Pineapples are sweet, juicy, nutritious tropical fruits which contain carbs, small quantiles of protein and fats as well as vitamins A, C, B6, B1, B3, and minerals such as calcium, iron, manganese, potassium, folate, among others.
They are known to help in reducing cancer risks, boost immunity, aid in digestion, minimize inflammation, ease arthritis symptoms, assist in digestion, and they are a source of antioxidants. What about your rabbits? Can they munch these fruits?
Do rabbits eat pineapples?
Bunnies can eat small amounts of some fruits, typically, about a teaspoon per two pounds of their weight as occasional treats, i.e., not given daily.
And Yes. Rabbits can eat pineapples. They are among the fruits your furry friends can munch in small quantities. Other bunny-safe fruits include apples, bananas, mangoes, cherries, berries, papaya, kiwi, apricot, melons among others.
If you are in doubt, they have been listed by various rabbit authority sites including Rabbit.org, Saveafluff.co.uk among others. Besides being safe, they are helpful. Your bunnies will enjoy the benefits of the vitamins and minerals we have seen which are very important.
Also, according to Rabbit Expert, they contain an enzyme called bromelain which is concentrated at the central part which can help “rabbit to overcome diarrhea and reduce the secretion of intestinal fluid. Bromelain can also help with hairballs and is very good to give to your rabbit during a molt.” However, this does not have much scientific evidence to back it up.
Therefore, to take advantage of this vital enzyme, it is recommended you give your bunnies fresh pineapples since the enzyme is active while they are fresh as opposed to frozen ones.
Whereas we have said it is ok to give your bunny small pineapple treats, we do not recommend processed or canned ones as they may be having some preservatives that are not safe for rabbits. Also, do not give it leftovers as they may have grown molds.
Remember a perfect diet bunny diet should have over 80% grassy hay, about 5% high fiber pellets, and about 10-15% greens (with the leafy greens taking the bulk) and some fruits and non-leafy vegetables given in small amounts.
The Small Pet Select 2nd Cutting "Perfect Blend" Timothy Hay Pet Food, Kaytee Timothy Hay will be a good choice of hay while Oxbow Animal Health Bunny Basics Essentials Adult Rabbit pellets won’t let you down.
What about pineapple skin and leaves?
Do not feed your furry friends leaves and the skin. Although most experts have provided no apparent reason, it is speculated that they contain harmful chemicals, have little nutrients for bunnies as well as are hard to nibble.
Conclusion
Rabbits are herbivores, and they may not be able to digest foods that have a lot of sugar in them. Giving your furry friends a lot of such foods including pineapples may cause stomach upsets, weight gain, and obesity.
Obesity and weight gain will interfere with a bunny’s grooming ability as well are reduce their lifespan. Even with the many benefits of the various nutrients, these fruits have including vitamin C that works as an antioxidant, strengthens immunity, helps fight arthritis, considers other sources of such nutrients.
