Rabbits are lovable hobby farm and homestead animals. And key to raising happy and healthy bunnies is a nutritious and balanced diet.
Now when it comes to introducing new foods, or offering your rabbits treats, caution is key. One question that might have crossed your mind is whether our furry friends can enjoy the creamy delight of peanut butter.
No, rabbits should not be offered peanut butter. Peanut butter is extremely difficult for rabbits to digest, and we do not recommend offering this nutty butter as a treat or snack for your lagomorphs.
Now let’s hop right into the nutty world of rabbits and peanut butter to find out more about why peanut butter is NOT a great option for your bunnies.
The First Question: Can Rabbits Eat Peanuts?
Peanut butter, in its simplest form, is made from ground peanuts. Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) are native to South America, and are now found in almost all pantries in the United States!
They are well known for their high fat and protein content, given that they are the seed of the peanut plant: a raw peanut contains 43.3 grams of fat and 23.2 grams of protein per 100g serving.
This is considerable, given that an average adult rabbit requires just 12-18% DM (dry matter) protein in their diet and even less fat: just 2% to 5%, which can easily be gleaned from a hay, veggie, and greens diet.
Offering your rabbits peanut butter is a sure way to cause serious digestive issues. Their already sensitive digestive system will likely balk at the amount of fat and protein introduced. This can lead to obesity, bloating, liver and kidney issues, and at the most extreme, heart failure!
Is Peanut Butter Toxic To Bunnies
No, peanut butter is not toxic to rabbits. By this we mean that your rabbit is not likely to undergo an immediately negative or fatal reaction from tasting a bit of peanut butter, as they would with truly toxic foods such as avocado.
However, peanut butter is too dense and rich for your rabbits’ sensitive digestive systems. Most butters out there also contain added sugars and salts, which are even more difficult for your rabbit to properly metabolize.
While not technically toxic, it’s always better to stick to foods that are more suitable for rabbits’ nutritional needs than peanut butter.
What If My Rabbit Ate Some Peanuts?
Don’t panic just yet, a small accidental nibble of peanut shouldn’t spell disaster.
Here’s what you need to know and what steps you can take:
- Monitor Your Rabbit: Keep a close eye on your furry friend for any signs of discomfort or digestive issues. Common symptoms may include bloating, diarrhea, or a lack of appetite. If your rabbit shows any unusual behavior, it’s important to contact your veterinarian for guidance.
- Offer Fresh Water: Make sure your rabbit has access to fresh water at all times. This will help them stay hydrated and support their digestive system in case there are any adverse effects from the peanuts.
- Adjust Their Diet: For the next few days, it’s a good idea to adjust your rabbit’s diet to include more hay and fresh leafy greens. This will help their digestive system and provide the necessary fiber to move things along smoothly. Avoid giving them any other treats or foods that could further upset their stomach.
- Seek Veterinary Advice: If your rabbit experiences prolonged symptoms or seems to be in distress, it’s crucial to reach out to a rabbit-savvy veterinarian. They will be able to provide specific guidance tailored to your bunny’s situation and ensure proper care.
Do Wild Rabbits Like Peanut Butter
In the wild, rabbits don’t have access to peanut butter, so they never develop a taste for it.
Instead, wild rabbits have a well-established diet of grasses, herbs, and leafy greens. They are not adapted to consuming processed foods like peanut butter and we do not recommend leaving peanut butter where any wild rabbits in your area can access it.
What Are 4 Things You Should NOT Feed Your Rabbit
Rabbits have unique dietary requirements, and certain foods can be harmful to their health. Here are four items to avoid feeding your furry friend:
- 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!
- Garlic: garlic is toxic to many different animals, goats included. Keep this strong, pungent plant away from your bunnies.
- Iceberg Lettuce: this green contains harmful compounds that will cause adverse reactions in your bunnies, do not feed iceberg to your rabbits!
- Almonds: similar to peanuts, almonds contain way too many fats and proteins to be deemed digestible by rabbits; steer clear of these nuts!
Our Favorite Healthy Snacks And Treats For Rabbits
Some of our favorite healthy snacks and treats for our rabbits are from our small garden on our hobby farm. This means we offer our rabbits:
- Basil
- Dill
- Cucumbers
- Romaine Lettuce
- Dandelions
- Clover
- Zucchini
- Pumpkin
We have found that a diverse mix of herbs, veggies, and fruits in moderation, and always second to unlimited hay (that high fiber rabbits need!) makes for both happy and healthy bunnies!
Frequently Asked Questions Related To Can Rabbits Have Peanut Butter
Can Rabbits Eat Peanuts?
No, rabbits should not eat whole, crushed, ground, or any other form of the peanut as all forms are too difficult to digest.
Can Rabbits Eat Cheese?
No, rabbits cannot eat cheese or any other animal protein. They are strict herbivores and require quality fiber and protein from 100% plant foodstuff.
Learn more about George Washington Carver and his 300+ uses for the peanut in this awesome video!
Final Thoughts On Can Bunnies Eat Peanut Butter
While the thought of sharing peanut butter with your bunnies may seem enticing, it’s best to resist the temptation.
Rabbits thrive on a diet primarily composed of hay, fresh vegetables, and a controlled amount of pellets.
Avoid introducing foods that can harm their health and always consult with a veterinarian before making any significant changes to your rabbit’s diet. Let’s keep our furry friends safe, healthy, and munching on foods that are tailor-made for their little bodies!