Tomato is nutritious and one of the favorite items for the rabbit. It contains a lot of vitamin C, so it is beneficial to health. But is it safe for rabbits?
Yes, the rabbit can eat tomatoes. But there are some limitations here like other vegetables and fruits. Though tomatoes contain a limited amount of sugar than other vegetables and fruits, you should give only the fruit and, obviously, a limited amount.
In this article, I’ve covered almost everything about tomatoes and bunnies. After reading this blog post, I hope, you will be clear of all the contradictions and misconceptions about rabbits and tomatoes.
What Are Tomatoes Actually?
What do you think? Is the tomato a fruit or vegetable? Possibly it is one of the most confusing questions to you.
Anyway, botanically, rabbits are fruits.
There is a principle of fruits. Fruits are formed from flowers and you will get seeds inside the fruit. So, according to this definition, tomatoes are fruit.
Tomatoes are from the family of Solanaceae. You know, potatoes, eggplants are also from Solanaceae. So, tomatoes are fruit, though many consider tomatoes as vegetables for high nutrition and savory taste.
Nutrition Facts of Tomatoes
Let me clear about the nutrition fact of the tomatoes. I have already mentioned that tomato contains a high amount of vitamin C earlier in this post.
However, tomato contains around 95% of water and the other 5% contains fiber and carbohydrates.
Anyway, let’s have a look at the percentage of nutrients in a 100-gram tomato.
| Water | 95% |
| Calcium | 18 mg |
| potassium | 427 mg |
| phosphorus | 43 mg |
| vitamin C | 24.7 mg |
| Protein | 0.9 grams |
| Carbs | 3.9 grams |
| Sugar | 2.6 grams |
| Fiber | 1.2 grams |
| Fat | 0.2 grams |
| Lycopene | 2,573µg |
What Are The Benefits Of Tomato For Rabbits?
You have already got and clear idea of the nutrition fact of tomatoes.
People eat tomatoes from all around the world for health benefits. We eat a tomato in various forms like raw tomato, tomato in the salad, tomato fry, and many other tomato recipes you will find. Moreover, it is straightforward to grow also.
Anyway, there are some benefits of tomatoes to rabbits.
No Chance of Dehydration
Rabbit needs an unlimited supply of water. You know tomato contains around 95% water. So, tomato prevents the dehydration problem of your rabbits definitely.
Prevent Hypokalemia
Hypokalemia means a low level of potassium in the blood. For the proper functioning of muscle and cells (especially cardiac muscle), potassium is a crucial electrolyte.
Tomato contains a handsome amount of potassium and it prevents Hypokalemia in your bunny.
Well Digestion
Tomato contains almost 5% of fiber. We always advise the rabbit’s parents to provide fibrous food to their rabbits. Since the stomach of the rabbit is constant, fiber is the most necessary element for digestion to the rabbit.
Prevent Potential Disease
Tomato contains different types of nutrients like lycopene. Recent research shows that lycopene prevents heart disease and helps in the well-functioning of cells.
Can Rabbits Eat Tomato Plants?
NO! Don’t provide the tomato plants to your rabbit. Tomato plants contain Tomatine and solanine. Both are poisonous to rabbits. Although the fruits I mean tomato contains tomatine and solanine, it is in insignificant amount. But the plants and leaves contain a significant amount.
So, you should give only the fruits to your bunny. Don’t give the tomato plants or leaves to your rabbit.
Can Rabbit Eat the Tomato Seed?
No, like the tomato leaves and plants, don’t give the fruits with seeds. Tomato seeds are poisonous to your rabbit. It would be better to remove the seeds from the tomato while giving. You could do it easily with the help of a knife.
Can Rabbit Eat The Green Tomato?
Though green tomatoes include a high amount of nutrition, unfortunately, green tomatoes are toxic for rabbits like the leaves, plants, flowers, seeds, and vines. So, please don’t allow your rabbit to eat a green tomato.
Can Rabbits Eat Tomato Stems?
No, like the leaves and flowers, tomato stems are not safe for rabbits. Additionally, the tomato stems are poisonous to the bunny. And the bunny typically loves to eat the tomato stems.
Can Rabbits Eat Tomatoes Leaves?
No tomato leaves are poisonous for rabbit-like tomato plants. Rabbits are not allowed to eat the tomato leaves. So, you should not give tomato leaves to your bunny.
Risk Factor of Eating Excessive Tomato
If your bunny eats the excess amount of tomato or eats the green, vine, seeds, flowers, or tree, she/he may face a common illness like diarrhea, bloating, and stomach pain.
Anyway, these pieces of advice are not constant and are applicable to every bunny. This is general information.
You may find the exception of this advice. You will find some rabbits that are eating all the parts of the tomato and they feel well.
So, it depends on your bunny also. But as a cautious bunny parent, only provide the ripe fruit and in a limited amount to your rabbit.
Final Thoughts
Whatever you offer a treat to your bunny hay is the only recommended food item. Yes, you could offer to treat different vegetables and fruits to your bunny occasionally. It will bring a variety to their diet. These are good sources of nutrients also.
Tomato is no exception to this general rule. You could offer only the ripe fruits to your bunny.
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