Owning a rabbit can be very funny, but you have to take the responsibility for your rabbit’s health. It means that you should take care of your rabbit’s diet first. You should know that the food that is eaten by humans is not always good for rabbits. There are foods that are safe for them, like basil which is good in moderation, but others can be very dangerous for rabbit’s health, so be careful. You have to be well informed about the foods that you are giving to your rabbit and you should keep him away from foods that can be harmful.
In this article we will talk about chocolate. Chocolate is a favorite candy of most people and many rabbits also enjoy chocolate. But, can we share this candy with our little friends?
Is chocolate good for rabbits or it can be harmful? In this article you will learn something more about chocolate and its impact on a rabbit’s health.
More about Chocolate
Chocolate is a sweet brown food preparation of cacao seeds that are usually flavored with vanilla. Chocolate can be made in the form of a block, paste or liquid or it can be used as a flavoring ingredient. Chocolate is rich in calories, carbohydrates and fat, so it is not recommended to people who want to lose weight.
But, chocolate is also high in manganese, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin B12 and other nutrients. Chocolate should be eaten moderately, because large amounts of this sweet are not good for people’s health.
Is Chocolate Safe for Rabbits?
If you are a rabbit owner you must be wondering is chocolate safe for your rabbit. Unfortunately, the answer is no. Chocolate is on the list of foods that can be toxic to rabbits.
Actually, chocolate is generally dangerous to all pets. It contains theobromine, the active ingredient that is metabolized slower in animals than in people and it may become toxic if it is consumed in high amounts. It can lead to multi-organ failure in animals.
Also, chocolate contains too much sugar and fat which are dangerous to rabbits. Sugar and fat can cause an imbalance in the gastrointestinal tract of a rabbit. The most common health problems are diarrhea or gas which can be very harmful for your rabbit. It can also lead to anorexia and liver disease.
What If Your Rabbit Has already Eaten a Chocolate?
When dog or a cat eats a chocolate, the treatment includes vomiting. Actually, we have to make our dog or our cat to vomit. But, what if we have a rabbit? We can’t induce vomiting in rabbits because rabbits are not able to vomit. In this case vets usually use a stomach tube to dilute or to remove the chocolate from a rabbit’s stomach, but sometimes without success.
But, if your rabbit has eaten a small amount of chocolate and he appears fine, it means that such amount of chocolate was not enough to cause disease in your rabbit. It is best to take your rabbit to the vet to have some blood tests to make sure that your rabbit is fine, just in case.
Summary
As you have seen in this article, your rabbit should not consume chocolate. Maybe it will not make any harm to your rabbit if eaten in small amounts, but if you feed your rabbit chocolate for a long term and in large amounts, it can lead to many diseases. Sometimes consequences can be fatal for your rabbit.
To avoid the risk, it is best not to feed your rabbit chocolate. Choose some other healthier treats if you want to provide your rabbit long, healthy and happy life. Your rabbit will stay healthy if you provide him all the nutrients that he needs. It means that your rabbit should always have fresh hay and fresh water available.
Also, vegetables and fruits can be used as occasional treats for your rabbit, but they should not be served daily. Have in mind that you are responsible for your rabbit’s health and you are the only who decides what your rabbit will eat. When it comes to chocolate, it is best to avoid it. Before feeding your rabbit a new food, it is recommended to consult the veterinarian. It is also advised before feeding your rabbit with potatoes and other starchy food.
