry apricots for example are 82% sugar! This is a lot for your rabbit to digest because their stomachs are quite small. Remember that a large piece of dried fruit is still very high in sugar. A large piece of dried fruit is equal to about ten pieces of fresh fruit. So if you feed your rabbit dried fruit as a treat or for a snack, make sure you limit how much you give. As a general rule, only feed dried fruit once a week.

Frozen Apples

Frozen apples are the same as fresh apples, but in a long hot summer try can be a treat for you rabbits. But do not over feed them with apples (1-2 slices, once a week)

Cooked Apples

Cooked apples are fine, just remember to let the apple go cold and add no sugar

Apples Jam

Apple jam is made using a lot of sugar. The sugar is bad for your mice, leading to tooth decay, and a fat mouse. Avoid!

Steamed Apples

Rabbits can have steamed apples, again no sugar and let it go cold before to give it to the rabbit

Roasted Apples

Fresh apples are better than roasted, but roasted will do no harm. Let it go cold and no sugar

Apples Crisps

Apple crisp are OK for your mice. However they can be a little fatty for them, so a small treat maybe 1 a month

Apples Sauce

Apple sauce is similar to apple jam. They may like it but it is too sweet. You will end up with a fat and tooth decayed mouse!

Apples Seeds

NO. Apple seed are dangerous and contain cyanide. Do not give mice apple seeds

Apples Leaves

Apples leaves should be great for your rabbit, the will munch of these for hours. Some rabbits may not like these, so try some first.

Apples Tea

Apple tea is good for rabbits, no sugar and let it go cold first

Apples Puree

Again, similar to Apple jam. You do not want you mice to eat these, or as an extra special treat

Wild Apples

The fruit of the crab apple tree are edible.

Crab apple trees are relatively hardy and will grow just about anywhere. They are also good wildlife plants, providing food and shelter for birds, squirrels, toads, and other creatures.

Apple Root

Apple root are good for your rabbit, including roasted apple root. This will help them keep the teeth gnawed down.

Rabbits And Apples Conclusion:

Rabbits and apples are fine.

A small amount of apple is safe for your rabbit, but too many apple seeds or stems can be poisonous. Since apples are mostly water, they don’t provide much nutrition for your rabbit. Apple seeds and stems contain a poisonous compound called cyanogenic glycosides.

These can upset your rabbit’s stomach, reduce their heart rate, cause vomiting and diarrhoea. If your rabbit eats large amounts of apples, they can be seriously harmed or even die.