It’s no secret that rabbits love vegetables. Bunnies may have become synonymous with carrots, largely thanks to pop culture, but in actual fact, there are a variety of vegetables that your rabbit is likely to enjoy. However, not everything is suitable for a pet rabbit.
With this in mind, it’s important to thoroughly understand what you can and cannot feed your bunny.
Bean sprouts are a tasty vegetable that you may have left over after a stir-fry which you may consider feeding to your rabbit.
But, can rabbits eat bean sprouts? In this article, we’ll explore exactly that…
What are bean sprouts?
You may be used to seeing them in stir-fries or as a staple of your weekend takeaway, but what exactly are bean sprouts?
Native to India, bean sprouts are a vegetable that is grown by, as the name suggests, sprouting beans.
The two main types of bean sprouts come from mung beans and soy beans. While their nutritional value is fairly similar to other vegetables, what makes them unique is their crunchy texture and yummy flavour.
Typically, they’re used to bulk up a number of different Asian dishes.
The diet of a rabbit
Humans have had rabbits as pets for thousands of years, so by now we have a pretty good understanding of what their daily diet should consist of.
Rabbits gain all of their nutrients and minerals through their diet, so it’s essential to feed them the right stuff in order to keep them happy and healthy.
In this section, we’ll examine what the proper diet of your bunny should consist of before we take a look at the question ‘can rabbits eat bean sprouts?’
Hay
Undoubtedly, hay is the most important element of any rabbit’s diet. In fact, it should make up more than 75% of what it consumes each day. Not only does hay provide your pet with soft bedding and a comfortable to rest in its hutch, but it’s also brimming with all kinds of nutrients.
This includes vital fibre as well as aiding with digestion and preventing teeth from overgrowing and causing dental problems. Therefore, it’s necessary your rabbit has access to unlimited amounts of hay for it to chew on during the day. You should also make sure it’s changed and replaced by fresh hay at least once a week.
Vegetables
We can’t emphasise enough how much bunnies love vegetables. Most rabbits will happily munch on a wide assortment of veggies every day, and as well as the carrots that they’re famous for enjoying, they’ll also gladly consume broccoli, Brussels sprouts, lettuce, peppers and more.
Pellets
In addition to hay and vegetables, rabbits can also be fed dry pellets every day. However, it’s important this isn’t as a replacement for hay which remains the most important part of its diet. Pellets should always be fed in moderation with a quantity of ⅛ to ¼ a cup per day most suitable. You can purchase jugs or spoons that show you the appropriate amount. You’re likely to come across pellets in commercial pet shops and supermarkets with options formulated to ensure your rabbit receives all the necessary nutrients.
Water
It’s also important that your rabbit is correctly hydrated and has access to water. If not, dehydration can result in a whole host of health problems and can even be fatal to bunnies. Make sure a fresh supply of clean water is available to your rabbit each day.
If you have any concerns about your rabbit’s diet, be sure to consult your local vet.
We also have a range of articles on our website that will point you in the right direction.
Can rabbits eat bean sprouts?
Now we know what bean sprouts are and what rabbits should eat, let’s look at whether you should feed the vegetable to your pet bunny. In short, yes, rabbits can eat bean sprouts.
As mentioned above, rabbits enjoy all kinds of vegetables and bean sprouts fall into this category. But, it should only be fed to them in moderation.
While bean sprouts are packed with great nutrients that your rabbit can benefit from, you can have too much of a good thing.
This is why it’s recommended to only feed your rabbit around a teaspoon of bean sprout for every pound it weighs no more than twice a week. This is a suitable amount that ensures it can reap the rewards without piling on the pounds.
What are the benefits of feeding your rabbit bean sprouts?
As mentioned above, bean sprouts can be very nutritious.
Let’s take a look at some of the benefits your rabbit can receive from them.
Protein
This can boost metabolism and help your pet’s body to repair itself. It can also aid in your pet’s growth. Bean sprouts have a high amount of protein.
Carbohydrates
The biggest benefit of carbohydrates is energy and bean sprouts can give boundless energy to your bunny. If your rabbit is receiving a good amount of carbohydrates it will be able to run around and play all day with no difficulty.
Fibre
Extremely important for the digestion of a rabbit, fibre from bean sprouts can boost the amount your pet is receiving. This means the risk of gut-based illnesses, such as gastrointestinal stasis, is minimised.
Antioxidants
Food with antioxidants can prevent high cholesterol and protect the growth of cells.
Calcium
To keep your pet’s bones and teeth strong a good source of calcium is key. Bean sprouts are one way to get additional calcium into your rabbit’s diet, ensuring bones remain strong and dental issues are kept at bay. Be wary though, too much calcium can cause kidney problems.
What are the risks of feeding your rabbit bean sprouts?
While there are a number of wonderful benefits to bean sprouts, as outlined above, feeding your rabbit too much can cause health problems.
The risks of this include:
Too much sugar
Bean sprouts contain sugar, too much of which can cause big problems for your rabbit. If your pet is given too much sugar it’s at risk of obesity, tooth decay and other health issues.
Acid
Too much acid can disrupt your bunny’s stomach, causing it to feel unwell and sometimes even vomit.
Phosphorus
Bean sprouts contain phosphorous, and too much of this substance can cause bone damage to rabbits.
Digestion problems
If your rabbit does not have a balanced diet, and you’re feeding it too many bean sprouts, it can result in a whole host of digestion problems. If you notice adverse reactions to bean sprouts such as vomiting or diarrhoea, consult your vet immediately.
In summary, while bean sprouts are definitely a healthy snack your rabbit can enjoy, be sure to always feed them in moderation to your bunny.
