Did you know that rabbits have a great sense of smell and might crave every human food? We’ve a mango tree at home and every summer; my rabbits get all excited just as we pluck them. The smell of mangoes can drool rabbits and as soon as you start eating, they may keep running to you. But, the common question among rabbit owners is if rabbits can eat mangoes.
Mango is a treat rich in minerals, phosphorous, and calcium but also in sugar. Hence, giving a small piece of mango occasionally is appropriate. However, they can consume a small portion of skin, but mango leaves and seeds should be thoroughly avoided.
Have you ever thought about the other aspect of mango that can impact your rabbit? Well, I just created this complete guide that can cover everything about this sweetness-overloaded fruit. Here’s a quick glimpse:
- Nutritional information of mangoes
- Safe and unsafe portion of mango for rabbits
- Benefits and risks of feeding mangoes to rabbits
- Dos & donts while giving mangoes to rabbits
Nutritional Information of Mangoes
Mangoes are sweet and juicy fruits that are packed with essential nutrients that can benefit your rabbit’s health. They are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help boost your rabbit’s immune system and support overall health.
Here’s a table that shows the nutritional content per 100g of mangoes:
| Nutrient | Amount per 100g | Daily Requirement for Rabbits |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 60 kcal | 25-30 kcal/kg of body weight |
| Protein | 0.8 g | 12-14% of daily diet |
| Fat | 0.4 g | 2-3% of daily diet |
| Fiber | 1.6 g | 20-25% of daily diet |
| Vitamin A | 1262 IU | 180-200 IU/kg of body weight |
| Vitamin C | 36.4 mg | 10-20 mg/kg of body weight |
| Calcium | 10 mg | 0.5-0.8 g/kg of body weight |
| Phosphorus | 14 mg | 0.4-0.6 g/kg of body weight |
As you can see, mangoes are a good source of fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C, which are essential nutrients for rabbits.
Of course, mangoes aren’t the worst but they aren’t the best either. So, you should make careful decisions when you feed even a slice of mango.
Why Do Rabbits Love Eating Mangoes?
Mangoes are a delicious and nutritious treat for rabbits, and there are several reasons why rabbits love eating them. Here are some of the reasons why rabbits enjoy eating mangoes:
- Sweet taste: Mangoes are naturally sweet, and rabbits have a sweet tooth. They enjoy the taste of sweet fruits and vegetables, and mangoes are no exception.
- Juicy texture: Mangoes are juicy and refreshing, which makes them a great treat for rabbits, especially on hot days. The juicy texture also helps keep rabbits hydrated.
- Nutritious: Mangoes are packed with essential nutrients that can benefit your rabbit’s health. They are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help boost your rabbit’s immune system and support overall health.
- Variety: Rabbits enjoy a varied diet, and mangoes are a great way to add some variety to their diet. Offering your rabbit a variety of fruits and vegetables can help prevent boredom and keep them interested in their food.
- Natural foraging behavior: Rabbits are natural foragers, and they enjoy searching for and eating different types of food. Offering your rabbit a small piece of mango as a treat can encourage their natural foraging behavior and provide them with mental stimulation.
I can’t stop telling you how my rabbits literally hunt for mangoes. Whether those fruits are left in the kitchen or eaten in front of them, the foraging behavior is so obvious.
So, don’t worry if your rabbit is craving mangoes. It’s natural!
How Much Mangoes Can I Give My Rabbit?
While mangoes are a tasty and nutritious treat for rabbits, it’s important to feed them in moderation. I know that it’s hard to pay attention to the quantity especially when your rabbit is waiting to grab a piece. Here’s a table that shows how much mango you can give your rabbit based on their age:
| Age of Rabbit | Amount of Mango |
|---|---|
| 4-6 months | 1 teaspoon once a week |
| 6-12 months | 2 teaspoons once a week |
| Adult | 1-2 tablespoons once a week |
It’s important to introduce mango to your rabbit slowly and in small amounts. Start by offering your rabbit a small piece of mango and wait 24 hours to see if they have any adverse reactions. If your rabbit tolerates the mango well, you can gradually increase the amount over time. However, don’t take it as a great idea to overload your rabbit with fresh pieces.
Remember that mangoes are high in sugar and calories, so they should only be given to your rabbit as a treat and not as a main part of their diet.
Benefits of Mangoes for Rabbits
Mangoes are a delicious and nutritious treat for rabbits, and there are several benefits to feeding them to your furry friend. Here are some of the benefits of mangoes for rabbits:
- High in fiber: Mangoes are high in fiber, which is essential for maintaining good digestive health in rabbits. A diet that is high in fiber can help prevent digestive problems like diarrhea and constipation.
- Rich in vitamins and minerals: Mangoes are a good source of vitamins A and C, which are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. They also contain minerals like calcium and phosphorus, which are important for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
- Antioxidant properties: Mangoes are rich in antioxidants, which can help protect your rabbit’s cells from damage caused by free radicals. This can help prevent diseases and promote overall health.
- Hydration: Mangoes are juicy and refreshing, which makes them a great treat for rabbits, especially on hot days. The juicy texture also helps keep rabbits hydrated.
In fact, I’ve seen how my rabbits enjoyed eating their regular diet after having a small piece every week during summer. That’s the power of variety and also the advantage of feeding the right fruit.
Risks of Feeding Mangoes to Rabbits
A friend who is also a rabbit owner has once fed her rabbits about a complete mango (without the seed). She did it for three continuous days each week for 3 consecutive weeks. In a few days, she began noticing how her rabbits have gone obese and developed digestive issues.
Mangoes are good but not recommended if you’re a beginner in raising rabbits. Let me give you a complete list of possible risks of feeding mangoes to rabbits:
- High in sugar: Mangoes are high in sugar, which can cause digestive problems like diarrhea and upset stomach if fed in excess. It’s important to feed mangoes to your rabbit in moderation and as a treat.
- Allergic reactions: Some rabbits may be allergic to mangoes, which can cause symptoms like itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing. If your rabbit has never eaten mango before, start by offering them a small piece and wait 24 hours to see if they have any adverse reactions.
- Choking hazard: Mangoes have a hard pit in the center, which can be a choking hazard for rabbits. Always remove the pit and cut the mango into small pieces before feeding it to your rabbit.
- Imbalanced diet: While mangoes are a good source of vitamins and minerals, they should not be the main source of these nutrients in your rabbit’s diet.
Just giving you a quick glance! This can’t be the complete list of risks but is just sufficient to let you know to be careful.
Mangoes: When To Feed & When Not To?
As a pet parent, it’s important to know when to feed mangoes to your rabbit and when to avoid them. Here’s a table that shows when to feed mangoes to your rabbit and when to avoid them:
| When to Feed Mangoes | When to Avoid Mangoes |
|---|---|
| As a treat in moderation | If your rabbit is diabetic |
| If your rabbit tolerates them well | If your rabbit has a history of digestive problems |
| If your rabbit is not allergic to them | If your rabbit has a history of kidney problems |
| If your rabbit is over 6 months old | If your rabbit is overweight or obese |
As a pet parent, it’s important to be aware of your rabbit’s individual needs and health history when deciding whether or not to feed them mangoes.
List of Fruits Unsafe For Rabbits
Did you know that not all fruits are safe and appropriate for rabbits? Some fruits can be more toxic than you even imagine! On the other hand, some other fruits are safe to eat but specific portions of these fruits can be unsafe.
Guess what? Some rabbits might directly refuse eating certain fruits because they don’t fancy the same. Here’s a video you should watch before heading on to the list:
Here’s a complete list of fruits unsafe for rabbits:
- Avocado
- Rhubarb
- Grapes and raisins
- Citrus fruits
- Stone fruits (cherries, peaches, plums)
- Pits and seeds (apple seeds, cherry pits, peach pits, etc.)
- Tomato leaves and stems
- Potato leaves and stems
- Onions and garlic
- Fruit pits (apricot, cherry, peach, plum)
- Persimmons
- Pineapple
- Pomegranate
- Blackberries
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Strawberries (in excess)
- Watermelon (in excess)
FAQs
Can Rabbits Eat Mango Leaves?
No, rabbits should not eat mango leaves because of a toxic substance called urushiol, which can cause skin irritation, digestive problems, and other health issues in rabbits. It’s best to avoid feeding mango leaves to your rabbit.
Can Rabbits Eat Unripe Mango?
Unripe mangoes are high in starch and can be difficult for rabbits to digest. Additionally, unripe mangoes contain a substance called mangiferin, which can cause digestive problems and other health issues in rabbits.
Can Rabbits Eat Mango Skin?
While mango skin is not toxic to rabbits, it’s not recommended to feed it to your rabbit. Mango skin is tough and fibrous, which can be difficult for rabbits to digest. Additionally, mango skin may contain pesticides or other chemicals that could be harmful to your rabbit.
Can Rabbits Eat Mango Seeds?
Mango seeds are hard and indigestible, which can cause digestive problems and even blockages in rabbits. Additionally, mango seeds contain a toxic substance called cyanide, which can be harmful to rabbits in large amounts.
Can Rabbits Eat Mango Juice?
Mango juice is high in sugar and calories, which can cause digestive problems and other health issues in rabbits. Additionally, many store-bought mango juices contain added sugars or other additives that could be harmful to your rabbit.
Can Rabbits Eat Frozen Mango?
Freezing mango does not affect its nutritional value, and some rabbits may enjoy the cool, refreshing texture of frozen mango. However, it’s important to feed frozen mango in moderation and ensure that your rabbit is getting a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs.
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