Can Rabbits Eat Cardboard? 5 Things to Consider

Playful little bunnies are not only eyeful, but also curious creatures. Quite mischievous, rabbits spend most of their time jumping, digging, and running in the enclosure.

In addition, they nibble and chew on almost anything that comes along their way. From toys, cardboards, to feeding containers, often these items become an instant snack.

Given that pet owners use cardboards to insulate the hunch, often, pet rabbits have a field day shredding and munching on them. Sometimes, this habit can be a scare to novice animal lovers. However, do not fret much about it if your animal appears healthy.

While cardboards cause minimal harm to rabbits, this habit can sometimes indicate nutrients deficiency. Also, be wary of toxic cardboards likely to instigate life-threatening conditions. On that account, keep us company as we distinguish safe and unsafe cardboards for your little friend.

Cardboard Precautions Around Rabbits

Presumably, rabbits love munching on cardboards because they contain plenty of cellulose. Remember that this component is in plenty in the vegetables and leaves in their diet. For this reason, your amusing little friend may feel more inclined to it.

Despite all, restrain from replacing proper meals with cardboards. Although it may satisfy your rabbit’s hunger, it does not add any nutrition value. Before you throw pieces of cardboard in the cage, there are several things you need to consider. For instance, is it colored or plain-looking? Also, does it have printed wordings?

The main idea is to confirm the chemicals used to print wordings and color the cardboard. Since it is not always possible to find this information, offer your pet rabbits plain cardboards. That way, you do not have to agonize about the amount of toxicity your pet rabbit absorbs from cardboards.

Moreover, remove the glue used to keep the cardboard together. If possible, remove any adhesive material from the cardboards as most of them contain toxic materials.

Benefits of Chewing Cardboards for Rabbits

Any given day, pet rabbits spend hours nibbling and tossing around cardboards. There are a couple of reasons behind this inclination. It is worth noting that rabbit’s ever-growing teeth require constant chewing throughout the day to keep them under check.

Keep in mind that teeth overgrow can result in chewing, drinking, and grooming obstacles. Also, affected rabbits may find it challenging to close their mouth.  Therefore, regular nibbling of cardboards would play a significant role in keeping your pet happy.

Another significant benefit is that rabbits presume cardboards as stimulating toys. Like any other animal, spending long duration in the cage can be mind-numbing and detrimental to your pet’s health. Most definitely, cardboards would come in handy in combating boredom and keeping your good-natured friends animated.

For such a vigorous animal, playtime is crucial and gives them a new lease on life. According to experts, your little buddy needs plenty of playing and jumping to deter obesity and other health issues. Likewise, stimulating their minds often with toys goes a long way in minimizing destructive habits.

Can Rabbits Eat Too Much Cardboard?

It is vital to monitor the amount of cardboard your rabbits consume daily. In fact, a rabbit’s proper diet should consist of fresh vegetables, hay, pellets, and plenty of clean water. Hence, if you fail to meet their dietary requirements, it can lead to poor immunity, dental problems, and cardiovascular ailments.

You should be aware that introducing cardboards to a new rabbit can develop sometimes causes stomach complications like an intestinal blockage. When this happens, rabbits can find it almost impossible to empty their bowels.

Although this does not affect all bunnies, avoid placing huge chunks of cardboards in the cage. Note that apart from cardboards, you can incorporate other chewing items for your bunnies.  For example, throw in some paper rolls, twigs, or wood pieces.

Safe wood options for rabbits are maple, poplar, apple, pine, willow, hazel, birch, juniper, berry brambles, etc. Above all, ensure that the items are clean and made from non-hazardous materials.

Is Toilet Paper Roll Safe for Rabbits?

Amongst other toy options, toilet paper makes a safe and cost-effective choice. Impressively, you can make the game more amusing by trimming them in different shapes. Make it more enjoyable by involving other family members or friends.

At the moment, you can easily find simple DIY tips online on how to make rabbits toys using toilet paper rolls—once done, stuff the rolls with pellets, hay, or any other treats. Unquestionably, this approach keeps your bunny entertained and busy as they feed on the content and cardboard as well.

Furthermore, stack toilet paper rolls together and give a chance to your bunnies to knock them down. Energetic and playful by nature, your pet will have a field day turning the rolls over or tossing them around. Amusingly, this is an exciting way to unwind and join in the games as well. Bear in mind that playing with your pets cultivates a healthy relationship, beneficial to both parties.

Can Rabbits Eat Paper?

When given a chance, rabbits love slicing papers into tiny pieces. In the process, they also chew and swallow some of it. Similar to cardboards, too much of it can be hazardous to your bunnies.

With a rabbit’s high demand for dietary fiber, pieces of paper would not add value to your pet. Needless to pay, any kind of paper is not easily digestible and can lead to constipation.

Nonetheless, this does not mean that you should completely eradicate paper from your animal’s life. Since papers keep your rabbits busy and occupied, reduce the content that you offer them. Equally, avoid giving them colored or printed papers for health reasons.

Wrap Up

Based on the rabbit’s highly destructive tendencies, pet owners would do anything to keep them from nibbling on telephone wires, shoelaces, and seat edges. Undoubtedly, cardboards and paper effectively distract bunnies from creating havoc.

The beauty of it all is that these items enable pet rabbits to control teeth overgrow. Altogether, limit the quantity you give them as it messes up with proper body functioning.