Bunny gagging when eating fruit?

[tofu]

A few times now, I’ve noticed that when I give my boy fruits, particularly ones like raspberries, strawberries, and sometimes blueberries, he’ll gag while eating them. I’ve never seen him do this with any other type of food or treats, and it’s not even with every fruit but definitely more consistent with fruit.

I’ve looked this up before, but everything I’ve found seems like their bunnies were also doing it with other food so I have no idea if he’s just way excited and swallowing too fast or it’s something about the texture?

 

[Hazel]

Rabbits don’t have a gag reflex and can’t vomit. Sounds more like he’s choking on the fruit? I wouldn’t give him any more until you can find a way to feed it to him safely without him choking (maybe cut it into very small pieces). If this keeps happening he could end up with pneumonia or even choke to death. It might be a good idea to learn how to do the bunny Heimlich, just in case.

[tofu]

I’ve seen him do it with pieces as small as a raspberry or halved blueberry, I’ll try smaller pieces and see.  I don’t know why this happens specifically with fruit though, and not other foods he has. My only guess is that he’s excited to eat them so he’s not really chewing and just swallowing too much. I’d like to keep some fruit in his diet but definitely don’t want him to keep this up even if I’m cutting it small.

[Wick & Fable]

I agree that excitement or general energy surrounding the fruit may be contributing to it. Since choking is a serious risk (even when successfully dislodged, it can damage the respiratory system in local areas and cause infection), best be safe and make those pieces especially small.

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

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