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Can Rabbits Eat Green Apples? 9 Dangers & 7 Benefits (2023)

Can Rabbits Eat Green Apples

An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

That may be true for us humans as apples are very nutritious.

But if you feed your bunny a green apple…

Is it “An apple a day keeps the vet away,”

Or “An apple a day makes you call the vet right away?”

Keep reading to discover:

  • If you should feed your rabbit green apples.
  • 9 dangers of feeding your rabbit green apples.
  • How to safely give green apples to your bunny.
  • 7 amazing benefits of feeding your bunny some green apples.
  • And more…

Can rabbits eat green apples?

Rabbits can eat green apples. These are rich in antioxidants and fiber that are good for their health. However, apples have high sugar content. Moreover, apple seeds and stems are toxic for rabbits. But there are proper ways to give green apples to them.


9 dangers when feeding green apples to your rabbit


#1: This causes obesity

Research says that a rabbit’s balanced diet includes: 

  • Hay (80%).
  • Treats (5%).
  • Pellets (5%).
  • Vegetables (10%).

As you can see, treats are only a small part of a rabbit’s diet.

Now, examples of treats are starch or fruits such as:

  • Pear.
  • Apple.
  • Melon.
  • Peach.
  • Papaya.
  • Pineapple.
  • Blueberries.
  • Raspberries.
  • Strawberries.

Yes, those are considered treats. 

And that means you should only give them fruits in small amounts. Moreover, do so only once a day.

Why? 

You see, all fruits contain lots of sugar.

With that, the recommended amount of apple serving is:

2 tbsps per 6 lbs (2.72kg) rabbit’s body weight. 

That’s what you should give your bunnies only once a day.

“Is it better to feed them green apples for a lower calorie count?”

Well, green apples aren’t as sweet as red apples.

In fact, they’re sour and a bit bitter…

But they’re still high in sugar.

So what happens if you give bunnies too much apple?

If you feed your bunny too much, this will cause excessive weight gain.

Remember: An obese rabbit is an unhealthy rabbit.

Read also: 21 Human Foods Rabbit Can Eat Safely

Rabbits Can Be Allergic To Green Apples

#2: Rabbits can be allergic to other food

Rabbits can have allergies, too…

And although there haven’t been any recorded cases of rabbits allergic to green apples…

It won’t hurt to be cautious.

Your fur baby might end up being the 1st recorded case.

And you definitely wouldn’t like that.

So, when you give your bunny new food like green apples…

Observe your bunny over the next 24 hours. Look for abnormal stools or allergic reactions.

The abnormal stool will look like this:

  • Watery stool.
  • A string of pearls.
  • Very few droppings.
  • Soft squishy cecals.

While bunnies who are having allergic reactions may show:

  • Drooling.
  • Sneezing.
  • Red, watery eyes.
  • Constant face rubbing.
  • Clear discharge from the nose.

Watch out for all these signs to keep your rabbit safe.

If you see any, stop giving green apples to your bunny…

And, of course, call the veterinarian.

#3: Rabbits prefer sweet food

Kids aren’t the only ones who love candies…. 

Rabbits love sweets too. They naturally have sweet a tooth.

And we know that green apples are sugary.

So if rabbits are to choose…

They’ll eat the apple and ignore their regular food.

Because of that, owners give hay and vegetables before giving treats.

This will make sure that their bunnies finish the more important food…

And not eat the dessert first.

#4: Apple stems and seeds are toxic to animals

It’s safe for rabbits to eat the apple flesh, skin, twigs, and leaves…

But they can’t eat the stem and seed.

That’s because apple stems and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides. These are natural plant toxins that are harmful to your beloved bunny.

The toxins can trigger:

  • Nausea.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Convulsions.
  • Stomach upset.
  • Reduced heart rate.

Bunnies can’t smell the toxins from their food…

So you’re the one who has to be careful in feeding them.

When you give your bunny an apple…

Remove the core and slice it into chunks.

#5: Apples from stores are sprayed with chemicals

Supermarket apples aren’t the best apples to give your furry friends.

You’ll need to ask questions about the produce like:

“How fresh is the apple?

How was it grown?”

So, you’re not sure whether the apples are freshly picked and still highly nutritious. You also don’t know if it’s organic or sprayed with chemicals.

Now, apples can absorb chemicals from pesticides.

And when you give them to your bunny…

It can cause health problems.

Research confirms conditions leading to pesticide exposure, such as:

  • Cancer.
  • Infertility.
  • Congenital disabilities.
  • Weak immune system.

So, wherever your apples come from…

Wash them well before giving them to your bunny.

#6: The acidity of apples is bad for rabbit’s teeth

Green apples are acidic…

And the high acidity level of it can damage your rabbit’s teeth.

Moreover, studies show that acid can lead to holes in the tooth. 

The holes will cause your bunny to feel pain or have a tooth infection.

#7: Too much apple is bad for digestion

Too Much Apple Is Bad For Digestion

Rabbits have sensitive stomachs.

That’s why it’s important to follow this:

When you introduce a new food, give it gradually until they become used to it.

Also, if a rabbit consumes too much sugar…

It can cause digestive problems like simple enteritis.

And that condition’s caused by an imbalance of cecal flora in the rabbit’s stomach.

#8: It can contribute to kidney damage

Green apples are a rich source of vitamin C…

And that’s a type of vitamin that rabbits don’t really need to get. That’s because they can produce their own.

So, if they make Vitamin C and you give them more…

This will result in excessive amounts of that vitamin…

Which can cause kidney damage to your rabbits.

#9: Green apples aren’t for baby rabbits

Congratulations!

Your bunny just gave birth.

Now you’re the happiest bunny grandparent.

Just before you get too excited…

Remember that it’ll take 3-4 weeks before baby bunnies start to eat solids.

So hold off feeding your baby bunny some rabbit food like green apples…

Since green apples aren’t easy to digest.

Here’s a list of what you can feed a baby rabbit instead.


7 benefits when feeding green apples to your rabbit


#1: Apples are important for rabbit’s diet

Fresh food is an essential part of a rabbit’s diet.

This gives your rabbit the extra nutrients they need.

One suggested fresh food by House Rabbit Society is any kind of apple.

You can watch about other safe fruits for rabbits here:

#2: Fiber in apples helps improve gut health

Interesting fact: An apple’s skin contains more nutrients than flesh.

So don’t throw your peelings away. (pun intended)

The green apple’s skin is the healthiest part of the apple. It’s a good source of fiber.

And fiber is very good for your bunny’s digestive system.

#3: Green apples promote maximum growth

Green apples aren’t only filled with fiber. WebMD states that apples are also good sources of:

  • Iron.
  • Calcium.
  • Vitamin A.
  • Vitamin C.

These nutrients are all needed to maximize your bunny’s growth potential.

With that, they’ll have stronger bones and teeth…

And flexible, mighty muscles.

#4: Green apples are high in antioxidants

Hop…hop…

You love watching your bunny actively play. 

And when they’re energetic, it means they’re healthy.

Now, feeding them green apples can help keep them in good shape…

Because these fruits are packed with antioxidants.

The antioxidants fight off free radical damages and infections.

#5: Green apples are rich in phytochemicals

Studies show that green apples contain lots of phytochemicals.

“What are phytochemicals?”

These are compounds found in plants. They’re responsible for keeping the plants healthy.

And they can keep your bunnies healthy, as well.

When your bunny consumes these phytochemicals…

They won’t get sick easily…

Because their body systems are working properly.

#6: Green apples are great treats

As experts have recommended, apples are treats and not regular food.

So don’t just put the apple in the bunny’s feeding bowl.

You can hide the apple under the grass or hay.

This gives your rabbit a chance to explore. It’s like playtime for them…

So they’re sure to have fun.

Plus, this can be a mentally stimulating activity as well.

#7: Feeding bunnies green apples can be a great bonding moment

When you hand feed the green apple to your bunny…

This will give the 2 of you some bonding time.

As you watch your rabbit nibble from your hand…

You’ll have fun seeing their cuteness.

And as your bunny eats…

They will feel how much you love them.

How to safely feed green apples to your pet rabbit

Safely feed green apples to your pet rabbit in small amounts. Green apples are very nutritious but high in sugar. You should also remove seeds and stems because they’re harmful to your bunny’s health.

Why won’t my rabbit eat green apples?

Your rabbit won’t eat green apples because it doesn’t like the taste. Green apple is a bit sour and bitter, unlike red apples. Introduce this food gradually.