Can Rabbits eat peanut butter?

The answer is no, you should not give peanut butter to your rabbit under any circumstances, and you should not allow your rabbit to lick it off your fingers if you have been eating it.

Peanut butter is not toxic, but it contains plenty of things that rabbits should not eat, and it could be damaging to a rabbit’s health.

Why Peanut Butter is bad for rabbits?

Rabbits have sensitive digestive systems, and eating the wrong type of food makes it far more likely for them to have problems.

From eating peanut butter, rabbits can get:

  • Weight gain: When your rabbit eats too many calories and sugar, they’ll gain weight, and unless there’s intervention they’ll end up obese. This results in trouble grooming, extra pressure on their hearts, joint soreness, and more.
  • Digestive issues: Peanut butter is high in fat, and rabbits don’t have the ability to digest a large number of fats. Excessive fat can lead to diarrhea and dehydration.
  • Dental issues: After eating too much sugary food, rabbits often face issues with their teeth rotting and overgrowing.
  • Stomach upset: This can be in the form of diarrhea, gas, stomach pain, or bloating. It can be caused by eating food high in sugar and salt.
  • Urinary issues: Too much calcium and phosphorus can result in kidney stones, infections, and bladder issues.
  • Gastrointestinal issues: If your rabbit eats the wrong type of diet, it can upset the balance of bacteria in their gut and make them sick. If they get gastrointestinal stasis, it’s when there’s no movement in their gut and they can go downhill extremely quickly.
Also Read:  Can Rabbits Eat Cheese?

Can I Give My Rabbit Small Amounts Of Peanut Butter?

It’s better not to give your rabbit any peanut butter. If you end up giving it tiny quantities, these are unlikely to be harmful as long as the sodium and sugar levels are low, but they still aren’t very good for your rabbit.

What if My Rabbit Eats Peanut Butter?

If your rabbit eats peanut butter by accident, you need to check how they react to it.

It isn’t toxic, just difficult to digest and full of the wrong type of ingredients. Give them extra hay and water and monitor them closely.

If your rabbit is having a negative reaction after eating peanut butter, take them to a vet.

Signs that they’re reacting badly include:

  • Changes in behavior.
  • Not eating normally.
  • Loose stool or unusual toilet habits.
  • Lethargy or not moving much.
  • Choking or struggling to breathe.

You know your rabbit best, if something isn’t right get advice from a vet ASAP.