No, you shouldn’t let your rabbit eat peanuts. They aren’t toxic, but can still do more harm than good. There is also no nutritional benefit, but a significant number of downsides. You can find far healthier snacks for your furry friend with much less risk.
Fun fact: Peanuts (despite having ‘nut’ in their name) are actually a legume, not a nut. Legumes are plants that produce a pod with a seed inside. Examples of other legumes are peas and soybeans.
Why Shouldn’t Rabbits Have Peanuts?
Peanuts have no nutritional value to rabbits and a whole range of issues that can be caused if a rabbit eats too many peanuts.
- Digestive issues: Rabbits will struggle to digest peanuts in their stomach that’s tailored towards plant products. Eating the wrong type of food can result in diarrhea, bloating and stomach upset.
- Weight gain: Eating the wrong types of food (i.e. too much fat and carbs) and too little exercise can cause your rabbit to gain weight.
- Risk of choking: With an unusual texture and size, your rabbit could accidentally choke.
- Salt poisoning: Rabbits only need a small amount of salt, if they have too much they’ll have excessive thirst. Too much salt can cause blisters and even blindness in rabbits.
- High fat content: Due to high fat and calorie content, eating peanuts too often can lead to weight gain and obesity. Overweight rabbits then face issues with their heart, skin, and digestion.
If your rabbit ate a small number of peanuts, they might be just fine – since peanuts are not poisonous. However, eating too many peanuts or having them as a regular snack could easily lead to health problems.
There are several healthier and safer alternatives you can feed your rabbit. In the legume family of foods, your rabbit could have such as raw green beans as a treat.
What Should a Rabbit Eat?
Your rabbit should be on a specific diet that is tailored for their sensitive stomachs and provides nutrition for them. This includes an unlimited amount of hay (which provides essential fiber), fresh vegetables, pellets, water, and treats.
It’s always a sensible idea to research if a specific food is rabbit-friendly. By sticking with the food combination mentioned above your rabbit should be as healthy and happy as they can be.
Related Questions
Can Rabbits Eat Peanut Shells?
No, rabbits can’t have peanut shells. The shells are very high in fiber and would eventually lead to gastrointestinal issues. Steer clear of peanuts and their shells for the sake of your rabbit’s tummy.
Can Rabbits Have Peanut Plant Hay?
Yes, rabbits can have peanut plant hay. This is the only peanut product that is okay to feed to your rabbit. It’s worth noting that while it is still fine to eat, it is less healthy than timothy hay – as it has too much fiber and not enough calcium.
Can Rabbits Have Peanut Butter?
No, your rabbit can’t have peanut butter. It contains high levels of added sugars and fats which are incompatible with your rabbit’s digestive system.
What Other Nuts Can Rabbits Have?
There’s no type of nut that’s okay for your rabbit to eat. This applies to pistachios, cashews, walnuts, almonds, chestnuts, and hazelnuts. Nuts are the wrong type of food for rabbits, and all nuts should be avoided.