Rewards for rabbits are very useful in certain circumstances: they help us to strengthen emotional ties with the animal, to reinforce positive behaviors, to introduce other nutrients in their diet, or, simply, to brighten their day. Do you want to know what are the best snacks for your bunny? We talk about it!
What types of treats for rabbits are there?
If you start looking into pet stores you will find that, commercially, there are many types of treats for rabbits.
These are made up of vegetables, herbs, and/or fruits, with the particularity of being presented in different formats. That is what makes them so attractive to them, as well as being easy to maintain and operate.
But, of course, we can also give a prize to our rabbit taken directly from our kitchen. Let’s see the options!
Treats for rabbits in shops
Among the prizes that you can buy for your pet, you will find:
- Cookies. These are made specifically for the animal, with appropriate ingredients for it. They usually have different shapes: from donuts, snacks, or even cookies with filling.
- Legume flakes.
- Cereal flakes.
- Trunks to bite and eat of different materials.
- Bars are composed of various ingredients.
- Herb and plant roots.
- Hay. You will find it in multiple formats so that the rabbit can also entertain itself while it gnaws or eats it: rope, ball, bucket, bell …
Homemade Rabbit Awards
Inside the feeding, rabbit to include small amounts of fruits and vegetables. Some of these foods amaze animals. Therefore, they can be an attractive reward when given as a snack eventually.
For example, among the fruits that rabbits like the most are:
- Apple.
- Watermelon.
- Money.
- Apricot.
- Cantaloupe.
- Blueberry.
- Peach.
- Plum.
Moving on to vegetables and greens, the ones that are most often enjoyed are:
- Cucumber.
- Carrot.
- Pepper.
- Zucchini.
- Broccoli.
- Herbs (coriander, spearmint, chamomile, basil …).
Other foods that can serve as treats for rabbits are:
- Walnuts.
- Sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
- Almonds
- Legumes like peas.
Of course, in addition to elements that they can ingest for nourishment, let’s remember that rabbits love to nibble. Also, it is something they need to do to wear down their teeth and maintain their dental health.
Because of this, other types of treats for bunnies are branches and driftwood. Of course, the wood must be natural and without any type of treatment.
How do I know which is the best prize for rabbits?
When choosing the best prizes for rabbits, certain aspects must be taken into account.
1. The ingredients (in the case of being purchased prizes)
When it comes to feeding our pets, it is not enough to select products whose packaging indicates that they are exclusive for a certain animal. You also have to look for quality.
This is so because we can find food for rabbits that contains certain ingredients that are not beneficial for them. For example, we could find sugar in some of the treats, a product that should not be ingested.
Because of this, it is important that, before buying, we stop to analyze the list of ingredients to make sure that the treat is healthy for the pet.
2. Supplements to the usual diet
The snack that we give to the animal should serve as an incentive for it, but also as something variant with respect to the feeding of common rabbits.
For this reason, it is interesting to choose treats for rabbits that are different foods than what they usually eat. This will stimulate them tremendously.
Additionally, when the prize is for products such as hay or wood, it will serve as environmental enrichment and entertainment by being able to manipulate them. All a plus!
3. Variety in natural snacks
If what you are going to do is offer the animal natural treats (fruits, vegetables, etc.), then also take into account what are the ones that you provide regularly in its diet. That way it will be easier for you to vary.
4. Take into account their tastes
In addition to choosing quality treats, it is very important that you consider your pet’s preferences. It will be useless to give him an award if it is not attractive to him!
As you vary, you will realize which snacks are the ones that your rabbit likes the most and you will be able to keep them in mind on future occasions.
How do I reward my rabbit?
When we are going to give the rabbit a prize, we do it with the best of intentions. However, good intentions can harm our pets if certain aspects are not taken into account.
Do not overdo it
The prizes offered cannot unbalance the diet of the animal. This means that we must respect the amounts of hay, fresh food, and feed for rabbits (basic components of their diet) and, in no case, exceed ourselves.
Therefore, the amounts of prizes must be minimal. To make sure, the ideal is to consult with your trusted veterinarian, as he will give you personalized instructions based on the weight and health of the animal.
Keep in mind that if the rabbit is overweight, the most caloric treats will have to be suppressed, for example.
In addition, an excess of treats can cause, not only weight gain, but also digestive problems.
Do a little test
On the other hand and in relation to digestive problems, the first time a rabbit is offered prizes, it should be given in a small proportion and see how it feels.
The food could cause vomiting or diarrhea and it is important that the consequences are minimal.
Wash fruits and vegetables well
If the snack offered is a piece of fruit or vegetable, you should peel it and wash it well. You also have to remove any bones or pipes from those fruits that contain them.
Consult your vet
Of course, those who best know what is appropriate or not for our pets are veterinary professionals. Therefore, do not hesitate to consult one if you have any questions or if you detect any strange reaction (whether for a prize or not) in your bunny.
