Although fruits are a great snack or treat for your favorite bunny, there are some that are best to NOT feed your rabbit, such as the lemon.
Lemons are citrus fruits part of the Rutaceae plant family and are native to Asia. They have become widespread and are well-known for their sour, mouth-puckering citric acid flavor.
But when it comes to rabbits, lemons are too acidic, contain potentially harmful essential oils, and very high amounts of Vitamin C.
All of these characteristics can result in some pretty nasty stomach and digestive issues for your rabbits. Read on to learn more about lemon’s toxicity to bunnies.
Is Citrus Toxic To Rabbits
While citrus fruits do not contain a specifically toxic substance, they are often considered generally toxic to rabbits because of their high acidity.
It doesn’t take much for your rabbit to experience severe bloating, indigestion, or diarrhea due to the acids, strong oils, and large amounts of vitamin C within all citrus fruits.
Remember, citrus isn’t only the sour lemon or lime, they are also bitter grapefruits and sweet oranges! We wrote an article about oranges for rabbits, check it out here.
Why Citrus Fruits Aren’t Good For Rabbits
Citrus fruits are packed with citric acid, a colorless organic compound that heralds the characteristic sour and bitter of citrus fruits.
For many animals, citric acid is digestible. But for rabbits, this highly acidic compound will wreak havoc on their sensitive digestive systems.
In addition, citrus fruits all contain certain essential oils that can be harmful to rabbits in large or concentrated doses, examples include:
- Limonene: This is the most abundant essential oil in citrus fruits that is responsible for their fresh, citrusy scent.
- Linalool: Linalool is another essential oil found in citrus fruits, which contributes to their fragrance.
- Terpenes: Citrus fruits contain various terpenes, such as alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, and myrcene. These compounds contribute to the overall aroma and flavor of the fruits.
While these three oils smell amazing, they are quite strong and bitter to the taste, and your rabbit’s digestive system simply isn’t hardy enough to tackle the metabolism of such strong, complex compounds.
Finally, all citrus is high in vitamin C. As you may know, rabbits can make their own vitamin C and do not need it in a dietary supplement.
In fact, too much vitamin C will result in kidney trouble, digestive blockages, and issues with calcium absorption (which usually results in bladder sludge).
Snacks For Rabbits: Lemons
Well now that lemon fruits are off the table, what about some other parts of the lemon plant? Can rabbits eat those?
Can Bunnies Eat Lemon Branches
Bunnies enjoy chewing on twigs and branches, as these light woody foods are a natural part of their diet in the wild.
But lemons trees themselves contain both limonene and linalool and can cause pretty serious stomach upset if chewed on regularly. For this reason, we do not suggest offering your bunny any part of the lemon tree.
Can Rabbits Eat Lemon Peel
Lemon peel is the part of the fruit that contains the most bitter, essential oils. This is why lemon peel smells so good!
Obviously, that immediately rules out all citrus peels out for your bunnies, as the strong acids and oils present in citrus peels are indigestible to them.
Frequently Asked Questions Related To Can Bunnies Have Lemons
Can Rabbits Eat Lemongrass?
Lemongrass contains an impressive array of essential nutrients that are immediately available to your rabbits when they ingest it. However, it also contains naturally acidic components. For this reason, lemongrass is best offered as an infrequent treat!
Can Rabbits Eat Lemon Balm?
Yes, lemon balm is a great herb for rabbits. Lemon balm naturally soothes upset digestive systems, relaxes stressed rabbits, and increases the overall health of your bunnies. Read more about this great herb in our post Can Rabbits Eat Lemon Balm?
Final Thoughts On Can Rabbits Eat Lemons
In conclusion, it is strongly advised to avoid feeding rabbits lemons due to the potential risks and negative effects they can have on their delicate digestive systems.
It is essential to prioritize your rabbits’ well-being and provide them with a balanced and appropriate diet consisting of hay, fresh vegetables, and limited amounts of rabbit-safe fruits.
By understanding the specific dietary needs of rabbits and avoiding harmful foods like lemons, you can ensure their overall health and happiness!