Is it possible and how to properly give rabbits cucumbers, the benefits and harms of a vegetable

Balanced nutrition is the key to strong immunity of pets. Owners are often concerned about the impact on the health of pets of different foods in their diet. One of the most pressing questions is whether it is possible to give cucumbers to rabbits. The product is not only healthy and rich in vitamins, but also widespread. A juicy vegetable often does not even need to be bought; it grows in the garden in the garden.

Can rabbits be given cucumbers

In addition to nutrients, cucumbers contain a lot of water. They are recommended for feeding pets to thin tough foods and prevent excessive weight gain. Breeders believe that fresh cucumbers will not harm the health of both ordinary and decorative rabbits.

But in order for a juicy green vegetable to be beneficial, some recommendations must be followed:

1. The diet includes only environmentally friendly fruits, without nitrates or other impurities.
2. Cucumbers are used as a top dressing, and do not replace them with the main meal.

Salted or pickled vegetables are contraindicated in rabbits. In combination with food additives, such products, entering the body, cause intoxication and can lead to the death of the animal. Even a slight addition of top dressing will negatively affect the well-being of furry animals. Effects of high salt intake on rabbits:

• the appearance of allergic reactions;
• malfunctions of the urinary system, especially the kidneys;
• liver disease, up to cirrhosis.

Even in winter, when there is a shortage of vegetables, you should not try to diversify the diet of animals with such food.

The benefits of a vegetable

All useful elements in a green vegetable are easily absorbed by the body. This is important for rabbits because of coprophagia. The phenomenon when animals eat their excrement is associated with the structure of the gastrointestinal tract. The food is not digested the first time, the process must be repeated.

This amount is not enough for good nutrition, but quite enough for feeding. The composition also includes other macro- and microelements. The largest share is occupied by:

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Regular addition of vegetables to food has a beneficial effect on the health of pets. Cucumbers not only diversify the diet, but also improve the overall well-being of the animals, make the fur thick and fluffy. Green fruits are especially useful for decorative rabbits.

How to give cucumbers?

You cannot give a lot of cucumbers to pets at once. The vegetable supplement is introduced into the diet gradually.

Adults

Adult decorative rabbits are given no more than 50 grams of cucumbers per day, other breeds - up to 100 grams. Basic guidelines for feeding rabbits:

• use only fresh fruits without damage and mold;
• cucumbers must be washed and dried;
• vegetables are cut into small slices or rubbed;
• add a small amount of salt;
• the best time to feed is lunch.

Pets can be offered a salad. To do this, 20% of the cucumber additive is mixed with other vegetables or hay. If the rabbit refuses to eat cucumbers, the supplement is re-introduced after a week.

It is important to carefully remove the feeders when the rabbits are finished eating. Otherwise, food leftovers will sour and can harm the animals.

Youngsters

The rabbits are given cucumbers only in chopped form. The first feeding of young animals is carried out at 4 months of age. During this period, the baby's body is already able to digest heavier foods. Recommendations apply to all breeds of rabbits.

If the animal has a weak stomach, the introduction of the vegetable supplement is postponed for 1 or 2 months.

Contraindications and harm

Cucumbers, like any other food, are beneficial when done in moderation. In large doses, the vegetable will cause diarrhea and worsen the condition of pets. The green supplement is also not given to rabbits in the following cases:

• if the fruits were purchased in a supermarket or production greenhouse where vegetables are treated with chemicals;
• with individual intolerance to the product;
• under the age of 4 months.

Vegetables will harm the body:

• if the fruit is damaged, dirty or wet;
• when the diet consists only of cucumbers.

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Veterinarians also prohibit adding new foods to animals' diets when green fruits are first tasted.

Cucumbers will not harm rabbits if you follow the feeding rules. It is important to observe the measure and remember that vegetables are not the main food. The food should be balanced, and then the pets will be healthy.