Can Rabbits Eat Blueberries?

While we already know that blueberries are a great superfood for humans, does this mean they are also good for rabbits?

The simple answer is yes! As treats go, rabbits love to eat blueberries. They make a fantastic nutrient and antioxidant-packed snack for your furry companion. 

However, just like all foods – there is a lot to learn! With this in mind, this article will be looking into everything you need to know when feeding your rabbits blueberries! 

Blueberry Nutritional Facts

Blueberries are among the healthiest choices of snacks. Not only are they super delicious, but they are a low-sugar snack both you and your rabbit can enjoy.

You’ll (and your furry friend!) will receive some hydration, tons of nutrients, and lots of flavors.

Generally, a cup of blueberries comprises:

• 21g carbohydrates
• 84 calories
• 1g protein
• .5g fat
• 6g fiber

While blueberries are relatively low in sugar and calories, they are packed with essential nutrients such as vitamin C which lowers inflammation and improves immunity.

Below, you will find the vitamins and minerals available in blueberries. 

• 6mcg vitamin K
• 5mn manganese
• .1mg thiamine
• .1mg vitamin B6
• 4mg vitamin C
• .1mg riboflavin
• .1mg copper
• .8mg vitamin E

On top of this, blueberries also contain traces of phosphorus, iron, folate, niacin, and zinc, as well as anthocyanin, pterostilbene, resveratrol, and varying phytonutrients such as the essential flavonoids quercetin and myricetin. 

Can Rabbits Have Blueberries?

Yes! Blueberries make the perfect all-natural treat for bunnies. However, like all treats, they shouldn’t contribute as a major component to your rabbit’s diet.

Feeding your rabbit too many blueberries at once could lead to health problems for your rabbit such as digestive distress and weight gain. 

However, before feeding your rabbit blueberries straight from the refrigerator, there are a few factors to still consider.

Below, we have outlined everything you need to know when feeding your rabbit blueberries. 

Are Blueberries Good For Rabbits?

While we have understood that blueberries are safe for your rabbit to eat, you may be wondering, are there any specific health benefits your rabbit will receive when eating blueberries?

Some benefits include:

• Reducing the risk of cancer – Blueberries are jam-packed with antioxidants making them great for your rabbit. 
• Vitamins and minerals – Blueberries contain a variety of nutrients that will keep your rabbit happy and healthy. 
• High levels of vitamin K – This is essential for carrying those important minerals all-around your rabbit’s body. 

How Many Blueberries Can A Rabbit Eat?

While humans can easily eat through an entire punnet of blueberries without suffering any consequences, unfortunately for bunnies, they need to limit their consumption. 

Below, we’ll be looking at how much you can feed a rabbit blueberries. 

• Baby rabbit – Never feed baby rabbits blueberries. 
• Juvenile rabbits – Never feed juvenile rabbits blueberries. 
• Adult rabbits – Adult rabbits can eat 1 or 2 large blueberries, or 3 to 4 small blueberries a week. 

If you are looking to start introducing blueberries as part of your rabbit’s diet, then here’s an important tip for you: make sure to start with a tiny piece of blueberry to watch how your rabbit’s digestive system responds to it. 

This is important as changes within a rabbit’s diet can sometimes cause problems.

While we love to watch our bunnies munching on a new treat, we want to make sure not to upset their delicate and sensitive stomachs!

Therefore, you should start with half of a large blueberry or one small blueberry.

Once fed, you should monitor your rabbit for the next several hours to make sure they don’t have any adverse reactions.

Typically, rabbits love blueberries and can eat them with no problem. However, it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

How Often Can Rabbits Eat Blueberries?

As blueberries contain sugar, you should avoid feeding them to your rabbit too often.

Likewise, it’s a good idea to rotate the fruits and vegetables (see also ‘Can Rabbits Eat Celery?‘) you’re feeding your rabbit to allow them to receive all the necessary vitamins and minerals.

It is recommended that you feed your rabbit blueberries no more than once per week. 

Video Can Rabbits Eat Blueberries

Watch the Flemish Giant Rabbit named Jack chow down on a bowl of blueberries.

A Rabbits Diet Is Important

If you have ever seen a rabbit in the wild, you’ll notice them munching on foods such as grass (see also ‘Do Rabbits Eat Grass?‘) and other green, leafy plants.

While they may occasionally eat a few wild berries (see also ‘Can Rabbits Eat Strawberries?‘), this doesn’t make up their overall diet. 

Below, you will find the recommended diet you should be feeding your rabbit. 

• Freshwater – This should be readily available and always topped up. 
• Fresh hay – This is the main component of their diet, and should be regularly provided to ensure a healthy digestive system. 
• Fresh salad – 1 cup of appropriate green, leafy vegetables for every two pounds of body weight. Additionally, you can include some crunchy vegetables. 
• Rabbit pellets – Always check the label to make sure that they are suitable for your rabbit’s age and meet their specific requirements. 
• Some treats – Their treat should be different each day, although not more than a teaspoon of suitable fruit (see also ‘Can Rabbits Eat Cantaloupe?‘) per two pounds of their weight. 
• Seeds – You can include one tablespoon of seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds into your rabbit’s diet. However, if already included in their food, you should skip this. 

Other Alternative Treats To Include In Your Rabbit’s Diet

As we now know that rabbits require a variety of different treats to meet their nutritional needs.

Below, you will find some alternative treats to incorporate into your bunny’s diet. 

• Parsley
• Cilantro
• Mustard greens
• Swiss chard
• Beet greens
• Carrot tops
• Arugula 
• Radish tops
• Buttercrunch lettuce
• Romaine lettuce
• Broccoli
• Spinach
• Kale
• Cabbage
• Endive 
• Red cabbage 
• Dandelion greens
• Fennel
• Brussels sprouts
• Yu Choy
• Escarole
• Bell peppers
• Bok choy
• Beets
• Carrots
• Fresh clover
• Turnips
• Parsnips

Final Thoughts

Blueberries are among a rabbit’s favorite treats. However, like all treats, these have to be fed in moderation.

Hopefully, this guide has provided you with everything you need to know about feeding your rabbit blueberries.