Can rabbits eat cucumbers: the benefits and harms of a vegetable and how to give it correctly

Balanced nutrition is the key to strong immunity of pets. Owners often worry about the impact on the he alth of their pets the inclusion of different foods in their diet. One of the most pressing questions is whether cucumbers can be given to rabbits. The product is not only useful and rich in vitamins, but also common. A juicy vegetable often does not even need to be bought, it grows in the garden in the garden.

Can I give cucumbers to rabbits

In addition to useful substances, cucumbers contain a lot of water. They are recommended for pet food to dilute tough foods and prevent excessive weight gain. Livestock breeders believe that fresh cucumbers will not harm the he alth of both ordinary and decorative rabbits.

But for a juicy green vegetable to be beneficial, some recommendations must be followed:

1. The diet includes only organic fruits, without nitrates or other impurities.
2. Cucumbers are used as a top dressing, and do not replace the main meal with them.

S alted or pickled vegetables are contraindicated for rabbits. In combination with food additives, such products, entering the body, cause intoxication and can lead to the death of the animal. Even a slight addition of top dressing will negatively affect the well-being of furry animals. Consequences of eating a high-s alt diet for rabbits:

• appearance of allergic reactions;
• malfunctions of the urinary system, especially the kidneys;
• liver disease, up to cirrhosis.

Even in winter, during the period of shortage of vegetables, you should not try to diversify the diet of animals with similar food.

Vegetable benefits

All useful elements in the composition of green vegetables are easily absorbed by the body. For rabbits, this is important because of the coprophagia. The phenomenon when animals eat their excrement is associated with the structure of the gastrointestinal tract. From the first time the food is not digested, the process must be repeated.

A vegetable is almost 96% water. The inclusion of cucumbers in the diet also enriches food with vitamins B, C and K. Cucumber contains only 0.5% fiber.

This amount is not enough for good nutrition, but it is enough for top dressing. The composition includes other macro- and microelements. The largest share is occupied by:

Calcium15Promotes the formation of the skeleton and teethMagnesium13Prevents muscle cramps

Name of chemical element	Content in 100 grams of product (mg)	Benefits
Potassium	145	Positively affects the condition of the heart and nervous system
Phosphorus	25	Strengthens bone tissue

Regular addition of vegetables to food has a beneficial effect on the he alth of pets. Cucumbers not only diversify the diet, but also improve the general well-being of animals, make the fur thick and fluffy. Green fruits are especially useful for the decorative appearance of rabbits.

How to give cucumbers?

It is impossible to give a lot of cucumbers to pets at once. The vegetable supplement is introduced into the diet gradually.

Adults

Adult decorative rabbits are given no more than 50 grams of cucumbers per day, other breeds - up to 100 grams. Basic recommendations for feeding rabbits:

• use only fresh fruits without damage and mold;
• cucumbers must be washed and dried;
• vegetables are cut into small slices or grated;
• add a small amount of s alt;
• best time to feed is lunchtime.

Pets can be offered a salad. To do this, 20% cucumber supplement is mixed with other vegetables or hay. If the rabbit refuses to eat cucumbers, the supplement is administered again after a week.

It is important to carefully remove the feeders when the rabbits have finished eating. Otherwise, food leftovers will turn sour and may harm animals.

Youngsters

Rabbits are given cucumbers only in crushed form. The first feeding of young animals is carried out at 4 months of age. During this period, the baby's body is already able to digest heavier foods. Recommendations apply to all rabbit breeds.

If the animal has a weak stomach, postpone the introduction of vegetable supplements for 1 or 2 months.

Contraindications and harm

Cucumbers, like any food, are beneficial if used in moderation. In large doses, the vegetable will cause diarrhea and lead to a deterioration in the condition of pets. The green supplement is also not given to rabbits in the following cases:

• if fruits are purchased from a supermarket or industrial greenhouse where vegetables are treated with chemicals;
• with individual intolerance to the product;
• under 4 months old.

Vegetables will harm the body:

• if fruits are damaged, dirty or wet;
• when the diet consists only of cucumbers.

Veterinarians also forbid adding new foods to animals' diets when green fruits are first tasted.

Cucumbers will not harm rabbits if you follow the rules of feeding. It is important to observe the measure and remember that vegetables are not the main food. Nutrition must be balanced, and then pets will be he althy.

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