The Right Source Of Protein: Can Rabbits Eat Eggs?

Can rabbits eat eggs? No, you must not feed eggs to your pet.

Wild rabbits know whether a particular food should be eaten or avoided. They are aware that eggs are not suitable for them. 

But it is different for domestic rabbits; growing in a different environment allows them to acquire new habits. 

When it comes to eating, they might not know what particular foods they should avoid. So when you serve your pet rabbit (something that is not good), she might accept it gladly.

Eating and digesting eggs are not easy for rabbits. So, this is something that they should not frequently do.

That is because rabbits’ bodies are designed to digest foods that are low in protein but high in fiber, such as grass, hay, or veggies. Foods like meat can upset their stomach since it contains high protein and zero fiber content. 

Even humans that decided to be vegetarian for quite some time can have an upset stomach if they resort to eating meat again. This is because they no longer have similar intestinal bacteria that help in digesting meat.

If this affects humans, it can be worse for rabbits that are vegetarian by nature. This is also why we are here to recommend to you what you ought to do to ensure your beloved friend’s safety. 

Anyway, let’s get back to eggs. As we all know, eggs are a staple food that is present in most homes.

Since pet owners eat eggs frequently, their pets might as well eat them too. (This is something I actually could relate to). But for rabbits, I don’t think this is a good idea. 

Keep on reading until the end of this post to know the necessary information about the relationship between eggs and rabbits.

So without further ado, let’s get into it. 

Can Rabbits Eat Eggs? Why Not?

An egg has a high protein content. It is among the foods that you can literally find anywhere in the world. And you can quickly cook it by yourself, boiled or fried. But you can also use it for a variety of dishes. There are several types of eggs, but the most common ones people have in their homes are chicken eggs.

Can rabbits eat eggs? Although you find eggs delicious and contain a high amount of protein, it does not mean that it is OK to offer them to your rabbits.

As a matter of fact, you should not give eggs to a rabbit, may they be cooked or raw. They are equally bad for them. 

Of course, protein and fiber are essential parts of a rabbit’s diet. However, they only need a tiny amount of protein, and they can get it from various sources other than eggs.

It is common knowledge that rabbits are herbivores. They can get sick if you let them eat eggs; that is because their digestive system cannot and was not made to process this kind of food. To avoid any possible complications, make sure that your pet cannot and will not eat eggs. 

Generally, rabbits themselves will avoid eggs as they know these are bad for them. But then again, some rabbits might not be able to say no when fed with eggs. Or, in some cases, hungry rabbits might eat anything available to them.

So make sure that you put your eggs away from your furry friends’ reach. 

Are Dairy Products Good For Rabbits?

No, eating dairy products like milk is not suitable for rabbits. This also includes all foods that are considered animal by-products, such as eggs.

Although some owners might claim it can be a good source of protein for bunnies, eggs, and other dairy products are not suitable for rabbits. You should avoid feeding these to your pet under any circumstances as they may get sick due to these.

As a pet owner myself, I can’t risk giving my rabbit, Thumper, eggs as a part of his diet. Even though eggs are the most convenient food I can give him, given that I literally love eating eggs at home.

Protein For Rabbits

A rabbit’s diet contains mostly grass or hay. In the wild, they can find and chew a variety of grass daily so they can truly acquire the essential nutrition they need.

However, domestic rabbits lack wide options, which is why pet owners need to offer various foods to ensure that they will get sufficient amount of minerals, vitamins, and nutrients. 

In instances where you want to serve more protein to your little furry friend, it would be ideal for getting a specific rabbit pellet containing the appropriate amount of protein that is needed in the diet of your pet rabbit. 

Typically, grasses and hay can provide some amount of protein to your bunny. Specifically, you can give them alfalfa or timothy hay to ensure that they can get enough protein needed in their diet.

It can also provide a proper balance between fiber and protein which are equally important for rabbits. 

But if you love to offer your pet other foods, some variations that you can go for are vegetables that contain protein and, at the same time, are safe for rabbits to eat.

Much more, they will surely enjoy this kind of food more than giving them any other foods rich in protein out there.

Effects Of Eggs On Rabbits

Based on research, young and non-obese rabbits can develop hypercholesterolemia after a few days of egg yolk consumption.

Eggs can cause rabbits’ cholesterol levels to increase from 15 up to 30 times the normal, depending on how many eggs they have taken. 

Furthermore, rabbits lack intestinal bacteria that will help them digest meat or any other food rich in protein, such as eggs.

So if your pet happens to eat this, it can make him sick, per se, upset his stomach. It can also lead to other drastic effects that you surely don’t want your little friend to endure. 

Are Egg Shells Harmful To Rabbits?

Rabbits can eat eggshells but they shouldn’t do so very often. Eggshells are a great source of calcium which is crucial for bunnies especially when they are still growing.

The most suitable way of feeding eggshells to your bunny is by grinding and then mixing them in their diet.

However, rabbits’ body is not capable of calcium regulation so they absorb all the calcium they ingest. This can be lethal because too much calcium will lead to kidney and urinary tract infections.

Conclusion

Can rabbits eat eggs? No, rabbits must not eat eggs. 

I would never offer eggs to my Thumper. I’d instead give him fruits that are healthier and safer options for rabbits.

Or I can buy rabbit pellets that can also be a good source of different nutrients that a rabbit need. There are also a lot of vegetables that are healthier options, especially leafy greens. For sure, your lovely pet will love munching on them.

Thank you for reading!