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The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet.  It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.

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Forum DIET & CARE Help! Corn based food…

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    • Hamster Munchies
      Participant
      43 posts Send Private Message

        So we all know that corn is a seed, and seeds can’t be fed to rabbits. Well, my dad recently bought a huge 50 lb. bag of corn based food. And the place he bought it from has no returns. He ripped it open and poured a bunch for my bunnies, and, well, naturally, they ate it. Now, I have two questions.

        1. How can I tell my dad that they can’t eat this? He didn’t believe me about iceberg lettuce until the buns got diarrhea. I told my mom, and she just laughed and said “they wouldn’t put it in the food if it wasn’t safe.” …

        2. Since they ate it, and it’s what they’re eating now, (I tried only veggies, but my dad keeps giving it to them and I have nothing else to feed them!) are there any “long-term” effects of the corn? Nothing has really happened to them, except that Daisy keeps humping Socks more and I don’t think that’s linked to the corn lol

        So, what can I do? Please help!


      • LBJ10
        Moderator
        16869 posts Send Private Message

          Corn is starchy with isn’t good for their gut flora. It’s fattening too. I think the biggest concern is the hulls though. If rabbits ingest a bunch of them, then they can build up in the GI tract and cause an obstruction. My guess is that hulled corn was used since everything was ground up and then compressed into little pellets. Does it say on the package? To be honest, I don’t know what short-term effects corn would have for sure. Obviously, it isn’t good in the long-term. If your dad insists on finishing out the bag, your bunnies will probably be OK. It won’t be healthy for them, but they will be OK. I would just convince him to buy timothy-based pellets next time. Make sure to transition them though. Don’t just switch from one food to another suddenly.


        • LongEaredLions
          Participant
          4482 posts Send Private Message

            Hi HamsterMunchies!
            1. Corn is highly starchy and not very nutritious for humans and for bunnies. Tell your dad that, while you appreciate him getting food, that bunnies don’t naturally eat much corn in the wild, and you care a lot about your bunnies so you would prefer to give them the most natural diet possible. Say that the purpose of pellets is to give nutrients, not to just fill up your bunnies, so you would prefer the most natural diet possible. Tell him this like you just learned it yourself, as you don’t want him to feel bad. If he doesn’t believe you, you can at least tell him to limit their daily portion. Talk to your mom too. Tell her that yes, corn is safe, but it isn’t very good for your bunnies an really has no point in their diet. Give her examples. For example, hamster cotton bedding. It is made for pets. Is it safe? No! Just goes to show that pet industries don’t only do what is safe for the pets, they do what earns them the most money.
            2. I am sure they will be ok. Just provide them with lots of hay and veggies too.

            If you can convince your dad to stop using the corn pellets, they can serve other uses. Bird food, mulch, etc.


          • BlueMoods
            Participant
            169 posts Send Private Message

              I agree, give him other examples of bad pet products and explain why corn is not good.

              They sell cedar bedding for small pets but, it cause long term respiratory issues if you use it.
              They make corn based dog and cat food – carnivorous definitely do not digest corn well at all.

              And, though a bit gross, ask him what happens when he eats corn? A whole lot of it comes out as whole kernels in the toilet. Well, it’s the same for rabbits, it’s carbs and waste, not good nutrition. Sure it tastes good to them, same as corn tastes good to us but, it really is poor nutrition.


            • Hamster Munchies
              Participant
              43 posts Send Private Message

                Ok thanks everyone! I have talked my dad out of buying another bag of corn-based stuff, and he believed me! Yay! Unfortunately, he won’t buy any more rabbit food until this bag is finished, and I can’t buy it on my own as I’m kinda short of money at the moment, and allowance isn’t any time soon.

                Thank you guys for all of the helpful tips and info!


              • Megabunny
                Participant
                2041 posts Send Private Message

                  You won’t want to switch the diet over right from one food to the other, so get a bag of food ahead so you can slowly start introducing the better stuff. Good job convincing Dad!

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              Forum DIET & CARE Help! Corn based food…