Corn husks are a good source of fiber for rabbits and provide them with essential nutrients such as Vitamin C, Potassium, and Magnesium. However, corn husks should only be given to rabbits in moderation, as too much can cause digestive issues.
Corn husks are safe for rabbits to eat and can even provide some health benefits. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when feeding corn husks to your rabbit. As with most foods, too much of a good thing can be bad, and corn husks are no exception.
What You'll Learn
Nutritional Value of Corn Husks
Let’s start off by talking about the nutritional value of corn husks.
Loads of Dietary Fiber
Corn husks are an excellent source of dietary fiber. In fact, they’re one of the richest sources of dietary fiber of any food. This is good news for rabbits, as fiber is essential to their diet. Fiber helps keep their digestive system healthy and helps prevent problems such as hairballs and constipation.
Vitamin C, Potassium, and Magnesium
Corn husks are also a good source of essential nutrients such as Vitamin C, Potassium, and Magnesium.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for rabbits. It helps keep their immune system healthy and helps protect against diseases.
Potassium: Potassium is an electrolyte that helps keep rabbits hydrated. It’s especially important for rabbits that live in hot climates and stay active.
Magnesium: Magnesium is a mineral involved in many important processes in the body, such as energy production, muscle contraction, and nerve function.
Lignans
Corn husks also contain lignans. Lignans are a type of phytonutrient that have been shown to have some health benefits. They’ve been shown to reduce the risk of certain diseases such as cancer.
Are Corn Husks Safe For Rabbits?
Now that we know a bit about the nutritional value of corn husks, let’s talk about whether or not they’re safe for rabbits. The short answer is yes, corn husks are safe for rabbits to eat.
Here are a few of the main benefits corn husks can offer your rabbit
Improves Digestive Health
As we mentioned earlier, corn husks are a good source of dietary fiber. This is good news for rabbits, as fiber is essential to their diet. Fiber helps keep their digestive system healthy and helps prevent problems such as hairballs and constipation.
Helps Wear Down Teeth
Rabbits’ teeth grow continuously throughout their life. This can lead to overgrown teeth if they don’t wear them down. Chewing on corn husks can help wear down your rabbit’s teeth and keep them at a healthy length.
Gives Them Something to Chew On
Rabbits like to chew on things. This helps keep their teeth healthy and can help prevent boredom. Chewing on corn husks can give your rabbit something to chew on and help keep them entertained. If you don’t offer your rabbit anything to chew on, they may start to chew on items they shouldn’t, such as desks and couches.
Low in Calories and Sugar
Rabbits are prone to weight gain and diabetes. This is why offering them foods low in calories and sugar is important. Corn husks are a good option as they’re low in both calories and sugar.
The Potential Dangers
While corn husks are safe for rabbits to eat, there are a few potential dangers to be aware of.
Strings Can Get Stuck in Their Teeth
The strings that attach the husk to the cob can sometimes get stuck in rabbits’ teeth. This can cause pain and discomfort. If you see that your rabbit has a string stuck in its tooth, take them to the vet.
Strings Can Cause an Intestinal Blockage
If a string from a corn husk gets caught in your rabbit’s intestine, it can cause an intestinal blockage. This is a serious condition that can be fatal. If you think your rabbit may have an intestinal blockage, take them to the vet immediately.
Chemicals and Pesticides
If the corn husks you’re feeding your rabbit are from conventionally grown corn, they may contain chemicals and pesticides. These can be harmful to your rabbit’s health. To avoid this, only feed your rabbit organic corn husks.
How Much Can They Eat?
Now that we know corn husks are safe for rabbits to eat, you may be wondering how much they can eat. The answer depends on factors such as your rabbit’s age, weight, and health.
As a general rule, you should only offer your rabbit a small handful of corn husks 2-3 times per week. Ask your vet if you’re unsure how much to give them.
If you’re introducing corn husks to your rabbit’s diet for the first time, start off slowly. Give them a small amount and see how they react. If they have no problems, you can slowly increase the amount you give them.
Ways to Incorporate Corn Husks into Your Rabbit’s Diet
There are a few different ways you can incorporate corn husks into your rabbit’s diet.
Purchase Organic Corn Husks
You can purchase organic corn husks from most health food stores. Organic corn husks are much healthier for rabbits because they’re free from chemicals and pesticides.
Cut Into Small Pieces
Before feeding corn husks to your rabbit, cut them into small pieces. This will help prevent them from getting stuck in their teeth or swallowing them whole. It will also prevent two string issues mentioned above.
Rinse With Cold Water
Before feeding corn husks to your rabbit, rinse them with cold water. This will help remove any dirt or debris.
Start With a Very Small Amount
As with any new food, it’s important to start slow. Offer your rabbit a very small amount of corn husks at first. If they have no problems, you can slowly increase the amount you give them.
Provide Plenty of Hay and Water
Hay and water should make up the majority of your rabbit’s diet. When feeding corn husks to your rabbit, make sure they have plenty of hay and fresh water to go along with the husks.
It’s All About Moderation
Corn husks are safe for rabbits to eat and can even provide some health benefits. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when feeding corn husks to your rabbit. As with most foods, too much of a good thing can turn into a bad thing.
When feeding corn husks to your rabbit, start off slowly and only offer a small amount. Ask your vet if you’re unsure how much to give them. Additionally, ensure they have plenty of hay and fresh water to go along with the husks.
