Oranges are the most common fruits in the summer and orange peels are found everywhere in the home. Sometimes, rabbits eat and feed on the orange peels. Also sometimes, you want to feed the orange peels to your rabbits. So the question arises, can rabbits eat orange peels?
The answer is yes, the rabbits can easily eat orange peels but a high quantity of it can cause stomach issues due to high citric acid. You can give only a few grams of organic peels to the rabbit and overfeeding can cause various issues.
Rabbit has small and very sensitive stomachs and thus give them appropriate food such as hay and green vegetables and leaves.
What are the nutritional elements and benefits of orange peels?
Vitamin A Orange peels are rich in Vitamin A which is good for health
Vitamin C: orange peels have high amount of Vitamin C which is good for the health of Rabbits
Anti-Oxidants: Orange peels have anti-oxidant which can help in boosting immunity
End Constipation: The elements in the orange peels are very helpful in ending the constipation
Why Orange peels are dangerous to Rabbits
High Acidity
Orange peel has citrus acid in it. Citrus acid is one of the most dangerous elements that has a low pH. Thus, it is highly acidic in nature. The high acidic nature can cause the ulser and stomach imbalance in the rabbits
Gastrointestinal issues
Orange peels are dangerous because they are not easily digestible and can cause stomach issues. It can lead to several intestinal issues that are not good for the health of the rabbits
Lack of Fibers
Orange peels lack appropriate fibers. Rabbits need a high amount of fiber to complete their dietary needs and orange peels have less amount of fiber. Therefore, the lack of fibers can cause many serious issues in the intestine of the rabbits
Low Calorie
Orange peels have low calories and are not appropriate for rabbits. Rabbits have specialized calorie needs for the diet and orange peels can not fulfill this demand. Therefore, avoid giving large amounts of it
Allergy
Sometimes, orange peels can cause allergy. Therefore, look for the reaction of rabbits after feeding and if you find something dangerous, run to the doctor.
Loose stools
Orange peels have a nature to create loose motion. This is due to the acidic nature of the food and it can cause the loose stool problem in the rabbit.
How much Orange peels are good for Bunnies
Use the thumb rule which means that cut the orange peel not more than the thumb of your hand and feed your rabbits
Another, 10 percent rule is also used. It means you can give 10 percent of the diet as an orange peel and the other amount should come from hay and green leaves.
Rabbits have small intestines and therefore, their dietary needs should be fulfilled otherwise it will cause many issues to the rabbit stomach.
How to safely feed Orange peels to your rabbits
- Wash the orange peels to clean the dirt and pesticide.
- Now cut it into small pieces
- You can feed dry orange peels to your rabbits
- Do not give more than 10 percent of the diet
- wait for the reaction and reception
Can rabbits eat dry Orange peels?
Yes, dry rabbit peels have all the nutrients of the orange peel and it can be safely given to the rabbits. However, avoid giving more than a thumb of your hand. Overfeeding can cause issues.