This is a detailed list of plants that your bunny can and cannot eat.

Natural herbs and treats that can be found in gardens or paddocks. You can even grow some yourself and have a specialised bunny veggie patch. Others you have to be very aware of.

Warning

Some plants are in orange boxes, this means there is a huge warning attached to them and it’s up to your discretion whether you feed them to your bunny or not.

Caution

Some information on this page is not for the weak stomached. Please be aware that I have tried to collect as much information about these foods as I can only to keep you informed.

Advice

This is not veterinary advice. This is for information purposes only. Seek advice from your vet if you have questions or need reassurance.

Make sure that you wash everything thoroughly to make sure that there are no chemicals on the plants before giving them to your bunny.

If it can be peeled, then do so.

I got the nutritional information from the Australian Food Composition Database as well as other reliable and scientifically based sites.

DISCLAIMER


To the best of my knowledge this information is accurate; however, we will in no way be responsible for any negative results from usage of any plant; safe, dangerous or toxic. Each individual needs to familiarise themselves with a plant before feeding it to rabbits.

  • Borage

    blue borage flowers in a garden
    Information

    Dose:

    5g of leaves per 1kg of body weight, given with greens once a month

    Benefits:

    Low in fat.

    Maintains ideal body weight.

    Keeps good fur condition.

    Maintains healthy heart.

    Manages intestinal issues.

    Good source of fibre.

    Dangers:

    Can be toxic if bunny was given too much and bunny will get diarrhoea, seek veterinary advice immediately.

    Bunnies can have trouble digesting Borage.

    The flavour can be too strong for bunnies and may make them sick.

  • Broccoli

    broccoli growing in a garden
    Information

    Part of the brassica family, can cause severe gas.

    Bloating.

    Can cause GI stasis.

  • Brussels Sprouts

    a bowl of fresh Brussels Sprouts, some halved
    Information

    Part of the brassica family, can cause severe gas.

    Bloating.

    Can cause GI stasis.

  • Buttercup

    yellow buttercup flowers
    Information

    Contains toxin called protoanemonin which causes irritation to the mucous membranes.

    Bloody diarrhoea.

    Excessive salivation.

    Colic.

    Severe oral blistering.

    Severe GI tract blistering.

    Nervousness.

    Difficulty breathing.

    Convulsions.

    Twitching of ears and lips.

  • Cabbage

    cabbage, red and green
    Information

    Limited, to none.

    Related to kale.

    Has same effects.

    Gas.

    GI Stasis.

    Bloating.

    Cramps.

  • Calendula

    orange and yellow calendula flowers in a garden
    Information

    Dose:

    In moderation, not as daily feed.

    Benefits:

    Appetite stimulant.

    Immunity.

    Fibre.

    Healthy digestive system.

    Healing.

    Dangers:

    Overfeeding can cause GI stasis, diarrhoea, lack of fibre and uneaten caecotrophs.

    Calendula is used as a rabbit repellent, don’t be surprised if they don’t eat it.

  • Cannabis

    AI generated plant
    Information

    Leaves, flowers and stems are fatally toxic.

    Rabbits get respiratory impacts from inhaling smoke.

  • Carrot

    carrots on a plate
    Information

    Dose:

    Very small amounts, once a week.

    Benefits:

    Full of beta-carotene which is good for vision.

    Immune system.

    Reproductive system can be boosted with carrots.

    Good for the heart, lungs and kidneys.

    Dangers:

    Has high sugar content.

    Obesity.

    Lethargy.

    Red urine due to high levels of beta-carotene.

    Digestive problems.

    Tooth decay.

  • Carrot Tops

    carrots with lots of leaves on a plate
    Information

    Dose:

    Moderate amount, twice a week

    Benefits:

    Improves overall health.

    Keeps skin infection free.

    Frees toxins from body.

    Increases coat shine.

    Dangers:

    Digestive issues.

    Lower blood pressure.

    Decay of muscle tissues.

  • Cauliflower

    cauliflower on a plate
    Information

    Leaves and flowers limited, to none.

    Related to kale, cabbage and broccoli.

    Has same effects.

    Gas.

    GI Stasis.

    Bloating.

    Cramps.

  • Celery

    celery stalks with leaves in a garden
    Information

    Dose:

    Dark green leaves, 1 x stalk (10cm long, with strings removed), washed thoroughly with greens at meal time.

    Benefits:

    Dark green celery leaves are good for helping to stop GI stasis.

    Stalks are good for teeth.

    Dangers:

    Too much celery will stop your bunny eating hay.

    Remove the strings as they are a choking hazard or can get caught in bunnies intestine.

    High in sugar.

    Causes upset stomach.

    Soft stools.

  • Chamomile

    white chamomile flowers
    Information

    Dose:

    2-3 stalks with leaves, and flowers, given once a week.

    Only give to mature bunnies (>6 months)

    Benefits:

    Helps with mouth pain, GI issues, small wounds, general stress, insomnia.

    Does not have any nutritional value in bunny’s diet, it is not a good source of fibre, calories or protein.

    Can mix in hay for foraging treat.

    Steer clear of dried chamomile.

    Has calming effect.

    Dangers:

    Only give green chamomile.

    Avoid wilting, yellowed or insect eaten plants. Inspect for beetles, slugs and insects.

    Wash with cool water, remove all dirt and pesticides.

    Too much can make bunny fall asleep for an extended period of time.

    Excessive amounts can cause digestive, respiration and brain inactivity and eventual death.

  • Chickweed

    white chickweed flower
    Information

    Dose:

    Few stalks with leaves in meal once a fortnight.

    Benefits:

    Avoid making it a regular part of your bunny’s diet.

    Rabbits love it but it doesn’t have much nutrition.

    Fights mange.

    Helps prevent pulmonary infection and arthritis pain.

    Dangers:

    Can lead to GI stasis if overdosed and bunny stops eating hay.

    Diarrhoea if too much in one meal.

    Soft uneaten caecotrophs due to lack of fibre.

    Has a moderate level of calcium, be careful with the amount you feed.

  • Chicory

    blue chicory flower in a garden
    Information

    Very small amount every month, if necessary.

    Contains insulin (natural prebiotic).

    Helps digestive system.

    High amount of dangerous acids that can cause digestive problems.

    Low fibre.

  • Chrysanthemum

    red chrysanthemum flowers in a garden
    Information

    High levels of pyrethrins.

    Refusal to eat.

    Starvation.

    Anorexia.

    Twitching.

    Seizures.

  • Clover

    white clover flowers
    Information

    Dose:

    Max 10 trifoliates (sets of three leaves), feed sparingly.

    Benefits:

    Helps with starting the gut again after GI stasis.

    Rich in protein.

    Helps digestion.

    Dangers:

    Low fibre.

    High calcium.

    It is a legume.

    Has high protein.

    Too much can cause digestive upset.

    Weight gain.

    Bloating.

    Gas.

    Increased urine production.

  • Collard Greens

    collard leaves in a bowl
    Information

    Very small amount every month, if necessary. Feed sparingly

    Also known as silverbeet.

    Essential vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre.

    Can cause gas – related to kale and cabbage.

    Very vitamin rich which can make bunnies sick and over produce caecotrophs.

    Very high in calcium.

  • Coltsfoot

    yellow coltsfoot in a garden
    Information

    Dose:

    Very limited, few flowers and leaves once a fortnight.

    Benefits:

    High in fibre.

    Thought to protect the health of the brain.

    Dangers:

    Can cause cancer, liver damage, blood clots.

    Carcinogenic.

    If given in high amounts can cause paralysis and/or death.

  • Coriander

    coriander, herb
    Information

    Dose:

    3-4 dark green stems, dark green leaves (and flowers) in moderation each day.

    Benefits:

    Aids digestion.

    Prevents infections.

    Reduces stress.

    Alleviates symptoms of urinary tract infections.

    Can prevent tumours.

    Adds texture to their diet.

    Feed fresh coriander, dried is OK but not as nutritious.

    Sprinkle on top of bunny’s food.

    Dangers:

    Only feed the Chinese coriander to your bunny, others may cause digestive issues.

    Introduce slowly can cause stomach problems.

    Do not feed coriander seeds to bunny it is a potential choking hazard and can cause dietary imbalances.

    Can cause diarrhoea, obesity and bloating.

  • Corn, Fresh

    corn on the cob
    Information

    Dose:

    Fresh 1-2 times a week on a trimmed cob.

    Dried corn or maize – none.

    Fresh leaves must be dried in shade.

    Fresh cobs – remove leaves and rinse.

    Shop bought cobs must have leaves removed and scolded with boiling water to kill parasites.

    Amount to give depends on age.

    Benefits:

    Has essential vitamins and minerals.

    Hardly any calcium in it – which also can be bad if it’s the only food fed.

    Dangers:

    Can increase body weight if given in excess.

    Must be introduced slowly.

    Pregnant does should not eat corn.

    High calorie content.

    Lack of protein.

    Can cause digestive issues and allergies.

  • Cornflowers

    blue cornflowers
    Information

    Dose:

    Handful in a meal twice a week.

    Benefits:

    High in fibre.

    Soothing effect.

    Dangers:

    If too much given can cause excessive urination.

  • Cranberry

    cranberries in a bowl
    Information

    Dose:

    3-4 berries as needed cut in half, once a week.

    Benefits:

    Elevated vitamin and antioxidants.

    If bunny has strange stools or odd coloured urine this could mean your bunny could have a urinary tract infection cranberries may help naturally and quickly.

    A boost of minerals and vitamins before cold weather sets in.

    Dangers:

    Don’t get dried/freeze dried cranberries, they are dried in sugar and can be deadly.

    Excessive amounts of berries can cause stomach issues, weight gain, dental problems, nutritional imbalances.

    High in sugar.

    Do not feed to under 12 week old kits.

  • Cucumber

    sliced and whole cucumbers on a wooden board
    Information

    Dose:

    1-2 slices a week.

    Benefits:

    Low in sugar.

    High in water.

    Low in calories.

    Vitamins and minerals.

    Low in fibre.

    Dangers:

    Can cause diarrhoea.

    Can cause dehydration.

  • Cucumber Leaves

    cucumber leaf
    Information

    Dose:

    2-3 leaves twice a week.

    Benefits:

    Low oxalic acid.

    Packed with vitamins and minerals.

    Lowers blood sugar and can help with weight loss.

    High in fibre.

    Dangers:

    In excess can cause kidney damage.