Can Baby Rabbits Drink Cow Milk? Why Is It Hazardous?

Are you wondering, can baby rabbits drink cow milk?

These baby rabbits are not lactose intolerant; you should not feed them with the cow’s milk.

Take note of this:

They are still naturally dependent on their mother’s milk.

Before I took away Thumper from his mom, I made sure that he’s already independent.

Rabbit’s milk is indeed different from cow’s milk in terms of nutrition. That is one of the main reasons that baby bunnies cannot digest cow’s milk properly.

There can be instances where mommy rabbits leave their babies at a young age.

Therefore, they have to drink other kinds of milk, but you should avoid cow milk.

In this article, we are going to learn more about milk and its effects on rabbits.

We will provide you adequate information about this matter so that your bunnies can avoid health problems in the future.

So without further ado, let’s get on with it!

What Is Cow Milk?

A cow’s milk is a good source of calcium and protein. It is essential for us humans because it can make our teeth and bones healthier as they can be.

Health experts suggest us to drink milk because it can take away the risk of bone fractures and osteoporosis.

However, you cannot feed cow’s milk to rabbits.

Even though adult ones are not lactose intolerant, the amount of calcium and protein present in this milk can harm their health, especially baby bunnies.

Cow’s milk also contains a high amount of saturated fat and cholesterol that can increase heart diseases.

That is why it is indeed recommended that you do not serve cow’s milk to baby rabbits.

 

Risks Of Cow Milk To Baby Rabbits

Can baby rabbits drink cow milk?

You are now in much knowledge that rabbits cannot drink cow’s milk.

In this part of the article, we will discuss the possible risks that your bunny can acquire if ever you served them with this kind of milk.

• Toxic in the rabbit’s stomach

Baby bunnies should not be fed with cow’s milk because they have a sensitive stomach.

They have a delicate digestive system, and they cannot even vomit.

The cow’s milk is composed of high levels of substances in which baby rabbits cannot digest.

The same is true with cats; they can’t digest cow’s milk.

Because of these substances, toxins will cause your pet to become sick or may have a chance of dying.

Due to the bun’s sensitivity, you need to be very careful in feeding them.

If possible, do thorough research so that you won’t put their lives in danger.

• Develop gastrointestinal problems

Although milk is good for us humans, it is a pretty dangerous drink for your rabbit.

Cow’s milk is there so that it will support the nutritional needs of the baby cow.

So in rabbits, it is undoubtedly not advisable for bunnies to drink. learn more here what can rabbit drink

Rabbits are lactose-intolerant if they reach adulthood. They cannot digest the protein, which is the main component of milk and other dairy products.

If bunnies consume dairy products like milk daily, they can have a high possibility of developing gastrointestinal problems in the long run.

• Antibiotics

There are vast numbers of cows that are infected with diseases and infections.

These issues of the cow require the owner to treat them with medications such as antibiotics.

If you feed them to rabbits, there will surely be one component of the milk, which is not suitable for baby bunnies.

• Pus

Cow’s milk has pus that is usually seeping from the infected mammary glands.

This pus carries the risk of a bacterial infection that can be transferred to the soft baby bunnies.

If that happens, it will significantly negatively affect their bodies.

• Contains fat and protein that cause diarrhea

Milk is rich in fat and protein, which is not great for baby rabbits and even adult ones.

Even if fed in small quantities, for the body if rabbits, it is too much.

The excessive components of cow’s milk, like the fat and protein, can cause your pet to have diarrhea.

What Kind Of Milk Can Baby Rabbits Have?

Since you already know that baby rabbits cannot drink cow’s milk, many experts suggest that you feed them with goat’s milk.

This type of milk is way better than the cow because of the amount of sugar and lactose present in it.

Goat’s milk has a lesser amount of sugar and lactose, so it is less likely to have adverse effects on your rabbits, especially in their stomach.

That is why the milk of the goat is much easier for them to digest.

Furthermore, this type of milk has less fat and protein than of the cow’s milk. It is treated with smaller amounts of hormones, which is a less harmful ingredient for furry babies. learn here do male rabbit eat their babies

There is also another option for you that is a unique formula for baby rabbits. It is known as the Kitten Milk Replacer (KMR).

As the rabbit owner, it is still up to you to opt for the type of milk.

How To Make A Milk Substitute For Baby Rabbits

The best option that you can give your baby bunny is the Kitten Milk Replacer.

If it is not available, you can make a DIY replacement for that kind of milk.

So for you to create the formula, these are the steps and recipe that you have to take note:

Step #1. Prepare the goat’s milk

The first thing that you have to do is to prepare fresh goat milk and powdered goat milk.

Step #2. Mix the fresh and powdered milk

Next, pour one cup of the goat milk. While stirring, pour in an additional 56 grams of the powdered goat milk.

Step #3. Add cream

Add a sugar-free whip cream of only about a tablespoon.

If you do this, you can make the formula richer, and you can replicate the calories present in the rabbit’s milk.

Step #4. Heat the milk

Finally, heat the formula until it is around 98-100 degrees Fahrenheit.

These are the ingredients and the steps for you to have an alternative to the rabbit’s milk.

But if you are in doubt, you can also buy a pre-mixed formula so that your mind can be at peace.

Conclusion

If you are already reading this part of the article, you have now the answer to the question, “can baby rabbits drink cow milk?” And which the answer is no.

There is indeed a big difference between the rabbit and cow’s milk. It is because the milk of the cow contains nutrients that are only intended for their babies.

Furthermore, cow’s milk contains fats and protein that are not suitable for rabbits.

The best thing you should do is find a Kitten Milk Replacer or make your DIY formula.

By that, you won’t risk the life of your bunny in any way.

Good luck in preparing the formula, and may you replicate it well for your baby rabbits!