Can Rabbits Eat Pears?

Rabbits May 13, 2022
Written by | Updated Dec 13, 2024
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Can Rabbits Eat Pears?

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Can Rabbits Eat Pears?

If you love fresh pears, then you’re in good company. These fruits are popular worldwide, and they offer some of the same health benefits that apples do.

When you have fresh pears that you’ve picked up from the market or even picked from your own tree, it’s natural to want to share some with your pet.

But can rabbits have pears? Are these fruits safe for bunnies to eat? And if so, how much fresh pear can a rabbit have?

The quick answer to your question is yes, it’s safe for rabbits to eat pears. At the same time, it’s very important to be careful when offering this fruit to your bunny as too much can cause trouble.

Keep reading, and in a few moments you’ll know all there is to know about pears for rabbits.

Pear Nutrition Stats

If you’re someone who likes pears, you’ll  be glad to know that they are pretty good for you – and not too bad for your pet bunny, either!

A medium-sized ripe raw pear gives you about:

  • 103 calories
  • 5 g carbohydrates
  • 5 g fiber
  • .7 g protein
  • .2 g fat

Pears Nutritional Facts

Pears pack plenty of nutrition into a tiny package with an interesting profile!

The same ripe, medium-sized pear offers approximately:

  • 9 iu vitamin A
  • 212 mg potassium
  • 5 mg vitamin C
  • .1 mg manganese
  • 5 mg magnesium
  • .1 mg pantothenic acid
  • .1 mg copper
  • .2 mg zinc
  • 6 mg phosphorus
  • 8 mcg vitamin K
  • 5 mcg folate

Can Rabbits Have Pear?

Yes! It’s okay to feed pears to rabbits. The thing is, your bunny can only have a little fruit at a time.

When feeding your rabbit pear, be sure to remove the stem and the seeds since both of these contain a little bit of cyanide which is toxic to rabbits. In addition the seeds are very sharp and could damage your rabbits mouth or throat if swallowed.

Is Pear Good For Rabbits?

Yes and no. Pears aren’t the most nutritious fruits in the world, and there are other options that can give your bunny more nutritional benefits. At the same time, fresh pears are a natural treat and when you limit portion size they’re not all that bad for your rabbit.

Do Rabbits Like Pear?

Yes! Most rabbits really like fresh pears. So long as the pear is ripe your rabbit will probably enjoy it!

How Much Pear Can A Rabbit Eat?

Even though a bit of fresh, yummy pear can be a healthy treat that offers some benefits, it’s really important not to overdo it – you don’t want your rabbit to have too much sugar at once, even if it’s the all-natural kind.

Here’s how much pear to feed your rabbit:

Age Amount
Baby rabbits None
Juvenile rabbits None
Adult rabbits 1 teaspoon of pear per 2 pounds of body weight

When it comes to fruits such as pears, small portions really are best.

Anytime you introduce a new food including ripe pears, it’s very important to do so gradually. This is the best way to prevent unwanted side effects such as diarrhea or GI stasis.

Offer your rabbit just a small amount of fresh pear the first time it’s on their menu. About half a teaspoon is ideal.

For the next 24 hours or so, watch your bunny closely to determine whether there are any signs of indigestion, bloating, or diarrhea.

So long as everything is normal, you can go ahead and give your rabbit a little more next time and gradually work your way toward offering them a full serving of fresh pear.

If you think pear (or any other food!) is causing digestive trouble for your bunny, eliminate the item from their diet right away and watch for improvement. If your rabbit isn’t eating or pooping, or if they seem sick at all, be sure to call your vet immediately.

How Often Can A Rabbit Eat Pear?

As you might’ve guessed, you can only give a rabbit pear occasionally. Only offer this treat once or twice a week at most, and never on the same day as other fruit treats or sweet veggies.

Just like us humans, rabbits can develop a sweet tooth. When this happens, they tend to ignore the healthy foods that they should be eating in favor of sweet items that really ought to be offered only occasionally.

The Correct Diet Is Important

Have you ever wondered what wild rabbits eat? The truth is, a rabbit’s natural diet isn’t terribly exciting. Of course, rabbits don’t know that!

In the wild, rabbits eat a variety of grasses and small plants that grow within easy nibbling range. Pet bunnies should eat a diet that closely imitates that of wild rabbits.

Here’s what to feed your rabbit every day:

  • Your pet rabbit’s diet should consist mostly of hay, which takes the place of all the the grasses rabbits eat in the wild. There are a few different types of hay that are best for rabbits including Timothy, at, and orchard. Your bunny should never run out of hay.
  • A serving of high-quality rabbit food: Peek at the label to find out how much food to feed your rabbit based on their age and weight
  • About one cup of leafy greens plus a tablespoon of crunchy veggies per two pounds of your bunny’s body weight per day
  • 1 teaspoon of fruit per 2 pounds of body weight (Keep in mind, this is just a general guideline; it’s very important to research each item you consider to make sure it’s safe and find the correct serving size!)
  • Your bunny also needs constant access to clean, fresh water, so remember to rinse and refill their drinking bottle every day.

This next item isn’t exactly food, but it is just as important as the healthy items that make up your rabbits everyday diet.

Because your rabbit’s teeth are always growing, it’s very important to offer safe, chewable rabbit toys. Items such as hay cubes, softwood sticks, and coconut shells give your bunny friend something to chew on at all times.

Constant chewing keeps your rabbit’s teeth from becoming overgrown, painful, and maybe even infected.

What Are Other Healthy Alternatives To Pear In A Rabbit’s Diet?

Since your rabbit can only eat pears on an occasional basis, what else can you give them? The good news is, there are lots of yummy fruits and vegetables out there and many of them are great for your bunny.

Here’s a short list of vegetables rabbits like:

  • parsley
  • cilantro
  • carrot tops
  • swiss chard
  • beet greens
  • radish tops
  • spinach
  • arugula
  • romaine lettuce
  • butter lettuce
  • cabbage
  • broccoli
  • green beans
  • celery
  • cucumber
  • zucchini
  • summer squash
  • winter squash
  • pumpkin
  • dandelion greens
  • endive
  • escarole
  • fennel
  • bok choy
  • yu choy
  • kale
  • carrots
  • bell peppers

As you can see, there are tons of healthy veggies for rabbits including lots of options that didn’t make their way onto this list. Just as you checked into whether it’s okay to give pears to a rabbit, you should look for information on every new food that you plan to offer your bunny.

Some items that seem safe might be toxic, and all fruits and vegetables – even the ones that are best for your bunny – come with recommendations concerning preparation and proper portion size.

Ready for some fun? Offer your rabbit a little slice of fresh pear and see how they like it! We’re pretty sure that they’ll approve!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pear safe for rabbits?

Yes, it’s safe to give pear to a rabbit. Just be sure to offer the right amount and remember to remove the seeds and the stem during preparation.

Can pear make my rabbit sick?

Yes, unfortunately even the yummiest, freshest pears can make your rabbit sick. This is only likely to happen if you offer too much at once or if you forget to give your rabbit a slow introduction to pear.

Can rabbits eat pear leaves?

Yes, pear leaves are safe for rabbits. It's fine to offer a leaf or two to your bunny if you happen to have access to a pear tree that hasn't been treated with pesticides or herbicides.
If you do have access to a pear tree, you can also offer small twigs to your bunny as chew sticks. Wood from pear trees is safe for rabbits, so long as it hasn't been chemically treated.

Can rabbits eat canned pears?

No – canned pears have been cooked and they often have added sugar. Both factors make canned pears unsuitable for rabbits.

Can rabbits eat dried pears?

Yes, it's okay to give dried or dehydrated pear to a rabbit so long as there is no added sugar or preservatives. If you decide to offer your rabbit dried pear as a treat, the serving size should be very small – only about the size of a raisin.

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Anne is a wellness writer with a lifelong love of animals large and small. As a former veterinary technician, she has a passion for your pet’s well-being. Anne rescues and rehabilitates animals in need. She shares her farm with lots of critters including horses, sheep, dogs, cats, rabbits, and chickens.
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