Can Rabbits Eat Sweet Potatoes?

When you give sweet potatoes to rabbits, they might gobble and eat all of them up in minutes. It’s evident that they like them. However, is it safe for them to eat sweet potatoes. Let’s find out more from this post.

So can rabbits eat sweet potatoes? Yes, rabbits can eat sweet potatoes but in moderation. Sweet potatoes are an ideal source of nutrients with health benefits for humans, but that may not be the case for your bunny. Your rabbit’s digestive system is adapted to digest foods with low calories like hay or veggies. In this case, potatoes being high in starch and sugar may not augur well with your rabbit. 

Are Sweet Potatoes Good For Your Rabbit?

Sweet potatoes are very healthy. Look at the nutrients available in sweet potatoes: Vitamin A, B, and C, manganese, potassium, and fiber. The deal looks good but for humans, not for rabbits.

The above nutrients are great when you add them to your pet’s diet but not from sweet potatoes, preferably leafy greens.

Next time you go shopping for your rabbit, consider other snacks other than sweet potatoes, and this is the reason:

Foods rich in starch and a lot of sugar may temper with balance in the rabbit’s caecum, leading to complications like the build-up of gas that rabbits do not efficiently excrete.

You can also term sweet potatoes as junk for your rabbit, which is definitely unhealthy and sometimes can cause complications like G.I stasis. This is a severe condition that causes malfunctioning of your rabbit’s digestive system. You wouldn’t want this for your pet, right?

Then don’t treat your rabbit with the same treatment for your child; humans have different digestive systems to rabbits, and what works for us may not be the case in rabbits.

Here are thoughtful advice for you, pellets, hay, and high-quality leafy greens are the best treats for your pet; you will thank me later for this advice. If you must do sweet potatoes, a tiny number once in a while won’t hurt.

How Often Can A Rabbit Eat Sweet Potatoes?

You can’t miss this question about rabbits’ diet. And lucky enough, your answers are right here. You should not give your rabbits sweet potatoes.

If your love for bunnies is so immense, don’t risk their health with unhealthy snacks like sweet potatoes.

There is an appropriate alternative diet for your rabbits, and that’s why we recommend that you go for that other than sweet potatoes.

What If My Rabbit Likes Eating Sweet Potatoes?

Here is the meeting point of humans’ testing pads and the rabbits. We like sweet things regardless of their nutritional value. Same with rabbits, if you give them a small treat of sweet potatoes, they will gobble them, and in no time, they will be asking for more. If your rabbit gets to your sack of potatoes by chance, it won’t be a lucky day for your potatoes; unless you come to their rescue, you won’t find any evidence that there was a whole sack of potatoes.

You are fortunate because sweet potatoes aren’t toxic to rabbits only if they excessively consume them. Stomach upset is common if your bunnies eat sweet potatoes, but if you recently fed them, there is no need to worry.

Can Sweet Potatoes Make Your Rabbit Sick?

Yes, sweet potatoes are potentially hazardous to your bunnies regardless of the amount; G.I stasis is likely to ensue when you expose your bunnies to sweet potatoes.

Although the G.I stasis may not recur, your rabbits may experience total pain when expelling the gas, causing digestive distress that will pose a lot of danger to your bunnies.

If your rabbit is slow in gaining weight, feeding it sweet potatoes could be a game-changer but make sure that it is under your vet’s advice.

Otherwise, sweet potatoes are also used in training your bunnies.

Explore healthy alternatives for your pet so that you enjoy their well-being. Always follow instructions from your veterinarian to be safe.

How To Introduce Sweet Potatoes To Rabbits?

Despite numerous warnings, sometimes curiosity overpowers caution, and you would want to try the odds. If you must feed your lovely bunnies with sweet potatoes, then be kind enough to start with small portions and observe if they will digest well or even like them.

Within a couple of days, inspect for any alarming signs like stomach upsets or distress. Here are some of the signs that are likely to occur; coughing, wheezing, slow or rapid heart rate, and funny poop are a pointer that all is not well.

If you note the above signs, promptly contact your vet before things get out of hand.

Can Rabbits Have Sweet Potato Leaves And Vines?

For many gardeners like you, trying out sweet potato vines and leaves can be adventurous. You could find it lovely to have delicious healthy potato vines and leaves at your disposal.

Anyhow, a small treat to your bunnies with these vines and leaves is acceptable.

However, not various vines and leaves will work; get the proper diet for your rabbits always.

P/S Only sweet potato vines and leaves are the only ones permitted for your rabbits. Avoid all other regular vines and leaves because they are not a good choice.

What Are Other Healthy Alternatives To Sweet Potatoes In A Rabbit’s Diet?

It is a lovely thing for you and your bunny to find out that not only sweet potatoes have what your rabbit needs. Delicious fruits, herbs, and veggies are richly available, and they offer a perfectly healthy diet for your rabbits.

Here are some of the favorites that you can consider:

• Spinach
• Arugula
• Kale
• Escarole
• Carrot
• Blueberries
• Carrot tops
• Cucumber
• Raspberries
• Blueberries
• Bibb lettuce
• Tomato
• Pumpkin
• Winter squash
• Celery
• Bell pepper
• Zucchini
• Summer Squash
• Broccoli
• Cilantro
• Dandelion
• Watercress

Anything on the list above will make a perfect treat for your bunny. However, the list is endless, but we have given you a sure bet.

If you thought you had no option for your bunnies after discovering that sweet potatoes are not recommended, there you go. The list does not only contain perfect treats but also certified options for your rabbits.

There’s one more thing your rabbit needs for good health.

Did you know that rabbits’ teeth grow limitless? In the wild, rabbits tame the growth of their teeth by grinding tough and fibrous plants. Since your bunnies are so dear to you and can get access to such plants because they live in a buffet, it is your responsibility to provide them with safe, chewable stuff like untreated softwood sticks, hay cubes, and unbleached loofah.

Such toys keep your rabbit’s teeth at the right length and keep them busy by driving away boredom and promoting the excellent mental health that your pet needs.

Are Sweet Potatoes Safe For Rabbits?

No-Starch and sugar contained in sweet potatoes are a significant threat to your bunny’s digestive system. If you can avoid sweet potatoes for your bunnies, the better.

From this article, you are well-advised on the issue of rabbits and sweet potatoes. You know your bunnies deserve better, put into consideration the advice we have freely offered to you, and you will not regret it. Always get the proper diet for your bunnies and if you are not sure, contact your veterinary for a clear guide. Time is always right to do what is right.