Cashew nuts should not be given to rabbits to eat. While they’re not harmful in very small amounts, they are best to be completely avoided. This is because nuts are high in carbohydrates and fats, which aren’t ideal for a rabbit who needs a mostly fiber-based diet.
Fun Fact: Although called cashew nuts, cashews are technically considered to be a seed!
What if My Rabbit Eats Cashew Nuts?
You’ll need to monitor your rabbit for a day or two if they eat cashew nuts.
A healthy rabbit who eats a balanced diet may be fine if a small number of nuts were eaten. A mild reaction may be unusual stools or stomach aches. If these symptoms persist for more than 12 hours, it’s time to call a vet.
The worst-case scenario is that your rabbit might develop serious health issues that require attention from a vet. If you’re unsure, always speak to a professional for advice.
The following are side effects your rabbit could get if they eat too many cashews:
- Damage to the nervous system from too much folic acid.
- Joint damage from too much vitamin A.
- A sludge-like deposit from too much calcium can crystallize and cause urinary tract infections and harm your rabbit’s internal organs.
- The balance of bacteria in a rabbit’s gut can be thrown off. This means bad bacteria can grow and produce toxins.
- Too many sugars can lead to dental problems and obesity.
- If a rabbit starts eating cashews or other foods instead of hay, it could have major digestive issues and even end up with gastrointestinal stasis.
What Should My Rabbit Eat?
Hay makes up the largest proportion of your rabbit’s diet (about 80%).
You should also provide a variety of fresh vegetables twice a day, some pellets once a day, and occasional treats (once or twice a week). Don’t forget to refill your rabbit’s water regularly too.
If you want to introduce a new food into your rabbit’s diet then you should start slow. Let your rabbit try a tiny amount and monitor for any reaction before you give them more.
If you’re unsure exactly what food is rabbit-safe, it’s always better to look it up online before trying it – just in case it’s toxic or harmful to them.
Related Questions
Can Baby Rabbits Eat Cashews?
No, your baby rabbit shouldn’t eat cashews or any foods until they’ve matured. The general rule of thumb is to wait until the rabbit is around one year old before introducing new foods. Until that point, they should have their mother’s milk, hay, and baby rabbit-specific pellets.
Can Rabbits Eat Salted Cashews?
No, rabbits shouldn’t eat salted cashews. Already too high in carbohydrates and fats, adding salt only makes them worse for rabbits. If your rabbit accidentally ate some salted cashews, they may be okay but keep a close eye on them for any negative reaction and be ready to call a vet if need be.
Can Rabbits Eat Nuts?
No, rabbits can’t eat nuts. Just like cashews, nuts aren’t ideal for your rabbit’s digestion. While not toxic, they contain nutrients in too high levels to be healthy for rabbits. Eating too many nuts, or eating them regularly can lead to a range of health issues for them. You can find far healthier and rabbit-friendly foods to use as treats instead.