Can Rabbits Eat Banana- Pets Health
There’s no exception that Rabbit loves to eat Bananas, but it doesn’t waive the fact that it is not their natural diet; And being a pet owner, you must acknowledge it. Therefore, follow precautions while fulfilling the craving for your cute bunny for a Banana.
Before shading my pro-thoughts on the Health Benefits and Risks of Bananas for Rabbits, I’d like to quote a topic-related Medical opinion to help you better clarify the situation. According to Dr. Edele Grey,
“The digestion system of Rabbits actively consumes high-fiber and low-sugar diets; thus, the higher sugar content in Banana could trigger health concerns.”
So, the short answer to your question about whether or not rabbits can eat bananas is “Yes,” but only if you abide by the Golden Rule, which states that you should feed two tablespoons of banana for every five pounds of your bunny’s body weight.
When it comes to banana feeding regimen, there are two competing opinions; one contends that no more than 2-tablespoons of bananas every other day, while the other prefers to feed weekly. Of course, both work well, so the choice is all yours.
Bananas and Rabbits
Bananas belong to the Musaceae Family of fruits. Of course, they have a great flavor and offer diverse perks to human health. Technically, Bananas comprise three segments – Skin, Flesh, and Seeds, while it grows in a cluster on Banana Blossom.
Most people believe Bananas are rich in starch and sugar, which is correct, but to some extent, because this fruit also packs an array of other healthful substances, including antioxidants, vitamins, magnesium, sodium, and potassium.
| Nutrients in Bananas | Serving Sizes (6-7” long per 100 grams) |
| Carbohydrates | 23.1 grams |
| Starch | 5.4 grams |
| Sugar | 12.4 grams |
| Vitamin A | 64.6 mcg |
| Potassium | 362 mg |
Even though Bananas are nutritious fruits, they never depict similar health outcomes for Rabbits as for Humans because Bunnies have a delicate digestive system, so any attempt to overlook Moderation Chart could trigger a bad reaction.
In light of this, a preventative diet may not only satisfy your Bunny’s banana desire but could also take on positive health effects. On the sidelines, if you’re introducing Bananas to a Rabbit for the first time, don’t rush; Start with a small teaspoon, admire its reaction, and decide.
Feeding Rabbits with Banana Peel
Banana peels are safe for rabbits, but only if they belong to an organically cultivated banana. The truth is that commercial-based Bananas are sprayed with toxic pesticides; hence, feeding their peels could stake the bunny’s health.
Feeding Rabbits with Banana Leaves
The feeding precautions for Banana Leaves are not different from what we said for Peels. They are good if they are from organic farms; otherwise, chemical fertilizers would have left traces on them, posing severe complications for rabbits.
Feeding Rabbits with Overripe Bananas
Overripe bananas are unhealthy for rabbits since they contain more sugar in that state and may result in severe gastrointestinal issues. Alternatively, green-tint bananas are good as they comparatively contain low-sugar traces.
Health Benefits of Bananas for Rabbits
Bananas are an adorable diet for Rabbits because they are delicious and wrap a range of nutrients. Indeed, feeding bananas to bunnies while considering safety measures could bring a handful of health results for your little bunnies.
Packs Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 directly links to the Bunny’s Nervous System and Mental Health, and Bananas contain an admirable volume of this compound. In terms of Medical, B6 contains Norepinephrine, a hormone that helps rabbits deal with stress, and Serotonin, a chemical that regulates mood.
Reliable Source of Manganese
Even though Rabbits require a minor amount of Manganese, the worth of this element in the bunny’s health is still not ignorable. From the metabolism of amino acids and carbohydrates to bone development and blood sugar regulation, Manganese contributes multi-dimensionally for rabbits.
Contains Potassium
Potassium delivers promising health results for Rabbits, and Bananas are a great source of it. In the spotlight, Potassium decreases health contractions, regulates muscles, prevents kidney stones, and reduces blood pressure in rabbits.
Health Risks of Bananas for Rabbits
On the back end, Bananas have Negative Health Effects; if you fail to meet Standard Banana Feeding Prerequisites for Rabbits, get ready to face those devastating results. Here are some prominent drawbacks of Bananas if served in irregularities.
Packs with Lot of Sugar
Banana is a sugary fruit, which your bunny never opposes if served. Therefore, Moderation lies from your end because excess use of Bananas could lead to digestion problems alongside diarrhea, obesity, and diabetes.
Source of Unhealthy Starch
A regular-sized banana contains 80% of starch of its total strength; of course, it’s too high, especially for rabbits whose digestion system is adapted to consume low-volume sugar diets. Perhaps, the most common diseases caused by starch are diarrhea, constipation, and gastrointestinal stasis.
Sprayed with Pesticides
This disadvantage of bananas applies to those who feed their rabbits peels. Commercially-grown bananas frequently go through heavy pesticide sprays; therefore, remove the skin of the banana before serving it to your pet.
Feeding Guide of Bananas to Rabbits
Do you remember the Golden Thumb Rule we discussed earlier in this article? It says you must serve Bananas as Weekly Treats that shall not exceed two teaspoons per 5-pounds of body weight. Moreover, never feed overripe or mold-traced bananas.
It is pertinent to mention that Rabbits are herbivores, which means their natural diet is Vegetables. Indeed, 80% of Rabbit’s food should comprise Hay, Leafy Green, and Spinach, while Fruits, Juices, and other Sugary items must serve weekly.
- Start with a healthy banana (Not Overripe or Molded)
- Peel off its skin gently
- Now, sliced into small pieces, not exceeding 2-3 inches
- Place them into Rabbit’s enclosure and examine their reaction
Final Thoughts
Bananas are sugary, delicious, and nutrition-dense treats for Rabbits if served under two conditions – Moderate and Un-frequently; otherwise, you may lead to severe health conditions. Nevertheless, you can contact your vet before feeding bananas to your rabbit for the first time. If you like our article, bookmark our website to keep in touch with upcoming pets related health blogs.
FAQs
Q: Can I Feed Bananas to Baby Rabbits?
A: You cannot feed any fruit, including Bananas, to Rabbits, under the age of 3-months. During this period, baby rabbits solely rely on their mother’s milk. In the case of Adult ones, add fruits gradually to their diet and check reactions whether they like it or not.
Q: What is the best Routine to Serve Bananas to Bunnies?
A: There are two schools of thought when it comes to the Banana-Feeding routine. The first says that bananas must be fed every other day, whereas the second emphasizes serving them once a week. However, it entirely depends on your choice.
Q: Is Banana related to Choking-hazards for Rabbits?
A: Much to your amazement, Bananas could lead to choking hazards in rabbits. However, you can avoid this situation by chopping a banana into small pieces. For additional protection, supervise your pet until it finishes eating.
