Can Rabbits Eat Popcorn? | Popcorn Kernels or Caramel Popcorns

Popcorns (popped corn, popcorns, or pop-corn) are rich insoluble fiber thus unsafe for rabbits to eat. They are fatal for rabbit’s digestive systems leading to severe gastrointestinal illness, excessive fat, and bloating.

Moreover, they lack any specific nutritional value in it and are difficult to ingest. Humans with strong digestive systems can enjoy these kinds of snacks efficiently as related to animals. 

Can Rabbits Eat Popcorn Kernels?

Popcorn kernels are vicious for rabbits and other pets with sensitive intestinal tracts. These hard and sharp tip kernels might have a chance to get stuck in the rabbit’s throat and choke. Except for the choking hazard, teeth were damaged because of the hard outer layer of the kernel’s shell. 

Eating puffed kernels also causes “bezoar” ( lumps formation in the intestinal tract) in rabbits. Large bezoar requires surgery while others may be removed through medication. Salted or flavored popcorn kernels increase the dehydration risk. Thus, keep away from bunny rabbits strictly.  Baby rabbits should avoid feeding kernels that discomfort them seriously. 

Can Bunnies Eat Caramel Popcorn?

All forms of popcorns are edible for humans but unhealthy for rabbits. Bunnies can eat caramel popcorns but are not suitable for them. They cannot break down grains due to their hard exteriors.  

It is best to prevent feeding rabbits on any seasoning or flavored popcorns. Caramel popcorns ultimately drawbacks from the eating of other food like hay and pellets. They also lead to weight gain and obesity in rabbits. 

Nutritional Value Of Popcorn

Popcorns lack any specific nutritional value in them. However, they are a rich and excellent source of fiber. 

Some nutritional facts of 1oz (28.4g) popcorn are figure out here:

  • Calories 104
  • Dietary fiber 3.6g
  • Carbohydrates 21g
  • Proteins 3.1g
  • Fats 1.2g
  • Sugar 0.3g
  • Sodium 2mg

Popcorn calories 1 cup are about 106. A cup of air-popped popcorn contains 110 calories and microwaved popcorn has 165 calories. Oil popped popcorn is 142 calories per cup. 

Is Popcorn Healthy?

Is Popcorn Healthy
Popcorn is healthy and tasty for rabbits

Popcorn is a tasty and low-calorie treat for humans with several potential health benefits. It is a good source of fiber and rich in flavors. It also contains a high amount of polyphenols, vitamins, antioxidants like phenolic acids, and minerals. 

In addition to such vital nutrients, still, popcorns and any other human snack food are not suitable for rabbits.  

Health Benefits Of Popcorn

Popcorn is sometimes a super healthy or unhealthy snack too. It is a gluten-free treat. Some common popcorn nutritional benefits are as follows:

  • Popcorn as a snack provides a feeling of fullness and suppression of hunger for some time after a meal.
  • It provides energy and helps in metabolism too.
  • Antioxidants like polyphenols enhance digestive health, regulates blood circulation, and prevents blood clotting. 
  • Dietary fiber in popcorns maintains bowel movements. It lowers the risk of obesity, stroke, heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes. 

Why Are Popcorns Not Healthy For Rabbits?

Rabbits have sensitive, thin and small intestinal tracts. The nutritional requirements of rabbits are different from other animals and humans. 

They lack strong chewing abilities. Broken grains can be seized inside the respiratory tract of rabbits. Seasonings used in popcorns such as sugar, salt, oil, caramel, chocolate, and other spices are not meant for rabbits. 

Industrial, artificial and other microwaved varieties of popcorns contain more fats and preservatives than homemade popcorns. If your rabbits show any abnormal signs after excessive intake of popcorn, then you should have to consult a pet Veterinarian ASAP!

Side Effects Of Popcorn

Daily excessive intake of corn, popcorns, or kernels result in:

  • Gastrointestinal Stasis
  • Bronchiolitis obliterans (popcorn lung)
  • Bloating
  • Impacted tooth
  • Small or no fecal palettes
  • Hunched or bent posture
  • Food aversion
  • Inactivity
  • Wheezing and shortness of breath
  • High cholesterol levels
  • Weight gain

Alternatives Of Popcorns For Rabbits

The best appropriate snacks to replace popcorns are:

  • Oats
  • Barley
  • Flax

Conclusion

Corn is the only vegetable that popped up to form popcorn. Popcorns are of different types depending on the terms of cooking, seasoning, and flavors. 

Rabbits love to have snacks like popcorn but it is not safe for them. The health risks of popcorn are less for humans than those related to animals. The most common reason for this is the choking hazards. 

FAQs

1. Can bunnies eat popcorn?

Bunnies can eat popcorn in all forms. It is better to stop serving them this snack. Seasoning or flavoring spices, sugar, and salt on popcorns are considered harmful and risky for your bunny’s health. Moreover, there are visible chances of choking and eventually death.

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