Looking for a treat for rabbits but not sure what to give them?
Tomatoes are high in sugar but still have some great nutrients for your rabbit.
Just keep them to a treat to maintain your rabbit’s optimal health.
Should rabbits eat tomatoes?
Yes, rabbits can eat tomatoes. However, they are high in sugar and don’t have all the nutrients your rabbit needs to be healthy.
Feeding your rabbit a healthy diet is essential for a long, happy, and healthy life, so make sure what you are giving your rabbit is only the best food.
If you decide to give your rabbit tomatoes, wash them thoroughly to be rid of any toxins or pesticides.
Tomato plants are toxic as are tomato seeds in large doses. Remove any stems and seeds before feeding your rabbit.
Also, remember before you introduce any new food to a rabbit to just give small amounts and monitor their behavior and poop for any negative reactions.
Can rabbits eat tomatoes?
Yes, rabbits can eat tomatoes. Tomatoes are not poisonous to rabbits, although the plant part is.
If you decide on giving tomatoes to your rabbit, aim for no more than the size of a cherry tomato each day.
Be sure to cut tomatoes into bite-sized pieces so there are no choking hazards.
Pros
- Who doesn’t love a nice treat? Tomatoes in small amounts can mean a tasty treat for your rabbit that they will enjoy.
- Tomato plants are easy to grow, even in a pot on the balcony. They are easy, cheap treats that you can grow yourself for your rabbit.
- Tomatoes are an excellent source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, potassium, and folate.
Cons
- Baby rabbits should not eat tomatoes as they have a sensitive digestive system. Wait until your rabbit is 12 weeks old before introducing new foods to its diet. Also, remember to introduce small amounts of new food so as to not overwhelm its digestive system.
- Rabbits need to eat a lot of hay. If they have access to too many fruits and vegetables, they might not eat enough of their hay. Without the nutrients from hay, rabbits can become sick.
Can rabbits eat tomato leaves?
No, rabbits cannot eat tomato leaves. While the tomato fruit itself is not harmful to your rabbit, the plant parts are.
This includes the tomato leaves, flowers, and stems. If you have a garden and a rabbit that has access to it, you might want to place a fence around the garden.
While most rabbits will naturally avoid the plant part of tomatoes and instead knock it over to access the tomatoes, you don’t want to take any chances.
Can bunnies eat tomato seeds?
No, bunnies cannot eat tomato seeds. While it does take a lot of tomato seeds to be considered toxic, it’s a good practice to remove any tomato seeds before feeding your rabbit.
If you forget about this rule, there’s no need to panic.
Hopefully, your rabbit will have just eaten a small amount of tomato and it will be able to poop out any tomato seeds.
For those that have forgotten to remove tomato seeds, monitor your bunny for the rest of the day.
If there any behavior changes that seem serious, such as lethargy or loose stools, it’s best to contact your veterinarian.
How should rabbits eat tomatoes?
If you do decide to give your rabbit tomatoes, make sure to limit them to a small amount. Tomatoes should be seen as a small treat and not a real source of essential nutrients.
Be sure to cut up any tomatoes into rabbit bit-sized pieces. While rabbits are expert chewers, you don’t want to run the risk of choking.
Remember that rabbits should have continual access to fresh, clean hay. Even fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes, should not take away from their hay intake.
Benefits of Tomatoes for Rabbits
Rabbits need a variety of fruits and vegetables in their diet. Tomatoes, along with plenty of dark, leafy greens and other crunchy vegetables can provide essential nutrients.
Tomatoes are rich in vitamins that your rabbit needs, such as Vitamin C, Vitamin A, folate, and potassium.
If your rabbit enjoys the taste of tomatoes, you can use them as a small treat to strengthen the bond between you and your rabbit.
Related Questions
Can rabbits eat tomatoes and cucumber?
Yes, rabbits can eat tomatoes and cucumbers but there are better vegetable options out there.
Rabbits need a diet that is high in fiber and tomatoes and cucumbers don’t offer that much.
It’s best to keep the number of tomatoes and cucumbers to a minimum and ensure they don’t make up the bulk of a rabbit’s diet.
What vegetables can rabbits eat?
While rabbits can eat most types of vegetables, to ensure they get the best types of nutrients, rabbits should eat green, leafy vegetables.
Rabbits also need crunchy food so they can naturally file down their teeth.
The best produce items to give a rabbit include romaine lettuce, celery, kale, and broccoli.
Do rabbits eat tomatoes in the garden?
If you have a backyard garden, you might be worried about a rabbit getting into it.
While rabbits may knock down a tomato plant to eat them, chances are the rabbit will choose carrot stems or lettuces instead.
What foods are toxic to rabbits?
Even if it is natural, there are still plenty of foods that rabbits should not eat.
Avocados include a compound called persin which in high amounts can be fatal to rabbits.
Other foods that are toxic to rabbits include apple seeds and other fruit pits. Rhubarb, garlic, and onions should also be avoided.
>>Thought of feeding rabbits dog food? Read for a brief discussion about it here!!!<<
Conclusion
Your rabbit’s diet should consist of fresh, quality hay, rabbit pellets, and fresh fruit and vegetables.
The fruit and vegetable part can include tomatoes, but only as a treat.
While tomatoes are tasty, they are high in sugar and low in fiber which is why rabbits shouldn’t eat more than ¼ cup of tomato per day.