Fruits & Vegetables That Are Safe for Rabbits

There are over 60 types of domestic rabbit breeds, ranging from Dutch to cuddly Cashmeres. Domestic rabbits make good companion animals as they are sociable, trainable, intelligent and naturally curious. However, rabbits need very special care, especially when it comes to their diets which need to be well-balanced and provide much-needed fiber and nutrients. Rabbits also need to avoid certain foods which can be toxic.

  1. Hay

    • Grass hay is essential for a rabbit's health as it provides fiber which helps maintain its digestive system and intestinal tract. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Timothy or Brome hay is a good source of fiber and the rabbit should have access to it at all times. Rabbits should also be given high-quality pellets that are at least 18 percent fiber and 15 percent protein and without nuts or seeds. An adult rabbit should have at most a quarter of a cup of pellets a day per five pounds of body weight.

    Leafy Green Vegetables

    • Rabbits should be fed about two cups of fresh leafy greens per six pounds of body weight each day. There are certain greens that are not good for rabbits. Kale and spinach and other vegetables that are high in oxalates or goitrogens must be used sparingly as they can accumulate and be toxic to the rabbit. Good leafy greens include collard greens, dark leaf lettuce, and the green tops of carrots and turnips. Include root vegetables but keep away from rhubarb and beans. A variety of vegetables can help to provide a wider range of nutrients that are essential. Introduce one vegetable at a time to your rabbit's diet. If your rabbit shows any signs of diarrhea, remove the new vegetable from the diet.

    Vitamin A

    • According to the House Rabbit Society, it's best to choose three different kinds of vegetables each day with one vegetable that is rich in vitamin A. This will enable the rabbit to get a wide range of necessary nutrients. These include dandelion and dandelion flowers, beet greens, mustard greens, parsley, watercress. Flat, edible pea pods like sugar snap and snow pea are also good sources of vitamin A. Endives and romaine lettuce contain vitamin A as do broccoli leaves and stems. Be careful to ensure that vegetables are free from pesticides. Other vegetables and herbs that you can introduce to your rabbit are basil, Brussels sprouts, cilantro, Chinese celery, bok choy, mint, peppermint leaves, clover, green peppers, radish tops, raspberry leaves and wheat grass.

    Fruits

    • Anything beyond vegetables, hay and pellets in your rabbit's diet should be seen as a treat and should only be given in very small quantities. Introduce fruit slowly and in moderation because they are high in sugar and can lead to diarrhea. Again, avoid pesticides. Fruits that are safe for rabbits include mashed grapes, apples without seeds, honey dew melons, peaches, papaya without the seeds, pineapple, pear, strawberries, watermelon, raspberries and blackberries. Remember that while tomatoes are fine, their greens are poisonous.