Though many assume rabbits can drink milk like cats and dogs, the reality is that dairy products should be avoided for bunnies. Rabbits’ digestive systems are not designed to properly digest components in milk, which can lead to stomach upsets and diarrhea. While tiny amounts of milk or milk-based formulas may be used in emergencies, they do not provide proper long-term nutrition.
Healthy options like water and some diluted juices make far better regular drinks for rabbits. When caring for a rabbit, it’s important to understand why their biology means most milk and dairy foods are unsuitable and can cause harm. We will explore the implications of giving milk to rabbits in depth.
Can Rabbits Drink Milk?
No, rabbits should not drink milk. Rabbits are lactose intolerant and lack the digestive enzymes needed to break down lactose in milk. Milk can cause digestive upset, diarrhea, bloating, and other harmful effects. While kits may drink milk for a short time before weaning, dairy has minimal nutritional value for adult rabbits. Instead provide fresh, clean water at all times. The best drinks for rabbits are water and limited amounts of diluted juices like carrot or apple juice provided as occasional treats.
So, Why You Should Never Give Milk to Rabbits?
No doubt, Milk is a complete food for most mammals including humans. But you know rabbits can not digest lactose. Moreover, the rabbit can not vomit. So, when you feed milk, the bunny can not vomit it. As a result, it causes GI (Gastrointestinal) stasis. In most cases, the baby bunny can not survive in this situation. Death is the most common cause in this situation.
That is why you should not provide milk to the bunny. If you notice diarrhea, please consult a vet immediately. In most cases, the rabbit dies within a day after severe diarrhea.
Let’s discuss the most common misconception about milk and rabbits.
Can Baby Rabbits Drink Cow Milk?
No, you shouldn’t give cow milk to baby rabbits. Baby rabbits do have not the capacity to digest cow milk. Even they can not vomit after drinking. So, Cow milk is prohibited for the baby rabbit.
Cow milk is one of the most common dairy items in the world. So, when someone finds an orphan (Is it an orphan baby bunny?) baby rabbit, he or she provides cow milk to the poor baby bunny. They intend to save the kits. But it Is lethal for the baby bunny.
Usually, the baby bunny drinks his mom’s milk until they are 5 or 6 months old. After 2 weeks (when their eyes open), they start to explore their surroundings. However, if you find a baby rabbit that is warm and its belly is not wrinkled, it is not an orphaned baby rabbit.
In any condition, you should not give cow milk to the baby bunny. cow milk contains lactose and rabbits can’t digest the lactose. Diarrhea is the most common result after feeding cow milk.
Can Rabbits Drink Almond Milk?
No, the rabbit can not drink the Almond milk. It may make the rabbit sick if the bunny drinks a few drops of almond milk. Almond milk doesn’t contain lactose and cholesterol. However, the digestive system of the rabbit is not capable of handling the Almond milk.
Almond milk is made from the ground Almond. Almond contains a high amount of nutrition. It is good for vegetarians or those who want to lead a healthy life. Almond milk is conducive to the human being. But not a suitable drink for the bunnies.
So, you should not give almond milk to the bunny. instead of almond milk, you could provide clean water to the bunny. it will make your bunny healthy and active.
Can Rabbits Drink Coconut Milk?
No, the rabbit should not drink coconut milk. Coconut milk contains 23% fat on average, which is so high for rabbits. It causes obesity and gastrointestinal problems in rabbits.
You know coconut milk is creamy and it is very tasty indeed. also, it contains high nutrients and it is good for the human body.
Whether you produce coconut milk by the cold-press or heat-press, both types are harmful to the rabbit. for safety purposes, you should avoid providing coconut oil to your bunny.
Related: How to take care of rabbit at home
Can Baby Rabbits Drink Oat Milk?
No, the baby rabbits should not drink oat milk. Oat milk is not idle for the bunny. It doesn’t contain any beneficial nutrients for the baby rabbits.
Many people ask me if they find oat milk. And they don’t have any option other than the Oat milk. However, in any circumstances, you should not give the Oat milk to the baby bunny.
Can Baby Rabbits Drink Evaporated Milk?
No, the baby rabbits shouldn’t drink the evaporated milk. The gut of the baby bunnies is not capable of digesting the evaporated milk. It is bad for the baby bunny indeed.
Evaporated milk is good for human beings but not ideal for the baby rabbit. Even the adult rabbit can not digest the evaporated milk.
Can Rabbits Drink Soy Milk?
No, the rabbits shouldn’t drink soy milk. Soy milk is produced from the soybean. And it contains high protein and fat that cause obesity.
So, you should not give soy milk to the bunny regularly. it is not an idle diet for the bunny. if your bunny drinks a few drops, it will not be a big deal. But drinking a handsome quantity may cause severe problems.
Can Baby Rabbits Drink Powdered Milk?
If it is dried milk powder, the baby bunny should not drink the powdered milk. Powder milk has a longer shelf life than liquid milk and can be preserved without refrigerating.
Powder milk is good for making various dairy products. It is bad for the rabbits. So, you should avoid powdered milk.
What Types of Milk are best for Baby Rabbits?
Kitten Milk replacer (KMR) is the best for orphaned baby rabbits. This is a special formula and it contains balanced protein, vitamins, probiotics, carbohydrates, and fat. That is good for the baby bunny.
KMR comes in powdered form. You just need to mix the powder. KMR is easily digestible for baby rabbits.
If you don’t have the accessibility of KMR, you could provide goat milk to the baby bunny. Usually, wild bunnies are stronger than domestic bunnies. The wild bunnies can easily digest goat milk.
Recommended Dose of Feeding the Baby Bunnies
| Age | Quantity |
| 0 – 7 days | 2 – 2.5 ml |
| 1 – 2 weeks | 5 – 7 ml |
| 2 – 3 weeks | 7 – 13 ml |
| 3 – 6 weeks | 13 – 15 ml |
Final Thoughts
If you have enough time to take care of the baby bunnies, you should take responsibility. Otherwise, you should hand over the baby bunny to your nearest wildlife rehabilitator.
Rabbits are cute pets indeed. You could also keep the wild baby bunny as a pet.
Thank you for reading and don’t forget to share.
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