If you have a pet rabbit, the most important question you’ll have is, “what can rabbits eat?“ Like humans, rabbits have their own nutritional requirements.
They enjoy a balanced meal that consists of fresh hay, a combination of delicious fruits and vegetables, a limited number of rabbit pellets, and plenty of drinking water.
Dietary fibers are the main food nutrient they need to stay healthy and happy. Therefore, rabbit food should have this ingredient in abundance.
This article will thoroughly explain what rabbits can eat to help all the rabbit owners make a better food choice for their pets. So, keep reading to find which food items you should give your rabbit and which you should not.
**Remember, you should always check with your veterinarian before adding to or changing your pet’s diet. Getting professional input is the most important component to giving your animal a long, happy, healthy life.**
Are Rabbits Herbivores, Carnivores, Or Omnivores?
Rabbits are herbivores, and their digestive systems are adapted to digest or absorb only plant-based foods.
Therefore, around 80% of their diet should consist of grass hay, and the remaining 20% of their diet should include vegetables, pellets, and similar food items.
Feeding them inappropriate foods (animal-based foods) or new food items can disturb the gut flora and lead to serious digestive problems.
What Are the Nutritional Needs of Rabbits?
Rabbits have specific dietary needs. Like humans, they need important nutrients like proteins, carbohydrates, fats, fibers, minerals, and vitamins to stay healthy.
They should get all these nutrients in moderation through a balanced diet. Giving them more or less than the required amount can cause health issues.
In general, you’ll want to feed your rabbits fresh foods, mostly consisting of grass hay, dark leafy greens, vegetables, herbs, and some fruits.
Wild rabbits eat the same foods as your house rabbits (or domesticated rabbits). Although wild rabbits often times will have less access to maintain their ideal diet.
Ideal Foods to Feed Your Rabbit (List)
Below is a list of foods you can feed to your pet rabbits to ensure a healthy diet. However, remember that some of these foods are meant to be fed daily, and others should be fed only a few times a week.
- Alfalfa hay
- Beet greens
- Bell peppers
- Bok choy
- Broccoli leaves and stems
- Brussel sprouts
- Carrots and carrot tops
- Collard greens
- Cucumber
- Fresh fruits
- Fresh greens
- Fresh vegetables
- Grass hay
- Kale
- Most (but not all) fresh greens
- Mustard greens
- Romaine lettuce
- Spinach
- Timothy hay
- Zucchini
Check with your veterinarian for a complete list of foods that you should feed and/or not feed your rabbit before changing your rabbit’s diet and feeding them any new foods. Foods should be given in moderation and will depend on the age of the rabbit.
Can Rabbits Eat Hay?
Yes, of course! Naturally, rabbits are grazers, so they love eating hay and any form of grass. Therefore, fresh hay should be the chief component of your rabbit’s diet.
Types of grass hay that rabbits enjoy eating include oat hay, orchard grass, and timothy hay. You can feed your bunny either one of these hays or a mixture of all of them.
Alfalfa is healthy for baby rabbits as it has a high sugar content and protein, which their growing bodies need more than adult rabbits. Some baby rabbits are fed alfalfa pellets.
But feeding the same alfalfa to an adult rabbit regularly is not a good idea as it contains more nutrients than an adult rabbit needs and can cause serious health problems. However, you can give it from time to time as a treat.
Hay provides healthy fibers that rabbits need to maintain their digestive health. It also wears down their teeth which is crucial because rabbit teeth grow at a speed of 1 cm per month.
Rabbit owners place it on the litter box to help their bunnies develop the habit of pooping in it.
While buying hay, make sure it is fresh.
Brown or moldy hay is unhealthy and can make your pet sick. You should store the fresh hay in dry containers that allow airflow so that hay does not develop mold.
Buying it from a local farmer is an economical option compared to buying it from a pet shop.
Can Rabbits Eat Celery?
The short answer to this question is yes. Most of the leafy green vegetables, including celery, are healthy and delicious treats for your bunny.
Celery leaves contain important nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, folic acid, calcium, potassium, and zinc.
Rabbits need all these nutrients in small quantities to stay healthy. In addition, celery sticks are high in water content and have a crunchy texture.
It helps the bunnies fulfill their water needs and grind their teeth naturally.
Cut celery into small pieces of around 1 inch in length before feeding them to your furry bunny.
Remember that even though it is a healthy food, it should still not be the main source of energy for rabbits. Rabbits have a sensitive stomach that may not digest vegetables as well as it digests grass.
Celery also has strings that can get stuck in rabbit’s teeth or stomach and cause infections. Therefore, give celery only as an occasional treat.
Can Rabbits Eat Apples?
Veterinarians agree that all kinds of apples are healthy food items for rabbits, but moderation is the key.
Apples are a good source of potassium and various important nutrients that are good for a rabbit’s health. But feed it only in small amounts to fulfill your pet’s fruit needs.
It is also important to prepare it well before placing it in your bunny’s food tray.
Cut the apple into small pieces and give only 3 to 4 pieces.
Do not forget to remove seeds and stems. Both contain cyanogenic glycosides, which are toxins and can cause health issues in a variety of pets, including rabbits.
Apples are also high in sugar. Humans have a more complex digestive system that can digest sugar present in an apple easily. But a small bunny’s digestive system cannot digest the whole sugar.
So, it can lead to high sugar levels if bunnies are fed more apples than normal.
Can Rabbits Eat Tomatoes?
Tomatoes make a healthy rabbit treat.
A healthy rabbit can eat grass every day and a small portion of fruits and vegetables a few times a week.
Like other fruits, tomatoes provide rabbits with nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and antioxidants that help with cancer prevention.
However, tomatoes do not provide all the nutrients that they need to stay energetic and healthy.
Foods that are high in fiber and low in protein and fat should be the primary food for rabbits.
Unfortunately, tomatoes do not fall in the category of such foods. Therefore, you should only give it in small portions.
Wash tomatoes thoroughly to remove chemicals like pesticides. Then cut it into small pieces and give only a few pieces to your pet.
Tomato leaves, stems, and flowers contain a solanine compound called tomatine. It is a toxic substance that tomatoes use for self-defense.
It can cause health problems in a rabbit if it engulfs it in any way. Therefore, make sure your bunny stays away from the green parts of the tomato plant.
Can Rabbits Eat Grapes?
Rabbits like sweet grapes, and it is totally fine to give them grapes occasionally as a treat.
Grapes are one of the nutrient-dense foods and can provide many health benefits to your bunny. But because they are high in sugar and water, there should be some limits.
Pet owners can only give 1 to 2 grapes per day and only 2 to 3 times per week. Giving more than 2 grapes can have ill effects.
The high water content of grapes can cause watery stools and diarrhea. Similarly, the high sugar content may make your pet extra energetic and disturb its digestive system as well.
Baby rabbits should not be given grapes or any other fruit or vegetable. Their digestive system is very sensitive.
Foods other than regular rabbit food or hay can cause their death. If you are feeding grapes for the first time, then give only one grape to let your pet’s digestive system get familiar with its contents.
Can Rabbits Eat Cucumbers?
Yes, cucumber is a safe fruit for rabbits. Most of the rabbits enjoy its refreshing taste and texture, but some do not give it heed.
If your pet does not like it, then there is no need to forcefully feed them. There are many good alternatives that you can give.
Cucumbers are low in nutrients and high in water. So giving too much of it can upset your pet’s sensitive stomach and cause diarrhea.
Therefore, only feed a thin slice of cucumber 2 to 3 times a week.
Cucumber seeds, flesh, and leaves are all safe for rabbits. But they are only safe if they are given in moderation.
Can Rabbits Eat Strawberries?
Yes. Strawberries are a natural source of antioxidants and vitamin C. These nutrients are healthy for your pet, but they can also have them through their regular food.
Most rabbits love refreshing and sweet strawberries, and it is completely okay to give them as a treat.
Strawberries or any other fruit should not be given on a daily basis. Fruits are high in calories or sugar. They can induce diabetes in rabbits.
Besides that, giving strawberries every day can make your pet addicted, and it may start demanding it more while neglecting its regular food.
So, feed only a small strawberry or a portion of a large strawberry to your pet. You can use treats like strawberries to evaluate your pet’s health.
If he responds well to a sweet treat, then his digestive system is working well. You can also use it as a reward while training your bunny.
Can Rabbits Eat Bananas?
Yes, in small portions. Rabbits usually enjoy sweet and easy treats like bananas.
This fruit contains minerals like potassium, magnesium, manganese, copper, and vitamins such as vitamin B6 and vitamin C. All these nutrients can help your pet grow healthy and sturdy.
You can feed your pet a banana, but only in small portions. Its high sugar level can have a negative effect on your pet’s health.
Banana peel is also safe for rabbits. But it has low nutritional value, and rabbits may not like it due to its taste.
If your pet likes banana peel, then make sure you wash it properly and cut it into small pieces before feeding it to your pet.
Can Rabbits Eat Cabbage?
It depends. Cabbage is a non-toxic crunchy vegetable that rabbits enjoy having at the time. It is high in water, fiber, carbohydrates, and many important nutrients that small pets like rabbits need to stay fit.
However, it is also high in sulfurous compounds that can produce gas. Rabbits lack an effective way of passing gas which can cause gastrointestinal issues. Therefore, feed it to your pet only occasionally, if at all.
Start by feeding only one leaf at a time. Then, check your pet’s reaction. Different rabbits will react in different ways.
If your pet looks unhappy and has watery poop afterward, then it means cabbage did not suit its digestive system. Under such situations, do not feed your pet cabbage again.
There are many different vegetables that you can use as a healthy alternative.
Can Rabbits Eat Broccoli?
It depends.
Broccoli and cabbage belong to the same vegetable family. Broccoli is a healthy treat that can provide your pet with numerous healthy nutrients.
Its nutrients are known to improve brain, heart, and liver health. It is also high in dietary fiber, which is the most crucial nutrient for rabbits.
However, like cabbage, broccoli can also cause gas in your pet’s stomach, which can be a very painful experience for it.
For this reason, it is advised not to give broccoli in large quantities. Its leaves are known to cause less gas compared to the stem.
So, you should start giving leaves first and see the reaction. If your pet is happy and satisfied by having leaves, then try giving it a stem too. But if he has a gas issue after eating broccoli leaf or stem, then do not give this vegetable ever again.
One of the most common signs of your pet having gas is the gurgling sound coming from its tummy.
Another sign is that your pet will hide from you and sit in an unusual way or pose. If your pet’s condition does not improve in a few hours, then it is best to visit a veterinarian to get professional help.
Can Rabbits Eat Oranges?
Rabbits can definitely eat oranges, but only in small amounts.
This fruit is rich in vitamin C, which makes the immune system stronger.
It also contains some minerals and vitamins, but their number is less than their number in other sweet fruits. That is why oranges may not be as healthy as other fruits mentioned above are.
Because of its high sugar content, you should only feed it in a small amount. However, it is also acidic in nature, and feeding it more than okay can lead to the formation of an ulcer in the mouth or stomach.
Therefore, feed only one-quarter or even less than one-quarter to your pet. Give it only one time in a week.
Can Rabbits Eat Carrots?
Yes! Rabbits can eat carrots but should only do so in moderation.
Carrot is one of the most versatile root vegetables that you can feed to your bunny friend. It is famously used for eye health as it is high in vitamin A.
Carrots love this vegetable due to its sweet taste. Gardeners often use a fence around this vegetable to protect it from a rabbit’s attack.
Carrots provide fibers and many healthy nutrients, but you cannot make them the main source of nutrients for your pet due to their high sugar level. It is healthy only if it is given in small portions for a few non-consecutive days.
Rabbits love carrot tops and roots as well. You can feed them both parts without wasting anything.
However, you need to wash the top and root both carefully to remove soil and chemicals. Cut the green part into small pieces before feeding it to your pet.
You can reduce the intake of the sugary root by peeling its thin strips off. It will give a pasta salad look to your pet’s food, and it will enjoy carrots while eating in moderation.
Can Rabbits Eat Kale?
It depends.
Kale is a healthy food item for your rabbits. It is rich in many minerals and vitamins that are beneficial to your pet’s health.
However, like cabbage, it contains sulfurous compounds that can cause bloating. As rabbits do not have a proper way to pass gas, the production of a large volume of gas can be fatal for their health.
It is also high in calcium, whose large quantity can have a negative effect on your pet’s kidneys. For this reason, kale should be given only in a limited amount.
First, wash it with clean water to remove dirt and pesticides. Then give one leaf as a whole. Your pet will be more than happy to chew it like that.
If you are feeding kale to your pet for the first time, then give only one leaf and see your pet’s reaction.
If you do not notice any signs of bloating, then giving two leaves the next time won’t harm your pet in any way.
However, keep in mind to never give it to your pet on consecutive days.
Can Rabbits Eat Asparagus?
Yes, but only as a treat occasionally.
Asparagus is rich in fibers that are the main nutritional elements rabbits need as grazers. In addition, it contains vitamin A, vitamin C, folic acid, and several minerals.
All these nutrients can improve your pet’s health in several ways. But due to its high water content, asparagus should never be made the main food source for rabbits. So, you should only give it as a treat occasionally.
Rabbits can eat asparagus stalks as well, so you can feed all parts of the vegetable.
A 1 to 2 inches small piece of asparagus is safe for your pet if it is given no more than two times a week.
Clean the water thoroughly with water to remove soil and sediments.
Can Rabbits Eat Zucchini?
Yes, but in moderation. Zucchini belongs to the squash family, and it is considered a healthy food for rabbits.
Botanists call it a fruit, but it is often cooked as a vegetable. Its nutritional value matches the nutritional value of fruits.
Zucchini is high in sugar and has fats and proteins in moderation. It also contains several vitamins and minerals. So, you can use it to provide extra vitamins to your pet.
Due to its high sugar and water contents, it should not be given in high amounts.
If it is your pet’s first time having zucchini, then give only its small piece and see whether he has indigestion or not.
Double the amount next time if your pet does not show adverse effects the first time.
Can Rabbits Eat Pellets?
Certainly! Pellets are made up of hay and other ingredients. All these ingredients are mixed and crushed to create small-sized pellets.
Pellets are a safe food, and many rabbit owners prefer feeding pellets to their pets because it reduces the tension of providing balanced nutrients from different types of hay and vegetables.
Even though feeding pellets every day is safe, you should still prefer to give fresh hay, especially if your pet is older.
Alfalfa pellets are good for young rabbits, and the timothy pellet is a better choice for older rabbits. One-quarter cup of pellets is sufficient for an average-sized adult rabbit.
How Often Should I Feed My Rabbit?
Rabbits love chewing all the time, but that does not mean you can give them access to food 24/7.
It is often recommended to feed them at least twice a day. However, feeding more than two times on a regular basis can make your bunny overweight which can further lead to conditions like a heart stroke. Just like us humans, body weight can have an impact on your rabbit’s health.
The regular rabbit diet of your bunny should consist of fresh hay, a limited number of rabbit pellets, a fruit or vegetable as a treat.
Do not forget to give them access to fresh water at all times.
What Are the Water Requirements of Rabbits?
Water is one of the most important nutrients, and it often does not get as much attention as it deserves. Rabbits require more water than species like dogs or cats.
On average, an average adult rabbit can drink up to 1.5 to 2.5 ounces of water per pound of their body weight per day. So, for example, a 4-pound rabbit could drink up to 6 to 10 ounces of water per day.
That is why it is crucial to keep fresh water available 24/7.
Water is very helpful in removing excess calcium from the body, keeping the food present in the gut moving, and maintaining the function of body cells.
Keep your pet’s food like hay dry so that it can get water from food too. Giving them completely dry food can cause blockage in the intestine, which can further cause gastrointestinal stasis.
Do Baby Rabbits Drink Milk from Their Mother?
Yes, baby rabbits drink milk from their mother, which contains all the ingredients they need to survive as a baby.
Mama rabbit starts weaning after 4 to 8 weeks.
Usually, baby rabbits can eat hard food after one month, but that does not mean you should start giving them foods other than milk.
They should drink milk for up to 2 months. Then you can start giving them pellets and hay in small quantities.
Can Baby Rabbits Drink Cow Milk?
No, the digestive system of baby rabbits cannot digest cow milk. Therefore, cow milk can be toxic for them and make them severely ill.
Its composition is very different from the composition of rabbit milk. So, do not consider it a good alternative for rabbit milk.
If the mother rabbit is not around the baby rabbit, then you can buy goat milk from a local pet store as its alternative.
Foods That You Should Not Feed Rabbits
As rabbits are herbivores, it is better to give them only plant-based foods in moderation. Below is the list of the food items that can be fatal for your bunny.
Human Food
Many rabbits will happily eat human foods because they love eating different food items. But as a pet owner, you should know that human food holds no significant food value for your pet.
This is because our food items are usually rich in fats and carbs, but rabbits need foods rich in fiber content.
Various food items like chocolate, peanut butter, etc., have components that can be poisonous for them. So, never try to give your pet that has a sensitive digestive system any human food.
Peanuts and Raisins
Raisins are actually dried grapes. Even though you can feed your pet grapes from time to time, it is better to never give them raisins because they have a choking hazard.
Any dried food can cause choking or blockage in the intestine.
Peanuts are also hazardous for rabbits. They can cause fatal digestive blockage. Therefore, never give peanuts or any food that contains peanuts.
Bulbs
All flowers that have bulbs are considered poisonous for rabbits. Examples of such flowers include tulips, daffodils, bluebells, etc.
Hamster foods
Some pet owners may try to use the same commercial food for their pets that somewhat look similar but do belong to different species. But know that hamster food or commercial food of any other pet is not safe for rabbits because it does not provide all the ingredients that rabbits need to stay healthy.
Other Foods to Avoid
Some other foods you should avoid are listed below:
- Any foods with Oxalic Acid
- Avocado
- Breads
- Iceberg lettuce
- Meats
- Pastas
- Rhubarb
Again, check with your veterinarian for a complete list of foods to avoid feeding your rabbit.
Summary: What Can Rabbits Eat?
Rabbits have a sweet tooth and enjoy a variety of food items. But because they are naturally herbivores, you should give them only plant-based food items. In addition, the ideal rabbit diet should have more fibers than carbs, fats, or proteins. So, make hay their main food.
You can also give green vegetables like cabbage, cucumber, and sweet watery fruits like strawberry, grapes, etc., from time to time as a treat.
Whether it’s a pet rabbit or a wild rabbit, be sure to keep this guide in mind anytime you plan to feed your furry friends a treat!