Can Rabbits Eat Cereal? Secrets Debunked: Know These Facts!

Can rabbits eat cereal? Yes, they can, but only in limited amounts and provided that it is unsweetened.

There are more considerations and things that you should know about before feeding cereals to rabbits; read the article till the end and you’ll know whatever you need to know. 

I know cereal is a part of our lives. I guess you’re just like me that every time you’re in a hurry, especially in the morning, you just eat cereals. If you don’t have time to prepare a meal for yourself, how much more for your little bunny? The most convenient thing to do is to give your pet cereal too.

Well, that’s what I give to Thumper, my dearest pet. The question of can rabbits eat cereal or not is already answered. But, we’ll know more about how much cereal they could take, its health benefits, and further considerations.

Which Cereals Can Rabbits Consume?

Can rabbits eat cereal? Indeed, your pet can eat dry cereal. But, it’s worth noting that you can’t mix cereal in milk whenever feeding it to your rabbit. Most of all, you should not give your pet a huge amount of these cereals.

There are many kinds of cereal that you can find in the market, including Lucky Charms, Fruit Loops, Trix, Frosted Flakes, Honey Bunches of Oats, and granola. 

The following are just some of the health benefits when feeding your pet with cereals:

• Provides energy

It’s a good idea to feed your pet cereals; they are good sources of energy. You don’t want your pet to look weak. Cereals can help promote their energy levels, useful for them to remain active the entire day.

 

• The ideal source of fiber

Since cereals are excellent sources of fiber, providing them with cereal can ensure their optimal health. Giving your pet enough amount of fiber can help prevent heart illness. Aside from that, foods rich in fiber can help in digestion.

But, it’s worth noting that the digestive system of a rabbit is created for a low-energy diet. The good thing is that fiber in cereal can help improve the digestive system, making rabbits fit and healthy.

A healthy amount of fiber in the diet makes sure your pet doesn’t suffer from constipation and passes out normal feces. 

 

• Rich in calcium

One of the most crucial minerals your pet should have is calcium. This mineral can ensure healthy teeth and bones. Calcium can prevent osteoporosis and dental problems too.

But then, make sure that you only give a sufficient amount of calcium as excess is never good.

 

Why Rabbits Shouldn’t be Fed Cereals?

As expected, processed foods are not always recommended, even to human beings. That’s why you should limit their consumption. Also, it’s not always a good idea to give them more than the required amount.

Here are just some of the reasons why you should not feed them cereals:

Commercialized cereals are loaded with unhealthy stuff such as preservatives, sugar, fats, and flavorings. Given that these cereals are processed, your pet can’t get its required nutrients; in fact, it can strip off the most vital nutrient it needs- fiber.

I guess you’re familiar with Cheerios, Honey Nut, Fruit Loops, Raisin Bran, Frosted Mini-Wheats, and honey bunches of oats, just to name a few. 

Question is:

Would it be OK if you feed these cereals to your rabbit? Of course, NOT! You can’t because these are not good for them.

According to RSPCA Victoria, it’s a BIG NO to feed your pets with any cereals, nuts, grains, seeds, biscuits, beans, and bread. Giving these foods in uncontrollable amounts can be toxic for them. 

Now you ask: what cereal can I give to my pet rabbit? You should find one that does not have high fiber content or added sugar. Some people suggest that you go for Bran Flakes, Cornflakes, Rolled Oats, Rice Krispies, Weetabix, and Shredded Wheat. 

But wait! You should exercise caution. These cereals can be safe for them, but they are never recommended for your pet. Why not give them their natural food, which is safer and healthier for them?

Anyway, if you insist on giving your pet cereal (which I can relate to every time I have cereals for breakfast), give it only as a treat. Who could resist their pet anyway? (Not me!)

Make sure you don’t feed them in excess amounts. Otherwise, your pet will be prone to health risks. Please take note that cereals are not packed with nutrients or fiber needed by your pet.

According to PETA, your rabbit will be suffering from stomach and tooth issues when you feed them processed cereals made with grains, peas, seeds, pellets, or maize. In fact, wild rabbits rarely eat grains, and that includes legumes.

 

Facts You Should Know

There are lots of health claims about cereals. I know- there comes a time when you’re tempted to add cereals to your pet’s diet. Besides, you’re guaranteed that these cereals are safe and are healthy sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Here’s what you should know, Cereals cited as healthy such as “low fat,” and “whole-grain,” actually contain sugar. Check the label, and you’ll see that it’s the first ingredient listed therein.

Now you ask: The cereal I have doesn’t have many whole grains. Well, the fact that it contains whole grains only means that it’s not healthy.

A study published in the Cambridge University Press shows that these health claims effectively mislead people to believe that such products are healthy.

The truth is: If not all, most cereals don’t have vital protein and fiber needed for your pet’s entire well-being.

Perhaps, a good alternative to feed your rabbit is raw rolled oats. These foods are safer and healthier compared to cereals.

Remember that giving them cereals with high-sugar levels can increase their insulin and blood sugar levels, increasing your pet’s risk of heart disease, obesity, and other relative diseases.

I guess the best thing you should do is not to feed them cereals and go for natural foods- one that is not processed.

 

Further Considerations

We’re not ending there. You still need to note other considerations, such as if your pet has some digestive issues. Don’t ever give them starchy treats or grainy foods.

If your pet has a sensitive digestive tract, it will most likely suffer from stomach pains, diarrhea, and bloating after it ingested even small amounts of cereal. For sure, these circumstances can be uncomfortable for them.

If that happens, your pet will probably experience a loss of appetite and emotional stress.

 

It’s A Wrap!

Can rabbits eat cereal? Of course, they can. Rabbits can eat any food fed to them. But, you should only give this kind of food in limited amounts. If possible, avoid giving them cereals at all because cereals can provide the nutrients rabbits need.

Given all of these facts, you should now understand that rabbits should eat healthy foods to ensure their entire well-being. If you love your pet, just as I love Thumper, give it a healthy diet. Diet plays important role in maintaining the health of your pet for years to come. 

Thank you for reading!