Last Updated on March 13, 2023 by Marjon Ramos
While french fries are not poisonous to rabbits, feeding them large amounts of fresh fries could lead to digestive distress like diarrhea and GI stasis because rabbits don’t tolerate starchy foods well.
French fries are mostly made out of potatoes, salt, and oil. All of which are not recommended to be given to rabbits in any amount, intentionally.
If you notice any changes in your rabbit’s stool, both in size and consistency, immediately bring your rabbit to a veterinarian.
Now that I’ve given you the gist of the article, read on as I explain in more detail why rabbits can’t eat french fries:
Table of Contents
Risk of overfeeding french fries to rabbits.
Starchy, oily, and salty products like french fries should not be fed to rabbits intentionally.
They carry certain risks when fed in large amounts.
Rabbits’ digestive systems are not really designed to digest large amounts of fast foods like french fries.
Here are some of the risks associated with feeding your rabbits large amounts of french fries :
Diarrhea
Diarrhea in rabbits is often caused by the wrong diet or when the diet is changed too fast.
Feeding your rabbit large amounts of French fries would check those two boxes I mentioned.
Gastrointestinal Stasis
Gastrointestinal stasis is also possible when a rabbit is fed large amounts of french fries, which are high in starch.
GI stasis mainly happens when a rabbit is fed a high-carb, low-fiber diet.
When rabbits are in a high-carb, low-fiber diet, the balance of bacteria in their gut will get disrupted.
This disruption would cause painful gas that would eventually lead to organ failure and death if not treated immediately.
The signs of GI stasis are:
- Depressed
- Hunched posture
- Bruxism
- Decreased appetite/anorexia
If you notice any of these signs, immediately bring your rabbit to a veterinarian.
Healthy alternative to french fries as treats.
If you’re planning on giving your rabbits french fries as treats, these alternatives are much healthier.
Here are some alternatives that you can give to your rabbits one to two times per week as a treat:
- Melon
- Nectarine
- Apple (remove seeds)
- Banana
- Papaya
- Peach
- blueberries
- blackberries
- Pear
- strawberries
- raspberries
- cranberries
- Pineapple
- Plum
- Watermelon
- Cherries (remove seeds)
- Grapes
- Orange
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Should you panic if your rabbit eats a little bit of french fries?
While french fries are not recommended for rabbits, they are still not toxic.
It’s just that french fries are too high in starch, oil, and salt, all of which are not digested well by rabbits.
If you are worried, just feed them a lot of hay.
The extra fiber would likely fix the problem on its own.
What to do if your rabbit ate french fries?
Observe their behavior and poop for any changes.
You should also feed them a lot of hay.
The extra fiber would help balance their gut flora.
If you notice any changes in their poop or behavior, consult a veterinarian immediately.
Conclusion
A rabbit that’s fed large amounts of starchy, oily, and salty products like french fries could lead to digestive distress like GI stasis, soft uneaten cecotropes, and diarrhea.
It could also lead to obesity, especially in rabbits who are confined in small cages all day without access to regular exercise.
If your rabbit is exhibiting signs of digestive distress, immediately bring them to a veterinarian.
