Cheese is one of the most popular foods humans enjoy It’s made in a wide variety of flavors, colors, and textures and its versatility means that it can be used in multiple ways, from topping a simple pizza to garnishing the finest cuisine. There is seemingly no end to the things that people choose to do with cheese. But how about giving it to our rabbits?
Cheese is a high-fat, low-fiber food and is unsuitable for rabbits. Rabbits become lactose intolerant after weaning and eating dairy can upset the balance of gut bacteria that break down plant fiber and keep it moving quickly through their gastrointestinal tract.
Rabbit Dietary Requirements
Baby rabbits drink milk from their mothers until they are a few weeks old however they may continue to try to suckle for up to 8 weeks. At this young age, rabbits produce lactase which breaks down the lactose in the milk however once a rabbit stops suckling the requirement for lactase disappears.
Adult rabbits have different and very specific dietary requirements to baby bunnies which does not include any dairy. Instead, their diet should be made up of 80% good quality timothy hay, healthy green veggies, a small handful of pellets, and of course unlimited fresh water.
Is Cheese Poisonous to Rabbits?
Cheese isn’t poisonous for rabbits however it is high in fat and sugar. As herbivores, a rabbit’s digestive system cannot handle animal fats very well. Even small amounts of cheese would almost certainly make your rabbit feel sick.
Cheese is about as far away as you can get from a rabbit’s diet as it is possible to get and if ingested is likely to cause all manner of problems. Depending on the density of the cheese it may also sit in the rabbit’s digestive system without actually being broken down.
While the long-term effects of cheese on a rabbit would be difficult to measure (due to how ill it would likely make them feel) what we do know is that rabbits fed on fatty foods are likely to gain weight, become lethargic and suffer a premature death.
Will a Rabbit Be Sick If It Eats Cheese?
Unfortunately, if a rabbit were to accidentally eat cheese it would not be able to bring it back up. Unlike dogs, cats, and humans, rabbits are physically unable to vomit.
They have no gag reflex and lack the necessary stomach muscles required to push food back up the esophagus. In short, once something goes in, there’s only one way out and in the meantime, the rabbit has to suffer the consequences.
For these reasons, you should never give a rabbit anything that isn’t part of its recommended diet just because you think it is cute or funny. Rabbits are delicate animals and being careless with their diet can have serious repercussions.
How Much Cheese Will Make a Rabbit Ill?
The weight and size of a particular rabbit will have some bearing on the effects that cheese might have on it as will how sensitive the rabbit is to diet change. A Netherland dwarf rabbit will probably become much more ill than a Flemish Giant if both were to eat a similarly large portion of cheese.
If your own rabbit has eaten cheese and suffers no more ill effects than a short bout of diarrhea, you should think yourself very lucky. In the worst-case, stomach impactions leading to gastrointestinal stasis (the gut slowing to a halt and food failing to exit the stomach and cecum) may occur and can be extremely painful and even fatal.
Do Rabbits Like Cheese?
Rabbits usually prefer sweet over savory and with an unlimited amount of cheeses available, and many distinct flavors, there’s no telling which (or even if) a rabbit will like any of them.
Wild rabbits don’t usually have the opportunity to overindulge and try new foods but domestic rabbits can be more adventurous and will be keen to at least investigate what it is we are offering. As owners, it’s up to us to be responsible and make sure human foods are kept out of reach.
What To Do If Your Rabbit Eats Cheese
If you are aware that your rabbit has eaten a portion of cheese, don’t panic. First, make sure the rabbit can’t get anymore and that it has access to plenty of its normal high fiber foodstuffs including timothy hay and/or grasses.
If you have access to a grassed yard or garden encourage eating by giving the rabbit the opportunity to munch on the fresh grass.
Observe the rabbit and keep an eye out for any behavior changes or symptoms associated with serious conditions like G.I. stasis. These include discomfort and low energy.
If the rabbit does show any unusual behavior or symptoms described it’s time to call the vet. If however, the rabbit does manage a runny poop and continues to eat and drink it may be that there will be no further ill effects.
Can Rabbits Eat Cheese Flavored Snacks or Chips?
No, absolutely not! these are also bad for a rabbit as they are covered in all sorts of artificial flavorings (not to mention high sodium) which may do harm to a bunny. As a rule, never feed your rabbit human snacks like popcorn or chips. stick to only feeding your rabbit foods that have been grown.
Alternative Rabbit Treats
As for treats, small fruit pieces and the occasional raisin won’t do any harm to a rabbit. Avoid anything packed with seeds or processed sugars that look unnatural and look for ranges that include only natural ingredients. Herb mixes containing tasty dried flowers and foliage similar to what a rabbit may forage for in the wild are great.
While there are some healthy and natural ranges in stores, there is also a lot of cheap rubbish around. Remember, treats are just that and should always be given in moderation to ensure that the digestive system remains balanced and the rabbit does not start engaging in selective feeding.
Here are some other treat foods you could choose
- Organic Banana chips
- Carrot pieces
- Apple
- Dandelions
- Parsley
- Carrot Tops
Conclusion
Taking care of your rabbit’s health and digestive system is crucial for their well-being. While rabbits require maintenance, nothing is as important as their diet. Cheese and dairy can be fatal in the long term, so it’s important to never feed your rabbit foods that are not part of their natural diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Foods Bunnies Cannot Eat?
Rabbits should avoid all dairy, meat, chocolate, onions, garlic, avocado, iceberg lettuce, rhubarb, and certain houseplants like ivy or lilies.
What Are 4 Things You Should Not Feed Your Rabbit?
Avoid feeding your rabbit meat, dairy products, sugary foods, and high-starch foods like bread or pasta. These can harm their digestive health.
Can Rabbits Eat Eggs?
No, rabbits should not eat eggs. They’re herbivores, meaning their diet should consist of hay, vegetables, and specific fruits only.
Can Rabbits Eat Weetabix?
Weetabix is not ideal for rabbits. It’s high in sugar and can upset their stomach. Stick to hay, leafy greens, and rabbit-safe fruits and vegetables.
Can My Rabbit Drink Milk?
No, rabbits should not drink milk. After weaning, rabbits lose their ability to digest lactose, which can lead to digestive problems.
