Can Rabbits eat Dates?

Dates are an oval-cylindrical fruit whose name comes from the Greek word for finger which is dáktulos because of its elongated shape. It measures between 3–7 cm long, and 2–3 cm (0.79–1.18 in) diameter, and when ripe, range from bright red to bright yellow in colour, depending on variety. Dates contain a single stone about 2–2.5 cm (0.79–0.98 in) long and 6–8 mm (0.24–0.31 in) thick.

So can rabbits eat dates at all?

Let’s take a look at their nutritional data and find out more about them. In particular their calcium, phosphorus, acidic, fat, fibre, sodium, and sugar content is of particular interest as far as bunnies are concerned.

Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy 1,178 kJ (282 kcal)
Carbohydrates
75.03 g
Sugars 63.35 g
Dietary fiber 8 g
Fat
0.39 g
Protein
2.45 g
Vitamins
Vitamin A equiv.
beta-carotene
lutein zeaxanthin
(0%)6 μg
75 μg
Vitamin A 10 IU
Thiamine (B1) (5%)0.052 mg
Riboflavin (B2) (6%)0.066 mg
Niacin (B3) (8%)1.274 mg
Pantothenic acid (B5)
(12%)0.589 mg
Vitamin B6 (13%)0.165 mg
Folate (B9) (5%)19 μg
Vitamin C (0%)0.4 mg
Vitamin E (0%)0.05 mg
Vitamin K (3%)2.7 μg
Trace metals
Calcium (4%)39 mg
Iron (8%)1.02 mg
Magnesium (12%)43 mg
Manganese (12%)0.262 mg
Phosphorus (9%)62 mg
Potassium (14%)656 mg
Sodium (0%)2 mg
Zinc (3%)0.29 mg

source wikipedia
Water
As you can see dates contain a lot of phosphorus, a little calcium, they are quite acidic, a hint of fat, but an extraordinary a,out of sugar. This unfortunately rules them out for rabbits. They are just too sweet for bunnies to eat. If they do have a nibble of one, then they will be fine but nothing more than that.

Leave a Comment