Pumpkin is scientifically classified as a fruit that belongs to the winter squash family. Pumpkins are rich in water, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. But do rabbits enjoy eating pumpkin?
Rabbits can eat raw pumpkin flesh and seeds. It is a rich source of vitamin A, B, calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and manganese, which are vital nutrients for a rabbit’s health. But it contains more carbohydrates and sugar than a rabbit needs, so moderation is key.
Rabbits are grazing animals that primarily eat grass and hay. Too many carbs and too much fat can lead to obesity, dental issues, and stomach problems. Therefore, rabbits should consume no more than 1-2 tablespoons of pumpkin flesh per 5 pounds of body weight.
Is it Safe for Rabbits to Eat Pumpkin?
Properly ripened pumpkin is safe for rabbits to eat, but it should only be given as an occasional treat. Because canned pumpkin can contain added sugar, preservatives, and other chemicals, it’s best to only offer raw, fresh pumpkin when feeding your rabbit.
Avoid giving your rabbit too much pumpkin as its high in carbs and sugar. Too many carbs can lead to an upset stomach, diarrhea, gas, dental problems and obesity in rabbits. Obesity in rabbits is associated with pregnancy toxemia, pododermatitis, myiasis, and GI stasis, among other disorders.
Home-cooked pumpkin is okay, but it’s not going to be as satiating for your pet as it would have lost its crunch. Cooked and pureed pumpkin is also denser in carbohydrates than raw pumpkin.
Pumpkin treats, such as pumpkin pie, pumpkin cookies, etc. should be strictly avoided as they contain too much sugar and fat for a pet rabbit.
Too much pumpkin can also cause rabbits to lose their appetite for more nutritious, lower-calorie and high-fiber foods, such as hay and leafy greens.
Do Rabbits Like to Eat Pumpkin?
Your rabbit will devour pumpkin in any form because it’s sweet. Wild rabbits are more likely to nibble on pumpkin leaves and stems, but domesticated rabbits can easily overeat.
Owners should be cautious not to overdo their rabbit’s carbohydrate and sugar intake. If you’re feeding your rabbit a tablespoon of pumpkin today, it should be a part of the recommended amount of fruit and starchy vegetable your rabbit can eat per week.
Benefits of Pumpkin for Rabbits
Pumpkin is an acceptable source of nutrition for rabbits. However, your rabbit’s diet should predominantly consist of hay. Wild rabbits have a diet that’s rich in fiber and low in calories, carbohydrates and fats because they primarily feed on grass, weeds, and twigs.
Rabbits also need some added protein, vitamins and minerals from leafy greens, vegetables, and fruit for their growth and development. Pumpkin is an excellent source of:
- Water. Pumpkin is 94% water, which aids in digestion, bowel movements and in the prevention of dehydration and overheating.
- Vitamin A. rabbits need vitamin A for healthy coat and vision and for the proper functioning of the heart, lungs, and kidneys.
- Vitamin K. Improves blood flow, lowers the risk of blood clots and improves bone health.
- Folate. Boosts immunity and improves red blood cell production.
- Zinc. Essential for several metabolic processes, including protein synthesis, which also improves coat health and wound healing.
- Phosphorous and Calcium. Work hand-in-hand to keep bones healthy.
- Potassium and Magnesium. These help rabbits relax their muscles and enjoy better sleep. They’re also good for the heart.
- Manganese. Required for the optimal metabolism of protein, carbohydrates, and fats.
The following table gives you the calories and nutrients in 100g of raw pumpkin:
| Nutrients in Pumpkin, Raw | Amount per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 109 kJ (26 kcal) |
| Carbohydrates | 6.5 g |
| Sugars | 2.76 g |
| Dietary fiber | 0.5 g |
| Fat | 0.1 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Vitamin A | 426 μg |
| Thiamine | 0.05 mg |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.11 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 0.6 mg |
| Pantothenic acid (B5) | 0.298 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.061 mg |
| Folate (B9) | 16 μg |
| Vitamin C | 9 mg |
| Vitamin E | 0.44 mg |
| Vitamin K | 1.1 μg |
| Calcium | 21 mg |
| Iron | 0.8 mg |
| Magnesium | 12 mg |
| Manganese | 0.125 mg |
| Phosphorus | 44 mg |
| Potassium | 340 mg |
| Zinc | 0.32 mg |
How Much Pumpkin Can A Rabbit Eat?
As a rule of thumb, rabbits should only be given 2 tablespoons of raw pumpkin flesh per 5 pounds of body weight, 2-3 times a week.
Young rabbits with digestive systems that haven’t acclimated to pumpkin should be given no more than 1 tablespoon of pumpkin 2-3 times a week.
The following table shows how much pumpkin a rabbit can eat per week according to its breed and weight:
| Rabbit Breed | Average Adult Weight, lb | Amount of Pumpkin in tbsp., per week |
|---|---|---|
| Lionhead rabbit | 3.75 | 1.5 |
| Flemish giant | 3.5 | 1.4 |
| Holland lop | 3.5 | 1.4 |
| Netherland dwarf | 2.5 | 1.0 |
| Continental giant | 18 | 7.2 |
| Dutch rabbit | 4 | 1.6 |
| Mini Rex | 4.5 | 1.8 |
| French lop | 14 | 5.6 |
| Polish rabbit | 2+ | 0.8 |
| American rabbit | 10+ | 4.0 |
| Californian rabbit | 10+ | 4.0 |
| Beveren rabbit | 12 | 4.8 |
| English lop | 12 | 4.8 |
Can Rabbits Eat Pumpkin Seeds?
Pumpkin seeds, also called pepitas, are among the few seeds that rabbits can safely consume. However, rabbits can only enjoy raw pumpkin seeds as an occasional treat.
Pumpkin seeds are nutritious, as they’re packed in vitamin A, B-complex vitamins, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, and potassium. However, they’re dense in fatty acids, which aren’t suitable for rabbits if given daily.
Rabbits have far more sensitive digestive tracts than humans. Therefore, they lack the ability to digest fats properly. Too much fat can also interfere with digestion and the proper motility of the GI tract. Excess fat can also accumulate in the arteries and liver, resulting in severe health complications.
Weight gain and obesity are common problems associated with a diet rich in fatty foods, such as nuts and seeds.
Another issue with pumpkin seeds is that rabbits can choke on them. Seeds can also easily get stuck in their teeth. Therefore, if you’ve never given your rabbit any pumpkin seeds before, pay close attention to how it behaves after eating.
You can include a pinch of ground pumpkin seeds to your rabbit’s food to avoid the risk of choking, but be careful as it can add a lot of fat to your rabbit’s diet.
Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of zinc. Zinc plays a vital role in many metabolic processes, such as wound healing, healthy immune system, growth and development, DNA synthesis and protein synthesis. Zinc is also needed for healthy skin and coat in rabbits.
Because rabbits lack the ability to store zinc, they must be given dietary zinc every day from their food.
A lack of zinc in the diet can lead to poor growth and development, digestive issues, reproductive issues, poor appetite, depression, and a weak immune system. According to the Journal of Animal Science, rabbits that were given a zinc-deficient diet did not only grow poorly, they also had skin lesions, alopecia, and Pasteurella infections.
Keep in mind that pumpkin seeds should not be introduced as a supplementary food source if your rabbit is zinc-deficient. Talk to your vet about creating a balanced diet for your rabbit that includes plenty of zinc.
Pumpkin seeds are also a great source of protein, which rabbits need for proper growth and development.
Can Rabbits Eat Pumpkin Skin?
Rabbits can eat pumpkin skin. In fact, pumpkin skin is a richer source of nutrients for rabbits than the flesh itself.
Pumpkin skin has more fiber and fewer carbohydrates than pumpkin flesh. Just be sure to wash the pumpkin to remove any fertilizer and pesticides.
Can Rabbits Eat Pumpkin Leaves, Stems and Flowers?
Rabbits may nibble on pumpkin leaves and stems, but it’s best to avoid them. Pumpkin leaves and stems are rich in calcium. In rabbits, almost all of the calcium obtained from food is absorbed in the body.
Excess calcium is retained in the bladder in the form of crystals, resulting in thick, sandy or paste-like urine, or sludge. It also causes inflammation of the bladder wall. These crystals condense and form stones in the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra.
Rabbits can eat pumpkin flowers safely, as long as they’re free of harmful chemicals such as pesticides and chemical fertilizers.
Pumpkin is considered healthy and nutritious for rabbits, as long as it is offered in moderation. Pumpkin seeds are dense in fats and can be a choking hazard. You may have better luck grinding the seeds and including them in very minute amounts to your rabbit’s diet.
