Can Rabbits Eat Cantaloupe?

Yes, rabbits can eat cantaloupe. As a form of melon, this juicy treat can be given to your rabbit up to two times a week. Cantaloupe is packed full of beneficial nutrients. You need to make sure that you only give your rabbit one tablespoon per every two pounds that your rabbit weighs though.

Which Parts of Cantaloupe Can Rabbits Eat?

Except for the seeds, all parts of the cantaloupe plant and fruit are safe to eat.

Can Rabbits Eat Cantaloupe Seeds?

No, rabbits can’t eat cantaloupe seeds. You need to remove all the seeds because they create a choking risk and can cause internal blockages. Generally, all seeds should be avoided for this reason.

Can Rabbits Eat Cantaloupe Rind?

Yes, rabbits can eat cantaloupe rind. They are full of fiber and have a crunchy texture that rabbits love to chew on, but they also have a high sugar content so make sure you don’t overfeed them.

Can Rabbits Eat Cantaloupe Leaves?

Yes, rabbits can eat cantaloupe leaves. The whole cantaloupe plant, including the flowers, is safe for rabbits to eat. You should stick to one cup of leaves for every two pounds your rabbit weighs. Just make sure the leaves aren’t wilted and wash any pesticides off.

Health Benefits of Rabbits Eating Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe is a fruit that’s packed full of nutrients:

High in vitamins: Especially vitamins A, B, and C. These contribute towards your rabbit’s vision, skin, teeth, bones, and more.
Lots of minerals: Like potassium, folate, and phosphorus. These help build bones, boost their immune system and reproduction amongst other things.
Beta-carotene: Very high level of beta-carotenes massively boosts your rabbit’s overall health.
Rich in antioxidants: Protecting your rabbit’s body by removing free radicals, which helps cells avoid damage.
Hydration: Made up of about 90% water, cantaloupes are great to keep your rabbit hydrated. They’re especially good in the warmer months.

Risks of Rabbits Eating Cantaloupe

The reason why you need to limit the amount of cantaloupe your rabbit can eat and why it’s a treat is because of the risks of eating it.

It has super high sugar content. Consuming too much sugar can lead to digestion issues, obesity, dental issues, and other health problems. Make sure to limit the amount of cantaloupe your rabbit eats to prevent too much sugar from being eaten.
Choking on seeds is a high risk. You need to thoroughly remove all the seeds as your rabbit can choke on them or they can get stuck in their gut.
Overeating can result in too much water, vitamins and nutrients. There is such a thing as too much of a good thing, eating too much will mean your rabbit’s organs have to work harder to get rid of the excess which can cause them health problems.

As long as you stick to the recommended portion, you should be able to avoid most of the risks and have a happy rabbit.

How to Prepare Cantaloupe for Rabbits:

Once you have a cantaloupe, follow these guidelines to prepare it for your rabbit:

Wash the cantaloupe to rinse any pesticides off.
Cut the melon in half.
Scoop out all the seeds – make sure you get them all.
It’s optional to remove the rind, depending on if your rabbit likes it.
Cut the melon into small chunks.
Measure out one tablespoon (more if they weigh more).
Serve with hay and water.
Monitor your rabbit for the next 24 hours if they haven’t eaten cantaloupe before.
Make sure your rabbit only has cantaloup at most twice per week.

Which Other Melons Can Rabbits Eat?

As well as cantaloupe, rabbits can eat honeydew and watermelon. They all need their seeds removed and to be given to your rabbit as a treat in moderation. Melons have a lot of nutrients and benefits that will benefit your rabbit.

Can Baby Rabbits Eat Cantaloupe?

No, baby rabbits can’t eat cantaloupe. They shouldn’t be eating any sort of fruits or vegetables until they’re at least three months old. Once they’re old enough and their digestive systems mature enough, slowly introduce cantaloupe by giving them a small chunk to try and gradually increase it if they don’t have any bad reactions.

What Do Rabbits Eat?

Rabbits should be eating a balanced diet of fiber-rich hay, a variety of fresh vegetables, store-bought pellets, and treats. Cantaloupe counts as a treat, so your rabbit can eat it around twice per week. Remember to rotate fruity treats weekly and to always make sure your rabbit has drinking water.