Last Updated on May 31, 2023 by
Watermelon is a delicious, refreshing, and highly cultivated fruit worldwide, having more than 1000 varieties. If you are wondering whether rabbits can eat watermelon, then the answer is a resounding yes.
However, you will need to take a few precautions, because this isn’t something that they should really be eating regularly.
Can Rabbits Eat Watermelon?
Yes, rabbits can eat watermelon. However, you must remember that watermelon is a fruit. This means that it is going to be very, very high in sugar.
You must also remember that this is a type of food that a rabbit is unlikely to encounter in the wild and, even if they did, it is unlikely that they would eat it.
So, even if you do get a watermelon for them, you can’t expect that they will like it. They probably will like it, but you will need to do a little bit of monitoring to ensure that they are digesting it properly.
How Much Watermelon Can a Rabbit Eat?
They should be eating a maximum of about two servings per week. Anything more than that and it is likely going to have an adverse effect on them.
Rabbits can eat watermelon and many people will recommend that you give them about one tablespoon of watermelon per pound of body weight that your rabbit has.
That being said, we wouldn’t really recommend giving your rabbit two servings per week. They are going to need to have a somewhat varied diet, and if you give them too much watermelon, they may be lacking in other nutrients.
This is why many people will mix up the fruits and vegetables that they give their rabbits. It ensures their pet isn’t getting too much sugar from one source, and not too much of a certain type of nutrient. The result is that you are going to end up with a healthier animal overall.
Is Watermelon Safe or Bad for Rabbits to Eat?
As mentioned previously; rabbits can eat watermelon and watermelon is safe for a rabbit to eat. The rabbit is going to like it. However, it is also likely going to be bad for a rabbit to eat too much of it.
As we mentioned; watermelon is high in sugar. This is going to have the same impact on your rabbit as it would have if you ate too much sugar. This means tooth decay, and it could lead to sickness in the rabbit if you aren’t careful.
Since watermelon is something that they would never encounter in the wild, it doesn’t really have the nutrients that your animal needs either.
If you are giving your rabbit watermelon, then you will need to monitor their health over the coming days, especially if they have never consumed watermelon before. Look to see whether they have looser stools, or whether they are turning their nose up at any other food.
Both would indicate that the watermelon is not sitting right with the animal, and this means that you will need to ensure that the rabbit never has watermelon again.
You can try some other fruits, but all of this would indicate that your rabbit’s stomach really isn’t ready for this amount of sugar.
Can Baby Bunnies Eat Watermelon?
Baby rabbits can eat watermelon, but it’s not wise to feed the fruit to them because of potential nutrient deficiencies and possible gastrointestinal problems.
All animals have specific diets which should be adhered to, but watermelon is a low-calorie fruit, and it’s not going to harm your baby bunny in the slightest if you give them some as long as you’re sure they won’t eat too much of it.
More than being a pet that can eat watermelon, a baby bunny is far more likely to actively love watermelon because of its sweet flavor. You can find out how adorable your little bunnies will be eating watermelons by first consulting with your veterinarian about what fruit they would recommend for your rabbit! (But seriously though – you should always consult with professional caretakers or vets before trying anything new with pets).
