Why
Apples appear on the treat lists of the House Rabbit Society, the RSPCA, PDSA and Pasadena Humane. The House Rabbit Society lists any variety of apple, without the stem and seeds, and PDSA gives one eighth of an apple as an example of a small, occasional portion.
Apple seeds are the part to remove. PDSA and the RSPCA both describe apple pips as poisonous to rabbits, and the Merck Veterinary Manual lists apple seeds among the plants and foods that are toxic to rabbits and should not be fed.
Apple is still sugary fruit. Rabbit.org's diet guide counts all fruit as a treat because of its high sugar content and keeps fruit and treats together under 5 percent of the diet.
What to watch out for
- Seeds, which are poisonous to rabbits
- The core and stem, which hold seeds and are hard to chew
- Large slices or daily apple, which add sugar
- Apple sauce, apple pie and juice, which add sugar or other ingredients
- Dried apple chips, which are far more concentrated than fresh apple
How to serve it
- Wash the apple well and leave the skin on.
- Cut out the core and remove every seed.
- Cut a thin slice into small pieces.
- Offer the pieces as a treat or reward, separate from the daily greens.
- Watch the droppings the first time, and stop if they turn soft.
How much?
PDSA gives one eighth of an apple as an example of a small portion for an occasional treat. The House Rabbit Society suggests no more than about 1 teaspoon of fresh fruit per 2 pounds (about 1 kg) of body weight per day, and Rabbit.org recommends fruit only once or twice a week.
Why apple seeds must come out
Apple seeds are on the do-not-feed lists. The Merck Veterinary Manual places apple seeds in its table of plants and foods that are toxic to rabbits, and PDSA and the RSPCA both warn that apple pips are poisonous.
Seeds are easy to miss once an apple is chopped. Cutting the core out first, then slicing, keeps stray pips out of the bowl. The RSPCA gives the same advice for other fruit, listing fruit seeds and pits among foods rabbits should not eat.
Apple twigs and leaves as chews
Apple wood is a classic rabbit chew. PDSA lists apple leaves and twigs among safe plants to forage for rabbits, and Rabbit.org suggests apple sticks as edible toys that keep a rabbit busy for far longer than a treat.
Branches should come from trees that have not been sprayed. PDSA advises avoiding anything that may have been treated with weed killer or pesticides.
Apple juice, sauce and dried apple
Apple products are not the same as a slice of fresh apple. Rabbit.org notes that dried fruit is about three times as concentrated as fresh, and that rabbits should never have treats with added sugar.
Apple sauce, apple pie and apple juice also bring sugar, and sometimes spices or pastry. The RSPCA lists processed foods and sugary human foods among the things to keep away from rabbits.
Common questions
Are apples good for rabbits?
Yes, as part of a hay-based diet. Apples appear on the treat lists of the House Rabbit Society, the RSPCA, PDSA and Pasadena Humane. The House Rabbit Society lists any variety of apple, without the stem and seeds, and PDSA gives one eighth of an apple as an example of a small, occasional portion.
Are apples bad for rabbits?
Not in sensible amounts. The main thing to watch: seeds, which are poisonous to rabbits.
Are rabbits allowed to have apples?
Yes. Wash the apple well and leave the skin on.
Can rabbits eat apple skin?
Apple skin is fine for rabbits. The House Rabbit Society says leaving the skin on fruit is usually more nutritious, as long as the fruit is washed thoroughly.
My rabbit ate an apple seed. What should I do?
A rabbit that ate apple seeds should be checked with a vet, who can advise based on how many were eaten and the rabbit's size. Rabbits cannot vomit, so there is no safe way to bring the seeds back up at home. Note roughly how many seeds were eaten and when.
Sources
- House Rabbit Society. Healthy Rabbit Diet.
- PDSA. Feeding Your Rabbits.
- RSPCA. What Do Rabbits Eat? Rabbit Diet Advice.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Diet for Rabbits (Laurie Hess, DVM, DABVP).
- Rabbit.org. Poisonous Plants (compiled by the University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences).
- Rabbit.org. Healthy Rabbit Diet Guide: Safe Foods & Treats (Paige K Parsons).
- Rabbit.org. Treat Your Bunny Right (Amy Ramnaraine).
- House Rabbit Society. Healthy Rabbit Diet.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Disorders and Diseases of Rabbits.
If your rabbit has eaten something harmful, or stops eating or passing droppings, contact a veterinarian who treats rabbits right away, even if your rabbit seems fine. Rabbits cannot vomit, so do not try to make your rabbit throw up.