Rabbits have difficulty digesting cracked corn which can cause gastrointestinal issues and even GI blockages. For this reason, it’s best to avoid feeding cracked corn to rabbits. Instead, stick with the basics: plenty of hay and fresh veggies.
You’ve been feeding your pet rabbit cracked corn as a treat for weeks now, but you recently heard that it might not be the best idea. Your research has told you that rabbits shouldn’t eat cracked corn, but you’re not sure why. Surely, if it’s good enough for chickens, it’s good enough for rabbits, right?
Wrong. It turns out that cracked corn is actually bad for rabbits. This article will discuss why cracked corn is bad and what you should do if your rabbit ate cracked corn.
What You'll Learn
The Two Big Issues With Cracked Corn
There are two significant issues with feeding cracked corn to rabbits:
- Rabbits Can’t Digest The Outer Shell of Corn
- Corn is a Filler So It’s Best to Avoid
Let’s discuss these issues in more detail.
Rabbits Can’t Digest The Outer Shell of Corn
The main issue with feeding cracked corn to rabbits is that they can’t digest the outer shell of the corn. This can cause gastrointestinal problems and even GI blockages.
When a rabbit eats something it can’t digest, it can cause an impaction. This is when food gets stuck in the rabbit’s digestive system and can’t move any further through. If impaction isn’t treated, it can lead to gastrointestinal blockage, which is a life-threatening condition.
Corn is a Filler So It’s Best to Avoid
Another issue with cracked corn is that it’s a filler. This means that it doesn’t provide much nutritional value to rabbits. A diet that is high in fillers can cause malnourishment in rabbits. This is why feeding your rabbit a diet high in hay and fresh veggies and low in fillers is important.
Other Issues With Cracked Corn
In addition to the two main issues with cracked corn, there are also a few other potential problems. These include:
- High in Calories and Carbs
- May Contain Mycotoxins
- Rabbit May Get Too Full And Not Eat Pellets and Hay
- Can Be a Choking Hazard
- Lack Nutritional Value
Let’s discuss each of these issues in more detail.
High in Calories and Carbs
Cracked corn is high in calories and carbs. This can be a problem for rabbits because they are prone to obesity. If your rabbit is overweight, it can lead to health problems such as heart disease and joint problems.
May Contain Mycotoxins
Another potential issue with cracked corn is that it may contain mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are toxins that are produced by fungi. They can be found on corn grown in contaminated soil or stored in damp conditions.
If a rabbit eats corn that is contaminated with mycotoxins, it can cause health problems such as liver damage, kidney damage, and even death.
Rabbit May Get Too Full And Not Eat Pellets and Hay
Another potential problem with cracked corn is that rabbits may fill up on it and not eat their pellets and hay. This can lead to dietary problems because pellets and hay are essential for a rabbit’s diet.
Can Be a Choking Hazard
Another potential problem with cracked corn is that it can be a choking hazard. This is especially true for baby rabbits or rabbits with dental problems.
Lack Nutritional Value
Finally, another issue with cracked corn is that it lacks nutritional value. This means it doesn’t provide rabbits with the nutrients they need to stay healthy.
So, as you can see, there are a few big issues with feeding cracked corn to rabbits. If you’re considering giving cracked corn to your rabbit, it’s best to avoid it. There are other, healthier options available that will provide your rabbit with the nutrition they need.
What to Do If My Rabbit Ate Cracked Corn?
Don’t Stress!
If your rabbit ate cracked corn, the first thing you should do is not stress. While some potential problems can occur if a rabbit eats cracked corn, it’s not likely that your rabbit will experience any serious health problems.
You can contact your veterinarian if you’re concerned about your rabbit’s health. They will be able to advise you on what to do next.
Monitor Them For the Next 24-48 Hours
The next thing you should do is monitor your rabbit for the next 24-48 hours. This means keeping an eye on them to ensure they eat, drink, and use the bathroom normally.
Take Them to The Vet If You Notice Anything Abnormal
If you notice anything abnormal, such as your rabbit not eating or drinking, vomiting, or having diarrhea, you should take them to the vet. These could be signs of a more serious problem, such as impaction.
How to Tell if Cracked Corn Caused a GI Issue
There are a few signs that you can look for to see if cracked corn has caused a GI issue in your rabbit. These include:
- Not eating or drinking
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Abnormal stool
If you notice these signs, you should take your rabbit to the vet. They will be able to determine if there is a problem and treat it accordingly.
How to Prevent Your Rabbit From Eating Cracked Corn
The best way to prevent your rabbit from eating cracked corn is to avoid giving it to them altogether. If you have cracked corn in your home, make sure it is out of your rabbit’s reach.
You can also try giving your rabbit healthy alternatives to cracked corn, such as hay, vegetables, or pellets.
Go For a Healthier Alternative
In conclusion, it’s best to avoid giving cracked corn to rabbits. There are a few significant issues with feeding cracked corn to rabbits, such as it being high in calories and carbs, possibly containing mycotoxins, and lacking nutritional value. If you’re considering giving cracked corn to your rabbit, it’s best to avoid it and give them healthy alternatives instead.
