A balanced diet for a rabbit should be made up of 80-90% hay and grass, 5-10% rabbit safe pellets, and 5-10% fresh leafy green vegetables, but it’s ok to treat them to some fruit treats too. Make sure you’re aware of what foods are safe for your rabbit to eat before letting them try something new. While some of these vegetables are high in water content, it's always important they also have a fresh water supply nearby.

It’s important to not change your rabbit’s diet suddenly. Slowly introduce new foods to give your rabbit’s digestive system time to adjust. Make sure all fruit and vegetables are fresh and free from pesticides. And never feed your rabbit any food that is mouldy or past its best. 

So to help rabbit owners, or rabbit owners-to-be, we're compiling a huge long list of food and getting our vet expert friends, Vetstream, to check what do rabbits eat.

Can Rabbits Eat Cucumber?

Yes, it’s safe for rabbits to eat cucumber in moderation. Cucumbers have a high-water content, so are great for a boost of hydration. They’re also high in fibre that’s needed for gut health. However, too much cucumber could cause diarrhoea in rabbits so keep it as an occasional treat.

Cucumbers contain vitamins K, C and B1, as well as potassium, magnesium, copper and biotin. Cucumber is low in calories so a great treat for rabbits that are overweight or prone to obesity. All parts of the cucumber can be eaten, but the skin has the highest fibre content.

Can Rabbits Eat Celery?

Celery is 95% water so helpful for hydration, and a great source of vitamin A and C. So the good news is yes, rabbits can safely eat celery; it’s a great healthy snack option for them. It’s also high in potassium and fibre, which aids the digestive system, and low in fat.

Your rabbit can eat both celery stalk and leaves, but make sure to cut the stalk into small pieces to avoid choking. You can treat your rabbit to celery a few times a week, with it making up 1/8 to 1/4 of their vegetable portion.

Can Rabbits Eat Broccoli?

Yes, rabbits can eat broccoli and most bunnies love it! But be careful because too much broccoli can cause bloat due to its undigestible fibre. Start with a small portion to allow your rabbit’s digestive system to process the new food. When your rabbit is used to eating broccoli, only feed one floret (about 20g) every now and then to avoid any digestive upsets.

Broccoli does offer some nutritional health benefits as it’s high in fibre and vitamin C, and low in fat. Rabbits should eat raw broccoli, not cooked. If your rabbit show any sign of digestive issues, avoid giving them any more broccoli and get some advice from you vet if you’re concerned.

Can Rabbits Eat Grapes?

Yes, but grapes are high in sugar so should only be given as an occasional treat. Too much sugar can lead to tummy upset, dental problems, obesity and diabetes. Grapes contain a small amount fibre, vitamin B and K, which are beneficial to rabbits.

The fibre and water content in grapes can aid digestion, and they contain antioxidants that support the immune system and cell growth. Grape leaves and stems are also safe for rabbits to eat. For smaller rabbits, cut the grape in half to prevent any choking hazards.

Can Rabbits Eat Tomatoes?

Rabbits can enjoy some tomatoes every now and then. Make sure to only feed them the flesh – the leaves, stem and seeds should be removed to avoid toxicity. Tomatoes contain vitamin A, which aids in eye health, and vitamin C which aids in tissues development, repair and growth.

Tomatoes also contain fibre, which is needed for good gut health, and potassium that’s needed for overall health. Tomatoes also contain antioxidants that help maintain a healthy heart. A few small pieces of tomato once or twice a week is plenty.

Can Rabbits Eat Apples?

Yes, it’s safe for rabbits to eat small amounts of apple every now and then. Don’t feed more than 1/8th of an apple at one time, as they have a high sugar content. Remove all the seeds and core first as the seeds contain toxic substances that are toxic to rabbits.

Apples are a great source of fibre and contain vitamin A and C. They’re also low in fat so make a perfect healthy snack. But too much apple may cause dental and gastrointestinal problems so keep them as an occasional treat.

Can Rabbits Eat Spinach?

Yes, but rabbits should only eat spinach once or twice a week. Spinach is high in oxalates and goitrogens, which can cause health problems in rabbits over time. Too much oxalic acid can lead to itchy skin, urinary tract issues and life-threatening bladder stones. 

Spinach is also very high in calcium, which in excess can lead to kidney issues. Don’t feed spinach to your rabbit if it already has kidney problems, such as sand-like urine or stones. The benefit of giving your rabbit spinach occasionally is that it’s high in vitamin A, B9, C and K1, as well as manganese.

What Do Rabbits Eat

If you want to find out more information about rabbit diets, our blog What Do Rabbits Eat can help you.

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Content provided from Vetstream's Vetlexicon Lapis – www.vetlexicon.com/lapis

Vetlexicon is the world’s largest peer-reviewed online clinical reference source. All our content is written and peer-reviewed by over 1,000 of the world’s leading veterinarians, ensuring relevance, accuracy and quality.