Variety in a rabbit's diet has a positive effect on the functioning of internal organs, systems, and health. Eared animals show a special interest in bananas. Rabbit breeders are debating whether it is possible to give an exotic fruit to their pet. Let's find out whether rabbits can include bananas in their menu. Information about the positive and negative qualities of the treat will be useful to owners of furry animals.
The benefits and harms of bananas
The long-eared animals are treated to the tasty fruit, presenting it as a delicacy. It is not advisable to feed it to animals for breeding for meat. Basically, it is given to decorative rabbits.
The delicacy benefits your long-eared pet, as it contains a large amount of useful substances:
- fiber, which promotes rapid absorption of food;
- potassium, magnesium, which have a positive effect on the functioning of the pet’s heart and blood vessels;
- vitamins of different groups that have a beneficial effect on the health of the animal, fur, teeth.
All these components are contained mainly in the peel. The pulp is given to the pet with extreme caution, since the digestive system of rabbits has a hard time coping with such food. The high calorie content of the fetus can cause your pet to gain rapid weight. This will lead to an inactive lifestyle, weakened immunity, and deterioration of health.
Unlimited consumption of banana by a rabbit increases the risk of poisoning. During the growing process, the exotic fruit is treated with chemicals to increase its shelf life. Harmful substances are deposited on the surface and are not always removed after treatment. Gradually they accumulate in the rabbit’s body.
In what quantity and how are bananas given to rabbits?
Before treating your pet to a sweet banana, rabbit breeders should remember that the fruit does not serve as the main food in the diet. It is given only as a treat, in small portions. The fruits are offered in different varieties.
Fresh
Rabbit breeders willingly offer the fruit in this form to their pet. Make sure that the pulp is not overripe, otherwise it will cause diarrhea in the rabbit. It should be included in the menu in small doses, monitoring the pet’s health condition. An eared pet must be active and have a good appetite.
For dwarf breeds, it is enough to give one teaspoon of pulp per meal.
The delicacy is pre-finely chopped. Large individuals are given no more than 40 grams of fresh fruit. If there are uneaten pieces left in the cage, they are removed, as the pulp quickly deteriorates, which will provoke a food reflux in the furry animal.
Zoologists recommend giving exotic fruit no more than four times a month. Feeding is carried out only in the morning; it is not advisable to offer the rabbit a banana at night.
Dried
Factory feeds contain a mixture of grains, nuts, dried fruits and vegetables. This diet is not recommended for herbivores. The product contains a high content of fats, which negatively affects the condition of the pet’s internal organs.
Dried fruit contains a sufficient amount of vitamins, minerals, microelements, and fiber. Unlike fresh fruit, it is convenient to store when dried; it does not lose its beneficial qualities for a long time. Dried slices are quite hard, such a treat is good for your pet’s teeth.
Dried fruit has a higher sugar content than fresh fruit. Therefore, it is worth limiting the time and amount of fruit your pet consumes. It is enough to give one piece no more than once or twice a month.
Skin
Rabbit breeders prefer to give their pets banana peels. Its composition is rich in useful substances. Eating the skin improves the condition of the fur of the eared animal and normalizes the functioning of the digestive system.
You can offer your rabbit a banana peel in combination with other fruits and berries. For example, a piece of apple or strawberry is wrapped in skin and given to a furry pet.It is recommended to offer this dish to your rabbit no more than once every seven days.
Banana peel can be pre-dried and added to the main diet in this form. For better absorption, the pieces are first doused with boiling water. Before offering this treat to your pet, the peel is soaked or thoroughly washed to remove chemicals from the surface.
Bananas should be introduced into a rabbit’s diet gradually, monitoring the animal’s well-being and behavior. With any changes or deterioration in health, the exotic fruit is removed from the diet. The main condition for feeding your pet fruit is compliance with the regimen and dosage.
