Creating better tomorrows for all pet rabbits
Greens, Veg and Herbs
Along with unlimited grass or hay, greens, vegetables and herbs play a vital part in a rabbit’s diet.
Go green!
A multitude of plants are safe for rabbits to eat, it’s up to you whether you get them from the hedgerow or the supermarket. Broccoli, spring greens and parsley are as tasty to a rabbit as dandelions from the garden. If you have an apple or hazel tree they’ll love the leaves and the same goes for a raspberry bush.
Aim to vary what you give them, and keep to small portions of any one plant. Check our list of recommended vegetables and herbs.
Fruits are counted as treats as they are generally high in sugars. Your rabbits may well enjoy a grape or a slice of apple, but it should be an occasional treat no more than once or twice a week. The same goes for the orange part of carrots.
Safety first
Reliably identify wild plants
You don’t want to poison your rabbits so look out for poisonous plants.
Wash all fresh foods thoroughly
Keep your rabbits’ VHD and myxomatosis vaccinations up to date in case of transmission of disease from infected wild rabbits. If collecting wild plants, avoid areas frequented by dogs, at the side of roads or sprayed with pesticides.
Never feed lawn clippings
They ferment very quickly and can be extremely harmful to rabbits.
Keep an eye on your rabbits’ droppings
If their droppings are small, dry and dark or runny you will need to try increasing the hay or grass and decreasing the greens and veggies – and eliminating certain foods at times. Too much commercial rabbit food (more than 2 egg-cups) can also upset their digestive system. Ask a good rabbit-savvy vet for help if needed.
