Rabbits are rapidly becoming one of the most popular American pets, after dogs, cats, fish, reptiles, birds, and other small mammals like hamsters, based on the 2024 U.S. pet ownership statistics from the American Veterinary Medical Association.1
A common theme with some of our animal companions is the desire to share our so-called people food as part of the bonding experience. However, it’s not a good idea to offer corn cobs to your rabbit. Corn is very rich in carbs, particularly starch, which isn’t great for a rabbit’s sensitive digestive system, while the cob is quite hard and may pose a risk for choking or gastrointestinal blockage.
Eating Like a Rabbit
To understand why corn cobs are a no-no, it helps to learn more about the rabbit’s diet. There are 29 species in 10 genera of these animals. Our pets are part of the Old World group with the scientific name Oryctolagus cuniculus. People have raised rabbits since the Middle Ages. However, they weren’t pets initially but, rather, livestock for food.
The American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) is the leading national organization. It recognizes 49 different breeds, a testament to their popularity outside of the kitchen. They are herbivores in the wild, eating whatever vegetation they can find for their seemingly insatiable appetites. Wild rabbits are quite different from their domesticated counterparts.
Interestingly, the former is endangered, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). Its main threats are human-introduced diseases and habitat loss. It’s worth noting their invasiveness caused people to resort to these measures. That makes the domesticated bunny a lifesaver for the species that will ensure its continued existence.
Digestibility and Your Rabbit’s Health
The ideal diet for an adult domesticated rabbit should provide 12-16% protein, 1.5-4% fat, and 20% or more fiber, with more accurately defined ranges depending on the individual rabbit’s age, developmental stage, and reproductive status. Rabbits’ digestive systems require sufficient amounts of fiber to function properly and ensure adequate teeth wear, and because the nutrients aren’t used efficiently the first time around, these animals will eat their excrement, called coprophagia, to glean any additional nutrients. Due to changes in their lifestyle, there are some differences between wild and domesticated animals.
In order to ensure that your pet rabbit’s nutrition resembles their wild counterparts as much as possible, and to support their digestive tract, dental, and overall health, it’s important that hay and fresh grass, such as timothy, are available at all times, in abundance. This should make up around 85-90% of their daily food intake. Besides the hay, which is a source of fiber, you can feed your bunny a commercial pellet diet to satisfy the rest of their nutritional needs, efficiently providing them with energy and carbs. However, pellets should not make up more than 5% of their daily food intake. Otherwise, your rabbit is at risk of obesity, dental, and digestive issues. You should always provide fresh water for your rabbit, either in a water bottle or a bowl, depending on their preferences. That will help ensure proper digestion and hydration.
Corn cobs are quite tough and difficult to digest, not to mention the choking hazard if a large piece is chewed off and attempted to be swallowed. They can also pose a risk for a stomach upset or even gastrointestinal blockage. Corn kernels, on the other hand, are quite rich in carbs and may upset their digestion, as well. That’s not to say that some rabbits won’t be fine eating a little bit of corn now and then, or chewing on a corn cob, but this is not something we can safely recommend.
Final Thoughts
Rabbits are delightful pets for responsible older children and adults. Their friendly nature and curiosity make them enjoyable to own. A healthy diet is imperative for these animals, and there is no place for corn cobs here, as we’d rather be safe than sorry. An abundance of hay and grass, as well as a small amount of timothy-based pellet diet with a bit of fresh leafy greens on the side, is the best thing you can give your bunny.
