When you are munching on this healthy snack, asking the question; Can rabbits eat almonds? is almost inevitable. Rabbits cannot eat almonds, but if you want to know why, you will have to understand the relation between their sensitive digestive system and almonds.
Almonds are rich in fat and proteins. This abundant supply is not safe for your rabbit to eat since it will cause obesity and digestive issues.
If you want to ask, what types of almonds are poisonous? Can rabbits eat almonds without getting fat? What are the harms of feeding your rabbit almonds? You have come to the right place. Read along and know the answers.
Are Almonds Safe For Rabbits?
Almonds are a healthy snack loaded with fat and protein and offer great nutritional value to humans. These nutty treats are an essential part of different foods.
Can Rabbits Eat Almonds? But rabbits cannot enjoy this treat the way we humans do. Bunnies have a different digestive system than humans, and they cannot process foods the way we do.
Rabbits need a low carbohydrate diet with less sugar and fat. But the almonds are the opposite of this requirement. They are solid and difficult to chew, even for rabbits, and they could be a potential choking hazard, especially for the quick eaters.
The following constituents of almonds make it a big no for your bunnies:
- High fat
- Less fiber
- Readily available carbs
- Rich in sugar
- Cyanide in bitter almonds
Why Can Rabbits not Eat Almonds?
Can Rabbits Eat Almonds? Rabbits can eat almonds, and if they can, that doesn’t mean they should. Rabbits need high fiber and low fat in their diet.
Their digestive system has evolved in processing vegetation more efficiently than other foods. On the other hand, almonds are 50% fat and rich in carbohydrates.
Their digestive system needs to keep moving the food forward, and fiber helps in this process. Rabbits can suffer from GI stasis when there are almonds in this system.
It will result in constipation, and your bunny will stop eating food. Even if everything stays well and you still give them low quantity, there is a risk of obesity and decreased immunity.
Did You Know?
We have written many articles about what rabbits can eat. But did you know about this one? Can Rabbits Eat Dill?
Risks Of Feeding Almonds To Your Rabbits
When rabbits munch on almonds, their digestive system has to do the uphill task of digesting excessive fat. The cecum of rabbits will have to increase the number of unhealthy bacteria to digest this high-fat content. This same imbalance will make them suffer from the following problems.
1. Fatty liver disease
Hepatic Lipidosis is a liver disease of rabbits. Your bunnies only need less than 4% fat in their diet. On the other hand rich in fat almonds regularly will make them suffer from this disease.
The following signs will help you identify this disease in your almond eating rabbit:
- Sudden anorexia
- Gradual loss of appetite
- Dehydration
- Lethargy
- Depression
- Decrease in the amount of feces
2. Diarrhea
The most common issue that rabbits of all sizes and breeds suffer is diarrhea. When you feed high-fat food, their system has to increase acid and bacteria levels to digest it. This acidity and increased bacteria level will make your rabbit suffer abdominal pain and diarrhea.
3. Poisoning
When you feed bitter almonds to your rabbit, there are high chances of cyanide. The amount of cyanide responsible for poisoning is higher for humans, but comparatively, it is pretty low for rabbits. The signs and symptoms of digestive poisoning in rabbits are:
- Intestinal inflammation
- Low body temperature
- Continuous high body temperature
- Low or no appetite
- Lethargy
- Depression
4. GI Stasis
Gastrointestinal stasis is the result of a low fiber diet. The rabbit will suffer from painful gas and imbalance in healthy bacteria.
This gas and imbalance, if not treated, could lead to a painful death. Even if you save your rabbit’s life, there could be some other chronic digestive issues that can haunt the rabbit for the rest of her life.
What To Do If Rabbit Ate Almonds Accidently?
Rabbits should not be allowed to munch on this treat. But if they have nibbled on some by accident, the best thing you can do is offer them more hay and fibrous food.
The high fiber in their diet will move almonds and high fat out of their digestive system, and they will be safe from the harmful effects.
Can Rabbits Eat Almonds In Small Quantity?
According to vets and experts, you shouldn’t give almonds to your bunnies since this food is not meant for them. The bitter almond is a big no for the rabbits since it contains cyanide.
Sweet almonds are not poisonous for your rabbits, but this treat will bring them no good. Digestive issues, obesity, or withdrawal from food are just the beginning if you don’t stop feeding them almonds.
