Papaya

[ibreedlionheads]

Okay, so all the breeders I talk to recommend papaya. I went out and bought some, and I'm feeding it to my rabbits now, but what exactly is the purpose of it? I read online that it aids in digestion and helps prevent woolblock. Is that it?

 

[Bunnylady]

Papaya contains an enzyme that breaks down protein (it's the active ingredient in meat tenderizer). In theory, it helps to prevent woolblock by breaking down the mucous-y stuff that glues the hair together (I don't think anyone has been able to demonstrate that it actually dissolves hair). Dried papaya is high in sugar, too, so go easy on it - rabbits' digestive systems aren't designed to deal with high carbohydrate foods. You can buy tablets that contain just the enzyme at health food stores, if you want to go that route.