No, rabbits shouldn’t eat bread. It doesn’t have any nutritional value for rabbits, but as a starchy carbohydrate, it could cause health issues for your rabbit. This goes for any type of bread (baguette, loaf, buns, or any other type of bread variation you can imagine).
Why Rabbits Can’t Eat Bread
Bread doesn’t have any good, beneficial nutrients for your rabbit. It is, however, a low fiber, high carbohydrate food.
- The combination of carbs with no fiber can be dangerous for rabbits. Without fiber, any food you rabbit eats will move too slowly and sometimes stop in their gut. This is known as gastrointestinal stasis and can be fatal for rabbits. Your rabbit would end up with stomach pain, gas, and bloating. If your rabbit shows signs of this, get them to a vet ASAP.
- Bread also has a high number of calories. Pet rabbits don’t need as much food as their wild brethren, since they aren’t as active and get food regularly given to them. This means that they’ll keep eating, but the result will be weight gain.
- Another problem with bread is how sugary it is. Too much sugar can lead to several issues for your rabbit: dental problems, obesity, and craving sugar over their normal food.
What If My Rabbit Eats Bread?
If your rabbit eats some bread, don’t panic as it isn’t toxic. The first thing you need to do is remove the bread from them. After that, just give your rabbit hay and water to keep them hydrated and their digestion moving.
You’ll then need to monitor them for the next 24 hours. Keep an especially close eye on if they’re eating and drinking normally, and their stools. If they have diarrhea or any behaviour that’s out of character, get in touch with a vet ASAP.
What Should Rabbits Eat?
Rabbits should eat a specific diet to get all the nutrients that they require. The largest part of their diet is made up of hay. Fiber is crucial for rabbits to aid in their digestion. Your rabbit needs unlimited hay.
As well as hay, your rabbit needs two portions of fresh vegetables every day. To get a range of vitamins and minerals, vary the types of vegetables that your rabbit eats. Examples of suitable vegetables that your rabbit can eat are:
- Kale
- Spinach
- Rocket
- Romaine lettuce
- Cabbage
- And more!
These are just a handful of examples of rabbit-friendly food. You can research other foods online and broaden your rabbit’s diet.
If you’re introducing a new food, make sure you introduce it gradually and be extra vigilant to any health issues that may indicate a problem with what your rabbit is eating.
The last part that makes up your rabbit’s food is store-bought pellets and treats. Treats are usually given two to three times per week, and pellets are around a handful worth every day.
Always make sure your rabbit has access to clean water to stay hydrated.