Yes, rabbits can eat small amounts of tomato as a treat. It’s very important to make sure there are no seeds or leaves – as both are toxic to rabbits. Rabbits can eat all types of tomatoes including cherry, yellow, and more.
An ideal serving of tomato is one slice or one cherry tomato. Your rabbit can have tomatoes as a treat up to twice per week. Be careful not to exceed the recommended amount, rabbits can get sick if they have too much.
How to Prepare Tomatoes for Rabbits
Follow these steps to prepare a tasty tomato treat for your rabbit:
- Wash the tomatoes under running water to rinse any chemicals off.
- Remove the seeds, stems, flowers, and leaves which are all toxic.
- Slice the tomatoes into small pieces.
- Feed them to your rabbit with water and hay. They’ll also need a variety of vegetables and pellets every day.
- You can store the rest of the tomato in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days.
If you’re feeding your rabbit tomato for the first time, only give them a tiny piece and observe for any reaction. If all is well, you can increase the dose next time.
Once your rabbit is used to eating tomatoes, about one slice or one cherry tomato is a perfect serving size. They should have this no more than twice per week. You should vary the fruit your rabbit has, so if you give them tomatoes this week, get them another treat next week, for example, apple slices.
Benefits of Rabbits Eating Tomatoes
If you feed your rabbit tomatoes in moderation, they can get some nutritious health benefits from it. They’re a good source of vitamins A, B6, and C. It’s also rich in antioxidants and potassium.
Tomatoes are also easy to access, and you can grow them at home or pick them up from your local store.
Risks of Rabbits Eating Tomatoes
There are a few things you need to watch out for when giving your rabbit tomatoes.
- Tomatoes have high sugar content. If your rabbit eats too much sugar, it can lead to stomach upset and diarrhea, as well as potentially causing obesity, dental problems, and diabetes.
- If the tomato is overly-ripe, it can cause diarrhea and stomach upset for your rabbit. Typical signs of over-ripening are soft spots and color change.
- You need to thoroughly check the tomatoes, they can have pesticides on the outside, and parasites on the inside. You can wash them to try and remove any chemicals, but if you see any parasites you should get a new tomato.
Related Questions
Can Rabbits Eat Tomato Seeds?
No, rabbits can’t eat tomato seeds. They are toxic and can cause harm to your rabbit. If your rabbit swallows just one seed, they might be okay. But if your rabbit eats a lot of seeds, monitor them closely and take them to the vet if they’re lethargic or have lost their appetite.
Can Rabbits Eat Tomato Leaves?
No, rabbits can’t eat tomato leaves. The leaves, stems, and flowers all contain a chemical called solanine which affects your rabbit’s GI tract and makes them very sick. If you grow tomatoes at home, you need to be extra careful about this.
Can Rabbits Eat Canned Tomatoes?
No, you shouldn’t let your rabbit eat canned tomatoes. By canning the tomatoes, chemicals are added to preserve them for longer shelf life. This makes them harder for rabbits to digest and can make your rabbit sick.
Can Rabbits Eat Tomato Sauce?
No, you shouldn’t let your rabbit have tomato sauce. The sauce has a very high sugar content and added ingredients that make it harmful to rabbits.
Can Rabbits Drink Tomato Juice?
No, your rabbit can’t drink tomato juice. It has no fiber content and no nutritional value but plenty of sugar. This combination could very easily cause stomach upset for your rabbit so tomato juice should be avoided.
Can Rabbits Eat Cooked Tomatoes?
No, your rabbit can’t eat cooked tomatoes. The process of cooking will make the tomatoes more sugary and more acidic. You should always give your rabbit raw fruits and vegetables, avoiding any sort of cooking.
Can Baby Rabbits Eat Tomatoes?
No, baby rabbits can’t eat tomatoes. They need to be at least three months old before you can start introducing new foods. Before this, their digestion system is too delicate to handle anything other than hay, age-appropriate pellets, and their mother’s milk.