Yes, your rabbit can eat cranberries as a treat. However, cranberries are very sugary – so make sure you follow the guidelines below on how much is safe to feed your rabbit (see below).
How Many Cranberries Should I Give My Rabbit?
The appropriate serving size of cranberries is about two tablespoons for a medium-sized rabbit (around nine to twelve pounds in weight). Larger rabbits can have slightly more (up to three tablespoons in one serving).
Rabbits under one year old shouldn’t have any cranberries at all. Once they’re older, you can slowly introduce cranberries into their diet. Start with small portions and monitor their response to it over at least 24 hours before giving them more.
Avoid cranberries if your rabbit is overweight or getting old. In these cases, their stomachs may no longer be able to handle them, or it may contribute to further weight gain.
Does It Matter if It’s Fresh or Dried Cranberries for My Rabbit?
Fresh and dried cranberries are both fine for your rabbit.
If it’s fresh, make sure you wash them first to rinse any chemicals, bacteria, or pesticides off. If it’s dried, make sure the pieces are cut into small chunks before serving it to your rabbit.
Be aware that dried cranberries are sweeter than fresh due to having higher added sugar levels and no water. This means it’s especially important to control the portion size when giving your rabbit dried cranberries (and only given as an occasional treat).
How Nutritious Are Cranberries?
According to Healthline, 100g of raw cranberries have these nutrients:
| Calories | 46 kcal |
| Water | 87% |
| Protein | 0.4 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 12.2 grams |
| Sugar | 4 grams |
| Fiber | 4.6 grams |
| Fat | 0.1 grams |
Cranberries are also a rich source of several vitamins and minerals:
- Vitamin C and Manganese are antioxidants that are (among other things) essential for skin, muscle, and bone maintenance, and also growth and metabolism.
- Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant.
- Vitamin K1 is needed for blood clotting.
- Copper can prevent anemia in your rabbit.
Keep in mind that cranberries have barely any fiber, so it would be wise to accompany a dish of cranberries with hay or grass to promote a healthy, balanced diet for your rabbit.
Related Questions
Can Rabbits Have Cranberry Juice?
No, rabbits should not be given cranberry juice. This is because it has extremely high sugar levels which can have negative effects on your rabbit’s health.
Can Rabbits Have Cranberry Sauce?
No, rabbits should not have cranberry sauce. While this sauce can be a lovely addition to your dinner plate, the high sugar content might give your furry friend an upset tummy.
What Other Berries Can Rabbits Have?
There’s a whole range of fruits that are safe for your rabbit to have as a treat. As well as cranberries, they can have strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. As always, make sure to give the treats in small portions and introduce them slowly if it’s a new treat.
Why Is My Rabbit’s Urine Red After Eating Cranberries?
You may have noticed your rabbit’s urine tinted red and panicked.
If they’ve eaten dried cranberries recently, this may be the cause. Food can affect the color of your rabbit’s urine. If you’re worried that it could be blood, or you have any concerns about their health, make sure you seek immediate veterinary help.