Do you have questions about feeding rabbits orange? You’re not alone! In this blog post, we will answer all of your questions and more. We’ll start by discussing what orange is and its food family. Then we’ll move on to whether or not pet rabbits can eat oranges and if they like them.
Next, we’ll cover what to do if your pet rabbits get sick from eating oranges and where you can get orange for your rabbits. After that, we’ll look at the safety of feeding oranges to pet rabbits and some of the benefits of doing so.
Finally, we’ll provide a few substitutes for orange if you’re unable to find it or your rabbits don’t like it.
What is orange?
Orange comes from the rind of a fruit called Citrus sinensis. This plant family has over 140 species that are cultivated for their vibrant flowers, glossy foliage, and edible fruits. A member of this family known as Punica granatum is what we commonly refer to as pomegranate.
How often should I give my rabbits orange?
Rabbits don’t actually need to eat oranges on a daily basis because they’re not fruit-eating animals. That being said, I give my rabbits orange about once a week.
How many oranges do rabbits eat a day?
Rabbits don’t actually need to eat oranges on a daily basis because they’re not fruit-eating animals. That being said, I give my rabbits orange about once a week.
What is your experience feeding orange to rabbits?
I’ve had rabbits for about 10 years and I feed them oranges every now and then. They like all types of oranges including mandarins, tangerines, satsumas, blood oranges, navel oranges, Cara cara oranges (which are pink inside), Valencia oranges (which are reddish inside) l naval oranges (also red inside), clementines, and tangelos. They don’t like oranges with the seeds still in them though.
Are orange bad for rabbits?
The answer is no, oranges are not bad for rabbits. However, like all foods, it’s important they only eat the orange in moderation. Too much orange can cause your rabbit to become sick.
Is it safe to feed oranges to pet rabbits?
Yes, oranges are safe to feed your pet rabbits, but it’s important that you offer them in moderation. Too much orange can cause your rabbit to become sick.
Where can I get orange for my rabbits?
If you don’t have an orange tree at home or your rabbit doesn’t like oranges, here are some places where you can find them:
What to do if your pet rabbits are sick from eating oranges?
If your pet rabbits are sick after eating oranges, you should take them to the veterinarian. Your vet can check for health problems and rule out any serious conditions that may have occurred. Depending on the severity of the illness, they may advise giving your rabbit orange in moderation or not at all. If you want to feed your rabbits oranges, they will be able to tell you how often and what kind of orange is safe.
Do rabbits like orange?
Most pet rabbits do enjoy the taste of oranges; however, that doesn’t mean they should eat them or that they’re good for them. Moderation is key when feeding your rabbit any kind of foods, especially fruits and vegetables.
Can pet rabbits eat oranges?
Pet rabbits can eat oranges, but it’s important that they are fed in moderation. A little bit every now and then won’t hurt them, but too much orange can cause health problems such as diarrhea, vomiting, and kidney damage.
Food family of orange.
The food family of orange is the Rutaceae. It belongs to the order Sapindales and has 32 genera and 758 species.
3 good substitutes for orange
If you can’t find or don’t want to feed your rabbit oranges, here are three good substitutes you can use instead:
- Apple (fresh or cooked)
- Banana (fresh or cooked)
- Peach (fresh or canned without syrup)
5 health benefits of orange for rabbits.
- Contains many essential nutrients for humans and animals including vitamin A, B, C, E, calcium, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, iron.
- High in dietary fiber which is essential for the digestive tract.
- Contains many antioxidants which can help protect cells from cancer-causing free radicals and oxidative stress.
- Contain thiamin which is necessary for enzyme activity in the body and helps in the metabolism of glucose.
- Contain folate which is necessary for healthy fetal development during pregnancy and DNA synthesis.
5 steps to prepare orange for rabbits.
- Rinse the orange under warm water to remove any debris or dirt.
- Slice the orange in half and place it cut-side down on a plate/cutting board.
- Cut the orange into wedges and then separate each wedge from the membrane and skin with your fingers.
- Offer one piece of orange to your rabbit.
- Repeat every few days as a healthy treat!
4 signs that pet rabbits are sick from eating oranges
- Diarrhea or lack of normal bowel movements (solid droppings).
- Lethargy, lack of activity and appetite, or high fever.
- Loss of body weight even with a normal appetite.
- Allergies and sensitivities: red itchy areas around the eyes, nose and genitals; excessive scratching and chewing hindquarters; hair loss on the face or other parts of the body that might be caused by an allergic reaction to oranges.
5 Tips for Feeding Rabbits Oranges
- 1.Offer oranges in moderation and avoid feeding too many at once (2 to 3 wedges of orange is good enough per day).
- Feed your rabbit an orange after a meal because oranges have high acid content, which can upset your pet’s stomach if you feed them on an empty stomach.
- If your rabbit is pregnant, do not feed them oranges.
- If your rabbit has an additional health condition or takes medications regularly, talk to your vet before feeding oranges to your rabbit.
- Keep fresh fruits away from pets who are not used to eating it because it can cause stomach upset and diarrhea.
5 Possible concerns when feeding orange to rabbits:
1. Vitamin C Toxicity
Does your rabbit have a history of calcium oxalate bladder stones? If so, then it might be best to avoid giving oranges as well as other citrus fruits such as lemons and limes because they are high in vitamin C which can contribute to the formation of urinary stones.
2. Insufficient fiber
Oranges don’t provide the same amount of dietary fiber your rabbit needs to stay regular, so it might be a good idea to give them other fruits like apples and bananas that are higher in fiber.
3. Acidic content
Rabbits can develop an upset stomach if you feed them oranges on an empty stomach. So, avoid feeding oranges to your rabbit before a meal or give it to them after they’ve eaten their regular food portion.
4. Upset Stomach
When fed citrus fruits like oranges, rabbits might experience some discomfort such as diarrhea and loss of appetite which is why they are not considered as staple food for rabbits.
5. Allergic Reaction
Rabbits might be allergic to oranges and show signs of dermatitis (a skin condition with inflamed, irritated skin) if they are. You can tell if your rabbit is allergic to oranges by observing their skin; if there’s any kind of change in skin color, skin texture, skin thickness or other skin anomaly, then your rabbit might be allergic to oranges.
Upon Further Review
Was the answer to your question about feeding rabbits orange? If not, don’t worry. We have all sorts of information on our blog for you to peruse. Comment below with any questions you may have and we’ll be happy to help!
