Experts have been digging into the latest question can rabbits eat apricots?
Guess what ― they found it: Yes, Rabbits can eat apricots!
But the truth is a bit more disguised:
If you’re keen to know about apricots and rabbits, keep scrolling…
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- You can feed your bunnies apricots, including the skin and fruit.
- Please don’t feed them the kernel/stone.
- Watch out for giving them too many apricots ― It can lead to tummy problems and diarrhea.
Can Rabbits Eat Apricots?
The answer to this question is an emphatic yes.
The rabbits can eat apricots, including their skin. Your bunny will love this nutritious fruit, but be careful: it can get sick or even die when eating the kernel.
Similar to apple seeds, the apricot kernel contains amygdalin. Amygdalin can later break down into cyanide, preventing your bunny’s cells from using oxygen [1].
More so, giving them kernels is more harmful to the heart and brain.
Is It Good to Give Them Apricot Leaves and Twigs?
Rabbits enjoy eating apricot branches and leaves because it helps their teeth to grow constantly. Sadly, because apricots contain arsenic poison, I don’t recommend feeding them the leaves and twigs.
If they are poisoned, your rabbit will become extremely ill and even die ― so be careful!
To avoid this outcome, avoid giving them apricot leaves and twigs. In case your bunny got some in, rush to your local vet!
Nutrient Factors of Apricots
According to Clinical pharmacist Dr. Vinod Katiboina, “Like most fruits, apricots are rich in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.” [2].
You may already know that apricots are rich in nutrients. It contains essential vitamins and minerals that help humans and animals grow.
I’ve compiled a list of nutrients for ease and a nutshell resource on this fruit’s benefits (see below) [3].
Basically, fresh apricots provide:
- Calories: 34
- Carbs: 8 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 0.27 grams
- Fiber: 1.5 grams
1. Vitamin A
Apricots are rich in vitamin A, an essential nutrient for normal vision, immunity system, and reproduction.
Poor vision is your bunny’s downfall. To combat this, feed it apricots ― this will foster a strong vision and help them see further.
Aside from providing spectacular eyesight, vitamin A has another benefit: it helps other organs like the heart, kidneys, and lungs to function properly.
2. Vitamin C
To heal body tissues, grow, and repair them, you need another vitamin: vitamin C. This vitamin forms collagen, absorbs iron, and heals wounds when given in amounts.
Vitamin C helps your bunnies by protecting them against scary illnesses like scurvy. Do you know what this means? They heal faster!
3. Potassium
A diet rich in potassium helps the heartbeat stay regular. It also prevents your rabbit from getting kidney-related issues like bladder stones.
Since rabbits are more vulnerable to diseases, the right amount of potassium will help them stay healthy and active.
As apricots contain potassium, it helps maintain a fluid balance in rabbits’ bodies.
4. High Anthocyanin and Flavonoid
The apricots contain anthocyanin, which is a predominant bio-flavonoid found in plants.
It was used to treat diverse health issues and is still used because of its incredible health benefits.
Luckily, anthocyanin protects the internal organs from cancer cells and fights against several diseases like inflammation and allergies.
Moreover, it can lower blood pressure and improve your rabbit’s health.
5. Fiber
As apricots contain fiber, it helps your bunny digest its food better. The rabbits are susceptible pets that cannot even tolerate simple indigestion or bloating.
So, by feeding apricots, pet owners can ensure that the rabbit has a painless, proper bowel movement.
For a great summary, feel free to view this excellent video on the nutrients in apricots:
Health Benefits Of Feeding Apricots To Rabbits
Now you know that apricots are rich in nutrients that help your rabbit’s growth and well-being.
Let me ask you this: do you know that apricots bring some other health benefits? See here:
1. Improves Eye Health
As you already know, rabbits have poor eyesight compared to other animals.
Yet, the rabbits need to have a solid far-eye sightedness to protect themselves from predators.
Feeding apricots helps to improve eye health as it contains vitamin A and beta-carotene.
2. Protects From Diseases
The antioxidants and vitamin C in apricots always fight off diseases. It also helps to boost and maintain the immunity system of rabbits.
If you feed the right portion of apricots, your rabbit can live a healthy life free of diseases.
3. Reduce Inflammation
Joint swelling and scurvy are two diseases that can easily affect your bunny.
To your rescue, apricots have the answer: rich in essential nutrients. This fruit reduces the risks of getting such diseases, arming your bunny with its various health benefits.
By feeding them apricots, you can ensure your rabbit does not encounter any health issues.
4. Improves Skin Health
The apricots cooperate in boosting the skin condition of your rabbit.
If the skin is wrinkled, damaged, and exposed to the sun, few apricots can heal it back to normal.
Simply put, it helps your rabbit’s hair grow and stay healthy.
Don’t miss my articles “Can Rabbits Eat Pineapple Core?” and “Can Rabbits Eat Jackfruit?” for insights into rabbit diets.
Factors to Consider When Feeding Apricots
There are several factors you need to consider when feeding apricots to rabbits.
Though apricots are rich in nutrients and bring many health benefits, sometimes overfeeding may result in harmful health conditions.
So, you need to make sure you are feeding a sufficient quantity.
Serving Rule
Don’t feed fruit treats daily to your bunny every day. More so, stick with one or two tablespoons and no more.
Plus, when feeding apricots, chop them up without the kernel and give them in small quantities.
Feed your bunny only the fruit’s fleshy parts ― the stuff you would eat.
READ MORE: Can Rabbits Eat Dragon Fruit?
FAQs
How Often Can the Rabbits Have Apricots?
Once a week ― not more!
Since apricots have a high amount of carbohydrates and sugar, high consumption may result in harmful health conditions.
Are There Any Risks of Feeding Apricots?
Yes, the most common complication is the looseness of the bowels or diarrhea.
Its high carbohydrate and sugar content can lead to obesity and diabetes.
Conclusion
While you know the answer to can rabbits eat apricots, there’s more:
Feeding your bunny a healthy diet is essential, and so is avoiding too many sweet fruits to feed them.
Rabbits love their sweet goodies. But once they fall in love with them, it’s too late!
Stay away from the kernels. These are tough as rocks, and their amygdalin content makes it poisonous for your bunny to eat, so don’t let them!
As for following the correct diet, focus on giving various vegs, and fruits bunnies can eat, not only apricots.
Even better, fuel them with a balanced diet rich in all the essential nutrients.
Finally, should this article be helpful, keep sharing. Let me know how was your bunny’s first experience with apricots. I’d love to hear!
Resources
- 1. Industries M for P. Apricot kernels and apple and pear seeds are unsafe to eat | MPI – Ministry for Primary Industries. A New Zealand Government Department. [Internet]. www.mpi.govt.nz. Available from: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/food-safety-home/safe-eat/apricot-and-peach-kernels-and-apple-and-pear-seeds-are-unsafe-to-eat/
- 2. Katiboina V. 9 Health and Nutrition Benefits of Apricots [Internet]. MedicineNet. 2022 [cited 2022 Dec 21]. Available from: https://www.medicinenet.com/9_health_and_nutrition_benefits_of_apricots/article.htm
- 3. Davidson K. 9 Health and Nutrition Benefits of Apricots [Internet]. Healthline. 2019 [cited 2022 Dec 14]. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/apricots-benefits#:~:text=Very%20nutritious%20and%20low%20in%20calories&text=Just%202%20fresh%20apricots%20(70
Andreea is a very passionate content creator and her purpose is to provide you with the most interesting articles, while constantly discovering new facts. She’s been freelance writing for the past five years and has created numerous articles and educational materials while managing her own mom blog.
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