Can Rabbits Eat Pomegranate? Is it Safe for Rabbits?

Many people think that fruits are an important part of a rabbit’s diet just like humans. Well, things are different. Rabbits do not require any fruits to be healthy and fit. The diet of hay or grass satisfies most of the nutrient needs of a bunny. Fruits are given as a treat so that your rabbit doesn’t get bored by eating the same meal day after another. Some fruits can even have an adverse effect on your little furball. So, you may wonder sometimes: can rabbits eat pomegranate? Can it be a part of your rabbit’s diet?

Well, rabbits can eat a pomegranate, but not as a part of their daily diet. You can feed your rabbit pomegranate in moderation on an occasional basis. The fruit has high sugar as well as phosphorus content that can have negative effects on your little bun’s health.

So, to learn about the effects of eating pomegranate on rabbits, continue reading this article.

All you Need To Know About Pomegranates And Rabbits

Pomegranate is a juicy fruit that you can find during the months of October to February and March to May in the Northern and Southern hemispheres respectively. The nutritional value per 100g of pomegranate is:

Energy346 kJ (83 kcal)
Carbohydrates18.7 g
Sugars13.67 g
Dietary fiber4 g
Fat1.17 g
Protein1.67 g
Thiamine (B1)(6%)0.067 mg
Riboflavin (B2)(4%)0.053 mg
Niacin (B3)(2%)0.293 mg
Pantothenic acid (B5)(8%) 0.377 mg
Vitamin B6(6%)0.075 mg
Folate (B9)(10%)38 μg
Vitamin C(12%)10.2 mg
Vitamin E(4%)0.6 mg
Vitamin K(16%)16.4 μg
Calcium(1%) 10 mg
Iron(2%) 0.3 mg
Magnesium(3%) 12 mg
Manganese(6%) 0.119 mg
Phosphorus(5%) 36 mg
Potassium(5%) 236 mg
Sodium(0%) 3 mg
Zinc(4%) 0.35 mg

This fruit is considered a powerful antioxidant and has an appropriate amount of Vitamin C. The vitamins and mineral present in it makes it one of the well-known human medicine for thousands of years. The fruit has some healing properties and is also considered suitable for relieving inflammation. It works as a good supplement for people suffering from arthritis and even provides immune support too.

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But, unfortunately, pomegranate does not offer the same positive effects for rabbits, as for humans. Ingredients like high levels of sugar, phosphorus, a bit of acid, some fat, calcium, and fiber, present in pomegranate are difficult to digest by a rabbit’s delicate stomach. Hence, only a small quantity of this fruit should be given as a treat, not more than twice a week, to your rabbit. Eating too much of it can cause various health problems such as digestive issues, constipation, stomach ache, etc. Therefore, pomegranate is not recommended to be a part of rabbit’s daily diet.

Health Hazards Of Overfeeding Pomegranate To Your Rabbit

Obesity

Sugar is something that should not be fed to rabbits as it is difficult to digest for them. Pomegranate has high sugar content in it which can increase the calorie intake of rabbits. This can get the rabbit prone to obesity and your pet can put on unnecessary extra weight.

In the case of rabbits, they are unable to burn calories quickly. That’s why you need to take care and manage your rabbit’s sugar and calorie intake. Make sure it doesn’t gain unwanted weight and remain fit and healthy.

Digestive Issues

The high sugar levels in pomegranate along with a bit of acidic content can disturb the functioning of the rabbit’s delicate digestive system. Feeding more than a small amount of pomegranate can result in stomach aches. This ache can further lead to diarrhea and loose stools. High sugar in the stomach can also induce the growth of bacteria which can cause more complexities in the stomach.

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No Requirement of Vitamin C and B Complex

Rabbits do not require vitamins from the food as their body produces them naturally. So, if you feed food rich in vitamins, like pomegranate, to your bun, then its body is unable to absorb them. Excess of Vitamin C can lead to some kidney issues. So, avoid serving a large amount of pomegranate to rabbits daily.

Too much Calcium can be fatal

Yes, it right that a rabbit’s body requires food rich in calcium. But, the requirement of calcium in their body is limited. Consumption of too much calcium (like in pomegranate) can make the rabbit suffer from a condition known as Bladder Sludge. So, make sure you do not feed pomegranate to rabbits on a daily basis.

Can Rabbits Eat Pomegranate Rind?

We do not consider it a good idea to feed pomegranate rind to your rabbit. It is difficult to eat the rind and it tastes somewhat vile.

Rabbits do get bored of eating the same food daily and want something new. But, the new treat must taste good and they are partial towards sweet and tasty food. Rabbits may like a pomegranate because of its juicy and sweet taste, but the story with the rind is totally different. The white membrane and rind surrounding the fruit do not taste similar to the main flesh of pomegranate. It tastes bitter and is acidic too. We don’t think your rabbit will entertain such food. There are many fruits that rabbits like but pomegranate rind doesn’t seem to fit the bill.

Can Rabbits Eat Pomegranate Seeds?

No, it is not preferable to feed your rabbit pomegranate seeds in large quantities as they can be toxic to your little bunny. We all know that pomegranate seeds are almost inseparable from the main fruit as they are very much ingrained in the flesh. Therefore, you should give only a small amount of this fruit to your bunny because too much intake of seeds can be hazardous for the little bun. A small amount may not affect your rabbit, but an excess of it can have adverse effects. Also, pomegranate seeds do not have any nutritional value, so why take the risk. It is better to keep these out of your little pal’s diet.

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Can Rabbits Eat Pomegranate Leaves?

Pomegranate leaves are completely safe for rabbits to eat. However, some rabbits like the taste of it while others don’t. It is a matter of trial and error. But, if your rabbit loves the taste of them, then there is no need for you to restrict your pet. Pomegranate leaves are the safest part of this fruit for rabbits. They do not contain anything toxic and offer good nutritional value too.

Pomegranate leaves are known to help in the weight loss regime. So, if your rabbit has put on some pounds and is not exercising enough to burn off the unwanted calories, then you can try feeding your rabbit pomegranate leaves.

Can Rabbits Drink Pomegranate Juice?

It is not considered ideal to feed pomegranate juice to rabbits. Commercially sold pomegranate juice is only meant for human consumption. They add some extra ingredients to it, particularly sugar, which is not suitable for rabbit’s health.

When it comes to liquid, you should only provide fresh and clean drinking water to your rabbit and nothing more than that. Adding pomegranate juice to the diet of your bunny will do no good. It will not at all contribute to your bun’s health and will negatively affect its overall wellbeing.

Final Words

After reading this article, I hope that you got the answer to the question: can rabbits eat pomegranate? Pomegranate can only be fed as a treat to your rabbit not more than twice a week and that too in moderation. It does not offer many benefits, but excess of it can have many adverse effects on your rabbit’s health. High sugar content, phosphorus, carbs, and many other nutrients present in pomegranate can make your rabbit suffer from obesity, digestive issues, bladder sludge, etc. So, feed pomegranate to your rabbit by practicing moderation and stick to the regular hay or grass diet to keep your little furball healthy.