Can Rabbits Eat Zucchini?
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Zucchini is one of the world’s most popular veggies, and for good reason: It’s versatile enough to go into all sorts of dishes.
Whether you’re growing zucchini in your garden or if you’ve got a bit left after purchasing some for your favorite recipe, you’re probably wondering if it’s OK to share some with your bunny.
In case you’re in a rush, here’s the quick answer: “Yes! Rabbits can eat zucchini.”
That’s just the beginning, though. Stick around, because we’re about to give you the full scoop with our complete guide to zucchini for rabbits.
Zucchini Nutrition Stats
Zucchini is satisfying but surprisingly low in calories. A one-cup serving of chopped zucchini with skin gives you approximately:
- 20 calories
- 2 g carbohydrates
- 4 g fiber
- 5 g protein
- .2 g fat
Zucchini Nutritional Facts
Also known as courgettes and Italian marrows, zucchinis are brimming with nutrients. Whatever you call this veggie, it’s great for you!
That same one-cup serving offers about:
- 248 IU vitamin A
- 21 mg vitamin C
- 3 mcg vitamin K
- .6 mg niacin
- 36 mcg folate
- .2 mg riboflavin
- .3 mg vitamin B6
- 6 mg Calcium
- .4 mg iron
- 1 mg magnesium
- 325 mg potassium
- 1 mg phosphorus
- .4 mg zinc
Can Rabbits Have Zucchini?
Yes! Rabbits can have zucchini. In fact, it’s among the nicest veggies you can give your rabbit, so long as they like it.
Is Zucchini Good For Rabbits?
Absolutely! Zucchini is great for bunnies as it’s low in sugar and fairly high in fiber. Even so, zucchini should only be used as a treat – it should not replace the hay and rabbit pellets that ought to make up the cornerstone of your rabbit’s diet.
Do Rabbits Like Zucchini?
Yes and no. Some rabbits really like zucchini, and others don’t care for it at all. If you’re curious about whether your bunny rabbit likes courgette, go ahead and offer them a little slice, then watch to see how they respond!
How Much Zucchini Can A Rabbit Eat?
That’s a great question and we’re glad you asked! Here’s how much zucchini to feed your rabbit:
| Age | Amount |
| Baby rabbits | None |
| Juvenile rabbits | None |
| Adult rabbits | 1 tablespoon per 2 pounds of body weight |
Even though rabbits can eat zucchini, there are limits! You can’t just throw a whole marrow into your rabbit’s hutch and let them nibble away.
Since a rabbit’s digestive system is very sensitive to dietary changes, it’s vital to offer just a small amount at first – maybe half a tablespoon – and gradually increase their serving size over time, until they’re eating the full amount.
As you introduce zucchini and other new foods to your bunny, keep an eye out for signs of digestive discomfort and diarrhea.
If you notice anything unusual, stop giving your rabbit zucchini and go back to a plain diet of hay and rabbit pellets for a while. Call your vet if your rabbit seems sick. They’ll be able to provide you with specific instructions.
How Often Can A Rabbit Eat Zucchini?
Your rabbit can eat a little bit of zucchini each day, but it’s best to offer a variety of different veggies. Consider offering just a partial portion of zucchini along with other vegetables rabbits like. Check the list below for ideas!
The Correct Diet Is Important
Wild rabbits graze on grass and small leafy plants all day and even into the night, and your pet should do the same. Since you aren’t harvesting food for your bunny, you’ll want to offer them an unlimited supply of fresh hay as a replacement for all those grasses.
The long fibers in hay help keep your rabbit’s digestive system running smoothly and prevent a serious health issue called GI stasis.
Besides hay, here’s what to feed a rabbit every day:
- Rabbit food – Your bunny should have a serving of high-quality rabbit pellets each day. Check the label to find out how much to offer.
- Clean, fresh water – Your rabbit needs a constant supply of water, so remember to rinse and refill their drinking bottle at least once per day.
- Fresh foods – Your rabbit should have a daily portion that amounts to about one cup of leafy greens plus a tablespoon of crunchy veggies per two pounds of body weight.
- Fruit as a treat – Tiny bits of fruit are fine for rabbits. As a general guide, offer no more than about 1 teaspoon of fruit per 2 pounds of body weight per day.
Rabbits’ teeth are always growing so you’ll want to ensure that your bunny always has access to chewable toys and treats such as hay cubes, rabbit toys, apple wood sticks, and slices of unbleached loofah.
What Are Other Healthy Alternatives To Zucchini In A Rabbit’s Diet?
There are lots of great-tasting vegetables rabbits can eat, along with plenty of herbs and fruits.
Next time you’re looking for a healthy way to treat your bunny, consider:
- parsley
- cilantro
- carrot tops
- swiss chard
- beet greens
- radish tops
- spinach
- arugula
- romaine lettuce
- butter lettuce
- green beans
- snow pea pods
- cucumber
- summer squash
- pumpkin
- winter squash
- brussel sprouts
- celery
- cabbage
- broccoli
- broccolini
- dandelion greens
- endive
- escarole
- fennel
- bok choy
- yu choy
- kale
- carrots
- bell peppers
- basil
- strawberries
- blueberries
- blackberries
- raspberries
- apples
- pears
It’s best to rotate your rabbit’s greens and treats to prevent a compound called oxalate from building up in the kidneys when the same foods are offered frequently.
Variety is the spice of life and giving your rabbit zucchini is a great way to make your bunny’s diet healthier and more interesting!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is zucchini safe for rabbits?
Yes, it’s safe to give a rabbit zucchini so long as you wash it first and always offer the correct amount. Remember to introduce zucchini slowly. Even though it’s safe, your rabbit still needs time to adjust to the dietary change.
Can zucchini make my rabbit sick?
It’s not likely, but there’s a possibility that your rabbit could get sick from eating too much zucchini at once. That’s why it’s so important to take a cautious approach.
Can rabbits have zucchini leaves and flowers?
Zucchini leaves aren’t a favorite with most rabbits but if your bunny likes them, they can have a small amount occasionally – perhaps one leaf at a time, a few times per week.
Your bunny can have fresh zucchini flowers, too. Offer just one at a time, but feel free to let your rabbit enjoy them on a daily basis if you have too many and want to share them with your bunny.
