Do Rabbits Eat Meat or Animal Products?

Meat including pork, beef, lamb, chicken, turkey, venison, duck, wild boar, and so on is a rich source of proteins, fats, zinc, selenium and other nutrients and minerals.

While enjoying it, you might fall into the temptation of wanting to give a small piece to your bunnies. Is it safe or harmful? What will happen if you give them some?

No. Rabbits should not eat meat. As Omlet.co.uk warns,  they “have evolved to be herbivorous, they do not eat anything that comes from animals, such as meat or eggs. If a rabbit were to eat anything animal-based it would get a very upset stomach – or worse!” Besides being harmful, it has little or no valuable nutrients for rabbits.

PETA goes further to clarify the issue by stating that “wild bunnies would not eat meat, and neither should your domesticated roommate.”

Therefore, do not give your bunnies any meat or their products including ham, bacon, sausages, eggs, and so on. Rabbits cannot eat ham or any other animal meat, poultry or product!

As herbivores, the bunny can only digest plants and plant materials including hay, grass, vegetables and so on. Their lagomorph digestive system is designed to digest mainly cellulose with low sugar and carbs amounts and not foods with high fats, proteins, and carbs.

Do not be carried away by the story on Inquisitr which was all about meat-eating wild rabbits in New York city which are said to have been “hardened by life on the streets. Some people have seen the rabbits kicking each other in the face and eating things such as chicken wings.”

What if the bunny is hungry?

The nature of bunnies to chew anything that is available can make your bunny including meat. This is strictly not advisable. Keep your rabbit off your bins where they may nibble almost anything they find there. Some can gnaw even cords, clothes, paper and so on.

Also, ensure it has an unlimited supply of hay and other recommended foods for bunnies such as leafy greens, high fiber pellets as well as occasional treats of fruits and non-leafy vegetables. This will make them healthy and happy.

Conclusion

Even if it eats it or not, it is not supposed to be given to any bunny and as an extension to herbivores. Stick to their recommended diets only.