Can rabbits eat tomatoes? Rabbits- small furry animals with long ears and short tails, can be very different from their cute appearance. Rabbits are herbivores that eat plants and vegetables. Their favorite food is fresh green vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, carrots, or lettuce. They will eat these vegetables without any hesitation, dwhile you cannot say the same for tomatoes.
Rabbits are one of the most popular pets worldwide due to their small size, low maintenance cost, and affectionate nature. Some people even keep them as indoor pets to provide them with lots of love and care daily. But it is essential to know all the facts about these tiny creatures before you decide to have them at your place.
Can Rabbits Eat Tomatoes
Advantage of Tomatoes to Rabbits
Rabbits avoid tomatoes due to their harmful effects. Animals can develop digestive problems, diarrhea, or even anemia if they overeat it. Tomatoes contain oxalic acid, which is very poisonous for animals, especially the small ones like rabbits.
Disadvantages of Tomatoes to Rabbits
Tomatoes are rich in calcium but do not provide enough phosphorus and vitamin D, leading to various health issues, including bone deformities because of lack of phosphorus. If you feed your rabbit with only tomatoes, it will be deficient in other vital nutrients that can adversely affect its overall growth and development. Therefore, avoid feeding it with these vegetables as far as possible.
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Do rabbits eat tomatoes on their own?
Almost all of the rabbits cannot eat tomatoes on their own. However, they need the help of another rabbit to show how it is done correctly. Rabbits can learn from each other and imitate eating habits. For instance, if you put a few leaves of tomato plant in your garden, then it is more than likely that your pet might start eating them as well.
Can Rabbits Eat Tomato Leaves?
Yes! Tomatoes are rich in nutrients, but there is no denying that they may cause health problems for small rabbits. As such, feeding your bunny with tomato leaves or stems should be avoided entirely as these contain high amounts of oxalic acid, which may prove fatal for them. Nevertheless, fresh green vegetables as lettuce and cabbage can benefit them a great deal.
What parts of tomato can rabbits eat?
Rabbits can eat tomatoes as well as their leaves, stems, and vines. But keep in mind that you should never let your bunny taste this vegetable on its own as it may cause several health issues, including loss of appetite. It is not wise to offer pieces of tomatoes to rabbits but instead provide them with low oxalic acid plants like lettuce and cabbage if you want them to stay healthy.
Type of rabbits who eat tomatoes
Most of the rabbits will not eat tomatoes unless they are shown how to do it. However, if you have an older rabbit, it is more than likely that your pet might start eating it on its own immediately after discovering this new flavor and taste in their food. But make sure you provide them with low oxalic acid plants like lettuce and cabbage, so they do not become sick.
How many tomatoes should feed to rabbits?
Offering tomatoes to rabbits is entirely up to you. Rabbits do not eat lots of vegetables. They only need a few pieces or slices of it. Alternatively, you can blend tomatoes with other greens like cabbage, lettuce, and carrots if you want your bunny to enjoy its taste without any health issues.
Alternative of tomatoes to feed your rabbits
- Carrot
- Cabbage
- Lettuce
- Peas
- Squash
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Conclusion
In general, you should not feed your rabbit with tomatoes because even a tiny amount of it may cause stomach problems and digestive issues. But if you want to give it a taste, then make sure it is blended or mixed with other greens like lettuce, cabbage, or carrot. However, pay attention to its health condition and make sure it is not showing any symptoms of allergies before you feed it with any vegetables or fruits.