If you are part of the incredibly lucky group of people who own rabbits, you know that there is a wealth of information on rabbit care and, in particular, on feeding your rabbit. However, when it comes to feeding, much of it is general, for example: rabbits can eat fruit.
As rabbit lovers, we know that sometimes it is necessary to know a specific item. So we’ve put together a list of some of the most common food (and non-food!) Items that people ask us about.
So what do rabbits eat? Can they eat apples? Celery? What about carrots, mushrooms, or even nuts? Find out below.
Do rabbits eat …
Apples Yes, in small quantities (see ‘Fruit’) but not the seeds, as they are toxic to rabbits.
Bananas Yes, see ‘Fruit’ for more details
Basil? Yes, bunnies love basil.
Berries? Yes, see ‘Fruit’ for more details
Bread? Yes, but only as a super special gift. Some owners may not agree with this, but the bread can be used as an additional gift, for example, when learning to go to the bathroom. Just don’t let it become a habit, as while it’s not harmful to scones in small doses, it’s definitely not on the ‘normal foods’ list.
Broccoli? Yes, but in small quantities. This family of vegetables can produce gas that could upset your bunny’s stomach.
Insects? No. Rabbits are vegetarians, so don’t eat other animals.
Cabbage? Yes, but as with broccoli, only in very small amounts.
Carrots? Yes, but in small amounts (1-2 tablespoons). Carrots are rich in natural sugars, making them a “ treat food ” for rabbits. However, the green top of the carrot can be fed frequently.
Celery? Yes. Just be sure to cut it into 1/2-to-1-inch chunks so the fibrous outer fibers aren’t too long, as they could cause problems with your bun’s digestion.
Cucumber? Yes, but only occasionally and in small quantities.
flowers Yes and no depending on the specific type of flower. There are a wide variety of flowers and we can’t cover all types here, so do a little research before letting your bun eat flowers – some can be extremely toxic. Some insurance are: geraniums, marigolds, roses, nasturtiums, sunflowers, daisies and carnations.
Fruit? Yes, rabbits love fruit. However, it is a treat food and only for adult rabbits. Limit feeding to 1 tablespoon for every 3 pounds of body weight per day. Baby rabbits (under 6 months) should not be fed fruits as they can cause diarrhea.
Geraniums? Yes, ask any gardener who also has rabbits! See ‘Flowers’ for more details.
Grapes? Yes, see “Fruit” for more details.
Grass? Yes, as long as the lawn has not been sprayed with pesticides or fertilizers. The majority of a rabbit’s diet should be dry grass; see ‘Hay’ for details.
Grasshopper? No. Rabbits are vegetarians, so don’t eat other animals.
Hay? Absolutely! Fresh hay should always be available and should make up the majority (70%) of your bread’s diet. Hay is rich in fiber and low in calories. It is absolutely crucial for a rabbit’s digestive system, as well as maintaining naturally worn teeth. Timothy hay (from Timothy grass) is the best type to feed.
Herbs? Yes, rabbits love fresh herbs (not dried from the store cupboard!) Basil, mint, parsley, coriander / coriander, and mint are popular and easy-to-grow favorites.
Insects? No. Rabbits are vegetarians, so don’t eat other animals.
Meat? No. Rabbits are vegetarians, so don’t eat other animals.
Walnuts? No. Rabbits may like to eat them, but they are not good for them and should not be included in their diet.
Onions? No never. These are toxic to your bun.
Parsley? Yes, most rabbits love all types of parsley and can be fed frequently.
Poop? Yes, it’s own. Strictly speaking, these are not feces, but nutrient-rich droppings called cecotropes that look like tiny peas.
Pumpkin? Yes, in small amounts as pumpkin is high in starch.
Rhubarb leaves? No never. These are toxic to your bun.
Spinach? Yes, but only as an occasional treatment, as it is high in oxalates that can affect calcium absorption.
Strawberries Yes, see “Fruit” for more details.
Sunflowers Yes, the entire sunflower plant is edible. Cut the leaves, stems, and flower heads into manageable-sized pieces. Rabbits especially appreciate the seeds, however these are rich in protein, so they should be fed in moderation – just 1-2 teaspoons a day for an average size rabbit.
Sweet corn? No never. These are toxic to your bun
Tomatoes? Yes, but only red and in small quantities. Never feed the vines or leaves.
Tulips No, bulbous plants are poisonous to rabbits.
Watermelon? Yes, see ‘Fruits’ for more information.
Worms? No, bunnies are vegetarians.
Zucchini? Yes, but in small quantities as a gift.
