What Veggies Can Rabbits Eat? A Complete Guide for Rabbit Owners

Rabbits have become a favorite companion of many as pets these days. They are quiet, gentle, and live a long life if properly cared for. However, the most important thing in raising rabbits is their food. Many new owners think—Do rabbits only eat carrots? In fact, that is not the case at all. Although it is possible for rabbits to eat carrots, there should be many other types of vegetables in their daily diet.

In this article, we will learn in detail – what vegetables can rabbits eat, which ones should be given more, which vegetables should be avoided, and what should be taken into account while feeding them.

What should be the main food of rabbits?

Rabbits are mainly herbivores. That is, they survive by eating grass, vegetables, and some fruits. However, 70-80% of a rabbit’s daily diet should be fresh grass or hay. Vegetables can be given as supplementary food along with them.

Vegetables provide the necessary vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the rabbit’s body. However, you should not feed any vegetable to your rabbit in a hurry. You should introduce it gradually, and you need to know which ones are safe for your rabbit and which ones are not.

Which vegetables can your rabbit eat safely?

Carrot

Rabbits and carrots seem to be synonymous. In fact, rabbits can eat carrots, but they should not be given too much every day. Since carrots are high in sugar, it is better to feed them as a treat occasionally.

Broccoli

Broccoli is very healthy for rabbits. It contains a lot of vitamin C and fiber. However, if you give too much at once, it can cause gas problems, so it is better to give it in small amounts.

Spinach

Rabbits can eat spinach, but in limited quantities. Spinach contains oxalic acid, which can be harmful if eaten in excess.

Cucumber

Cucumber is a light and watery vegetable. Rabbits love to eat cucumbers. It maintains water balance in the body.

Lettuce

Lettuce is good for rabbits, but iceberg lettuce should be avoided, as it contains a substance called lactucarium, which can be harmful. Romaine or dark green lettuce is best.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower is safe for rabbits, but the leaves are more beneficial. Eating too much cauliflower can cause bloating in rabbits.

Bell peppers

Colorful bell peppers are a good source of vitamin C for rabbits. However, hot peppers or chilies should never be given.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin is a fiber-rich food for rabbits. However, it should be given raw. Cooked pumpkin is not suitable for rabbits to digest.

Carrot leaves and other vegetables

Carrot leaves, coriander leaves, and basil leaves are very popular with rabbits. They are full of nutrients.

Celery

Rabbits can eat celery. However, the fibrous part must be cut into small pieces, otherwise there is a risk of choking.

Which vegetables are harmful to rabbits?

• Rabbit owners often feed the wrong vegetables without knowing it. The following vegetables should not be given to rabbits—
• Potatoes, onions, garlic, raw eggplant, iceberg lettuce, tomato leaves and stems
• These foods can cause digestive problems, poisoning or diarrhea in rabbits.

Rules for feeding vegetables to rabbits

1. Always add new vegetables to your rabbit’s diet gradually.

2. When giving any vegetable for the first time, give it in small amounts, and pay attention to whether the rabbit has digestive problems.

3. Wash vegetables thoroughly before giving them.

4. Do not give cooked vegetables to rabbits, raw vegetables are best.

5. The rabbit’s main food should always be hay or grass, vegetables are only supportive food.

What should be the correct diet for rabbits?

70-80% hay or hay (Timothy hay is best)

10-15% fresh vegetables

5-10% fruit (as a treat, not every day)

Fresh water always available

Following this rule will keep your rabbit healthy and its digestive system working well.

Why is the right food important for your rabbit?

A rabbit’s teeth continue to grow throughout its life. Hard food, grass and fiber-rich vegetables help control tooth growth. Vegetables and greens meet your rabbit’s vitamin needs. If you feed your rabbit the wrong food, it can make you sick. So choosing the right food is very important for your rabbit’s longevity.

Although keeping a rabbit is fun, it is very important to take care of its food. You should not just feed it carrots, but create a balanced diet with a variety of vegetables. Carrots, cucumbers, broccoli, lettuce, celery, etc. are safe for your rabbit, but potatoes, onions, iceberg lettuce or tomato leaves should not be given at all.

Your rabbit’s health depends on its proper diet. So be careful when choosing vegetables, only then will your rabbit be your companion for a long time.