Apple Cider Vinegar for Rabbits

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A while back, I read about the positive effects of using apple cider vinegar (ACV) as an additive in my rabbit’s water bottles.

I wasn’t sure at first, but after using it for a while, I have seen the benefits first hand!

Firstly, and this is a big one, ACV acts as a repellent to fleas, mites and other creepy crawlies by making the rabbit smell undesirable to them. Bugs have practically ignored my rabbits since I started giving them ACV.

It also reduces the ammonia smell in urine, which makes for a very clean-smelling cage when paired with the wood pellets I’ve been using (more on that later, but they are a must instead of shavings when using a solid floor cage).

ACV also helps keep rabbit fur softer and shinier! I’ve definitely noticed this, especially with Luke.

If you have a picky rabbit, adding ACV to their water can be helpful when travelling. This is because no matter which water you use on the road, the taste of ACV will be familiar to them.

Because rabbits like the taste of the vinegar, they tend to drink more, resulting in better hydrated animals.

Apple cider vinegar is said to boost your rabbit’s immune system and help reduce weepy eye because it regulates pH levels. I hadn’t experienced this myself until last week when Luke had slightly watery eyes. He doesn’t get this very often at all, but after giving him some ACV (I had run out and had to grab some more) for a few days, it cleared up without issue.

I have heard from other breeders that apple cider vinegar can also reduce bladder sludge. I haven’t experienced this myself, but this could also be because I have not really had many issues with that in my rabbits, so I can’t really speak to that.

If you are interested in adding ACV to your rabbit’s water, be conservative. I add very little to each of my Holland’s water bottles – about 1/2 teaspoon for the 16oz bottles.

Thanks for reading!