Can Rabbits Eat Paper?

Rabbits are playful creatures that enjoy chewing on things. While they are mostly known for their love of carrots, they will pretty much chew on anything they can get their teeth into – including paper! So, can rabbits eat paper?

As long as the paper is uncoated and doesn’t have any chemicals or inks on it, then it is perfectly safe for rabbits to chew on. And make sure they don’t eat too much of it, as this can cause digestive problems.

I’ve found that my rabbits enjoy chewing on toilet paper and paper towel the most. They love the feeling of the soft paper between their teeth, and it keeps them entertained for hours!

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at why rabbits like to chew on paper, whether or not it’s good for them, and some alternative things you can give your rabbit to chew on.

Can Rabbits Eat Paper

Rabbits can eat paper, but it’s not the best thing for them to munch on. Paper doesn’t provide much nutritional value and it isn’t very digestible. If your rabbit eats a lot of paper, it could cause problems with their digestive system.

Toilet paper, cardboard, and paper towel are all safe for rabbits to eat. However, avoid giving your rabbit glossy or waxed paper as these can be harmful.

Gastrointestinal distress is the main concern when a rabbit eats paper. If your rabbit is eating a lot of paper, they could end up with an intestinal blockage. This can be very dangerous and even fatal.

That said, a little bit of paper now and then probably won’t hurt your rabbit. Rabbits digestive systems are not designed to digest a low-fiber diet, paper are non-digestible fiber. So, it will pass through their system, but it’s not going to give them the nutrients they need.

Do Rabbits Like Paper

Rabbits love to chew on paper because it feels good on their teeth. Their teeth are always growing, so they need to gnaw on things to wear them down. Chewing on paper helps keep their teeth healthy and at the right length.

There are also some other benefits to rabbits chewing on paper. For instance, it can help them relieve boredom or stress.

And if your rabbit is teething (which they go through as babies and occasionally as adults), chewing on paper can help soothe their sore gums.

Paper provides rabbits with a mental and physical workout, keeping them healthy and happy. They need continuous stimulation to avoid getting bored. Boredom often leads to destructive behaviors, such as chewing on furniture or wires.

Are Paper Toxic to Rabbits

Paper that rabbits must eat in order to achieve the above benefits should not be treated with any kind of chemicals.

This includes things like magazines, newspapers, and even some wrapping paper. The chemicals in these items can be harmful to rabbits if ingested.

Bleached paper often contains chlorine, which can damage a rabbit’s digestive system. Inks and dyes may also be toxic to rabbits if ingested in large quantities.

When a rabbit eat paper that is treated with chemicals, they may experience symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, and difficulty breathing. If your rabbit ingests any kind of treated paper, it’s important to take them to the vet immediately.

The best kind of paper for rabbits to eat is natural, unbleached paper. Brown craft paper or butcher’s paper is a good option.

You can also give your rabbit recycled cardboard to chew on. Cardboard is safe for rabbits to eat and provides them with the same benefits as paper.

How to Introduce Paper to Your Rabbit

If you’re not sure how your rabbit will react to paper, it’s best to introduce it gradually. Start by offering them a small piece of paper to see if they’re interested. If they start chewing on it, you can give them more.

To make the paper more interesting for your rabbit, you can try to make a DIY rabbit toy out of toilet paper rolls. For example, you can create a paper tube toy by rolling up a piece of paper and stapling it into a tube.

You can also try making a simple paper bag toy by putting a few treats inside a small paper bag and crumpling it up.

If your rabbit doesn’t show any interest in paper, don’t force them to eat it. They may prefer other chew toys, such as hay cubes, wooden chews, or carrot sticks.

Rabbits are unique creatures and each one has their own preferences, so it may take some trial and error to find something that your rabbit enjoys.

How Many Paper Can Rabbits Eat

It’s best to limit the amount of paper your rabbit consumes to avoid digestive issues. A general rule of thumb is that rabbits can have 1-2 sheets of paper per day.

In order to avoid potential problems, it’s important to monitor your rabbit closely when they’re eating paper. And make sure to balance their diet with high-fiber diet.

Treats that are good for the rabbit’s digestive system include; apple slices, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries. Veggies such as broccoli, cabbage, carrots, celery, and spinach are also good options.

Can Baby Rabbits Eat Paper

You should wait until your baby rabbit is at least 8 weeks old before introducing paper to them. Their digestive system is still developing and they’re more likely to experience problems if they eat paper.

When rabbits are still babies, they only have 16 deciduous teeth. So, giving paper Is pointless until they grow their adult teeth in.

In a few months, their 28 adult teeth should start to come in and they’ll be able to start chewing on paper.

In order to grow healthy and strong, baby rabbits diet should focus on calcium, protein, and fiber. These are vital nutrients for their development, so paper doesn’t really provide any benefits.

If you want to give your rabbit something to chew on, try giving them hay or fresh vegetables instead. These are much better options and will actually help them stay healthy.

Wrap Up

Can rabbits eat paper? Many rabbits enjoy chewing on paper and will even eat it if given the chance. While paper is not necessarily harmful to rabbits, it is not particularly nutritious either. Therefore, it is best to limit your rabbit’s paper consumption to a occasional chew toy or treat.