Can Rabbits Eat Bananas?
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Is it safe to feed banana to a rabbit?
The short answer is yes! Rabbits love bananas – in fact, this tropical fruit is a favorite with most bunnies. There’s a lot more to learn though, as too much banana can quickly lead to trouble.
Keep reading to learn how to safely include banana in your rabbit’s diet.
Banana Nutrition Stats
There are plenty of reasons to go bananas! These sweet, satisfying fruits are a good source of soluble fiber, vitamin C, and potassium.
The average medium-sized banana contains:
- 105 calories
- 27 g carbohydrates
- 3 g fiber
- 3 g protein
- .4 g fat
Bananas Nutritional Facts
Even though bananas are relatively high in calories, they pack a powerful nutritional punch. You cover a full 12 percent of your daily potassium need when you eat a medium-sized banana. Not bad!
You also get:
- 6 mg calcium
- 76 IU vitamin A
- 3 mg vitamin C
- .31 mg iron
- .5 mg riboflavin
- 5 mg vitamin B6
- 14 mcg folate
- 5 mg manganese
- 17 mg magnesium
- 24 mg phosphorus
Can Rabbits Have Banana?
Yes! Rabbits like banana – perhaps even more than you do – and they can enjoy it in small quantities. Be careful though, because the Purdue University of Veterinary medicine says that for a rabbit, bananas can be “addictive.”
When feeding banana to a rabbit, it’s best to stick with fresh, ripe bananas. Banana baby food and other canned banana products aren’t recommended.
Can Rabbits Eat Banana Chips?
Since banana chips are basically dried, crisp bananas, it’s OK to share them with your bunny. The “feed small amounts” rule still applies – one or two banana chips will do. Also, double-check the label to be sure that there’s no added sugar or preservatives.
If you’re not a fan of bananas and you want to prevent waste, banana chips make a good alternative to the fresh fruit. Keep the container sealed tightly and consider storing it in the freezer to ensure long-lasting freshness.
Can Rabbits Eat Banana Skins?
It’s not a good idea to give a rabbit banana skin. Not only does the skin have a biter taste, it might be tainted with pesticide or other chemicals that could harm your pet.
Is Banana Good For Rabbits?
Just like bananas are great for you, they’re great for your pet rabbit – so long as you don’t overdo it. Let’s take a closer look at some benefits of banana your bunny.
Benefit Of Banana For Rabbits
Bananas offer a few health benefits that apply specifically to rabbits:
- Good source of antioxidants, particularly when very ripe
- Offers a nice blend of vitamins and minerals
- High in potassium; in rabbits, potassium helps reduce the risk of kidney stones
How Much Banana Can A Rabbit Eat?
That’s a great question and we’re glad you asked! Here’s how much banana to feed your rabbit:
| Age | Amount |
| Baby rabbits | None |
| Juvenile rabbits | None |
| Adult rabbits | 1 teaspoon per 2 pounds of body weight |
Just like with other new foods, you’ll want to take a gradual approach to feeding bananas to your rabbit. Don’t skip this step!
Since a rabbit’s digestive system is very sensitive and any sudden change can have a negative effect on your bunny’s gut flora, give only a tiny amount – about half a teaspoon – to begin with. Although your rabbit might beg for more, don’t give in! A large amount of banana (even just once!) can spell trouble for your pet.
Watch your bunny for signs of digestive problems during the next few hours. Check for diarrhea and look for other signs of tummy trouble, too: If your rabbit is lying still for a long time with only small shifts in position, it’s possible that your rabbit has trapped gas.
How Often Can A Rabbit Eat Bananas?
For rabbits, banana is only an occasional treat. That means only giving your bunny banana once or twice per week, and not on the same day they eat other fruits unless you only give a fraction of a complete portion of each fruit.
The Correct Diet Is Important
Wild rabbits eat a diet consisting mainly of high-fiber grasses and leafy green plants. As bananas are tropical fruits that grow high in trees, it’s safe to say that banana isn’t a natural rabbit food!
Here’s What Your Rabbit Ought To Eat On A Daily Basis:
- As much fresh hay as they can eat
- As much clean, fresh water as they can drink
- A serving of age-appropriate rabbit pellets (check the label since different rabbit foods have different recommended serving sizes)
- A daily salad (see the list below for ideas about what to include); give them about 1 cup of leafy vegetables per 2 pounds of body weight, plus a few crunchy veggies
- A small amount of treats; in general, a teaspoon of rabbit-safe fruit per two pounds of body weight
- A tablespoon or so of seeds such as pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds, unless these are already included in your rabbit’s food
What Are Other Healthy Alternatives To Bananas In A Rabbit’s Diet?
Bananas are a high sugar treat that ought to be given sparingly. The good news is that rabbits can have lots of different veggies including leafy greens and small amounts of root vegetables.
- apple
- blueberries
- blackberries
- pear
- peach
- nectarine
- parsley
- cilantro
- carrots
- carrot tops
- swiss chard
- beet greens
- radish tops
- arugula
- spinach
- kale (all varieties)
- endive
- romaine lettuce
- butter lettuce
- cabbage
- leaf lettuce
- red lettuce
- broccoli
- broccolini
- dandelion greens
- celery
- celery leaves
- escarole
- fennel (bulb and top)
- bok choy
- yu choy
- sweet bell peppers
Here’s one last piece of advice: Besides treating your rabbit to banana just occasionally, rotate other treats and greens. Be sure to wash everything well, just as you would for yourself!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is banana safe for rabbits?
Yes, but remember to give the right amount. Too much banana can cause problems in your bunny’s digestive tract.
Can I give banana to a baby rabbit?
Adult rabbits can eat banana, but due to high sugar content, it isn’t safe for baby bunnies. Remember that baby rabbits can become sick very quickly.
Can bananas make my rabbit sick?
Only when you feed too much at once. Your rabbit needs to stick to a diet that consists mostly of fresh hay, as the fiber in the hay keeps the rabbit’s digestive tract moving properly.
Will banana harm my rabbit’s teeth?
No – but remember to make sure that your rabbit always has chew toys to help keep their teeth from becoming overgrown!
