Just like wild rabbits, pet rabbits contain the same basic natural instincts. Rabbits can thrive off hay and grass but require some fruits and vegetables added to their diets.Â
Making sure your rabbit receives all the nutrients it needs isn’t too difficult.
Providing them with a range of different fruits (see also ‘Can Rabbits Eat Cantaloupe?‘) and vegetables per week ensures that they get all the necessary vitamins while making sure they don’t get bored of the same fruit or vegetables.Â
Table of contents
- So, Can Rabbits Eat Strawberries?
- Are Strawberries Safe For Rabbits?
- Can Rabbits Eat Strawberry Leaves?
- Can Rabbits Eat Strawberry Seeds?
- Can Rabbits Eat Strawberry Tops?
- Can Rabbits Eat Strawberry Stems?
- Can Rabbits Eat Dried Strawberries?
- Can Rabbits Eat Strawberry Jam?
- Can Baby Rabbits Eat Strawberries?
- How Many Strawberries Can A Rabbit Eat?
- Final Thoughts
Generally, most fruits and vegetables are safe for your rabbit to eat. Although, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t always check first.
With this in mind, this article will be looking into whether or not rabbits can safely eat strawberries.
So, Can Rabbits Eat Strawberries?
The answer to this question is yes! Rabbits can eat strawberries.
These are popular fruits among rabbits and what makes them even more attractive is that your rabbit can eat the strawberries’ plant, stem, leaves, and seeds.
However, like most fruits, there are a few precautions.
Below, you will find everything you need to know about rabbits eating strawberries. Let’s get straight into it!
Are Strawberries Safe For Rabbits?
Before we find out whether strawberries are safe for rabbits. Let’s have a look at the different vitamins and minerals found within strawberries.
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B2
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B12
- Folic Acid
- Copper
- Fat
- Niacin
- Zinc
- Protein
- Sodium Chloride
- Potassium
- Phosphorus
- Starch
- Magnesium and many more
Now that we have had a look at what strawberries can offer, including a wide range of vitamins and minerals, it’s time to look at the benefits strawberries provide. These include:
- The xylitol found within strawberries helps to prevent your rabbit from getting tooth decay.
- Strawberries are loaded with vitamins and minerals that benefit your rabbit’s teeth and skin.
- Strawberries contain over 91% of water which ensures your bunny stays hydrated.Â
- Strawberries are rich in vitamin C that maintains your rabbit’s skin and health.Â
- The fibers found in strawberries aid in your rabbit’s gut.Â
- Antioxidants in strawberries defend your bunny’s cells from free radicals.Â
So, are strawberries safe for rabbits? Yes! Strawberries are an absolutely safe treat for your rabbit.
Can Rabbits Eat Strawberry Leaves?
Yes, rabbits are able to eat strawberry leaves. Not only are strawberry leaves tasting for your rabbit, but they can also be used as medicine for rabbits.
You can simply mix strawberry leaves among your rabbit’s regular foods to provide them with a tasty treat to chew on.
Can Rabbits Eat Strawberry Seeds?
While it is generally recommended to avoid feeding fruits with seeds to your rabbit, strawberry seeds are okay for rabbits to eat.
Unlike other seeds, strawberry seeds pose no threats to your bunny. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about removing the seeds and just give them a whole strawberry.
Can Rabbits Eat Strawberry Tops?
While humans may not want to eat the tops of strawberries, it is perfectly fine for rabbits to eat them.
In fact, rabbits won’t even know the difference between the top of the strawberry and the bottom.
However, sometimes the tops of strawberries can contain and gather dust; therefore, make sure to thoroughly wash your fruit before feeding them to your furry companion.
Can Rabbits Eat Strawberry Stems?
Yes, rabbits can eat the stem of a strawberry. However, you may find that they are more interested in eating the sweet, juicy flesh of the strawberry rather than this.
Can Rabbits Eat Dried Strawberries?
Dried fruits are becoming a new trend to feed rabbits and make for a nice snack and treat for your furry friend.
However, it’s important to realize that drying fruits reduces the number of vitamins and other nutrients found within the fruit.
This goes the same for drying strawberries. Therefore, it is best to feed rabbits raw fruit, in order to make the most out of the vitamins and minerals.
However, as raw fruits can sometimes be hard to come across, dried strawberries can occasionally be fed to your rabbit in small amounts.
With all treats, never feed your rabbit large quantities of these.
Can Rabbits Eat Strawberry Jam?
Generally, strawberry jam contains much more added sugar than regular strawberries.
If you’re making homemade jam, you should consider removing excess sugar if you want to feed it to your rabbit.
That being said, you should only give them a spoonful amount as too much sugar could result in bad teeth and health for your bunny.
Can Baby Rabbits Eat Strawberries?
Baby rabbits shouldn’t be fed strawberries.
The main reason for this is due to their developing digestive systems, they will need to develop a stronger digestive tract in order to easily digest fruits such as strawberries.
You should only start introducing strawberries to your rabbit when they are 7 months or older.
How Many Strawberries Can A Rabbit Eat?
As rabbits get older, they need a range of different foods alongside their regular meals of hay and grass (see also ‘Do Rabbits Eat Grass?‘).
Typically, 80% of their diet should consist of hay, grass, and pellets, while the other 20% should be filled with fruits and vegetables.
When feeding your rabbit fruits, make sure you cut them into an appropriate size, making sure not to feed them more than a few times a week.
Too many fruits can make them full and not want to eat their regular meals. Likewise, they can even get addicted to sugar.
Final Thoughts
Rabbits make for the perfect pets. They are small, cute, and loveable. However, like most pets, it’s important to feed them correctly.
This involves knowing what you can and can’t feed them. One of the most popular safe treats for rabbits is strawberries.
What makes them perfect is that they can eat the whole fruit, leaves, stems, and seeds included!
Hopefully, this guide has informed whether or not rabbits can eat strawberries.