Many homesteaders and hobby farmers know that chocolate is harmful to many animals, rabbits inlcuded. We are here to affirm that chocolate is not healthy for your rabbit and is actually poisonous to rabbits.
That is right, rabbits can not eat chocolate.
Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, both of which are poisonous and life threatening to rabbits. If your bunny eats chocolate, immediately call our rabbit savvy veterinarian!
Rabbits in outdoor hutches are typically not at risk of finding and consuming chocolate. However, chocolate is a risk for house rabbits; especially house rabbits who live with children.
The clear answer to, “Can Bunnies Eat Chocolate” is no, bunnies can not eat chocolate.
Bunnies And Chocolate: What Chocolate Does To Bunnies
The main toxic elements in chocolate are two methylxanthines: theobromine and caffeine. These methylxanthines cause chocolate toxicosis in dogs, rabbits and many other small animals.
The metabolic science of why chocolate is poisonous to rabbits is complex. In short, theobromine and caffeine can cause severe central nervous system problems which can lead to seizures and death.
Additionally, chocolate poisoning can cause tachycardia (excessive heart rate) and extreme arrhythmia (irregular heart beat); in rabbits this can lead to heart attack and death.
Signs of chocolate poisoning, or chocolate toxicosis, often occur within 6 to 12 hours of ingestion. Signs include diarrhea, hyperactivity, hyperthermia, respiratory distress, tremors or seizures.
A chocolate toxicity calculator (based on the weight of the animal or rabbit and the dose of chocolate) is offered at this link: Chocolate Toxicity Calculator!
Note that dark chocolate typically has more methylxanthines than milk chocolate or white chocolate.
Is Chocolate Bad For Bunnies?
Chocolate is very bad for bunnies. Chocolate is poisonous to rabbits.
Why Do Rabbits Eat Chocolate?
If it is bad for them, then why do rabbits eat chocolate? The quick answer is, they don’t know any better. Apparently, chocolate does not smell poisonous or bad to the rabbit. Additionally, it is sweet and we know that rabbits enjoy many sweet treats such as fruits.
What Can Rabbits Eat?
For all rabbit owners, whether you are in a homestead or rural neighborhood, providing your bunnies with a balanced, nutrient rich diet is key to their long term health and happiness.
This is why orchard hay, timothy hay or another high quality hay should make up 75-80% of your bunny’s daily diet.
Another 10-15% of your rabbit’s diet can be premium rabbit pellets, which offer unique nutrients and proteins.
Finally, we recommend all fruit, veggie and leafy green treats and supplements as only 5-10% of your rabbit’s diet.
This affords a diverse, tasty mix for your bunnies without putting them at risk of an unbalanced diet or health issues.
Frequently Asked Questions Related To Can Pet Rabbits Eat Chocolate; Can Rabbits Have Chocolate
Will Rabbits Die If They Eat Chocolate?
As discussed, rabbits may die if they eat chocolate. The methylxanthines called theobromine and caffeine are the egregious ingredients that cause harm to the rabbit.
Short of killing the rabbit, chocolate may lead to undesirable effects such as diarrhea, respiratory distress, a racing heart, heart attack, hyperactivity, hyperthermia, respiratory distress, tremors or seizures, and coma.
How Much Chocolate Will Kill A Rabbit?
How much is too much chocolate for a rabbit? Rabbits are comparatively small animals. Generally, it is said that consuming one ounce of chocolate per pound of body weight is enough to make a rabbit very ill, and perhaps kill it.
Again, much depends on the rabbit’s specific metabolism and the purity of the chocolate.
Can Rabbits Eat White Chocolate?
White chocolate is said to have much less methylxanthines than dark chocolate or milk chocolate. However, we recommend keeping white chocolate away from your rabbit and not taking the chance of poisoning your rabbit.
What If Rabbit Eats Chocolate?
A small piece of chocolate (like one small square of a Hershy bar, or one small chocolate “egg”) is not likely to hurt your rabbit long term.
However, If your rabbit eats a significant amount of chocolate (several squares or several “eggs”), then we recommend consulting your veterinarian as soon as possible. Be ready for your veterinarian to direct you to a 24 hour animal clinic.
When dogs and cats eat too much chocolate we induce vomiting to remove it from their system.
Rabbits do not vomit, so the animal clinic may carefully use a stomach tube to remove and dilute the chocolate remaining in the rabbits stomach. This is bound to be very stressful for both you and your rabbit.
Here’s a Lennon The Bunny video about 14 Foods That Will Kill Your Rabbit –
Yes, Chocolate is on the List!
Final Thoughts On Can Rabbits Eat Chocolate
Chocolate is not a treat for your rabbit! Chocolate is literally poisonous to rabbits and can kill them.
All forms of chocolate are lethal to rabbits:
- Cocoa powder
- Dark Chocolate
- Milk Chocolate
- White Chocolate
The rabbit’s digestive system is not designed to digest chocolate, but the real danger in rabbits eating chocolate is the naturally occurring methylxanthines in chocolate (theobromine and caffeine). These substances are poisonous to rabbits and may lead to serious health complications and death.
Symptoms of chocolate poisoning such as hyperactivity, a racing heart, or seizure may not manifest for 6 to 12 hours after ingesting the chocolate.
If you fear that your rabbit may have ingested some chocolate, then contact your rabbit savvy veterinarian as soon as possible.
Rabbits do not vomit, so the veterinarian may have to use a stomach tube to remove and dilute the chocolate in the rabbit’s stomach. This procedure would be very stressful for your rabbit and for you.
Once again, prevention is key to keeping your rabbits happy and healthy!