Feeding Weetabix to Rabbits: What You Need to Know

If you’re looking for a healthy, high-energy food to feed your pet rabbits, you might want to try weetabix. Weetabix is a cereal made from wheat that is popular in the United Kingdom. It is high in fiber, protein and minerals, and it has a low glycemic index. This means that it does not cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels like some other breakfast cereals do. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about feeding weetabix to rabbits, including whether or not it is safe and how much they should eat.

6 good substitutes for weetabix

If your rabbit is allergic to wheat or you would just rather give him or her a different treat, there are several other options that are still healthy.

1.  Raisins

If your rabbit is craving something sweet, then raisins are a great substitute for weetabix. Just make sure that the raisins are unsweetened, which you can find at most grocery stores.

2.  Cheerios

Cheerios contain gluten, but they are relatively low in sugar and high in fiber. You can feed them to your rabbit dry or mix them with his or her favorite wet food for added flavor.

 3.  Seeds and Nuts

Sunflower seeds, peanuts and pistachios are all safe for rabbits to eat as long as they are unsalted. You can feed your bunnies these treats in small portions.

4.  Green Beans

Many pet owners use green beans to keep their rabbits busy, but they are also low in sugar and high in fiber.

5.  Pineapple Slices

Feeding your rabbits pineapple may sound unusual, but the fruit is actually healthy for them. It contains an enzyme called bromelain that can help with indigestion and is rich in vitamin C. You can feed it to your pets in small portions.

6.  Baby Carrots

Carrots are a great rabbit treat because they are high in fiber and low in sugar, making them a healthy alternative to weetabix if your pet is not allergic to wheat. You should always remove the carrot tops before feeding them to your rabbit.

4 steps to prepare weetabix for rabbits.

1.  Break the Weetabix in Half

This is an easy step that most people forget about when starting to feed their bunnies weetabix, but it is important because it makes your pet work harder for his or her food.

2.  Add Warm Water to the Weetabix

Adding warm water will make your pet’s food extra soft, which is good for older rabbits or those that are sick. If you don’t have time to wait for it to soak, then you can try microwaving the cereal in a bowl of water instead. Just use a very small amount of water, and make sure that the bowl doesn’t touch any part of the microwave. You can also place your pet’s weetabix in a blender for this step.

3.  Let it Sit

Once you pack your pet rabbit’s favorite foods with his or her weetabix (such as yogurt, applesauce or pumpkin purée), then you should let it soak for at least five minutes. This makes the cereal even softer and easier to eat.

4.  Use Wet Food as a Topping

If your rabbit seems too hungry after eating his or her cereal, then you can always try adding some wet food on top. For example, you can mix some pumpkin purée with your pet’s cereal to give him or her extra nutrients.

6 health benefits of weetabix for rabbits.

1.  Low in Sugar

Since weetabix is low in sugar, it’s a great treat for diabetic rabbits because it won’t affect their glucose levels. This also makes it a good choice for overweight bunnies that need to lose weight.

2.  High in Fiber

Weetabix is high in fiber, which can help rabbits who are constipated or have other digestive problems. It also helps them stay full longer because it’s high in bulky fibers that take up a lot of space inside the stomach.

3.  High in Vitamin B1

Rabbits need to get vitamin B1 from their diet because they can’t produce it on their own. Weetabix is rich in vitamin B1, so it’s a great treat for sick rabbits who need an extra boost of energy.

4.  Prevents Pancreatitis

Weetabix can help prevent your rabbit from developing pancreatitis because it can reduce the risk of obesity and diabetes, which are two risk factors for the disease.

5.  Prevents Bladder Stones and Increases Water Intake

Weetabix contains a lot of water (about 12 percent), which means that it can help your pet stay hydrated and prevent bladder stones from forming. The cereal also contains calcium, which is important for rabbits’ bone health.

6.  Prevents Hairballs and Promotes Oral Health

Rabbits groom themselves, but they can’t cough up hairballs like cats do. Weetabix helps prevent your pet from swallowing fur by sticking to the loose hairs in his or her stomach and forming a gel when it mixes with saliva. The cereal is also high in calcium, which is needed for strong teeth and bones.

7 possible concerns when feeding weetabix to rabbits.

1.  Dietary Allergies

If your rabbit has a food allergy or sensitivity, then he or she may have digestive problems after eating weetabix . Wheat allergies are common in rabbits, so if your pet has a reaction after eating cereal, then you should take him or her to the vet for testing.

2.  Weetabix Interferes with Oral Health

Rabbits need to chew on hay and leafy greens because it keeps their teeth worn down properly. Weetabix can get stuck in the teeth and lead to additional problems like dental disease, infections and inflammation.

3.  Weetabix Causes Diarrhea

If your rabbit gets loose stools after eating weetabix, then you may need to switch him or her back to a pellet-based diet. Some rabbits seem to get diarrhea from eating too much fiber, but it could also be a sign that the diet is unbalanced.

4.  Weetabix Can Cause Constipation

If your rabbit eats too much weetabix at once, then he or she may develop constipation because high-fiber foods can’t move easily through their digestive system.

5.  Weetabix Can Cause Tooth Decay

If rabbits don’t chew on their cereal, then it could get stuck between the teeth and lead to tooth decay. That’s why you should always serve your pet rabbit’s weetabix with hay or other fiber-rich foods that he or she needs to eat while eating the cereal.

6.  Weetabix Can Make Rabbits Fat

Since weetabix is high in fiber but low in calories, it’s possible that rabbits can gain weight if they eat too much of it or don’t get enough exercise. They need to eat a balanced diet that includes fresh leafy greens and other vegetables, high-quality hay and healthy commercial pellets that are low in fat.

4 signs pet rabbits are sick from feeding weetabix.

1.  Weight Loss

If your rabbit stops eating his or her usual portion of fresh fruits, vegetables and leafy greens but continues to eat pieces of weetabix, then it may be a sign that he or she isn’t feeling well. The rabbit’s diet should include all the nutrients that he or she needs to stay healthy and fight off infections, so you might need to take him or her to the vet for testing.

2.  Painful Gums

Rabbits may not show obvious signs of pain, but you might notice that they have swollen or painful gums if they’ve been chewing on weetabix all day.

3.  Poor Appetite

If your rabbit doesn’t want to eat his or her usual fresh fruits and vegetables, then he or she may need to see a vet for testing. Switching back to a commercial pellet-based diet might help, but it’s best to talk with a vet or an animal nutritionist first.

4.  Nausea and Vomiting

Rabbits may swallow large pieces of weetabix whole, which could lead to intestinal blockage if the cereal eats too much at once. If your rabbit has persistent nausea or vomits, then this may be a sign of serious problems.

6 tips before giving weetabix to rabbits.

1.  Weetabix is Not a Pellet-Based Diet!

A bowl of weetabix for breakfast might seem like an interesting idea, but it shouldn’t replace your rabbit’s regular pellet-based diet. Instead, you can mix in a small piece of weetabix to encourage him or her to eat fresh vegetables and hay along with the cereal.

2.  Weetabix Should Supplement Hay and Fresh Vegetables!

Rabbits need at least 2-3 cups of fresh leafy greens and a small pile of hay every day, in addition to his or her regular commercial pellets.

3.  Give Weetabix with Hay

Since weetabix is made from wheat and barley, it’s best to give your pet bunny his or her cereal alongside a pile of hay. This will help the rabbit chew on his or her food properly throughout the day, which can help prevent dental disease.

4.  Limit Weetabix to 1-2 Pieces per Week!

You shouldn’t make weetabix a daily part of your bunny’s diet because it lacks important nutrients and could lead to obesity and nutritional imbalances.

5.  Watch for Weight Gain and Tooth Decay!

If your bunny gains weight or develops tooth decay after eating weetabix, then he or she may need to stop eating it altogether. You can always try mixing in a small amount with fresh vegetables and hay to encourage him or her to eat more healthy foods.

6.  Take Your Rabbit to the Vet if You’re Concerned!

If you’re concerned that your rabbit may be sick from eating weetabix, then take him or her to a veterinarian for testing and treatment as soon as possible. Don’t wait until all the symptoms of illness appear because this can make diagnosing and treating the underlying problem more difficult.

To Sum Things Up

We hope this article has been informative and that the information we provided will help you make a decision about feeding your rabbits Weetabix. If not, please let us know in the comments below!