A rabbit’s diet is a large part of their overall health. In order for all of their organs to function properly, they must be eating and drinking the proper nutrients. So, are tap water and apple juice liquids that are beneficial for a rabbit’s diet?
Tap water is generally a safe option as long as you live in an area without harmful chemicals or bacteria in your supply. Apple juice should be avoided for rabbits due to the high sugar content. However, if there is a medical need, your vet may advise you to spike water with a splash of 100% apple juice.
I will be exploring how tap water fits into a rabbit’s diet, and whether they should drink from a bowl or bottle. I will also cover when apple juice should be consumed by a rabbit.
The Importance of Water; Should Rabbits Drink Tap? When Giving Your Pet Water, You Want the Safest Option. Most Pet Owners Reach for Tap Water. It is Easy to Get, Has Vital Minerals in It, and Cost Efficient. It Is Also Usually a Safe Choice for Rabbits.
First and foremost, rabbits should have fresh water in their reach at all times. Hydration is very important to the overall health of your pet.
If you live in the United States, odds are your tap water is safe for your rabbit to drink. Unless you are concerned the supply has large amounts of chlorine, nitrate, or lead, this water should be a safe option for your furry friend.
If you are weary of tap water, you can always filter your tap water before giving it to the rabbit to alleviate any concerns you may have.
If you do choose to give your rabbit tap water, use these helpful tips to ensure the safest water:
- Let the water run for a few minutes to clear anything that has been sitting.
- Choosing from the cold tap lessens the opportunity for pollutants from the hot water tank to end up in your rabbit’s supply.
- If you have “hard water,” there may be unhealthy amounts of calcium, so filtering or using bottled water may be necessary.
Fact: Too much calcium can cause kidney stones in rabbits.
- If you are concerned or unsure of water safety, testing is an option from your water supplier.
Water Bowl or Water Bottle? What Should Your Rabbit Drink Their Water From? While Water Bottles are a Popular Option, Water Bowls May Actually Be a More Practical and Natural Option for Your Pet. These Mimic the Rabbit’s Water Source in the Wild More than a Water Bottle Would.
Wild rabbits typically retrieve their water from sources on the ground. They don’t get little droplets from a hanging bottle on the side of a tree. This makes the design of a bowl a little bit easier for rabbits to learn to navigate.
If a rabbit has access to a bowl and a bottle, the rabbit has been shown to prefer drinking from the bowl.
While a bowl is more natural, it is also faces a higher possibility of getting items from the cage in it. This is why it is very important to clean it often and replace water regularly. When rabbit droppings and an excessive amount of hay is noticed in the bowl, replace the water.
If your pet is frequently knocking the bowl over or getting hay and droppings in it, try moving it to a higher elevation. You can also purchase bowls that attach to the cage wall.
Can Rabbits Drink Apple Juice? Under Normal Circumstances, it is Not Recommended That a Rabbit Drink Apple Juice. It is Very High in Sugar, and a Rabbit’s Diet Should be Fairly Low in Sugar. Under Special Circumstances a Rabbit May be Required to Add a Splash of Apple Juice to Their Water. This Should Be 100% Apple Juice.
Too much sugar can be threatening to a rabbit’s health because of the risk of obesity it poses. Foods like dried fruits, apples, sweet vegetables, and juices should not be a normal part of a rabbit’s diet. Too much of these will cause a rabbit to gain weight and face risk of heart issues and other health conditions associated with obesity.
There are times when a veterinarian may request a rabbit have apple juice added to their water. If a rabbit is not interested in their water on its own, a veterinarian may suggest adding apple juice to make it more enticing.
Although the sugar from the apple juice is not necessarily healthy, it is more important that a rabbit gets the hydration from their water. The extra sugar gained from the apple juice is not as concerning in this case because lack of hydration can cause severe health problems.
If apple juice needs to be added, it is important that it is 100% apple juice. There should not be extra sugar added. Sugar-free apple juice should also not be given to a rabbit, as it may have harmful additives.
Tap Water Should be Your Rabbit’s Main Drink, While Apple Juice Should be Saved for Medical Purposes. What a Rabbit is Consuming for Their Drink Every Day Will Make a Large Impact on Their Health. It is Essential to Pay Attention to What You Are Giving to them, So They Do Not Suffer Health Complications as a Result.
Although understanding what a rabbit can consume can seem complicated, learning what your rabbit can drink is a fairly simple process. They should be given water as their daily beverage. It is not recommended to stray from this simple drink unless instructed to do so by a veterinarian.
Tap water is a suitable choice for the rabbit’s water supply in most circumstances.
When wondering what to put your pet’s water in, try to stick to the simple and easiest option for them to manage. A bowl is easier for a rabbit to understand and it resembles their natural set-up in the wild more than a bottle.
Overall, with care and attention to detail, providing a suitable drink for your rabbit is very simple.
