Safe Branches List for Rabbits & Guinea-pigs
A common belief is that stone fruits such as plum & cherry cannot be fed and therefore neither can their branches because they contain hydrocyanic acid. However, Amygdalin (a cyanogenic glycoside that breaks down into hydrocyanic acid and fructose when in contact with water) is found only in the core of the stone fruit. This means that both the fruit (minus the stone) and branches are safe to feed.
Another fear is that of tannins which are found in bark, wood and leaves. However, phytochemicals, including tannins are of enormous benefit to an animals health. They are anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-bacterial, have astringent properties and can neutralise poisons. Tannins keep digestion healthy and solve diarrhea and chronic indigestion problems. They also prevent coccidia.
Safe Branches
Maple - Safe to eat, with anti-inflammatory, detoxifying and anti-bacterial properties.
Apple - Good for digestive problems, provides energy and supports wound healing.
Apricot - Safe to feed.
Birch - Good for urinary tract diseases as it stimulates the kidneys and is anti-inflammatory. Also metabolism stimulating.
Pear - Safe to feed and well tolerated.
Gogi Berry - Whole plant can be fed.
Blackberry - Whole plant can be fed, a popular winter food that is good for strengthening the immune system and for respiratory issues. The spines will not harm the animals.
European Beech - Good for respiratory problems and reducing fevers. Often described as slightly toxic due to oxalic acid, however, only the nuts contain oxalic acid along with saponins and thiaminase. The leaves and branches do not contain these and are safe to feed.
Rowan - Leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides so feed only in very small amounts. Do not feed the berries.
Oak - Non-toxic and good for digestive problems and prevention of coccidia. Only fully ripe acorns are safe to occasionally feed.
Alder - Helps with pneumonia, infections and digestive issues.
Ash - Good for bladder problems and inflammation with the bark having analgesic properties.
Fig - Safe to feed.
Spruce - Safe to feed, with germicidal properties, is anti-inflammatory and good for respiratory problems.
Lilac - Safe to feed but not a popular food.
Forsythia - Safe to feed.
Broom - Can be fed in small quantities in a good mix of other branches.
Ginko - Promotes blood circulation and has a positive effect on the central nervous system.
Common Hornbeam - Fever-reducing and good for respiratory problems. Part of the birch family and safe to feed.
Dogwood - Can be fed with a good mix of other branches.
Linden - Safe to feed and promotes a calming effect. The bark is good for cystitis.
Hazel - Very popular feed, good for liver and biliary disorders.
Bilberry/blueberry - Helps with tissue repair, circulation issues, urinary tract infections and digestive problems. The berries are good for the immune system.
Raspberry - Strengthens the immune system, helps with digestive issues and the leaves have anti-inflammatory properties.
Sea-buckthorn - Not to be confused with buckthorn which is not safe to feed! A vitamin C rich food, fruits can also be fed.
Currants - Whole plant can be fed.
Privet - Can be fed in a good mix but is unpopular.
Pine - Safe to feed, good for inflammation and respiratory issues but not very popular.
Cherry - Safe to feed and popular.
Larch - Good for respiratory problems.
Mulberry - Safe to feed but more popular when the leaves are fed dried.
Plum - Safe to feed.
Poplar - Safe to feed and popular.
Peach - Safe to feed.
Quince - Good for respiratory problems.
Blackthorn (Sloe) - Branches are safe to feed but fruits are best fed after a frost or a night in the freezer.
Gooseberry - Blood purifying and appetite stimulating.
Fir - Safe to feed, good for inflammation and respiratory issues. Do not confuse with similar looking Yew which is highly toxic!
Meadowsweet - Safe to feed and popular.
Elm - Good for digestive problems, safe to feed but unpopular.
Walnut - Good as a dewormer but unpopular. Nuts are safe but are high energy so only a few can occasionally be fed.
Willow - Contains salicylic acid which is the active ingredient in aspirin making it pain relieving, anti-inflammatory and fever lowering.
Grapevine - Whole plant can be fed but it is unpopular.
Hawthorn - Whole plant can be fed including the fruit, improves blood circulation and lowers blood pressure.
