Rabbits can safely eat calendula, commonly known as pot marigold (Calendula officinalis). This brightly colored flower is a healthy addition to a rabbit’s diet, providing variety and enrichment. Calendula is generally considered non-toxic and is often included in commercial herbal mixes designed for small herbivores. A varied and safe diet is important for pet rabbits, as their sensitive digestive systems require specific forage for proper function.
Nutritional Benefits and Safety
Calendula flowers are valued not just for their appearance but also for their beneficial compounds, making them a safe and nutritious supplement for rabbits. The plant contains various phytochemicals, including flavonoids and carotenoids, which are responsible for its vibrant color and potential health-supporting properties. These compounds are believed to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
The herb is recognized for its traditional use in supporting digestive health and soothing the gastrointestinal tract, which is particularly beneficial for rabbits. Calendula is also high in fiber, an element that is absolutely necessary for maintaining proper gut motility in rabbits. Some sources suggest that calendula can act as a gentle appetite stimulant, which can be helpful if a rabbit is slightly off its food.
The entire plant—including the petals, leaves, and stems—is generally considered safe for consumption. However, the petals are the most commonly fed part and are the component found in most commercially available rabbit treats and forage mixes. Like all supplementary foods, calendula is low in calories, making it a better option for a treat compared to high-sugar or high-starch alternatives.
Guidelines for Feeding Calendula
When introducing calendula, or any new food, to a rabbit’s diet, a slow and gradual approach is necessary to prevent digestive upset. Start with a very small amount, such as one or two petals or a tiny pinch of dried flowers. Monitor the rabbit’s droppings for 24 hours, and temporarily withdraw the food if loose stools or decreased appetite occur.
Calendula can be fed either fresh or dried; dried flowers are often easier to source year-round and provide a crunchier texture that rabbits enjoy. Whether fresh or dried, the flowers should be treated as an occasional supplement, not a daily staple. They should not exceed the volume of a teaspoon a few times per week.
If feeding fresh calendula, ensure it is thoroughly washed and comes from a source that is guaranteed to be pesticide-free. Never feed calendula, or any plant, that has been treated with chemicals, as this can be harmful to a rabbit’s sensitive system. The dried petals are often sprinkled over hay or mixed into a forage bowl to encourage natural grazing behavior. Moderation is important, as overfeeding any treat, even a safe and fibrous one, can disrupt the balance of the rabbit’s gut microbiome.
Integrating Flowers and Herbs into the Rabbit Diet
Flowers and herbs like calendula serve as supplements or treats, and they should never replace the foundational elements of a healthy rabbit diet. The vast majority of a rabbit’s daily intake, approximately 80 to 90 percent, must consist of high-quality, unlimited grass hay. Hay provides the necessary long-strand fiber to keep the digestive tract moving and the continuously growing teeth properly worn down.
Fresh vegetables and greens make up the next largest portion of the diet, while flowers and herbs are intended for nutritional enrichment and variety. Other flowers and herbs that are safe and commonly fed to rabbits include:
- Rose petals
- Chamomile
- Basil
- Mint
Offering a rotation of different safe plants helps ensure a broad spectrum of minor nutrients and keeps the rabbit engaged with its food.
When sourcing these additions, it is important to be absolutely certain of the plant’s identity, as some ornamental marigolds (Tagetes species) are not the same as the edible Calendula officinalis. Only feed plants you have grown yourself without chemicals or those purchased from a reputable supplier that specifically sells forage for rabbits. Flowers and herbs are a healthy way to add interest to the diet, but they remain a small, supplementary part of the overall feeding plan.