Many households have more than one pet and I also have dogs and rabbits living in the same room. They are friendly to each other and show their affection. However, sometimes they eat the same food and rabbits consume the food of dogs. If you are questioning, is this right for the rabbits? The answer is no.
Rabbit can not eat the dog food because the dog food is rich in protein and carbohydrates. Meanwhile, the rabbits can not consume a large amount of calcium and protein. However, a small amount of it is not toxic but you should avoid giving the regular version of this food.
What are the main components of rabbit food
Rabbit food has the following components a large amount.
The rabbit consumes a fibre diet
Firstly, look for food that has high fibre. Dog foods do not have fibres and they are rich in calcium substances. On the other hand, green vegetables and hay are rich in fibre. Pellets can also be given as they also have appropriate fibres. Do not feed the rabbit food which has less fiber.
Rabbit should be given herbivorous and high-calorie diet
Rabbits are herbivores, they live on green food and their stomach is designed in a certain way to accommodate the high-calorie diet. Furthermore, the rabbits have small stomachs and they can eat only a small amount of food. Therefore, they should be fed a high-calorie diet that is rich in dietary fibre. High-quality hay is the perfect thing for the rabbits to eat.
Why you should not feed dog food to Cats
Dog food is high in calcium
On average, dog food has 80 per cent calcium or related products. Calcium is easily digested by the dogs but rabbits can not eat the calcium. Their stomach is not designed to process the high calcium. Furthermore, rabbits do not need calcium in such a high quantity. They need dietary fibres. Therefore, dog foods are not a good option for the rabbits.
Dog food can cause kidney stones and liver damage
Due to the high quantity of heavy metals such as calcium and protein, dog food can cause kidney stones or liver damage in rabbits. Rabbits have less water consumption and the dog food is both dry and heavy which is hard to pass from the smaller kidneys of the rabbits. Therefore, it is always recommended to not feed the dog food to the rabbits
Dog food is not for herbivorous rabbits
If we look at the evolution and categories, dogs are carnivorous and they have sharp teeth. They can eat bones and meats. Meanwhile, rabbits are herbivores and they feed on softer foods such as hay and green leaves. Both animals have different dietary preferences based on thousands of years of evolution and lifestyle. Rabbits are not carnivores and, therefore, should be fed with herbs and green leaves.
Dog food is 20 percent protein
Another issue with cat food is that it is rich in protein. Proteins are also indigestable to the rabbits and they can not consume it in high quantity. Therefore avoid dog food at any cost
Dog food can cause dental decay in bunnies
Dog food has a worse impact on the teeth of the rabbits. Rabbit teeth can not withstand the stiffness of dog food. Dogs have incisors to break down the bones and food meanwhile the gums of rabbits are designed for the green leaves and tree barks. Furthermore, dog food is sticky and it gets stuck in the mouth of the rabbits which also causes dental decay in the rabbit. It has been observed that almost 20 percent of teeth damage in rabbits can be associated with dog food consumed in just one week. This is a very big number and therefore, you should avoid dog food.
Dog food can lead to urinal infection in rabbits
Many doctors have warned pet owners to not feed dog food to any herbivorous animals such as goats and rabbits. It has also been seen that urinal infection can be caused by the high intake of dog food. Dog food is hot and its digestion creates a strong heat energy. This heat can cause the infection in urinal areas of rabbits. Therefore, you should avoid the dog food to save your rabbits from the infection.
Dog food has many toxins for the rabbits
As we have discussed earlier dog foods have certain items which are indigestable. There are certain additives in the dog food which can cause the allergic reaction in the rabbits. Rabbits can feel the acidic reaction in their stomach which may lead to many complications. Dog foods are processed too and rabbits might take them as toxins. Therefore, the dog food can be proven toxic to the rabbits and you should avoid giving the dog food to the bunnies.
Can dog food complete the diet of rabbits?
No, the diets of rabbits and dogs are different and their food can not be given interchangeably. Therefore, you should not feed the rabbits with dog food as it will make them sick and lethargic. Also, due to indigestion, you can see the frustration and restlessness in the rabbits due to dog food. Therefore, the diet given to the dogs is not good for the rabbits
How much Dog food is safe for the rabbits?
If you have a small amount of dog food, it is perfectly fine for the rabbits. However, feeding a large amount of dog food is not a good idea. Furthermore, dog food should be given once a week at maximum. You should not give it daily.
How dog food will react to the rabbits?
Dog food is dangerous for the digestion of rabbits and your rabbit might react in the way given below
- Laziness
- Nauseated
- Restless
- Sharp stool movement
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Distress
- High intake of water
- Irregular bowel movement
In the case, you witnessed any of these situations, do consult a doctor.
Can rabbits eat dog pellets and treats?
No, dog pellets and treats are as dangerous for the rabbit as the eating rocks are for the humans. They do not have any true nutritional value for the rabbits and therefore, should be avoided at any cost.
How to safeguard rabbits from eating Dog Food?
- Use the height benefits of dogs over the rabbits and place the dog food at a little higher distance.
- Use the cage and give the food when both are separated. You can cage the rabbit and feed the dog.
Can rabbits eat wet Dog food?
No, Wet dog food is as dangerous for the rabbits as dry is. You should not feed wet dog food to the rabbits.
Final Answer
The final answer to your question is clear you should not give dog food to the rabbit regularly. If they have to eat it at once, it is fine. However, don’t let them eat regularly. The reason is simple rabbits are herbivores and dogs are carnivorous. You can switch the food because both have different dietary needs.
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