Yes, rabbits can eat watermelon as a tasty, refreshing treat. There are some nutritional benefits, but it’s also high in sugar so the portion should be limited. You can give your rabbit two tablespoons of watermelon in one serving. And you should only let your rabbit have watermelon once or twice per week at most.
You must remove the seeds before serving any watermelon to your rabbit. The rind and flesh of the watermelon are both perfectly safe once the seeds are gone.
Keep reading to understand the full range of effects watermelon can have on your rabbit so you can decide if you want to feed it to them or not.
Can My Rabbit Eat All Parts of a Watermelon?
Can Rabbits Eat Watermelon Rind?
Yes, the rind is actually the most nutritional part of the watermelon. Rabbits can get a lot of healthy fiber from eating the rind. And it will keep them busy for a while as they nibble through it. It’s also good for their teeth to chew on the rind.
The rind also has a significant amount of potassium, which is essential in a rabbit’s diet. If rabbits don’t consume enough potassium, it can lead to muscular disorders and, in the worst cases, death.
Make sure that you cut the rind into bite-size pieces so that they don’t become a choking hazard.
Can Rabbits Eat Watermelon Seeds?
No, rabbits can’t eat the seeds of a watermelon. They are mildly toxic and can cause stomach problems for your pet.
If you are going to treat your rabbit to watermelon, make sure you buy seedless or take the time to de-seed the watermelon. This is because the seeds are rather large and can cause choking as well as internal blockages, and why it’s so important that the seeds are thoroughly removed.
Can Rabbits Eat the Inside of Watermelon?
Yes, rabbits can eat the inside fleshy part of the watermelon. The red inside of the is juicy and sweet and will become one of your rabbit’s favorite treats!
Can Rabbits Eat the Watermelon Plant?
Yes, the leaves & Flowers of a watermelon plant are perfectly safe to eat. In fact, wild rabbits would eat these parts of the plant if they came across them in the wild, and both wild and domesticated rabbits would enjoy snacking on it.
Health Benefits of Rabbits Eating Watermelon
Watermelon doesn’t have much nutritional value for rabbits. The nutritional makeup of watermelon is 89% carbs, 7% protein, and 4% fat. There is very little fiber in watermelons as well. It contains low amounts of vitamins or minerals.
These are the health benefits of watermelon for your rabbit:
- Source of vitamins like vitamins A, B3, and C.
- Offers a variety of minerals like potassium, magnesium, and copper.
- A good source of antioxidants to boost your rabbit’s overall health.
- Has a high water concentration so is good for hydration, this can be especially useful if you’re struggling to keep your rabbit hydrated.
Risks of Feeding Your Rabbit Watermelon
Watermelon is an awesome tasty treat for your rabbit.
However, there are some risks you should be aware of:
- Seeds could potentially cause blockages and health issues for your rabbit: To avoid this, seeds should be thoroughly removed from the watermelon before it is served to your rabbit.
- Watermelon has a high sugar content: It should only be given as an occasional treat to your furry friend. Too much sugar can lead to an upset tummy, damaged teeth, and lead to weight gain.
- If you feed your rabbit watermelon too often, it can lead to obesity: This would be highly uncomfortable for your pet. Rabbit obesity can lead to other health problems.
- Rabbits can sometimes favor sweet treats over their regular, healthy food: Only feed them watermelon (and treats like this) in moderation so it doesn’t cause them to reject the healthy food.
- The juice can be messy and get in your rabbit’s fur (or on surfaces where they’re being fed). It may need cleaning by you if your rabbit is unable to clean themselves.
How Much Watermelons Can a Rabbit Eat?
A serving of about one or two tablespoons should be the maximum for your rabbit. Rabbits can’t break down sugars the way human bodies can, which is why giving them a small amount is important. Too much will lead to diarrhea, loose stool, and other digestive problems that are no fun for you or your bunny.
Rabbits need plenty of grains to live a healthy life. Therefore, fruit should never be a meal replacement or regular snack. Hay, grass, and leafy greens should make up most of their diet, and sugary foods like watermelon should be treated as ‘junk food’ for your rabbit.
How to Make Watermelon for Your Rabbit
Four steps to make watermelon for your rabbit:
- Wash the watermelon – this is to clean off any pesticides, bacteria, or chemicals.
- Peel the watermelon and cut a slice.
- Remove as many of the seeds as you can.
- Cut the slices into small chunks. You shouldn’t give them more than one tablespoon per two pounds of body weight.
- Serve it up to your rabbit!
Related Questions
Can Baby Rabbits Eat Watermelon?
No, rabbits under one year old should not be given watermelon to eat. It is important to feed them a correct diet when they’re young. Only start introducing new foods once they’re over 12 weeks old.
How to Introduce Watermelon into My Rabbit’s Diet?
The key to introducing watermelon is to do it gradually! If it’s your rabbit’s first time eating watermelon, make sure you introduce it in small amounts. This is so you can monitor them for any reaction.
Approximately 1 teaspoon per rabbit is ideal to start with. If your rabbit is happy and healthy, you can increase this every time until you’re at a regular portion. Make sure it’s a treat given only 2-3 times a week and not as their main diet.
What Other Types of Melon Can My Rabbit Have?
As well as watermelon, rabbits can eat cantaloupe and honeydew melons. All of them are safe for your rabbit to enjoy, as long as all the seeds are removed. Similar portion sizes (two tablespoons of melon) should be followed to ensure that your rabbit doesn’t over-eat.
Can My Rabbit Have Watermelon Juice by Itself?
No, you should not give your rabbit watermelon juice as a drink. This is because it’s too sugary. Stick to fresh water to quench your rabbit’s thirst. For more information, check out our post on what rabbits can drink.
Are Shop Bought Watermelons Okay?
Yes, you can buy watermelons from the store, or grow them at home. The best watermelons are organic. If you can’t get organic then it’s important to thoroughly wash it before serving it to your rabbit.