Can Rabbits Eat Orange? Which Part? 4 Great Benefits

Can rabbits eat oranges? Yes, they can. This fruit is loaded with health benefits that will surely be beneficial for your pets. But which part do you think would be best for them?

Let’s find out later.

Looking at those cute long ears and hopping fluffy short tails bouncing on your backyard gives your heart aflutter. That’s what I feel every time I see Thumper.

I guess it’s also true for most rabbit lovers.

Owning a pet does not only guarantee your leisure. Having one also requires responsibility; one of which is to make sure that your pet is eating the right food.

Giving fruits and vegetables is a good idea. But then, having the same food every day could be boring, even for humans.

How much more when it comes to your pets? That’s why you should also try mixing things up.

Are you wondering if your pet will love oranges? My Thumper does. If you still don’t know, then find out more about whether or not oranges are good for your pet.

What Are Oranges?

We all know that oranges are one of the citrus fruits that are rich in vitamin C. Perhaps, it is the most common fruit you’ll find in the market.

They are round and have those small holes on their surface, and well yeah, their color is – orange.

They are low on calories and highly nutritious. Oranges are popular for their natural sweetness and various purposes.

This kind of fruit has vitamin C present and other vitamins and minerals, too, like potassium, carbohydrate, protein, Folate, and more.

So if you ask: can rabbits have oranges, the answer is YES.

But wait!

There are things to consider first before giving these to your pet rabbit.

Here’s what you should take note of:

Which Part Of The Orange Can My Rabbit Eat?

Do rabbits eat oranges? You already know that they can just like clementines and tangerines.

Here’s the concern though:

Your rabbit can’t eat all parts of the orange. Well, they actually can but don’t. Some parts of the orange are not good for your pet.

 

Let’s understand in detail!

1. Orange Peel

Can rabbits eat orange peels? Yes. Orange peel is edible for rabbits.

But not all rabbits like to eat orange peels. Also, it is best to consult your vet first before giving orange peels to your rabbits.

Orange peels contain toxins, especially when these oranges are treated with chemicals.

It is much preferred to feed your rabbits with oranges that are organic and untreated.

2. Orange Pulp

Vitamin C present in the fruit is essential in a rabbit’s diet. You can give them a small portion first and wait on their reactions.

Also, please do observe your rabbit’s behavior.

3. Orange Seeds

Avoid feeding them the orange seeds! Just don’t.

Seeds of oranges may taste too bitter for their palate. Mae sure to remove the seeds before feeding them oranges.

Benefits Of Oranges For My Rabbit

You already know the answer to the question, “can rabbits eat oranges?”

Fruits and vegetables that have several benefits for your fluffy pet are most likely good food.

If you’re a conscious rabbit owner, you would always opt for good food (well, I always make sure I give Thumper one).

Here are just some of the benefits of oranges for your rabbits:

• Aids in Digestion

Oranges, together with other citrus fruits, contain a large amount of pectin—a soluble fiber that helps in digestion.

It can relieve your pet’s constipation, lower their cholesterol levels, and improve their blood sugar levels.

Rabbit owners are advised to include all kinds of fiber-rich food in their rabbit’s diet to maintain good digestion.

• Boosts Immune System

Oranges have been known to be a healthy food rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C is the perfect component to boost one’s immune system. The same goes for your pets.

It helps fight and prevent diseases that your pet may encounter.

Let your rabbits live a longer and healthier life with strong immunity. The best way to give it to them is to mix it with their food.

• Good for Skin and Bones

Carrots are what we commonly have known as a rabbit’s favorite food.

Beta-carotene present in carrots is what makes the orange pigment in carrots. Oranges contain beta-carotene like carrots have too.

Squash, kale, spinach, apricots, and cantaloupes are also rich in beta-carotene.

This nutrient lowers blood pressure and strengthens the rabbit’s skin and coat.

• Other Benefits

The potassium, magnesium, and calcium support the bones, nerves, and joints. Oranges also contain Vitamins B6 and B12, which are good for the body’s metabolism.

When Can Oranges Be Bad?

Everything is not always good. Yes, oranges contain many health benefits but watch out for some risks that come with these health benefits.

1. Unripe Oranges

Make sure to check if the orange you feed your rabbit to is fully ripe. You can check it by tasting it.

If the pulp is sweet and juicy, you can give it then to your rabbit without hesitation.

2. Too Much is Bad!

All citrus fruits contain a lot of acids, oranges included. Therefore these fruits should only be consumed in moderation.

Yes, it can aid them in digestion due to the fibers, but having too much could lead to indigestion and diarrhea instead. So feeding them the orange should be minimal.

3. Avoid Feeding Them the Seeds

Seeds of oranges have high toxic content.

Hydrocyanic acid present in the seeds is a highly poisonous chain blocker and is a highly toxic chemical. It is mostly used in pesticides and as chemical warfare agents.

By just from the sound of it, you really should avoid feeding them the seeds.

4. Rabbits With Diabetes

Rabbits who have diabetes should avoid food that negatively affects their blood sugar level. In these circumstances, oranges should be avoided.

How Many Oranges Can My Rabbit Take?

Since oranges have fibers, overfeeding them oranges is a bad idea.

Any food, when taken excessively, is bad. Having too many oranges consumed can lead to indigestion.

So it is better to give your rabbits just a small portion of the fruit.

Giving them in small servings can reduce indigestion. Exclude excessive orange feeding. Including them in their daily diet should be a BIG no-no. Please take this fruit as a treat.

As an alternative to the fruit itself, you can squeeze the juice instead.

Giving them the orange puree can help their body easily absorb the nutrients essential for them to grow.

Rabbits will benefit from the nutrients as well as you can mix the juice with the rabbit food.

Conclusion

Can rabbits eat oranges? Oranges are considered healthy fruit that is highly packed with minerals and vitamins.

As one of the citrus family, oranges contain a high content of acids that could either aid or worsen digestion.

Yes, you can feed oranges to your rabbit. Make sure to peel the skin off and have the seeds removed

Another question is:

Can rabbits eat orange peel? If you feel like giving them the peel, another trick is to wash it off with baking soda and vinegar to remove the pesticides used to treat the oranges.

Take note of the dosage. Your rabbits may want more but control how much you feed them.

In introducing new foods to your pet, it is best to consult your veterinarian first to avoid conflict and complications with your rabbit’s health.

It’s best to be cautious than to be sorry.