Question: Can rabbit eat rice ?
Answer: Yes rabbit can eat rice.
Although feeding small amounts of cooked/uncooked rice to rabbits is not harmful, feeding them large amounts of rice can lead to digestive upsets like diarrhea and gastrointestinal stasis.
100 grams of uncooked rice contains 80.4 grams of carbohydrates, or 63.6% starch. While rabbits should limit themselves to 0-138 grams of starch, this means that rabbits may or may not be content with starch in their diet. Feeding your rabbits starches like rice would do more harm than good, instead you should focus on feeding your rabbits high quality hay.
If you notice any changes in your rabbit’s stool, both in size and consistency after eating rice, take your rabbit to a veterinarian immediately.
Now that I’ve given you the gist of the article, read on as I explain the various risks and alternatives to rice:
Risk of overfeeding rabbits with rice.
Because rice is high in carbohydrates and low in fiber, feeding it to your rabbits comes with some risk when fed in large quantities as rabbits have difficulty digesting it.
Here are some of the risks associated with feeding your rabbits large amounts of rice:
Diarrhea
Diarrhea in rabbits is often caused by poor diet or changing their diet too quickly. Feeding your rabbit copious amounts of rice would tick both of those boxes I mentioned.
Gastrointestinal stasis
Gastrointestinal stasis is also possible when a rabbit is fed large amounts of rice, which is high in carbohydrates and starch.
Gastrointestinal stasis occurs when the balance of bacteria in your rabbit’s gut is upset due to a high carbohydrate, low fiber diet. This disruption would cause painful gas that would eventually lead to organ failure and death if not treated immediately.
The signs of gastrointestinal stasis are:
- Depressed
- Bent posture
- Bruxism
- Decreased appetite/anorexia
If you notice any of these signs, take your rabbit to a veterinarian immediately.
Obesity
Obesity in rabbits is also possible when fed large amounts of starches. Rabbits that are confined to cages all day without exercise and fed large amounts of carbohydrate-rich, low-fiber foods are most susceptible to obesity .
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Should you panic if your rabbit eats a small amount of rice?
No. As long as your rabbit eats the right kind of diet and you don’t give him a bowl of rice to eat, then your rabbit should be fine.
Feeding plenty of hay would help prevent digestive issues that could arise if your rabbit accidentally ate some rice.
What to do if your rabbit ate rice?
Observe their behavior and poo for any changes. You should also give them plenty of hay. If you notice any changes in their poop take them to a vet.
Conclusion
A rabbit eating small amounts of rice is not a problem as long as it is on a high fiber diet. Just be sure to monitor their stool for any changes in consistency and size.
A rabbit fed large amounts of rice can lead to digestive upset such as gastrointestinal stasis and diarrhea. It could also lead to obesity, especially rabbits confined to small cages all day without access to regular exercise.
If your rabbit shows signs of digestive distress, take him to a veterinarian immediately.