Can rabbits eat corn on the cob? As pet owners, people want to know about the foods they should feed their bunnies. The most frequently asked question is can rabbits eat corn on the cob? Although rabbits eat carrots, broccoli, watermelon, peas, beet, and beans, what about the corn on the cob?
Rabbits like to eat grasses, and corn is also a type of grass. For this reason, most people think that it would be a good treat for their bunnies.
But, it’s not the case. Rabbits are cute and delicate mammals. Their digestive system is not strong enough to digest corn. They cannot eat corn on the cob. Not at all!
A big NO to feeding corn on the cob to rabbits
Yes! You read it right. A big NO to the question, can rabbits eat corn on the cob? Rabbit’s alimentary canal is designed so that they can digest only soft fibrous food. The corn hulls are complex polysaccharides, and rabbits cannot digest these tough polysaccharides.
Although some rabbits eat corn, it stays in their stomach for a long time due to indigestion. As a result, bunnies get ill.
You might be curious to know more reasons why I said no to can rabbit eat corn on the cob?So, stay stick to the blog to enhance your knowledge about the topic.
- The corn hulls can cause wounds in the digestive system of your bunny. Consequently, it can get infections in the digestive system.
- There are a lot of chances that corn or corn cobs can stick in the gastrointestinal tract of rabbits. Thus, it can be life-threatening.
- Rabbits require food having low sugar content. Unlike it, corn is rich in sugar, making it an unfavourable treat for your bunny.
- Corn contains mycotoxins that are produced by a fungus. They can cause organ failure and the death of your pet.
What are the risks associated with corn?
Can rabbits eat corn on the cob? What are the risks associated? This is why we said no to your question: Can rabbits eat corn on the cob? Some of the nutritional risks associated with corn include;
1. Obesity
As aforementioned, corn has a high amount of sugar. By consuming it, your bunny can become obese. A study says that obese rabbits have more chances of getting diabetes.
2. Digestive issues
Apart from obstructions and wounds, corn can cause bloating, diarrhea, and gas in rabbits.
Did You Know?
We have written many articles about what rabbits can eat. But did you know about this one? Can Rabbits Eat Papaya?
3. Hinders the movement of food
Eating corn causes decreased digestive motility in rabbits. As a result, the rabbit’s cecum and intestinal tract shut down. This condition is medically known as cecal hypomotility.
Can rabbits eat corn in other forms?
Other common forms of corn are cooked corn, canned corn, baby corn, frozen corn, and popcorn. All these forms are not good for your cute little pet due to two reasons:
- First, cooking corn does not mean that the indigestible part is gone. It can still cause digestive issues.
- Second, rabbits do not like the taste of cooked food. Moreover, their intestinal microbiome is adapted to raw food. Consequently, imbalance occurs in their intestinal microflora
So, if your rabbit is a baby, juvenile, or adult, it doesn’t matter. The thing is that corn is not suitable food for them. Therefore, never put yourself and your lovely friend in suffering.
What if your rabbit accidentally eats corn?
Instinctively, rabbits are curious to bite everything that comes their way. What will they do if they accidentally come across corn and eat it? How will you cope with the situation if it gets worst? And what if, out of curiosity, the pet does over-eating?
Well, in such a situation, you need to remain composed. Don’t panic. Wait and observe for the symptoms of indigestion like gas, bloating, constipation, and unwillingness to eat anything. If any of the symptoms appear in your pet, rush immediately to a vet.
Why is “can rabbits eat corn on the cob?” a controversial question?
If the answer to this question is so simple, why are there so many controversies about it?
Many people say that rabbits can eat corn. However, it is true, but not in all cases. Only a few rabbits can eat corn without experiencing any adverse effects.
But, the majority of the cases have reported the opposite scenario. The harmful effects of consuming corn by rabbits have scientific validation.
Therefore, vets forbid the rabbit owners from feeding them corn. There is no need to put your pet’s life in danger if you have various other options to consider.
Final thoughts – Can rabbits eat corn on the cob?
Can rabbits eat corn on the cob? It is a controversial question, and the answer to it is no. Rabbits cannot eat corn because they cannot digest it.
Moreover, nutritional risks like obesity, bloating, gas, and cecal hypomotility can be fatal. In short, give grasses and fibrous food to your bunny to keep them healthy.
