“Can rabbits eat corn?” or “Can rabbits eat corn cobs?” are the common questions many people raising these furry friends want to know.
Most bunnies love this veggie snack, and it is so tempting to give them human food that you’re snacking on. That’s why they will like eating corn.
But will corn benefit rabbits or lead to some digestive issues?
Let’s follow us to find answers to some common related questions like “Do rabbits eat corn?” and “ Why doesn’t corn digest?.”
Corn Nutrition
Corn features many famous health benefits related to them. Let’s start with their nutrient profile. As per Wikipedia, raw sweet corn kernels deliver the following nutrient value:
- 76% water
- 19% carbohydrates
- 3% protein
- 1% fat
In a serving of 100 grams (0.22 pounds), maize kernels offer 86 calories and are a great source of Vitamin B, Niacin, Thiamin, Folate, and Pantothenic Acid (B5).
In a moderate amount, they provide dietary fiber and essential vitamins, minerals, phosphorus, and magnesium while other nutrients are in low content.
Also, corn provides suboptimal levels of essential lysine and amino acids tryptophan, accounting for a lower status as a source of protein.
Rich Source Of Vitamins B
Corns have a good amount of Vitamins B, supporting the immune system to keep the body functioning correctly.
High In Starches And Sugar
High levels of calories can cause weight gain. So if your pet bunnies are overweight, it is advisable to avoid starchy food.
Contain Antioxidants
Corn kernels contain numerous antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and carotenoids good for eye health.
Support Digestive System
Corns are rich in plant fiber to support the body’s digestive function. Bunnies are lagomorphs, so they need a diet high in dietary fiber and low in fat and sugar.
They can get fiber provided in the plant form, such as hay – a fiber-rich roughage. The fiber is good for two reasons:
- It keeps the rabbits’ teeth healthy and worn down since their teeth are constantly growing and should be filled to deter overgrowth.
- Fiber keeps the digestive function running smoothly.
Below are nutrient facts of corn for your consideration:
|
Vitamin K |
0.7 mcg |
|
Vitamin C |
10.2 mg |
|
Vitamin B9 (Folate) |
75.4mcg |
|
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) |
4 mg |
|
Protein |
5.4 grams |
|
Potassium |
348 mg |
|
Magnesium |
42.6 mg |
|
Fiber |
4.6 grams |
|
Fat |
2.1 grams |
|
Carbs |
41 grams |
|
Calories |
177 calories |
Do Rabbits Like Corn?
Do rabbits eat corn plants? They like eating human food, and corn is no exception. So if you give them corn, you’ll make their day indeed.
Plus, these lovely animals naturally have quite sweet teeth. Corn is quite sweet, so your bunnies will like eating it.
That said, this taste comes from the high sugar content. So though your rabbits like eating corn, you should not feed them.
Other fruits like strawberries and bananas with reasonably high content of sugar can sometimes be fed as snacks. But once again, any sugar-high food isn’t healthy for rabbits.
Strawberries and bananas can get a pass due to their other benefits. With that being said, it is advisable not to give them to your bunnies frequently.
Can Rabbits Eat Corn?
If you raise rabbits, you might wonder, “Is corn safe to eat? Several human foods are toxic to bunnies, especially baby rabbits, and need to be avoided altogether.
In particular, corn or corn cobs are harmful to rabbits, even in a minimal dose. Other reasons why corn is terrible for your bunnies are stated below.
Kernels come with indigestible hulls, bad for your bunnies. They come with different compositions from plant cell walls (pectin and cellulose).
We are talking about the complex Polysaccharide that rabbits cannot digest. The critical concern is the intestinal wounds hull of corn can cause.
- Corn contains a high level of carbs, increasing the blood sugar level of rabbits.
- Merely all corn from the USA is not GMO-free.
- Corn doesn’t provide real nutrient value for your bunnies.
- It has mycotoxins that can destroy the health of rabbits forever.
- Rabbits need a low level of sugar. Sadly, corns are incredibly high in starches and sugar.
- Can rabbits eat corn husks? Not. Corn husks are stinky and difficult to chew. Like the celery’s strings, they are likely to get caught into the trachea, causing various serious issues.
Corn husks are also full of pesticides. So there’s no reason to feed them to rabbits when there are many other good things to provide.
Once again, for those who ask, “Can bunnies eat corn?” it is best not to feed corn to your rabbits.
We discuss 20 foods you should not feed your rabbit in this video!
Can Rabbits Eat Corn Cobs?
Can rabbits eat corn on the cob? We are afraid that it will upset your rabbits. This food is toxic for bunnies for several reasons.
- Corn cob comes with a low content of nutritional value for pet rabbits
- Rabbits can swallow corn cob, and they might be stuck in various places of the digestive tract.
Final Thoughts
So the answer to the question “Can rabbits eat corn?” is a No. You should never feed this food to your pet rabbits.
They can cause many health problems, especially corn digestion problems, to your rabbit friend. Instead, you can add other food like broccoli, fresh vegetables, leafy greens, and peach to their daily eating routine.
Remember always to give your bunnies a consistent source of food and clean water!
Anyway, if you have any further questions, please feel free to let us know. Thank you for reading.
