Rabbits should not have any type of honey. Whether it’s raw, processed, or any other type of honey product, as it isn’t designed for a rabbit’s digestive system. The combination of high levels of sugar and low levels of fiber makes it problematic for your rabbit.
My Rabbit Has Had Honey, Are They Okay?
Honey doesn’t have any poisonous ingredients, so they wouldn’t have ingested anything toxic. Depending on how much was had can determine how serious the problem is. It is usually advised to feed your rabbit a lot of hay during times like this, to aid their digestion and keep things moving inside them.
You should try to monitor your rabbit’s poop. If it seems to be a different size or consistency to normal, or they’ve suddenly stopped pooping, go to a veterinarian straight away. Other potential signs of a problem include your rabbit refusing to eat and not drinking.
Be on the lookout for any of these signs if your rabbit has eaten honey. If you’re worried, it’s always worth checking with a vet.
Why Can’t My Rabbit Have Honey?
Rabbits are herbivores, which means that they feed on plants. Your rabbit’s main diet should consist of hay, green vegetables, a little handful of pellets, and water.
The honey is high in sugar and low in fiber, which is the opposite of what your rabbit needs. It means the honey would be difficult to digest and cause internal problems for your rabbit.
The Risk of Feeding Your Rabbit Honey
There are several risks associated with your rabbit eating large quantities of honey or eating honey regularly:
- Diarrhea can be caused by your rabbit having the wrong diet.
- Gastrointestinal (GI) Stasis is a very severe condition where the balance in your rabbit’s gut is off balance. This can very quickly turn fatal. If you suspect your rabbit has GI Stasis, you must take them to a vet right away.
- Dental issues from so much sugar can lead to your rabbit being unable to eat due to the pain – which in turn can cause GI Stasis.
- Uneaten cecotropes are when your rabbit doesn’t eat their cecotropes. This is an important part of their digestion so they can get all the nutrition they can from everything they eat. It can also cause irritation for your rabbit and have a strong, unpleasant smell.
Can My Rabbit Have Honey Nut Cheerios?
It’s okay for rabbits to have plain, original Cheerios. However, they should not have any flavors such as Honey Nut.
Usually, the best treats for our furry friends are small portions of fruit (like watermelon).