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Can Rabbits Eat Edamame?

Edamame is gaining popularity among rabbit owners looking for new foods to feed their pets. This frenzy has many people wondering, “Can rabbits eat edamame?”

If you’re also looking for answers to this question, we’re glad to inform you that you’ve come to the right place. As you may already know, rabbits are herbivorous animals, which means they can only eat both plants and their derivatives. However, this does not mean they can eat everything tagged “plant.”

One such plant that you must prevent your bunny from eating is Edamame. Edamame is an immature form of soybeans that contains some highly toxic substances that can jeopardize the health of your little pet if consumed.

Here’s everything you need to know about edamame and its dangers when eaten by rabbits. 

Can Rabbits Eat Edamame?

Quick Facts About Edamame

  • Scientific Name – Glycine max (L) Merr
  • Other Names – soybean, soya bean, soybean, soya, or soy, 
  • Origin – China
  • Commonly Used in Cuisines in – Taiwan, China, Japan, Indonesia, Korea, and Hawaii

Nutritional Component of Edamame

According to Wikipedia, the nutritional value of edamame per 100 g (3.5 oz.) is:

  • Energy 509 kJ (122 kcal)
  • Carbohydrates 9.94 g
  • Fat 5.2 g
  • Protein 10.88 g
  • Sugars 2.18 g
  • Dietary fiber 5.2 g

Vitamins

  • Thiamine (B1) (17%) 0.2 mg
  • Riboflavin (B2) (13%) 0.155 mg
  • Niacin (B3) (6%) 0.915 mg
  • Pantothenic acid (B5)
  • (8%) 0.395 mg
  • Vitamin B6 (8%) 0.1 mg
  • Folate (B9) (78%) 311 μg
  • Vitamin C (7%) 6.1 mg
  • Vitamin E (5%) 0.68 mg
  • Vitamin K (26%) 26.8 μg

Trace metals

  • Potassium (9%) 436 mg
  • Magnesium (18%) 64 mg
  • Calcium (6%) 63 mg
  • Phosphorus (24%) 169 mg
  • Manganese (49%) 1.024 mg
  • Iron (17%) 2.27 mg
  • Zinc (14%) 1.37 mg

Why Is Edamame Bad for Rabbits?

Edamame is good for humans, but it is harmful to rabbits. This is due to the rabbits’ delicate and sensitive digestive system, despite being herbivores. 

The components of edamame show that it has high calcium, phosphorus, and acidic content. Because these minerals and substances are not present in the proper proportions, they are nutritionally dangerous to rabbits when consumed.

Furthermore, edamame contains protease inhibitors, which cause gas accumulation in rabbit digestive tracts. This gas causes bloating, among other health issues, and may even cause death.

As a result, we recommend you consult your veterinary doctor before introducing new foods to your rabbit.

Symptoms of Edamame Poisoning in Rabbits

If you suspect your rabbit has eaten some edamame, it is essential to keep an eye on your rabbit and watch out for signs or symptoms of sickness.

The following are likely symptoms of illness or edamame poisoning in rabbits.

  • Loss of appetite
  • Dehydration
  • Excessive drooling
  • Weakness
  • Vomiting

If you notice these symptoms, take your bunny to the vet immediately for a diagnosis and treatment. But in a case where none of these symptoms are found, you do not need to take any action. 

The most important thing is to keep an eye on your rabbit to ensure they don’t have access to edamame, and if they do, keep an eye out for any signs of illness.

The Health Risks of Edamame for Rabbits

Here are some of the health risks of feeding your rabbits with edamame:

1. Gastrointestinal Tract Problems

Edamame, also known as vegetable soybean, is an immature form of soybean. While it has been established that edamame is safe for human consumption, there is still much debate about its use in rabbit diets. 

It contains lots of toxic substances that are harmful to a wide range of animals, including bunnies. Some of the poisonous substances found in edamame include lectins and hormone disruptors. They can cause hormonal imbalances and gastrointestinal problems in rabbits. 

2. GI Stasis

Rabbits can suffer from GI stasis when fed a large amount of edamame. That’s because  Edamame is a high-carb, low-fiber diet that can upset the bacteria balance in the rabbit’s gut.

These microbial imbalances cause the production and accumulation of poisonous gases, which subsequently leads to organ failure or the death of the rabbit.

Some common symptoms of GI stasis in rabbits include:

  • Hunched posture
  • Bruxism
  • Anorexia or Loss of appetite
  • Depression

If you see any of these signs in your rabbit, take them to the vet immediately.

3. Digestive Problems

Lectin is a defensive protein found in plants, and it’s present in a high concentration in edamame. These lectins bind to carbohydrates and are resistant to breakdown by digestive enzymes.

When consumed, lectin can also cause adverse health problems like food poisoning, obesity, and reduced immunity. For these reasons and others that will be discussed shortly, we strongly condemn feeding edamame to rabbits. 

4. Reproductive Problems

In addition to lectin, edamame contains phytoestrogen, a toxic substance. Phytoestrogen is an estrogen-like substance found in leguminous plants that is toxic.

Estrogen is required for reproduction, cell signaling, gender differentiation, bone maintenance, and many other functions. 

When consumed in large quantities, phytoestrogen can cause testicular dysfunction and decreased libido in male rabbits, as well as reproductive problems in female rabbits.

5. Other Health Concerns

Two other harmful compounds that can be found in edamame are Omega-6 fatty acids and goitrogens.

Usually, Omega-6 fatty acids are beneficial when consumed in small quantities. But, they can cause chronic inflammation of the body and intestines when consumed in large quantities. 

Goitrogen, on the other hand, may prevent the rabbit’s thyroid gland from developing naturally.

What Food Can You Feed Your Rabbit Instead?

Hay is the most nutritious food for rabbits. It contains fiber and other nutrients that rabbits require to keep their bodies and systems in perfect condition. You can also give your rabbits pelleted concentrates, which are high in protein, vitamins, and minerals.

What’s more, vegetables like carrots, spinach, cabbage, broccoli, green peppers, basil, celery, clover, peppermint leaves, beet greens (tops), alfalfa, radish & clover sprouts, parsley, etc. are great additions to your rabbit’s diet. 

Never give candy, chocolates, or processed foods to your rabbits. These foods can harm your rabbit and make it sick. As previously stated, consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods to your rabbit.

Related post: Can Rabbit Eat Wheatgrass?

Commonly Asked Questions

Q: Is Edamame Dangerous for My Rabbit?

A: Rabbits have a very sensitive digestive system, which frequently causes digestive issues. Edamame is a dangerous food for rabbits due to its high anti-nutrient content. Lectin, goitrogen, phytoestrogen, and omega-6 fatty acids can all cause serious health problems in rabbits.

Q: Is Soybeans Safe for Rabbit?

A: Yes! Soybeans are safe for rabbits. Rabbits, on the other hand, should only be given a small amount of processed or well-cooked soybeans at a time. Soy and its derivatives are often used as ingredients in rabbit feed.

Q: What’s The Difference Between Edamame and Soybeans?

A: Edamame is the young, immature form of soybean. They have bright green colors and are enclosed in pods. Edamame is not suitable for rabbit consumption.

Mature soybeans, on the other hand, are brown, tan, or beige and can be eaten in small amounts by rabbits. 

Final Thoughts

Edamame contains a high amount of starch and lectin (carbohydrate-binding proteins), as well as hormone disruptors like goitrogen and phytoestrogen.

As a result of these toxins, edamame causes digestive problems when consumed by rabbits. It has also been linked to inflammation, obesity, food poisoning, and decreased libido and fertility in rabbits.

Hay, vegetables, and pelleted concentrates are the healthiest food options for rabbits. If you must feed any new diet to your rabbits, make sure you consult your vet first.