Aronia Berries - A Natural Super Food for Rabbits & Small Animals!

Have you heard of Aronia Berries? Maybe you know them from their more common name, Black Chokeberries? Still none the wiser? Read on and discover more about these amazing little berries!

Aronia Berries are small black berries, and about the size of a peppercorn when dried. And taste? Well, in the interests of our readers, a little taste test on our own Aronia Berries reveals they have a similar flavour to blackcurrants - although they are rather tart and fibrous!

So where do Aronia Berries come from? The Aronia bush has been in the UK since the 18th century, so are very well established and quite common! You may recognise the bush, without knowing what it is. There are small white blossoms in the spring, then berries turning to a deep blackcurrant colour when mature:

The Aronia bush (Aronia melanocarpa)

The berries are often called a superfood, and are available for human consumption as a food supplement due to their nutritional richness, and high anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The berries are rich in vitamins K, A & E, and are also high in iron and fibre too.

Aronia Berries have been used to help with medical issues for centuries, being taken for conditions as diverse as colds, cancer and heart disease! They are reputed to help support intestinal and heart health, help maintain a stable blood sugar level, and a normal metabolism amongst many others.

While studies are still being carried out to explore potential and verify some of the many reputed benefits of Aronia Berries, and whilst they are certainly not a medicine to cure 'all ills', there is no doubt this little berry is packed full of natural goodness. Your little ones are sure to enjoy these berries and gain some benefit from eating them!

Feeding Aronia Berries

Aronia berries can be simply hand-fed as a natural treat to rabbits and other small animals. It's a great way to bond and interact with your little ones too!

If you find your little ones a bit curious but shy about trying them initially, don't worry - most small animals have ‘stranger danger’ when it comes to new foods! 

Try breaking the first few berries open so your little ones can get a whiff of the lovely aroma if they don’t dive straight in, but rest assured they’ll likely be hooked soon after!

Aronia Berries are perfectly sized to be used in a treat dispenser, and this encourages natural foraging behaviour as well as helping with environmental enrichment and activity.

The berries can also be added to dried leaves (such as Plantain or Dandelion), flowers like Marigold or Blue Cornflower, or even a leaf and flower mix. They can be scattered in hay (as a treat in a small amount) to encourage hay consumption and foraging - the choice is yours! Try a few variations and see what your little ones prefer.

And if your little one is being syringe-fed, a berry or two can be added to the liquid feed where appropriate. Soak in water and blend with the feed prior to syringe-feeding. This will provide both a taste and nutritional boost.

Feed as a Treat!

Any type of berry is a treat for rabbits and others, and Aronia berries are just that - a treat to be enjoyed, and fed in moderation (our treat scoop is perfect for this!)

We recommend feeding a few Aronia Berries as a treat only to rabbits, guinea pigs and perhaps just one or two to very small furries such as hamsters.

As they are high in natural sugars, like most berries, we do not recommend they are fed to chinchillas or degu. Sorry, guys!

So why not give our Aronia berries a try - they are a super superfood, and we're pretty sure your little ones will love them!