previous rabbit shedding question

Question
I read your response to the question regarding shedding in mini rex rabbits.  You recommended adding "extra papaya pills and pineapple" to your rabbit's diet.  Just to clarify - rabbits should eat regular pineapple if they are shedding?  Is it okay for the non shedding rabbits to have pineapple in their diet too?  Is canned pineapple okay or does it need to be fresh pineapple?  Thank you.

Answer
Hi Jane

Pineapple is sweet and has a lot of sugar but it should be a regular part of the diet.  I wouldn't suggest feeding it more than once or twice per week.  If you feed your rabbit pineapple once per week and then during shedding feed it two or three times per week this is acceptable.  If you are feeding a lot of pineapple you want to cut out the other sweet type treats such as raisins.  I use canned pineapple because it is so much easier than buying a whole pineapple and peeling it.  The rabbits don't seem to notice the taste difference and I really can't find any studies that says one  is better than the other.

Pineapple and papaya pills both contain papain.  This enzyme is said to help reduce hairballs.  Hairballs are actually relatively uncommon and often misdiagnosed.  The papain enzyme helps to dissolve any extra hair that might get attached to the other contents of the stomach.  Papaya can be given daily and it won't hurt them.  They love the taste of it and usually gobble it right up.  If you are giving papaya at least 3 - 4 days per week then you don't have to give as much pineapple.  I personally like to mix it up a bit so that they don't get used to the tasty foods and will still eat their boring foods like pellets and plain veggies.

Good luck and if you have any further questions please let me know.

Pam