Rabbits are cute, fuzzy creatures that can make anyone’s day. Rabbits may be small, but they’re still herbivores like humans, so it is important that we understand what foods are safe for them to consume.

It is safe to say that most people are unaware of the dangers associated with apple seeds. Did you know they contain a substance called amygdalin which is toxic? And not just for rabbits, but also humans and other animals alike! The key takeaway here is this: if you want your next bunny or pet to live healthy and happy, don’t feed them any apple seeds!

Rabbit owners should be aware that apple seeds contain small amounts of amygdalin, which is a chemical that releases cyanide when it is metabolized. This can cause health problems for your pet and even result in death.

What Exactly Are Apple Seeds?

Apple seeds are the seeds of an apple. Apple seeds are the small, flat brown pieces that are found inside an apple.They are small brown circular objects that have a hard exterior shell, or testa. Inside this is another layer called the endosperm which surrounds the embryo and stores nutrients for it to grow into a new tree.

So there’s no “meat” in an apple seed; they’re just made up of two protective coats surrounding some stored food (endosperm) meant to feed the growing plant once germinated!

Apple seeds are the central core of an apple, and they contain small amounts of amygdalin, which is a chemical that releases cyanide when it’s metabolized.

Can Rabbits Eat Apple Seeds?

Apple seeds can be very harmful for your rabbit . Apple seeds contain small amounts of amygdalin, a compound that releases cyanide when consumed. Cyanide is toxic because it prevents the body from using oxygen properly in cells throughout the body.

Amygdalin is a cyanide-inducing compound found in apple seeds which inhibits cellular respiration and leads to cell death when consumed excessively by mammals. It may also be fatal if ingested at high doses or ingested persistently over time (like through eating large amounts of apple seeds).

Rabbit saying no to apple seeds

The amount varies depending on the type of apple. While it takes about 100-200 apple seeds to be lethal for adult humans, it only takes around 15-20 apple seeds to kill a rabbit! So yes, rabbits can eat apples… But they shouldn’t eat the core or any part of an apple with seeds in it.

If a large number of these seeds are consumed by a small animal like a rabbit, they will most likely die from poisoning.

Your rabbit should not eat any parts of the core as this will increase their exposure to amygdalin. So before you feed your bunny some apple slices next time you’re snacking on one yourself make sure you remove the core and seeds first!

Symptoms Of Apple Seeds Toxicity (Cyanide) In Rabbits:

Rabbits can’t digest the amygdalin in apple seeds, so it passes on through, leaving cyanide behind. The effects of this poison may take a few hours to show up, but they include

Apple seeds toxicity effects on rabbits
  • Diarrhea
  • Hypersalivation/drooling,
  • Ataxia (wobbliness),
  • Recumbency (inability to get up or right themselves),
  • Dyspnea (difficulty breathing)
  • Seizures
  • Weakness/lethargy (especially when trying to move)
  • Labored breathing or wheezing sounds due to respiratory failure caused by cyanide poisoning
  • Cold limbs and ears
  • Increased heartbeat and lowered blood pressure.

What To Do If Your Rabbit Has Consumed Apple Seeds?

The first thing to do is assess the severity of your rabbit’s symptoms. If they are just showing mild signs, then you might be able to wait a little longer before deciding on next steps.

But if they have noticeable trouble breathing or too many apple seeds have been consumed and there’s no improvement after giving them some time, it would be best to take them to the vet right away.

You can also contact The Pet Poison Control Helpline. You can get professional advice on how to deal with the emergency situation on hand.

If they’re already displaying severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing or diarrhea, then an emergency visit should happen immediately (within 15-20 minutes).

Don’t try any home remedies yourself without consulting your veterinarian! He’ll determine which treatment will work best for each individual case depending on how serious their side effects are. This can include anything from oxygen therapy to IV fluids to anti-seizure medication.

It’s important that the rabbit be monitored closely by their veterinarian in order to get any necessary treatment right away.

The prognosis for rabbits with acute exposure to large quantities of apple seeds is guarded despite treatment; however, if it isn’t treated in time, death can occur within 24 hours after heavy consumption .

How Can You Prevent Your Rabbit From Eating Apple Seeds?

The best way to keep hamsters from consuming harmful substances such as apple seeds is to prevent them from ever getting their paws on it.

Here are some things you can do:

  • Do not leave a cut or sliced apple unattended so that your rabbit not only does not smell or taste it, but also is out of its reach!
  • While feeding them apple pieces as treat, ensure that you completely remove all seeds and feed only the flesh part of apples.
  • Store all apples high above ground level where rabbits cannot reach them, or try storing them higher off of ground level, like on top of a refrigerator.
  • Strictly instruct all the children in the house about apple seeds and its toxicity to rabbits. Give clear instructions to the children to never feed apple seeds to the rabbits.

Wrapping Up

Rabbits love apples, but they can’t eat the seeds. That’s because apple seeds contain a toxin called amygdalin which is found in many types of fruits and nuts.

Amygdalin breaks down into cyanide when digested by an animal or human being, so it should be avoided at all costs.Remember to remove the seeds from your apple before giving them to your bunny!

If you suspect your rabbit has eaten an apple seed, please call a veterinarian right away because otherwise there can be some serious consequences for their health!

I hope this blog post has answered any nutrition related questions you had about whether rabbits can eat apple seeds or not ! If there is anything else I didn’t cover in detail or if you still have more specific questions on this topic, feel free to reach out with your concerns by clicking the contact button below. 

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Genie