Avocado is a fruit that has become popular in recent years for its nutritional value and versatility. This fruit is rich in healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and essential minerals. However, while avocado may be a healthy food for humans, it is not safe for all animals, so Can bunnies eat avocado?
Bunnies cannot eat avocado because this fruit is very toxic not only for them but also for domestic animals due to its high-fat content but, more importantly, because of a toxin called persin.
This toxin is found throughout the fruit, from the flesh to the skin, and no matter how small an amount you offer to your bunnies, it is still a health hazard.
Can Bunnies Eat Avocado?
Bunnies cannot eat avocados, as they are poisonous to them.
Avocados contain a substance called persin, which is toxic to rabbits and other animals, adversely affecting bunnies’ gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems.
Persin is found in all parts of the avocado, including the flesh, skin, and pit. The effects can be serious and, in some cases, even fatal, causing illness and health complications.
Besides persin, avocado is also high in fat and carbohydrates and low in fiber. It is mainly composed of water, approximately 73% has 15% fat, 8.5% carbohydrates, mainly in the form of fiber, and about 2% protein.
Bunnies have delicate digestive systems not designed to process these large amounts of fat, increasing the risk of intestinal problems such as enteritis, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal stasis.
A study about “Histopathological changes caused by accidental avocado leaves toxicity in rabbits” focused on the autopsy of young male Chinchilla rabbits that died after ingesting avocado leaves.
Severe pathological changes were observed in the skin, liver, kidneys, and heart, including congestion, petechiae, and cell degeneration in these organs. Histopathological findings also showed liver, kidney, and heart cell damage.
Can Bunnies Eat Avocado Skin?
Bunnies cannot eat avocado skin because it contains more persin than the avocado itself.
In addition, the rough texture of the skin can make it difficult for bunnies to digest. Even a small portion of avocado skin can cause discomfort and health problems.
Another study2, reports an outbreak of avocado poisoning in rabbits in Salta, Argentina. Fourteen rabbits died after ingesting fresh avocado leaves, presenting respiratory and cardiac distress symptoms.
Necropsies and histopathological examination indicated that avocado leaves caused myocyte degeneration, necrosis, and mononuclear cellular infiltration, mainly affecting the myocardium.
This study concluded that avocado leaves should be avoided in the diet of rabbits to prevent intoxication.
It is necessary to prevent rabbits from consuming leaves from evergreen trees, shrubs, and flowers grown from bulbs, as they are unsafe.
Avocado seeds are also unsafe as they contain persin, so bunnies cannot eat the pit or seeds of the avocado either.
Besides, the avocado seeds are not only is it poisonous to them, but it is not nutritious and can cause suffocation.
Can Baby Bunnies Eat Avocado?
Baby bunnies cannot eat avocado because it is also toxic to them. In fact, it can do even more harm to their digestive system.
Bunnies’ systems cannot process the levels of fat, and baby bunnies have an even more sensitive digestive system than adult rabbits, as they are still developing.
So a high-fat, high-carbohydrate food such as avocado can do even more harm to baby bunnies, even in small amounts.
What Happens If My Rabbit Eats Avocado?
Suppose your rabbit eats a small amount of avocado accidentally. In that case, nothing serious will probably happen to him, as it will unlikely cause long-term harm to rabbits. Still, make sure they do not consume it.
In the event of accidental ingestion, watch for any signs of digestive problems and seek veterinary attention if necessary.
If your rabbit eats even tiny portions of avocado on a regular or occasional basis, it can cause serious health problems such as obesity and respiratory problems due to its high fat and toxic content, which can result in weight gain, heart disease, and breathing difficulties.
Fat accumulation in the chest can put pressure on the lungs, leading to serious respiratory problems and even death in extreme cases.
It can also cause heart failure and cardiovascular problems in rabbits and cause fluid accumulation around the heart and lungs. Further, gastrointestinal disorders in rabbits, such as diarrhea, constipation, and gas accumulation in rabbits’ intestines, can cause bloating and abdominal distention.
If a rabbit consumes persine, it can also cause gastric torsion, a severe condition in which the rabbit’s stomach twists in on itself, obstructing the normal flow of food and gas.
This can cause several serious and potentially fatal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and shock.
What To Do If Your Bunny Eats Avocados
If a rabbit accidentally eats avocado, give it plenty of hay and avoid other fatty foods. The hay will help it digest the avocado better and get it out of its digestive system.
Keep an eye on your bunny for any symptoms and seek veterinary attention if he shows signs of digestive problems such as lethargy, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or constipation.
Summary
Bunnies cannot eat avocado because this fruit contains a substance called persin that is toxic to bunnies and pets in general.
But, even if the avocado did not contain persin, its excess fat and carbohydrates are still a problem for the digestive system of bunnies, who need a diet that is based on fiber.
When rabbits eat avocado, no matter how small the portion, they can experience several symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhea. In some cases, they can also experience difficulty breathing and convulsions, which can be severe and even fatal in some cases.
So, avoid giving your bunny avocado in any form and opt for other safe and healthy foods that are an occasional snack in their diet, such as grapes, oranges, watermelon, and more.
And, if your bunny accidentally eats avocado, be sure to take him to the vet immediately.
References
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0041010119301096
