Can Rabbits Eat Bell Peppers? (Do’s & Don’t)

A few days ago, one of my friends Ron (who has recently adopted a rabbit) asked me, hey, Alex, should I give bell peppers to my bunny? Believe me, I have heard this question (about bell pepper, sweet pepper, and pepper) so often from beginner rabbit parents.

However, after reading this post, you will get a clear idea of whether you should give peppers (If yes, which type of pepper) to your bunny. So, let’s get started.

Can Rabbits Eat Bell Peppers?

Yes, Bell Peppers are safe and healthy for rabbits. All types and all colors of bell peppers are safe for rabbits. But don’t treat bell peppers as the regular diet of rabbits. You could give one or two cups of chopped bell peppers to your bunny occasionally.

Pepper is a sugary veggie, especially bell peppers. You could offer a limited amount with other vegetables like tomato, carrot, celery, or other green leafy salad.

can rabbits eat peppers

Can Rabbit Eat Jalapeno Peppers?

Jalapeno pepper is not safe for rabbits. Don’t provide Jalapeno peppers to your rabbit. You know, the rabbit can not tolerate hot and spicy food. Their digestion system is not suitable for spicy food.

More About Bell Peppers And Rabbits

Bell peppers are one of the perfect treats for rabbits. Bell peppers are attractive in look and contain a significant amount of vitamins and nutrients.

Before giving bell pepper and other fresh fruit and vegetable mixer to your rabbit, you should have a clear idea of the rabbit diet.

You must ensure at least 80% hay of their whole meal. Yes, you could offer pellet food to them, but not a very high amount. Besides hay and pellet food, you should provide 10 to 15% of fresh green leafy salads to your bunny.

You know, rabbits can not produce vitamins in their human body. So, as a pet parent, you should ensure the supply of nutrients and vitamins. Fresh vegetables are the best source of vitamins and nutrition.

So, you could offer bell peppers with other green vegetables to your bunny.

Can Rabbit Eat Sweet Pepper

Bell peppers are one kind of sweet pepper, you know. Like the bell pepper, rabbit-like other types of sweet pepper insanely.

You could offer any type of sweet pepper like bell pepper. Please make sure that it is in a moderate amount. Otherwise, overeating may cause a severe digestive problem.

Types Of Sweet Pepper

Since we are discussing pepper and rabbit, you should have a clear idea about the types of sweet pepper. As hot and spicy peppers are not suitable for rabbits, we just skip the section.

Though there are so many types of sweet peppers available in the world, we just highlight the most popular types here. So, let’s get started.

Orange bell pepper

Orange and yellow bell peppers are sweeter than other peppers. They look very delicious and attractive. Orange bell peppers have high demand in our kitchen as well as our dining table.

Rabbit loves orange bell peppers for a sweet and juicy taste.

Yellow bell peppers

Yes, yellow bell peppers are another favorite to rabbits. Yellow bell peppers and orange bell peppers are almost the same in taste and appearance. You can eat the raw yellow bell peppers and also give them to your bunny.

Red bell peppers

Red bell peppers are the sweetest of all bell peppers. We use red bell peppers frequently in the grill for their flavor and taste. Since this one is the sweetest variety among bell peppers, you should not provide it regularly to your bunny.

Green bell pepper

Green bell peppers contain a high juicy content. Green bell peppers are bitter and tangy. Usually, people use green bell peppers in salad items like tomatoes. Yes, you could offer green bell peppers to your bunny.

Long Sweet Peppers

Long sweet peppers are mild and sweet. They contain vitamin C, vitamin A, and fiber. Long sweet peppers are perfect for roasting and grilling for their thin skin. Since it is not hot, you could offer it to your bunny.

Mini Sweet Peppers

Mini sweet peppers are different in appearance from bell peppers. They are tiny and very sweet. Even more delicious than bell peppers in most cases. It contains a high amount of vitamin C.

Looking for a delicious meal for your furry friend? You could consider this Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Rabbit Food.

can rabbits eat bell pepper

Difference Between Bell Peppers And Sweet Peppers 

We often mix up the bell peppers and sweet peppers. Yes, bell peppers are one kind of sweet pepper. But they are not the same.

You could easily differentiate the bell pepper and sweet pepper by tasting.

Bell peppers have a fresh and crisp taste like other vegetables. Taste of bell peppers like cucumber.

On the other hand, sweet peppers have a sweet and fresh taste like pears.

This is the easiest of differentiating bell peppers and sweet peppers. If you consider the color, you will be mixed up.  

Nutrition facts about bell pepper

Since we are focusing on the bell peppers for the rabbit in this post, we will briefly discuss the nutrition facts of bell peppers.

Red Bell Pepper Nutrition Facts

calories39
fiber3.1 g
protein1.5 g
carb9 g
Sugar 6.3 g
fat.5 g
Vitamin C 190 mg
In per cup, raw chopped Red Bell Pepper
can rabbit eat sweet pepper

Yellow Bell Pepper Nutrition Facts

Calories50
Protein2 g
Carbohydrate12 g
Fiber2 g
Sugar0 g
Serving Size: 1 medium

Can Rabbits Eat Pepper Cores and Seeds?

Though the seed and cores of the peppers are not toxic to the bunny, better not to give him. The seeds and cores don’t have any nutritional value.

So, you should remove the cores and seeds of peppers before providing them to your bunny. The cores are not digestible to the rabbit. So, it may create a severe digestive issue sometimes. So, be careful when providing peppers to your bunny.

Can Rabbit Eat Bell Pepper Leaves?

Bell pepper leaves are not toxic, like the seeds and cores. Usually, rabbits don’t like the taste of the leaves of the bell peppers. So, naturally, they will stay away from leaves. But if they wish they could eat a bit.

Health Benefits of Bell Peppers for Rabbits

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is good for the vision, teeth, and bones of rabbits. Vitamin A is a much-needed nutrient for the smooth growth of rabbits.

Vitamin B6 or Pyridoxine

Vitamin B6 has a significant role in rabbit metabolism. It helps in proper digestion and healthy life.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E plays a vital role in muscle growth. The deficiency of vitamin E causes weak muscles or your rabbit.

Magnesium

Magnesium is another much-needed mineral for rabbits. Deficiency of magnesium results in weak bones. Also, it hampers the growth of the rabbit.

Potassium

Potassium is an essential mineral for the rabbit. You know, potassium has a vital function in the nervous system of animals.

Omega3 and Omega6 fatty acid

Both Omega3 and Omega6 fatty acids have an essential role in the body of animals. It keeps the heart functioning well. Also, they have a crucial function in the brain and muscle, as well as overall growth.

Alternatives to Peppers for Rabbits

Yes, bell peppers are nutritious, but you could offer other green vegetables to your bunny. Here are some alternatives to bell peppers for rabbits.

Final Thoughts

You could offer bell peppers or other green vegetables and fruits to your bunny. But remember they are not regular food for rabbits. You should give in a limited amount like a treat.

Don’t make your bunny beggar for bell peppers. You will suffer in the long run if you provide them regularly. You could give pellets daily for ensuring the supply of balanced nutrition to your bunny. Whatever you offer, Hay is the leading food for the rabbit.

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Alex

Alex is a full-time rabbit lover and part-time Biologist. He is a proud parent of two rabbits. It's his childhood dream to rescue endangered animals and make the world better for living.

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