Kiwi skin is rich in nutrients and antioxidants essential for rabbits. The skin also contains a high level of fiber, which helps keep the rabbit’s digestive system healthy. When given in moderation, kiwi skin is an excellent treat for rabbits.
We all know kiwis are a healthy fruit full of vitamins and minerals. But did you know kiwi skin contains more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than the flesh? And the best part is that the skin doesn’t contain nearly as much sugar.
Rabbits are susceptible to various health problems, so it’s important to give them the best diet possible. Kiwi skin contains high levels of vitamins C and E, which can help boost the rabbit’s immune system. Additionally, kiwi skin is a good source of dietary fiber, which is important for keeping the rabbit’s digestive system healthy.
There are many other benefits of kiwi skin for rabbits, so if you want to improve your rabbit’s health, add kiwi skin to their diet!
What You'll Learn
The Benefits of Kiwi Skin For Rabbits
Although kiwi flesh can be a good occasional snack for rabbits, the skin is a much healthier treat. Here are some of the benefits of kiwi skin for rabbits:
More Fiber and Less Sugar
The skin of a kiwi contains more dietary fiber than the flesh. This is important for keeping the rabbit’s digestive system healthy. Additionally, the skin has far less sugar than the flesh, which is great because rabbits have a tough time digesting a large quantity of sugar.
High in Folate
Folic acid is an important nutrient for rabbits, and kiwi skin is a good source of this nutrient. Folic acid is important for the development of the rabbit’s nervous system.
High in Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an important antioxidant that can help boost the rabbit’s immune system. It’s also essential for the rabbit’s skin and fur health.
3x The Antioxidants
Here’s a crazy fact you probably didn’t know. Kiwi skin contains three times as many antioxidants as the flesh. These antioxidants can help protect the rabbit’s cells from damage and may even help to prevent cancer.
Contains More Vitamin C, Potassium, and Magnesium
Kiwi skin is also a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. These nutrients are essential for the rabbit’s overall health. They will strengthen a rabbit’s immune system, help strengthen bones, ligaments, and muscles, and can even help with overall energy levels.
Tough Material That Will Force Rabbits to Chew
Rabbits need to chew on tough materials to keep their teeth healthy. Kiwi skin is perfect for this because it’s tough enough to offer a “good chewing workout” but not so tough that it will harm the rabbit’s teeth.
Most Rabbits Love The Taste
Finally, most rabbits love the taste of kiwi skin. There’s nothing more satisfying than watching your rabbit eat something they genuinely enjoy!
Potential Risks of Kiwi Skin
As great as all these benefits sound, there are a few potential risks to consider before feeding kiwi skin to your rabbit.
Sprayed With Pesticides
Many fruits (including kiwis) are sprayed with pesticides. When fruit is sprayed, the skin absorbs most of the chemicals. This means kiwi skin might be full of chemicals.
Digestive Issues if Introduced Too Quickly
If kiwi skin is introduced too quickly into the rabbit’s diet, it can cause digestive issues. It’s important to introduce kiwi skin slowly and in moderation.
Highly Acidic Fruit
Kiwis are a highly acidic fruit, and the acid can be left on the skin. If you feed kiwi skin to your rabbit, be sure to get off as much of the flesh as possible because the acid can irritate the rabbit’s stomach.
Allergic Reactions
Although rare, some rabbits may be allergic to kiwi skin. If you notice your rabbit has any reaction (skin irritation, diarrhea, vomiting, etc.), discontinue feeding kiwi skin and contact your veterinarian.
Preparing Kiwi Skin For Your Rabbit
Now that we’ve gone over the benefits and risks of kiwi skin, it’s time to learn how to prepare it for your rabbit.
It’s Best to Stick to Organic
If you can, it’s best to buy organic kiwis. This way, you can be sure they haven’t been sprayed with harmful chemicals.
Was Thoroughly
Since most kiwi skin contains harmful chemicals, washing them thoroughly is important. The best way to do this is to soak the kiwis in a bowl of water for 10 minutes. This will help remove any harmful chemicals that might be on the skin.
Cut Into Smaller Pieces
Kiwi skin can be tough, so it’s important to cut it into smaller pieces. This will make it easier for your rabbit to chew and digest and decreases the chances of choking.
Introducing Kiwi Skin Into Your Rabbits Diet
Now that the kiwi skin is prepared, it’s time to introduce it into your rabbit’s diet.
Leave The Skin Out and See If Your Rabbit Will Eat It
The first thing you can do is simply leave the kiwi skin out and see if your rabbit will eat it. If they are interested, they will immediately start nibbling on it.
Add Kiwi Skin To Their Favorite Food
Another way to introduce kiwi skin is to add it to your rabbit’s favorite food. This will make the kiwi skin more appealing, especially if your rabbit won’t eat the skin by itself.
Monitor Your Rabbit
Once your rabbit has eaten some of the skin, it’s important to monitor them closely. This is just to ensure they don’t have any reaction. If everything seems fine, you can continue feeding kiwi skin to your rabbit.
Don’t Force Your Rabbit to Eat The Skin
If your rabbit doesn’t seem interested in the kiwi skin, don’t force them to eat it. Kiwi skin is healthy, but it’s not essential to a rabbit’s diet. The most important thing is that your rabbit is happy and healthy.
How Much Kiwi Skin Can a Rabbit Eat Per Day?
The general rule of thumb is to give your rabbit 0.5 teaspoons of fruit per pound of body weight. This includes kiwi skin. So, if your rabbit weighs 4 pounds, it can have 2 teaspoons of kiwi skin per day.
Kiwi Skin is a Great Low-Calorie Treat
Kiwi skin is a great low-calorie treat for rabbits. It’s full of nutrients and antioxidants and can even help improve your rabbit’s digestion. However, it’s important to introduce kiwi skin slowly and in moderation. And always be sure to wash the skin thoroughly before feeding it to your rabbit. If you do, your rabbit will love this healthy and delicious treat!
