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If you’re a rabbit owner, you’re no doubt concerned with your tiny family member’s health and wellbeing.
And with bunnies, there’s a lot to think about.
You need to have a clean enclosure, ensure your pal gets enough exercise and play.
Not to mention offering a healthy diet.
It’s that last concern that causes a lot of questions about what rabbits can eat.
Among the most common questions is, “Can rabbits eat lemons?”
Should Rabbit Eat Lemons?
Unfortunately, lemons are not altogether recommended for rabbits to eat, due to their citric acid content and a few other factors that we will delve into shortly.
This is despite the fact that many of these same ingredients and components of lemons do we human beings the power of good.
Rabbits can safely eat a small amount of lemon, insofar as their digestive systems are capable of processing it, and there is no immediate toxic danger to them that puts their lives at risk.
If you’re keen to see the vitamin content of decent fruit and vegetables get into your rabbit’s diet, there are safer and more flavorsome ways that your bunny can enjoy – think slices of banana every so often, or the odd slice of cucumber to refresh your rabbit on a hot day.
Are Lemons Toxic to Rabbits?
No, but the acidic fruit can cause upset stomach, vomiting, weakness, and diarrhea if large quantities are ingested. Large quantities can cause other issues, too.
Dangers of Lemons for Rabbits
Lemons contain citric acid which in large quantities can be too much for your rabbit’s digestive system.
Eating too much lemon can cause an upset stomach.
Though most rabbits will likely not seek out lemons to eat, it’s a good idea to keep lemons out of reach from rabbits that will eat anything.
The seeds and peel of lemon could also pose a choking hazard for some rabbits.
If swallowed, the lemon peel could cause an internal blockage because it is difficult to digest.
Lemon juice, lemon zest, and the fruit itself may be touted for human health benefits, but the cons far outweigh the pros when it comes to your pet.
What If My rabbit Eats Too Much Lemon?
If you suspect your rabbit has eaten large quantities of lemon, you need to monitor your rabbit for any signs of vomiting, or nausea.
If your rabbit is showing any symptoms or strange behavior, take them to your veterinarian for further observation.
They will check your rabbit over and recommend any treatment that may be required.
FAQs
- Can Rabbits Drink Lemon Juice
Just like the flesh and fruit itself, lemon juice can cause an upset stomach.
In large quantities, it will produce similar symptoms like vomiting and even weakness.
Lemon juice is also very acidic, so it can disrupt your rabbit’s natural acid-base balance.
- Are Other Citrus Fruits Dangerous To Rabbits?
There are a few other citrus fruits that are also not a good idea for your rabbit. Mostly they are tart or sour.
Limes, just like lemons, are very high in citric acid so your rabbit should not eat them. Another fruit to keep out of reach is grapefruit.
Conclusion
Remember to never feed lemons to your rabbit. They are toxic to rabbits and cause a whole lot of problems.
If your rabbit eats some lemon and you notice any side effects occurring, contact a vet immediately.
A little bit of lemon juice probably won’t hurt your rabbit, however, although it is not recommended. While we wouldn’t do this to our rabbits.
