What Not to Feed Domestic Rabbits

Domestic rabbits can weigh up to 20 pounds and live for a decade. All rabbits are lagamorph herbivores, not rodents. The rabbit's diet should consist primarily of manufactured pellets, vegetables and hay. The percentages of these three depends on age. An owner must pay attention to what he intentionally feeds his rabbit and what is accessible to the rabbit in its area. He must be aware of the indoor and outdoor plants that are harmful to rabbits, too. Any hazardous food ingested cannot be expelled, because rabbits are unable to vomit.

  1. Inside Plants

    • Peace lilies are poisonous to rabbits.

      Pet rabbits are kept indoors the same as you might keep a house cat. Recognizable house plants that are toxic to rabbits include asparagus fern, caladium, china doll, elephant's ear, English ivy, fiddle leaf, gold dust plant, Jerusalem cherry, lace fern, lady palm, lucky bamboo, mother-in-law's tongue, peace lily, sago palm and weeping fig. The list is more exhaustive. These are the most common. If your rabbit has freedom inside, then keep these plants out of reach.

    Outside Plants and Trees

    • Rabbits cannot eat azaleas.

      Rabbits in the wild can reach speeds of 18 miles per hour. Escape is an option if a door is ajar or there is a pet entrance. Outdoor plants and trees hazardous to the domestic rabbit include azaleas, birds-of-paradise, buttercups, carnations, crown-of-thorns, daffodils, daisies, geraniums, gladiolas, impatiens, iris bulbs, jasmine, jonquil, juniper, mesquite trees, morning glories, milkweed, mistletoe, oak trees, oleander, peonies, periwinkle, rhododendron, shamrock and wisteria.

    Spices, Fruits and Nuts

    • Peach pits are dangerous to domestic rabbits.

      Rabbits enjoy most fruits. Some parts of certain fruits, however, are poisonous to them. Avoid whole apricots. The fruit isn't harmful, but every other part is. Pear seeds are toxic, as are the twigs, leaves and pits of peaches. Leaves from an avocado tree, or on the fruit if freshly picked, are dangerous. Leaves and vines of tomato plants are off-limits. Other harmful human foods possibly accessible to the rabbit include nutmeg, almonds, black walnut shells, macadamia nuts and rhubarb.

    Dangerous Household Goods

    • Sweet potatoes are harmful to pet rabbits.

      Pet rabbits have a fragile digestive tract. They eat hay to help digestion. Pantry items such as uncooked lima beans, potatoes, sweet potatoes and yucca can also be potentially fatal if ingested.