What happens sometimes you take your rabbit outside for some kind of adventures to make your rabbit healthy and of course fit? This might make your rabbit come across with an insect. Then, one question will be arising regarding “Do Rabbits Eat Insects or Not?” Don’t worry; here you will get to receive all healthy information about this topic.
Rabbits are herbivore which means that they are plant eaters. Instead, bunnies should not munch on insects. They might eat meat if they were carnivores. But it is observed that they may still consume bugs despite of their herbivore nature.
From this article; our experts will explore more about whether furry friends eat bugs accidentally or for a taste. In this you will also learn about the rabbit safe and friendly foods which keep your rabbit healthy, happy and safe.
Can Rabbits Eat Insects Safely?
No Doubt! Rabbits may munch on insects; if they are fed outside. They mostly eat bugs like ants and many others. Bunnies should be avoiding feeding the insects as this will not fulfill their nutritional needs.
Also Read: Sore Hocks Rabbits and its Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment
Munching on Insects may cause various health problems. Few of them provide the protein like cockroaches and beetles. This type of nutritional source is not required for your pet.
As told above, rabbits are such creatures that are plant eaters. Rabbits do not have the skills to kill the insects as they move at higher speed so, bunnies may fail to capture them. This doesn’t mean that your furry friend will never eat insects.
What Kinds of Insects Do Rabbits Eat?
Still rabbits are herbivores; but they eat the certain types of insects from time to time if they are given a chance. The following are the common bugs and the invertebrates that they will definitely munch on:
One of the most favorite snacks of rabbit is Crickets. They are generally small and jumpy kind of bugs that are rich in protein and fat content. Bunnies mostly like to hold them in mouths and break down into smaller bodies and might eat legs and the wings or the entire cricket.
They are soft bodied invertebrates that are easy meal for bunnies when developed while digging. The moisture and the protein present in the earthworms appear to appeal bunnies’ taste buds. Rabbits like to nibble on the worms which vary on their size.
The hairy caterpillars that mostly crawl along with the grass present appealing the movable targets for the bunnies. They will first catch and then eat its spines and all. Caterpillars offer a good source of the nutrients to increase the diet.
The small spiders and other arachnids may be eaten by the excited rabbits. They are least interested in big spiders, but the little jumpers and the creepy crawlers wondering will seem to get eaten by them.
If bunnies are given a chance to munch on an ant hill, then they will go for this opportunity and digest some ants for the extra protein punch. As these contains the necessary nutrients and minerals.
Also Read: Flystrike in Rabbits and its Causes, Signs, and Prevention
Rabbits happily snap up the flies or other flying insects that comes into the wide range. Wings of the flies are either chewed or destroyed, but the bodies of the insects are consumed by the bunnies.
The crunchy beetles such as june bugs, ladybugs and grub beetles will convince the rabbits into having a nibble or two. The shells seem to be appealing for bunnies as well as the meaty inner bug.
However, the vegetation makes up the large of the rabbit’s diet; but they are self seeking to eat insects if once given a chance. They munch on the crispy and the crunchy exoskeletons bodies while hunting.
Benefits of Eating Insect to Rabbits
Absolutely! Insects provide a wide range of the nutritional benefits to bunnies that contribute their overall health and well being. The addition of rabbit’s diet can improves the digestion, promotes the growth, and enhances the overall vitality.
Improved Digestion System
They are high in chitin, a fiber that supports the overall digestion in bunnies. Chitin helps to control the gut motility, avoids the digestive disorders and promotes the overall growth of the bacteria that benefits the digestive tract. The availability of chitin in insects aids the breakdown of the food and also improves the nutrient absorption.
Enhanced Growth
Insects are a good source of the proteins that is necessary for the growth and development in bunnies. As you know, proteins are the building blocks for muscles, tissue and the organs that support the healthy growth and maintain a healthy body weight. The amino acid profile of insects aligns the well with the proper need of the nutrients.
Increasing Overall Well-being
The feeding of insects by bunnies has been associated with the improved overall well being. They are high in vitamins, minerals and the antioxidants that support the immune system functioning, and also protect them against the diseases. The availability of these nutrients in the insects contributes to a healthy and the vibrant bunny.
Health Concern of Insects for Your Bunnies
Nature didn’t acquire the rabbits for the insect feeding. But letting your furry friend eating those bugs can be dangerous.
Also Read: How to Keep Rabbits Cool in The Summer? Expert Tips & Tricks
The Insect Could Be Poisonous
Like scorpions and the spiders that you will know what we actually mean. Some bugs may have defense mechanisms that can even more serious injuries to your bunny.
Insects Could Cause Choking
Big Bugs like cockroach and beetle have tough and hard shells. Rabbits have the strong teeth that can chew through rigid plant material, which have small throats. The bugs could get stuck in pet’s throat and leads to choking.
Insects Can Cause Diseases
Rabbits have sensitive digestive system that can eat plant materials only. Bunnies do not eat meat and other non vegetarians so if your pet manages to reduce the large insects into the smaller pieces, but its gut will have a trouble digesting the food. Eating bugs can results to deadly or even lead to a blockage.
How Can Stop Your Rabbits from Eating Insects?
Do not let your rabbits wander to the areas where the insects usually hide. Make sure to cover all the holes or the hiding spots that your rabbit can even crawl into like under the bed where insects may hide themselves.
Purchase the good quality food from the trusted brands. The low quality brands of bunnies may contain the insects and other dirt can be harmful.
Always ensure to provide the clean surroundings as your rabbit can eat anything that surrounds in its way.
How do You Serve Insects into Rabbit’s Diet?
Insects into a rabbit’ diet offers the essential nutrients and the variety. Here is how it goes:
Always introduce the small amount of insects slowly and gradually in bunnies’ diet to avoid the digestive problems.
Also Read: Snuffles in Rabbits and its Symptoms, Prevention, & Treatment
Choose the safest options like mealworm, crickets and the grasshoppers from the reliable sources. Prevent insects from the areas that have been treated with pesticides.
Before servings always clean and prepare the insects by washing them thoroughly. Otherwise, you can also purchase the freeze dried ones also.
Mix these insects with some other bunny safe alternatives like hay or pellets to encourage the consumption.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Are Insects Good for Rabbit’s Well Health?
Yes! Rabbits can eat insects but it should be fed in the moderation. They offer the protein, calcium and the nutrients that can increase their diet.
What Kinds of Insects Should You Avoid Serving Rabbit?
Prevent serving the harmful bugs like ladybugs, fireflies and monarch butterflies. Also avoid feeding these insect as they are generally sprayed by pesticides.
How Many Insects Can You Offer Your Bunnies?
Feeding small insects sometimes is enough for rabbits. Prevent the overfeeding of these insects as they are rich in fats and proteins.
Do Wild Rabbits Eat Insects Safely?
Wild rabbits mainly eat the plants such as grasses, leaves and vegetables. They sometimes eat insects which accidentally eat the small bugs while grazing. They are plant eaters not insect eaters.
Final Thoughts: Do Rabbits Eat Insects?
Which Insects can rabbit eat? Bunnies are herbivores but sometimes may munch on insects. They don’t eat intentionally but accidentally sometimes. These animals are not predators. They do not have the skills to kill the insects. Few of insects are bad for your pet furry friends.
Also Read: Pregnancy in Rabbits: What Every Owner Should Know
Insects may carry harmful infections which make your rabbit feel sick. Always ensure that your bunny do not come across the insects. If you pet by mistake eat insects and then shows the signs of illness also go for a vet as soon as possible.
Do you have any experience, tips, tricks, or query regarding on this? You can drop a comment!
Have a Nice Day!!
