No party is complete without bunny treats. Treats not only help make occasions special but they help us bond with our rabbits! Nothing says friends like sharing your apple.
When it comes to healthy treats, they can also be used to encourage foraging and exercise. So there’s plenty to do with treats and luckily there’s plenty of treats that rabbits can enjoy! As long as the bunny parents are responsible and give treats and snacks in moderation. They also must choose the right snacks!
Today we’re going to talk about human foods that can double as rabbit treats as well as treats made just for rabbits. Including what to look for, how much to give, and how to use treats to enhance your rabbit’s life.
What Are Healthy Bunny Treats?
Let’s set the record straight and say a rabbit doesn’t eat the same healthy treats that you do and they certainly don’t eat the same portions that you do. However, there are some snacks that you both can share as long as you have the portion size right.
There are a lot of packaged bunny treats that you shouldn’t be giving your rabbit. It’s important to always read the ingredients to be sure you’re giving natural healthy treats to your bun that won’t cause them health issues.
Nothing ruins a treat like an upset stomach or long-term digestive issues.
Don’t add bunny treats to your rabbit’s diet until you have established a high-fiber, hay-heavy diet that your rabbit is thriving on.
80% of your rabbit's diet should be hay. This gives their digestive system what it needs and also gives their ever-growing teeth the roughage they need to stay worn down and healthy.
Fresh Vegetables
The very best treat you can give your rabbit is fresh vegetables. Specifically, low-sugar leafy vegetables. These are the perfect snack to go along with that pile of hay and rabbits love the variety of tastes and textures you can get from leafy greens alone!
Some great leafy greens you can use to treat your bun are:
red and green leaf lettuce
romaine lettuce
kale
cilantro
parsley
red and green bell pepper
broccoli
spinach
celery
dandelion greens
cabbage
endive
carrot tops
mint
basil
collard greens
Brussels sprouts
turnip greens
Leafy green vegetables are a snack that you can give your rabbit every day. While these may not seem like a treat to you, I assure you, anything that gets a rabbit excited is an excellent bunny treat!
Some vegetables should be used moderately as if they were fruits due to their high sugar content. Vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes can be given a couple of times a week but only a small piece. The top of your thumb is a good-sized treat for your bun.
Fresh Fruits
Now, if you thought your rabbit got excited for vegetables, just wait till they get a load of fruit. Not literally, don’t actually give them a load of fruit.
Moderation remember!
Fruits are very high in sugar and should only be given a few times a week and in small pieces. It doesn’t take much for a little rabbit to get a good taste of an apple or a banana.
And you can eat the rest! See, we’re bonding already.
Some fruits to try with your bun are:
- apples (without the seeds)
- bananas
- mango
- papaya
- kiwi
- blueberries
- oranges
Herb Blends
Herbs are something you probably don’t buy as much as apples. Or at least not in much variety. Buying dried herbs for rabbits can be a fun way for them to try new bunny treats without a sugar punch.
Herbal blends are perfect to add to your bun’s hay pile to make it more exciting or to scatter around your rabbit cage to give them something to forage.
A little hop, hop, snack if you will.
Gourmet Rabbit Hay is also a fun treat to change things up! Sara has the details on YouTube!
Hay Treats
Hay treats are the perfect snack for a rabbit who has maybe had too many snacks…
When most of the ingredients are hay then your rabbit can have more of them without messing up their system.
Because their system loves hay!
Hay Cubes are simply hay pressed into a cube adding a new crunch and texture for your bun. Healthy Snackers are a similar idea except with a touch of fruit added. This is a great way for rabbits to try fruits because it comes with all the fiber and nutrition of hay and they get those sweet tastes in smaller doses.
These are handmade and use natural ingredients. Healthy snackers can also be broken up and used as a surprise for your bun to find while exploring their enclosure!
Chew Toys That Double As Snacks
The best kind of toys are those that are also tasty. And when it comes to rabbis, their toys need to be edible for the most part. Rabbits explore with their mouths!
So when we’re talking about bunny treats, we certainly can’t leave out toys! Adding a new toy (or two… or three…) to your rabbit’s enclosure is an excellent treat for them!
And this treat can last for hours!
Foods To Avoid
Before we hop into more ideas with bunny treats, let’s clear the air of these no nos so we don’t have any mistakes when it comes to bunny treats.
Never give your rabbit:
avocados, nuts, or any high-fat foods
garlic and onions
animal products
yogurt drops
“treats” with ingredients you don’t understand
random plants from outside
If there is any doubt about whether or not you should give something to your rabbit, the answer is no! Rabbits can’t throw up so when a mistake is made they have to find a way to process the food and get it through their system… and the wrong foods can do some damage.
Using Bunny Treats To Build A Relationship With Your Bun
Sometimes our rabbits don’t realize everything that we do for them. The enclosure, the hay, the hideaway - all from their loving parents. When you hand them a treat or give them extra cuddles they feel loved!
Treats can also help you communicate! For example, teaching your bun to come when you call is a great time to use a treat or when you’re excited for them to hop through a new tunnel. They can also help your bun feel comfortable around new people or new rabbits if you’re working on bonding.
Bunny treats are a great thing to have on hand, and in a nice variety! And now that you have the low-down, it’s time to fill up your cupboard.
We are not veterinarians, and none of our information should be construed as veterinary advice.
Before adding any new product, please consult your exotic veterinarian. If your pet is acting unwell and you have concerns for their well being, please contact your vet immediately.
