Last Updated on March 14, 2023 by Marjon Ramos
While it’s true that quinoa is not toxic to rabbits, you should still avoid giving your rabbits one.
There are better foods to feed your rabbits than quinoa.
Hay and leafy greens should be the main priority when it comes to your rabbit’s diet.
Although quinoa has a lot of fiber in it, it’s simply not enough for rabbits. Quinoa is also high in carbs, which is bad for rabbits if fed in large amounts. Feeding large amounts of quinoa to rabbits could lead to digestive problems like diarrhea, GI stasis, and soft uneaten cecotropes.
If you accidentally fed your rabbits large amounts of quinoa, observe your rabbit’s stool, both in size and consistency, and bring them to a veterinarian if you notice any changes.
Now that I’ve given you the gist of the article, read on as I explain the different risks and alternatives to quinoa:
Table of Contents
Risk of overfeeding quinoa to rabbits.
While quinoa has a lot of fiber in it, it’s still better if you don’t feed your rabbits any quinoa. Hay and leafy greens should still be the majority of your rabbit’s diet.
Here are some of the risks associated with feeding your rabbits large amounts of quinoa:
Diarrhea
Diarrhea in rabbits is often caused by the wrong diet or when their diet is changed too fast.
Feeding your rabbit large amounts of quinoa would check those two boxes I mentioned.
Gastrointestinal Stasis
Gastrointestinal stasis is also possible when a rabbit is fed large amounts of quinoa, which are high in carbs and starch.
GI stasis happens when the balance of bacteria in your rabbit’s gut is disrupted due to a high-carb, low-fiber diet.
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.
Uneaten cecotropes
Soft uneaten cecotropes are also possible when rabbits are eating large amounts of quinoa instead of hay.
This could lead to softer cecotropes due to the lack of fiber in your rabbit’s diet.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Should you panic if your rabbit eats a little bit of quinoa?
No, as long as your rabbit is eating the right kind of diet and you are not giving them a bowl of quinoa to snack on, then your rabbit should be fine.
Feeding a lot of hay would help prevent any digestive problems that might occur if your rabbit accidentally consumes quinoa.
What to do if your rabbit ate quinoa?
Observe their behavior and poop for any changes.
You should also feed them a lot of hay.
If you do notice any changes in their poop, take them to a veterinarian.
Conclusion
A rabbit eating small amounts of quinoa is not a concern as long as the rabbit is on a fiber-rich diet.
Just make sure that you monitor their stool for any changes both in consistency and size.
A rabbit that’s fed large amounts of high starch and carbohydrate foods like quinoa could lead to digestive distress like GI stasis 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.
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