Rabbits are popular pets and, as such, there is a lot of information out there on how to care for them. One common question that people have is whether or not their pet rabbits can eat wheat. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about wheat and your pet rabbits!
What is wheat?
Wheat is a grain that comes from the cereal grass species. It has been cultivated for thousands of years and is now one of the most consumed grains on earth. Wheat can be eaten as a whole kernel or processed, such as in flour form used to make bread products.
How often should I give my rabbits wheat?
If you choose to add whole grains like wheat into your pet rabbit’s diet, it is recommended that you do so in moderation. A small amount once a week or less can be acceptable for rabbits in most cases, but you may want to consult with a veterinarian before adding large amounts of grain-based products.
How much wheat do rabbits eat a day?
As treats given sporadically, rabbits should not eat too much wheat. One small serving of whole-grain bread or cereal made for human consumption is usually fine for rabbits to munch on every now and then. If you are concerned about your pet’s diet, you may want to consult with a veterinarian to make sure that your pet’s intake of wheat is healthy.
What wheat are safe for rabbits?
When it comes to feeding your pet rabbits things like treats made with whole grain, you should always purchase products that are specifically formulated for consumption by rabbits. If you feed your pet rabbits any other type of wheat product, such as one meant for human consumption, there is a chance that they can suffer from digestive upset and become sick.
What is your experience feeding wheat to rabbits?
If you choose to offer your pet rabbits things like treats made with whole grains, there is a chance that they will eat it and not be bothered by any negative side effects. However, many other rabbits may get digestive upset from eating things like breads and pasta made with wheat or feedings of complete grain pellets.
Is wheat bad for rabbits?
Wheat is something that is perfectly safe for your pet rabbits to eat occasionally. However, if you do offer your rabbits wheat as a treat or part of their daily diet, it may cause digestive upset, diarrhea or other reactions in some rabbits.
Is it safe to feed wheat to your pet rabbits?
In some cases, rabbits can have a mild allergic reaction to wheat. As such, many owners prefer to avoid feeding their pet rabbits anything that contains wheat. However, there are also instances of rabbits finding treats made with wheat quite tasty and not having any reactions whatsoever!
Where can I get wheat for my rabbits?
If you do wish to offer your pet rabbits some grain as a treat or provide them with extra fiber in their diet, there are many sources of wheat that you can get for them. You can visit your local pet store which usually has a good selection of treats made with whole grains, such as barley and wheat. Additionally, many farmers’ markets will have a stand that sells various types of whole-grain hay and seeds!
What to do if your pet rabbits are sick from eating wheat?
The most common concern when it comes to offering any type of grain to a pet rabbit is digestive upset. Many pet owners have reported their rabbits becoming gassy and uncomfortable after eating treats containing wheat. If your pet rabbit is having digestive issues, you should immediately take them to a veterinarian for care.
Do rabbits like wheat?
Many pet rabbits are fine with being fed these treats once in awhile. However, others may be pickier and turn their noses up at anything resembling grain! If your rabbits are not huge fans of the treats made with whole grains, you may want to seek out other tasty treats that your rabbits might enjoy.
Can pet rabbits eat wheat?
Many people like to feed their pet rabbits treats made with whole grains like wheat. Pet stores also sell treats made with wheat for rabbits. While rabbits do not technically need grain in their diet, many people feel that it is a nice treat for them.
Food family of wheat.
Wheat belongs to the Triticeae family of plants. As such, this plant bears similar characteristics to other members of the Triticeae family including: barley, oats, rye and more.
5 good substitutes for wheat
- oat groats
- rolled oats
- oatmeal
- quinoa flakes
- amaranth flakes
4 steps to prepare wheat for rabbits.
- Rinse the wheat thoroughly to remove any dirt or impurities, making sure not to lose any of the grain during the rinsing process.
- Drain the excess water off of your wheat before reintroducing it into your rabbits’ diet. If you choose to offer your pet rabbits whole-grain breads and cereals made for human consumption, make sure to do the same thing to remove any excess water from the wheat before feeding it to them.
- Cut larger pieces of whole-grain bread or cereal into smaller bitesize pieces to make the treat easier for rabbits to eat and digest properly.
- Introduce your pet rabbit slowly to a new food, such as wheat or bread made with processed whole-grain. If your rabbit seems to not like the treat, there is no need to be concerned. Just take it away and try again at a later time.
5 health benefits of wheat for rabbits
- Wheat has high fiber content which helps rabbits in proper digestion and elimination of wastes.
- Wheat is a good source of carbohydrates which helps rabbits in the proper energy levels and muscle function.
- Wheat has Vitamin B helping with normal blood formation, normal nervous system function and maintaining healthy skin and hair coat.
- Inositol in wheat helps with proper functioning of rabbit’s heart muscles.
- Wheat is rich in thiamine which helps rabbits with digestion, appetite and metabolic process.
5 Possible concerns when feeding wheat to rabbits
- There is a chance of digestive upset and diarrhea in some pet rabbits if they eat too much whole-grain products.
- Processed whole grains can contain preservatives and other additives that can be harmful to rabbits.
- Rabbits who are pregnant may need to avoid feeding too much whole-grain products as it can cause stomach upset.
- Some pet rabbits may not be able to digest wheat properly, which could lead to other complications like intestinal blockage if the rabbit eats too much of it.
- Wheat can cause weight gain in pet rabbits, so be sure to factor the amount of food the rabbit eats with its daily exercise and proper nutrition.
6 Signs your pet rabbit is sick from feeding wheat
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Coryza (nasal discharge)
- Decreased activity
- Lethargy
4 Tips before giving wheat to rabbits.
- Start with very small amounts of whole-grain bread or cereal made for humans first, then gradually increase the amounts as your rabbit gets used to it. This tip can help reduce some digestive problems that some pet rabbits may experience when eating whole-grain substrates.
- Pay close attention to any signs that your rabbit may exhibit when trying new wheat products for the first time (see 6 signs pet rabbits are sick from feeding wheat).
- If you decide to give your pet rabbits processed whole-grain bread or cereal, make sure to remove excess water and cut the treat into smaller pieces to make it easier for them to eat and digest.
- Prepare any whole-grain wheat products you feed your rabbits properly by rinsing, draining and drying it prior to feeding (see 4 steps to prepare wheat for rabbits).
To Come To The Point
So there you have it, everything you need to know about wheat for your pet rabbits. Do you have any questions or comments? Leave them below and we’ll be sure to answer as best we can. And if you found this post helpful, please share with your fellow bunny enthusiasts!
