As devoted hobby farmers and rabbit enthusiasts, we get to provide them with a balanced and healthy diet. This means that the question of whether rabbits can eat cherries might have crossed your mind, given the tempting sweetness of these fruits.
Yes, mature rabbits can enjoy cherries as an infrequent treat, as long as they are pitted! In this post, we’ll explore the nutritional aspects of cherries for rabbits and address various related concerns to ensure your bunnies’ well-being.
Cherries For Rabbits: Nutritional Information
Cherries offer some impactful nutritional benefit to any animal that consumes them, humans included.
Learn more about foods we can share with rabbits in our post Human Foods Rabbits Can Eat.
The dark, red fruit is rich in antioxidants, beta-carotene, and the essential nutrient choline, which rabbits require for proper growth, weight, and to avoid fatty livers.
However, moderation is key, as the natural sugars in cherries, 13.9g per 100g serving, can send your bunny into an indigestion spiral if eaten in excess.
Always remember that a balanced diet, primarily consisting of hay, fresh vegetables, and a limited amount of fruits as treats, is crucial for your rabbits’ health.
So, Do Wild Rabbits Eat Cherries
A good way to understand if a food is relatively safe for your domestic rabbits is to consider whether their wild counterparts ingest it as part of their foraged diet.
In the wild, rabbits primarily graze on grasses, herbs, and other vegetation. While cherries may not be a staple in their natural diet, wild rabbits might nibble on them if available.
That said, it is always important to introduce any new foods or fruits slowly to your adult domesticated rabbits, as rabbits are individuals and can exhibit allergies or strong preferences.
How To Offer Cherries To Your Rabbits
When offering cherries to your rabbits, ensure they are:
- Fresh
- Washed
- Pitted
We always remove the pit to prevent any choking hazards, and to negate any threat of ingesting the pit, and then cut the cherries into small, bite-sized pieces.
We touch on the risks of pitted fruits for your bunnies in our post addressing Can Rabbits Eat Peaches – check it out for essential information on toxins present!
Can Rabbits Ever Eat Cherries With Pits
No, we do not suggest that rabbits be given cherries with pits. The pits can pose a choking hazard and contain naturally toxic compounds that are not suitable for ingestion.
Always remove the pits before offering cherries to your bunnies!
Can Bunnies Have Cherry Stems
While the stems themselves are not toxic, they can be tough and challenging for rabbits to digest. We always remove the stems before offering cherries to our rabbits.
Can Rabbits Eat Dried Cherries
Good question! The thing with dried fruit is that it contains 0% water and lots of concentrated sugars.
Plus, the dehydration process may alter their nutritional content. For these reasons we avoid all dried fruits and opt instead for fresh, yummy fruit treats for our bunnies.
Can Rabbits Eat Cherry Leaves
No, rabbits should not consume cherry leaves. Cherry leaves and other parts of the plant contain the compound amygdalin (also found in the pit) that can be toxic to rabbits and is known to poison other livestock.
What Berries Can I Give My Rabbits
While cherries can be given in moderation, other rabbit-friendly berries include:
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
Browse or search our post archive to learn more about offering these yummy treats to your bunnies!
Can Baby Rabbits Eat Cherries Safely
No, do not feed baby rabbits cherries. Rabbits less than 12 weeks old do not have a fully developed digestive and GI tract and cannot eat exotic or high sugar foods.
Remember, rabbits have delicate digestive systems. We suggest never feeding your baby (or less than 12 week old) rabbit fruit or veggie treats.
Frequently Asked Questions Related To Can Rabbits Have Cherries
What Fruits Can Rabbits Not Eat?
Fruits that are very high in sugars (for example grapes) can be dangerous to feed your bunnies. In addition, there are a few fruits that contain toxic or indigestible compounds, including:
- Unripe pineapple
- Corn
- Figs
Learn all about good and dangerous fruits for rabbits in our post on Fruits Rabbits Can Eat.
Can Rabbits Eat Maraschino Cherries?
We do not recommend offering your bunnies maraschino cherries. These cherries are cooked and canned, with lots of added sugars and some contain preservatives that are not safe for your bunny.
Final Thoughts On Can Rabbits Eat Cherries
The bottom line is that cherries are a delightful and nutritious treat for your rabbits when offered in moderation and with careful preparation.
Just remember to remove pits, stems, and leaves, and always monitor your rabbits for any adverse reactions. Providing a well-balanced diet, coupled with love and attention, has ensured the health and happiness of our bunnies and we are positive it will do the same for you and your beloved bunny companions.