Why
Watermelon is on rabbit treat lists. The House Rabbit Society includes melons of any type, PDSA lists melon among safe treats, and Pasadena Humane lists watermelon with the rind among safe fruits to be fed sparingly.
Watermelon combines two things a rabbit's gut handles best in small doses: sugar and a lot of water. Rabbit.org's vegetable guide notes that foods with a high water content can cause diarrhea and runny stools, and Rabbit.org's diet guide counts all fruit as a treat because of its sugar.
What to watch out for
- Large chunks, which can loosen the droppings
- Seeds, especially the black mature seeds
- Watermelon that has sat out in the heat and started to spoil
- Watermelon candy, juice and flavored drinks
- Overweight rabbits, which PDSA says should skip fruit treats
How to serve it
- Wash the outside of the melon before cutting.
- Cut a small cube of flesh and remove the seeds.
- Offer a thin strip of rind as an alternative to the sweet flesh.
- Serve the cube fresh and remove any uneaten pieces within a few hours.
How much?
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. Pasadena Humane suggests fruit about once a week in less than a tablespoon.
Watermelon rind
Pasadena Humane specifically lists watermelon with the rind among safe fruits for rabbits. The pale inner rind is less sweet than the red flesh, so a thin strip makes a lighter treat.
Watermelon rind should be washed well, since the outside of a melon is handled and stored on the ground. Remove any tough, waxy outer skin that a rabbit leaves behind.
Cantaloupe, honeydew and other melons
Other melons follow the same rules. The House Rabbit Society lists melons of any type as treats, and Pasadena Humane names cantaloupe and melon alongside watermelon.
Each melon counts toward the same small fruit allowance. A rabbit that had a cube of cantaloupe in the morning does not need watermelon in the evening.
Watermelon does not replace drinking water
Watermelon is mostly water, but a rabbit still needs a full water supply. The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that rabbits drink about 120 mL of water per kilogram of body weight a day, roughly twice as much as a dog or cat of the same size, and that rabbits drink significantly more from an open bowl than from a sipper bottle.
Fresh water should always be available. The RSPCA advises cleaning water containers daily and changing the water twice a day.
Common questions
Is watermelon good for rabbits?
Yes, as part of a hay-based diet. Watermelon is on rabbit treat lists. The House Rabbit Society includes melons of any type, PDSA lists melon among safe treats, and Pasadena Humane lists watermelon with the rind among safe fruits to be fed sparingly.
Is watermelon bad for rabbits?
Not in sensible amounts. The main thing to watch: large chunks, which can loosen the droppings.
Are rabbits allowed to have watermelon?
Yes. Wash the outside of the melon before cutting.
Can rabbits eat watermelon seeds?
Watermelon seeds are best removed. The RSPCA lists fruit seeds and pits among the foods rabbits should not eat.
Is watermelon a good way to keep a rabbit cool in summer?
Watermelon is not a cooling tool for rabbits. Keeping a rabbit cool depends on shade, ventilation and constant access to fresh water, and too much watery fruit can cause soft droppings.
Sources
- House Rabbit Society. Healthy Rabbit Diet.
- PDSA. Feeding Your Rabbits.
- Pasadena Humane. Rabbit Safe Vegetable and Fruit List.
- Rabbit.org. Best Vegetables for Rabbits: A Healthy Diet Guide (Paige K Parsons; adapted from WabbitWiki).
- Rabbit.org. Healthy Rabbit Diet Guide: Safe Foods & Treats (Paige K Parsons).
- RSPCA. What Do Rabbits Eat? Rabbit Diet Advice.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Nutrition of Rabbits (Joerg Mayer, DVM).
- 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.