Can rabbits eat sunflower seeds?

There are several reasons to give sunflower seeds to rabbits: if the animals are “stuck” in molting, have suffered stress or diseases associated with a deterioration in the quality of wool, winter, when in severe frosts it is necessary to provide a warming feed ingredient, for fattening you need to get fatter MEAT.

The first age molt in rabbits occurs at about three months, the second - at six or seven months, then come seasonal molts in spring - autumn. Peak molting in an adult rabbit occurs in the spring, and some animals sometimes experience excessive hair loss due to various kinds of stress or malnutrition with protein or vitamin deficiencies.

If parasitic or fungal infections are ruled out during examination by a veterinarian, then sunflower seeds will help accelerate the growth of wool.

Sunflower seeds are rich in calories, vitamins and minerals, contain a large amount of omega-6 fatty acids, as well as:

28% fat. Fats in rabbit diets provide energy, promote absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), add sheen to fur, and help promote shedding, all of which are good for boosting immunity. 25% fiber. Fiber promotes a healthy gut and weight gain. 15% protein. Protein is essential for growth and disease resistance.

Of course, sunflower seeds are by no means a complete food, but in the situations mentioned above, feeding in moderation will be beneficial - from 2 to 6 seeds per day per HEAD for one week, depending on the situation. More than this amount can cause digestive problems and colic.

Offer sunflower seeds with black hulls rather than striped ones; black ones have thinner and softer hulls. There is debate about whether the seeds need to be pre-husked. Some think it's overkill, others think it's better to peel the husk to avoid the risk of esophageal blockage or suffocation. In any case, it is important to give unsalted seeds. Rabbits do not need additional SALT in their diet, and it can dehydrate the body.

In the normal state of the rabbit and its fur in the summer, you should not give seeds, because already in the spring in the garden and field there are plenty of other tonic top dressings - green and fresh:

coltsfoot; borago, aka borage or comfrey; nasturtium and marigolds; chamomile; clover, dandelion; nettle; shepherd's bag; plantain; yarrow.