Can rabbits eat lemons? It is a question that doesn’t have a straightforward answer. According to vets, you should avoid feeding lemon to your rabbits, but it is not poisonous for them in smaller quantities.
For humans, lemons are nutritious and filled with vitamins and minerals. But for rabbits, this very treat loaded with citric acid becomes a problem for the stomach.
Lemon pulp is a construed part of the fruit, and the juice is loaded with citric acid, the same as pulp. Rabbits don’t like the sour taste of this drink.
Many pet parents add sugar to make it more bearable for rabbits. A bunny drinking citric acid loaded with sugar is a recipe that will keep them lethargic for almost a week.
Are Lemons Considered Toxic To Rabbits?
Rabbits do not go on a hunt to find and eat lemons. But they are opportunity eaters and will munch on anything they come by in their quest for adventure.
If your rabbits happen to eat lemon in a small amount, this is not a problem most of the time. There are no toxic elements in this food, but still, the presence of citric acid is enough to make your rabbit sick.
When they eat lemons, you will see the following symptoms in them:
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Withdrawing from food
- Constipation
- Weight loss
Are Lemons Safe For Rabbits?
Lemons are safe for rabbits, and according to experts, there is no poisonous ingredient in this food. Humans have been taking benefits from lemon for centuries, but things take a tricky turn for rabbits.
Lemon contains citric acid in ample quantity; this acid disrupts the balance of the sensitive digestive system of rabbits, and they fall ill.
Giving lemon to your rabbit in tiny quantities will not cause any problem. But lemon zest or pulp in a substantial amount will cause trouble.
If you don’t take care of the situation, the rabbit might die of extreme acidity, resulting in poisoning. Vets advise pet parents to keep lemons away from their rabbits.
Did You Know?
We have written many articles about what rabbits can eat. But did you know about this one? Can Rabbits Eat Green Peppers?
Can Baby Rabbits Eat Lemon?
No, you cannot give lemons to baby rabbits. Bunnies have a sensitive digestive system, and baby rabbits are more prone to citrus food.
If their digestive system has to process lemon, there will be excruciating pain and digestive issues. Babies cannot handle such pain and problems; that’s why death becomes imminent in days.
If you have baby rabbits, try to avoid using lemon in their presence or where they usually spend time.
There are many cases when baby rabbits nibble or chew unwarranted things and suffer severe digestive issues. Pet owners should remain cautious all the time and must keep all the citrus fruit away from the bunnies.
What Are The Risks When You Feed Lemons To Your Rabbit
Lemons offer a whole variety of benefits to humans, but it is not suitable for rabbits. You should avoid giving lemons to your rabbits for the following reasons:
1. Citric Acid Damages Their Digestive System
A small amount of citric acid is no potential hazard for your rabbit. But a substantial amount can disrupt the digestive system and affect GI health badly.
Your bunny will suffer from stomach aches and diarrhea or vomiting. It will lead to lethargy and weakness.
2. Seeds And Peel Are Potential Choking Hazard
A dry peel of a lemon or a seed is a potential choking hazard for bunnies. Even if they manage to swallow them, their intestine will not process and move them out of the system.
It will cause blockage and constipation. It is the most painful thing you can make your rabbit suffer from.
3. Lemon Zest Or Juice Can Cause Vomiting And Nausea
Lemon juice and zest are the most miraculous things for humans. The sensitive digestive system of rabbits cannot stand against zest or juice. The best move here is to keep lemon and its parts away from them at all costs.
Can Rabbits Eat Lemons?
Do not give lemon pulp or juice to your rabbit. Both things are not suitable for their health and quality of life. When you want to make lemonade around your rabbit, leave this idea at once and do it at some separate place.
Later you should remove all the shreds of evidence of this feat from the spot and dispose of every bit of lemon carefully to keep rabbits safe. If, by chance, rabbits eat lemon, offer them hay and water to remove the citrus fruit away from their digestive system.
