Rabbits are obligate herbivores, meaning their diet must consist exclusively of plant matter. Their digestive system is adapted to process a high-fiber, low-nutrient food source, making the right selection of plants paramount for their health. The specialized digestive tract relies on constant movement, which is primarily driven by coarse, indigestible fiber. Understanding the difference between safe and toxic plants is a matter of responsibility for any rabbit owner.
The Cornerstone of a Rabbit’s Diet
The foundation of a rabbit’s diet is grass hay, which should be available at all times. Hay provides the long-strand fiber necessary to promote gut motility and prevent gastrointestinal stasis. Chewing hay wears down a rabbit’s continuously growing teeth. Timothy, oat, or orchard hay are the best choices for adult rabbits, offering the ideal balance of fiber and protein.
The diet is supplemented with a small, measured portion of high-fiber pellets, which provide concentrated vitamins and minerals. Pellets should be Timothy-hay based and limited to about 5% of the total diet to prevent obesity. Fresh, clean water must be available around the clock, as hydration is fundamental for digestive movement. Low-fiber diets high in carbohydrates or sugar are the most common cause of serious health issues.
Safe and Healthy Plant Foods
Fresh, leafy greens and vegetables provide important micronutrients and hydration, making up around 10 to 15% of a rabbit’s daily food intake. Daily greens should consist of three to five different varieties to ensure a wide spectrum of nutrients, and all fresh produce must be thoroughly washed before serving. Good options for leafy greens offer high nutritional value without the excess water of iceberg lettuce. Dandelion greens and tops are also excellent, offering vitamins and minerals.
Good options for leafy greens include:
- Romaine
- Green leaf lettuce
- Red leaf lettuce
- Arugula
Common garden herbs are safe and often enjoyed by rabbits, providing both flavor and variety. Safe herb choices can be fed daily in moderation. When introducing any new plant food, it should be done one at a time and in very small quantities to monitor for signs of digestive upset, such as soft stools or diarrhea.
Safe herb choices include:
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Dill
- Basil
- Mint
- Oregano
Non-leafy vegetables and fruits should be offered as occasional treats only, due to their higher sugar and starch content. Items like carrots, apples, or berries contain natural sugars that can disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria in the rabbit’s cecum if fed in large amounts. A serving of these sugary items should be limited to no more than a teaspoon per two pounds of body weight per day.
Common Plants That Are Toxic
Many common household and garden plants contain compounds that are toxic to a rabbit’s system. Owners must be vigilant to keep rabbits away from these plants, as rabbits do not always instinctively know which plants are poisonous. The leaves and stems of the rhubarb plant, for instance, contain oxalates that can cause severe kidney damage.
Several ornamental garden plants are particularly dangerous. Foxglove contains cardiac glycosides that can cause heart failure, and lily of the valley can cause gastrointestinal and heart problems. Plants grown from bulbs, such as daffodils and tulips, are toxic in all parts and must be kept out of reach. Common houseplants like ivy, philodendron, and azaleas also contain irritants or toxins that can lead to severe gastrointestinal distress. If a rabbit is suspected of consuming any toxic plant, immediate veterinary attention is required, as many plant toxins can be fatal even in small quantities.