Rabbits are essentially herbivores. They are animals that survive on herbs and plants. The most common foods that you feed a rabbit are either carrots, lettuce, or celery. Any leafy greens or vegetables work amazingly for the digestive system and health of a rabbit. They will stay agile and alert if you keep their diets consistent with these food groups. Cheese is not one of these food groups; it is not very good for the rabbit or digestive system. If you keep feeding rabbits cheese, it is very likely that sooner or later, they will get sick.
There are some rabbits out there with a strong digestive system that may be able to nibble on cheese and stay relatively okay, but even that will affect their health in quite a negative way. Cheese is processed dairy, and it is not good for them, let alone necessary for their body. It is better not to feed rabbits cheese; it should be the absolute last resort, if you have nothing else to feed your rabbits, you can give them cheese, but even then, you have to be prepared for the events ahead; you should be aware that they will get sick.
There are several different food groups that you should consider before putting cheese in the bellies of your rabbits.
Dried Hay
Dried hay is a perfect option; it is perfect for the rabbit’s digestive system and other vital organs. It improves agility in the rabbit and allows the rabbit to stay active for more extended periods. Dried hay is quite necessary for rabbits because it is essential for their gastric system. Experts say that it should be available if you have rabbits as pets, the same as you would keep freshwater open. The fiber that they receive from hay helps with the intestine’s functioning and keeps the insides of the rabbit healthy.
Leafy Vegetables
Leafy vegetables are also quite necessary for the rabbit. It will not be able to survive without these. These are very readily available for the rabbit because you can find these at any other grocery store. You can fit leafy vegetables in your grocery shopping. It is easy to store in your fridge and make sure that it stays fresh.
Rabbit pellets
Rabbit pellets are also a very decent alternative if you do not have any of the above available for your pet, which is highly unlikely. But, if you feel that your rabbit is not receiving the right fiber from these foods, rabbit pellets are excellent. However, you have to make sure that the brand you purchase is good for the rabbit and does not make use of any unnecessary preservatives that make the rabbit grow unnecessarily because even that can be extremely unhealthy for your rabbit. Research the brands and pick one that is good for the creature.
There are several reasons why cheese is not good for rabbits.
Why is Cheese Not Good for Rabbits?
Lactobacillus. This substance is present in all cheeses, and it is not good for the intestines of the rabbit. It will cause more harm than good to your pet. The small intestine does not have acid, and it will not be able to digest the cheese or release energy for the pet. If anything, it will worsen the bowel movements of the pet very easily. Your rabbit will not be able to excrete easily, and it will suffer from constipation. This is why it is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to pets.
Cheese is high in sugars and cholesterol. Rabbits are herbivores, and any cheeses or dairy is unacceptable for their body, and it is not recommended.
One aspect that you have to keep in mind is that rabbits can not vomit. When you feed it daily, you are putting it through a great deal of suffering and pain. It will not be able to get rid of the dairy, and things could escalate to you having to take it to the vet because of the pain and indigestion. You’re better off not feeding it dairy.
Lactase is an enzyme that helps digest the cheese, and this enzyme is not found in the bodies of rabbits. The poor thing will not only experience digestion but explosive diarrhea that may even digest the organs of the rabbit. In dire cases, the rabbit might even die, if it’s that weak.
Leafy greens are much cheaper than any dairy, they are available easily, and you can even plant them if you have a garden.
The calcium present in the cheeses can even block their urinary system; this may even cause kidney stones.
Baby Rabbits
Even when a rabbit is a baby, it is not suitable for you to feed it cheese. The mother will most likely be available; it is better to let the mother feed the baby for as long as it needs. If by any chance, the mother is not present, you can use formulated caloric milk in a baby’s bottle and feed it that way. Cheese is much more dangerous for a baby than it is for an adult because the organs of the baby have not even fully developed yet. Save yourself the trouble, and the chance of the rabbit dying and find a way to feed it milk.
Conclusion
Even in trace amounts, cheese can be awful for rabbits. In any case, find a way to feed its plants and hay. Avoid cheese at all costs and do not risk the life of the poor creature. There are multiple cheaper and healthier alternatives to feed a rabbit. Please do not give in to your curiosity or the rabbit’s urges and feed him cheeses. Some people tend to feed the rabbit’s cheese nips or cheese puffs that contain harmful ingredients. Completely refrain from doing so. Consider the health of the rabbit, always.