Is it possible and how to properly give cucumbers to rabbits, the benefits and harms of vegetables

A balanced diet is the key to strong immunity in pets. Owners are often concerned about how the inclusion of different foods in their diet will affect the health of their pets. One of the most pressing questions is whether it is possible to give cucumbers to rabbits. The product is not only healthy and rich in vitamins, but also widespread. Often you don’t even need to buy a juicy vegetable; it grows in the garden in the garden.

Is it possible to give cucumbers to rabbits?

In addition to useful substances, cucumbers contain a lot of water. They are recommended for feeding pets to dilute hard food and prevent excessive weight gain.Livestock breeders believe that fresh cucumbers will not harm the health of both ordinary and decorative rabbits.

But in order for a juicy green vegetable to be beneficial, you must follow some recommendations:

1. The diet includes only environmentally friendly fruits, without nitrates or other impurities.
2. Cucumbers are used as a top dressing and do not replace the main meal.

Salted or pickled vegetables are contraindicated for rabbits. In combination with food additives, such products, when entering the body, cause intoxication and can lead to the death of the animal. Even a slight addition of fertilizing will negatively affect the well-being of furry animals. Consequences of eating high amounts of food salts for rabbits:

• the appearance of allergic reactions;
• malfunctions of the urinary system, especially the kidneys;
• liver diseases, up to cirrhosis.

Even in winter, during a period of shortage of vegetables, you should not try to diversify the diet of animals with similar foods.

Benefits of vegetables

All useful elements in the green vegetable are easily absorbed by the body. This is important for rabbits due to coprophagia. The phenomenon of animals eating their excrement is associated with the structure of the gastrointestinal tract. The food is not digested the first time, the process must be repeated.

This amount is not enough for complete nutrition, but is quite enough for feeding. The composition also includes other macro- and microelements. The largest share is occupied by:

Regular addition of vegetables to food has a beneficial effect on the health of pets. Cucumbers not only diversify the diet, but also improve the overall well-being of animals and make their fur thick and fluffy. Green fruits are especially useful for decorative rabbits.

How to give cucumbers?

You should not give a lot of cucumbers to your pets at once. Vegetable supplements are introduced into the diet gradually.

Adults

Adult decorative rabbits are given no more than 50 grams of cucumbers per day, other breeds - up to 100 grams. Basic recommendations for feeding rabbits:

• use only fresh fruits without damage or mold;
• cucumbers must be washed and dried;
• vegetables are cut into small slices or grated;
• add a small amount of salt;
• The best time for feeding is lunch.

You can offer your pets a salad. To do this, 20% of the cucumber supplement is mixed with other vegetables or hay. If the rabbit refuses to eat cucumbers, the supplement is reintroduced after a week.

It is important to carefully clean the feeders when the rabbits have finished eating. Otherwise, the leftover food will turn sour and may harm the animals.

For young animals

Rabbits are given cucumbers only in crushed form. The first feeding of young animals is carried out at 4 months of age. During this period, the baby’s body is already able to digest heavier foods. The recommendations apply to all breeds of rabbits.

If the animal has a weak stomach, the introduction of the vegetable supplement is postponed for 1 or 2 months.

Contraindications and harm

Cucumbers, like any food, are beneficial if used in moderation.In large doses, the vegetable will cause diarrhea and worsen the condition of pets. The green supplement is also not given to rabbits in the following cases:

• if the fruits were purchased in a supermarket or industrial greenhouse, where vegetables are treated with chemicals;
• in case of individual intolerance to the product;
• up to 4 months of age.

Vegetables will harm the body:

• if the fruits are damaged, dirty or wet;
• when the diet consists only of cucumbers.

Veterinarians also prohibit adding new foods to an animal's diet when giving green fruits a try for the first time.

Cucumbers will not harm rabbits if you follow the feeding rules. It is important to observe moderation and remember that vegetables are not the main food. The diet must be balanced, and then your pets will be healthy.