Kiwi fruit and Figs : )

[jerseygirl]

Yesterday I discovered that kiwi fruit and figs contain an enzyme that also aid digestion of protein. Similar to the ones in pineapple and papaya. So there is 2 fruits that *might* aid in breakdown of hair/food in the gut.

My rabbits won’t go for papaya (known as paw paw here) or pineapple. I’m going to see if they try kiwi. Probably not but it’s all good, I like them.

[Michelle&Lolli]

Eddie LOVED kiwi. Pretty much all fruits. I don’t know how much Lolli liked kiwi. I think she just ate some things cause Eddie was eating it too. But I love kiwis too. I need to look for them when I go grocery shopping tomorrow. I really miss my fruit. lol

[MimzMum]

My dad used to prepare for me fresh warmed figs with cream over them for breakfast when I was a kid. (He made all my meals, my mom didn’t cook except for occasionally.) I absolutely love them if they’re fresh, but the dried ones….bleah! >.<
I would be concerned about the seeds though…in either fruit. Aren’t seeds of any kind supposed to be bad for rabbits? (Or are they more like the seeds you find on the outside of strawberries?)

[lashkay]

That’s good to know, jerseygirl, I just ran out of diced dried papaya, so may try a little kiwi tomorrow. Don’t go to the bother to look them up, but if you come across the names of the enzymes kiwi and figs contain, please post it. Can figs have a laxative effect – like Fig Newtons? lol

[jerseygirl]

Yeah that ran thru my mind MM. I’m not actually seeing either of these fruits on the regular ‘safe’ lists but am seeing that most all fruits we eat are ok for them – in small proportions.
Not sure why my title has a sad face icon…will amend that.

[jerseygirl]

lashkay, Ill post the enzyme name shortly when I find the pages I read it on. Would like others to offer their opinions on it too as I have just assumed it is as beneficial as papin(papaya) and bromelain(pineapple) is supposed to be.

Edit: Enzyme is called Actinidin. Here’s the wiki on it.

“Actinidain (or actinidin) is a type of cysteine protease enzyme found in fruits including kiwifruit (genus Actinidia), pineapple, mango and papaya. This enzyme is part of the papain-like peptidase C1 family.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Actinidin

wiki also says figs contain “laxative substances” . It does mention for kiwi fruit that it can have laxative effect due to high density fibre.  Prob most fruits really.

[Sarita]

Figs are very high in sugar.

I would stick with lots of good hay, activity and water to keep the gut moving rather than trying figs or kiwi.

[blackfang]

I agree with Sarita. If your rabbit(s) refuse to eat! DO NOT FEED THEM FRUITS! Fruits are making their digestive worse. All fruits have a lot of natural sugar.

I don’t feed my rabbits fruit weekly or monthly. I ONLY feed my rabbits apple in every two or three months. (one slice of apple, that’s it) Apple is good fiber and of course have enzyme. My rabbits love apple than carrots.

 

EDIT: When Romeo isn’t eating or drinking anything. All I do is use syringe to force romeo to drink water. Water do help to push whatever things in his digestive tract. Few hours later or that night, I saw bigger poops in his litter. That make me think it is working.

[Sarita]

Taurus, hydrating is a good idea with water like you mention.

[jerseygirl]

Oh yes, I agree entirely. I’m certainly not promoting these fruits as key for good gut health. I’m just aware people use pineapple or papaya or supplements sometimes for the enzymes and noted these fruits have these enzymes too. I’m personally not even sure I these enzyme do really help with hair impaction like it’s reported to do. I just think if your going to give them a little fruit, why not the ones that *could* possibly be beneficial.

I actually believe they do better to have very small amounts introduced slowly. Fruit when they are not use to it is what can shock their systems. If they have it gradual, it gives the gut a chance to produce the good bacteria to help digest it and then they cope with it ok if they eat it thereafter. So personally I’d go about it in 2 ways: 1) small amounts of the same fruits given semi regular OR 2) zero fruit ever.
At the end of the day with fruit and treats, it’s about moderation.

Mine two receive: apple, banana or carrot on occasion and not daily. I also avoid dried fruits though sneak them a bit from time to time.

 

[mrmac]

Dexter and Dennis love kiwi! Only in very small amounts though…

[jerseygirl]

small amounts. yes.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Oh mine LOVE kiwi and so does the dog. Between the five of us-we can finish a few Actually Noot ate kiwi on the first try-very cute!

[aims]

i slice up half an apple to be shared between my two rabbits per week. on top of this i might give them some banana or a strawberry every now and then. really i only give them fruit when i have left over bits i don’t want, or i have too much fruit to consume myself, i don’t specifically buy it for them. that way they don’t ever get too much

i did give them a mango seed the other day and they licked and nibbled it till it was bone dry! (i’m assuming you all have mangos in your countries but if you don’t they are BIG seeds so there’s no worry of choking on them or getting bits stuck in teeth). i suggest mango seeds as a tasty refreshing treat! they always have so much flesh left on them it’s a shame to throw them in the bin!

i gave mine some kiwi but they didn’t like it… will try again though

[Sarita]

I’m not against giving fruit at all – I love to treat my rabbits. I just don’t think it’s the best thing for a gut slowdown no matter the enzymes. And besides I’m not sharing my figs with anyone :~)

[jerseygirl]

lol.
Well I haven’t shared my kiwi’s yet either. Poor, poor rabbits!

[Author]

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