For thousands of years humans such as Hippocrates, who is widely considered the father of medicine, have used apple cider vinegar (ACV) for its healthy and healing properties. For about 16 years we here at Hobby Farm Heaven have used it in our kitchen and with our animals, including our rabbits.
So, if you’re wondering is Apple Cider Vinegar good for rabbits, the answer is:
Yes, apple cider vinegar is good for your rabbits. The most frequent application is to add one or two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to every two gallons of rabbit drinking water.
Note: one to two tablespoons is 5 to 10 mL.
Read On to Learn More About the Magic Benefits of ACV!
Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar For Rabbits
Apple Cider Vinegar has proteins, enzymes and good bacteria (as opposed to bad bacteria). It is a natural antibiotic and antiseptic with healing properties.
These healthy attributes provide benefits to our family and to our rabbits.
This vinegar has been used as a disinfectant, a food preservative, and a cleansing agent to remove odors and germs for thousands of years. It also naturally fights against harmful bacteria and pathogens such as E Coli and Salmonella.
You can use it to clean rabbit cages and hutches as well, without the risks of the chemicals found in today’s industrial cleaners!
ACV is an un-distilled vinegar containing a potent combination of vitamins and minerals- including potassium, copper and iron, as well as magnesium and phosphorous.
Potassium is key for growth, building muscles, transmission of nerve impulses, heart activity etc.
ACV also contains natural organic fluorine, silicon, trace minerals and pectin. It is rich in malic acid which gives ACV its anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
Furthermore, ACV may help improve bowel irregularity and help to remove toxins from the body at a faster rate – what a powerhouse food item!
Apple Cider Vinegar For Fleas On Rabbits
Yes, after several weeks of drinking diluted apple cider vinegar, the fleas will not prefer the “smell” of your rabbit and will be less likely to bother your rabbit. Don’t worry, your rabbit won’t smell any different to you.
Can Rabbits Drink Apple Cider Vinegar
Yes, Rabbits can benefit from drinking Apple Cider Vinegar that is properly diluted in their water.
Is Apple Cider Vinegar Risky for Rabbits
If properly diluted, then ACV is not a risk for your average rabbit.
If not diluted enough, then vinegar can irritate the mouth, esophagus and stomach lining.
As with all foods, some rabbits may not react well to ACV. If you notice that your rabbit is not eating as much as you begin to dilute ACV in your rabbit’s drinking water, then you should remove the ACV drinking water.
You can try again a week later, perhaps with an even smaller dose of ACV in your rabbit’s drinking water.
How Do I Give My Rabbit Apple Cider Vinegar
The easiest and best way to give your rabbit Apple Cider Vinegar is to dilute it in their drinking water. The diluted ACV goes right into their water bottle or water bowl.
This method is preferred and beneficial in that it is an easy way to maintain steady dosing and it is always present. Further the ACV helps prevent green algae during the summer.
After a while, the Apple Cider Vinegar water becomes “the norm”, as in normal for your rabbit.
How Much Apple Cider Vinegar For Rabbits
Dilute one or two tablespoons (15 to 30 mL) of Apple Cider Vinegar in two Gallons (9 L) of water.
If 2 gallons is a lot for you to mix, here are some smaller measures: mix 1 teaspoon (5 ml) or 2 teaspoons (10ml) for every 3 ⅓ quarts or 3 L of water.
In addition, here is a fantastic list from The Mad Hatter Micro Farm of the benefits of using Apple Cider Vinegar with your rabbits.
ACV helps reduce the ammonia smell of rabbit urine.
Prevents urinary tract problems like bladder sludge (from excess calcium), reducing infections because the organisms can not live in acidic urine.
Keeps the body pH regulated, clearing up any skin infections or weepy eyes.
Increases the nutrient absorption capabilities of the G.I. tract as well as helping the whole digestive process.
Boosts fertility rates and may result in more female kits in a litter.
Makes the does more willing to breed.
Makes rabbits unattractive to fleas and mites by making the rabbit”smell” off, making it a great repellent.
Extensive historical use and veterinary studies indicate that apple cider vinegar added to feed or water can cure a mastitis infection and reduce the transmission rates of the bacteria.
One part vinegar and one part water can be sprayed on [any pet’s] fur and rubbed in generously to the skin. Saturate the entire coat, and continue every day for a few days to a week; any flea infestation will disappear.
Can be used as a cleaner for cages and crocks as well as keeping the green algae from growing in water bottles in the summer.
Known for keeping fur softer and shinier.
If bringing your rabbit to a show or transporting them, ACV water will taste the same as the water from home no matter what tap you use.
Rabbits like the taste of ACV and drink more water, resulting in better hydrated rabbits.
It’s safe to give to pregnant does, great for rabbits at any life stage.
Adding ACV to water changes the pH level of the water, lowering the freezing point of water (a handy benefit when you live in the mountains
https://madhattermicrofarm.com/2013/12/11/using-apple-cider-vinegar-with-rabbits/
And this is a very helpful video on the Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Rabbits
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Frequently Asked Questions Related To Is Apple Cider Vinegar Good For Rabbits
Will Vinegar Hurt Rabbits?
Yes, straight vinegar that is not diluted will severely damage your rabbit’s sensitive skin and No, if the vinegar is properly diluted, it should not hurt or aggravate your rabbit.
Is Vinegar A Safe Cleaning Product For Rabbit Cages And Hutches?
Yes, vinegar diluted with water is a safe cleaning product for bunnies! Add some baking soda to the vinegar/water and increase the natural and safe cleaning power.
Final Thoughts on Is Apple Cider Vinegar Good For Rabbits
When used properly, apple cider vinegar can help your rabbits live better and longer. Apple cider vinegar has many uses from safe cleaning agent to beneficial health enhancer.
Some of our favorite uses and outcomes are:
- Reduce the smell of rabbit urine
- Prevent urinary tract infections in rabbits
- Eliminate fleas and mites for rabbits
- Natural leaner for cages and crocks
- Prohibit the growth of green algae in water bottles during summer
So dont shy away from incorporating this natural product daily as you tend to and raise your domestic rabbits!