Honeydew melon is one of the popular fruits in America and it is safe for rabbits. However, it contains sugar which can cause obesity and digestive issues and its seed and covering should be avoided. This is not a regular food but it can be given to the rabbits as an occasional treat and help them get secured.
What are the harms of honeydew melon for the rabbits?
High Sugar: It has a high amount of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates can be dangerous as they can cause heart issues and an increase in fatty acids. Carbohydrates also make the rabbits lazy and dizzy
Temptation for sugar: Honeydew melons are sweeter and can create a temptation in the rabbits. This may lead to overeating. Honeydew melon has less amount of calories and rabbits have small stomachs. Thus, it can reduce the nutrient intake of rabbits
Stomach Issues; Eating honeydew melon is associated with gastrointestinal diseases. Many people have reported stomach issues after the consumption of melon. It can cause diarrhea which can lead to low energy intake. It may also cause infection in the rabbits
Can rabbits eat the seeds and covering of honeydew melon
The seeds of honeydew melons may contain cyanide in certain cases. Also, they are not rich in nutrients. Therefore the seeds of the honeydew melon should be avoided. You should cut the melon and peel it before serving
The outer part or the shell of honeydew melon is safe for the rabbits. However, many rabbits hate it due to its stiffness and tastelessness. So, if your rabbit is enjoying the covering, give it to him
How much honeydew melon is safe for Rabbits
You should not give more than 10 percent of the total diet as the honeydew melon. You should give only a few grams of honeydew melons to the rabbits. It is not a regular food, you should only give hay and green leaves as a regular food. Thus, it should be given as a snack or treat.
Nutritional benefits of Honeydew melons
Honeydew melon is 90 percent water and almost 9 percent is made up of carbohydrates. Fats and protein are less than 1 percent.
In 100 g it has the following ingredients
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 36 kcal |
| Water | 90.15 g |
| Protein | 0.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 9.09 g |
| Sugars | 8.12 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.9 g |
| Fat | 0.1 g |
Source Wikipedia
What are the benefits of Honeydew melons?
Vitamins: It has large amounts of vitamins A and C. These vitamins are essentials for the growth and movement of rabbits
Regulation of Insulin: Melons have large amounts of sugar and carbohydrate. These help in the production and movement of sugar inside the rabbit’s blood. They also provide energy to the cells and help in cellular respiration
Hydration Powerhouse: Melons are 90 percent water so if your rabbits have less water consumption, melons can help them with hydration.
It is very useful if you are living in dry areas of the USA or Australia, keep your rabbits hydrated through melon food
Easy Digestion: Melons are easily digestible and do not cause any trouble in the stomach. It has a good amount of fibers which help them in digestion
How to properly feed the honeydew watermelon
- Clean the melon of fertilizers and any kind of pesticide
- Cut the melons in half and remove all the seeds
- Remove the covering with a sharp knife
- Further, trim the pieces to the smaller portion
- Start slowly with a small portion
- Slowly increase the amount of your watermelon as he likes food
- Observe the attitude of rabbits after feeding them.
Can rabbits eat the honeydew melon every day?
Rabbits can eat the honeydew melon every day if you feed only a small portion of it. It is not a regular diet but you can give a few pieces of melon every day. It has no side effects.
Can baby rabbits eat the honeydew melons?
Yes, baby rabbits can eat the honeydew melons and it is perfectly safe for them. However, you should remember that it is a treat for them and a major portion of food should be hay and other leaves.