What Can Rabbits Eat? Safe Herbs, Greens, and Flowers They’ll Love

Rabbits may be small, but when it comes to food, they’re curious nibblers. If you’ve ever watched your bunny explore, you know they’ll happily sample just about any plant they come across. That’s why it’s so important to know which ones are safe and which could be harmful.

Adding the right herbs, greens, and flowers to your rabbit’s diet can do more than just keep things interesting. It can also support their health, digestion, and overall happiness. A little variety goes a long way, and with the right choices, you can give your rabbit both tasty treats and real nutritional benefits.

In this guide, we’ll walk through what rabbits can eat, including safe plants and herbs rabbits love, a few to avoid, and even some tips on growing your own bunny-friendly garden.

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General Guidelines for Feeding Plants to Rabbits

Before you start tossing handfuls of greens and herbs into your rabbit’s bowl, it’s good to know a few basics. Rabbits have sensitive digestive systems, so balance is everything. Fresh plants and herbs should only be a supplement to their main diet of hay, not the main course. Hay should always make up the bulk of what they eat, with greens and herbs acting like a healthy bonus.

When introducing a new plant or herb, go slow. Start with small amounts and see how your rabbit reacts. Too much, too quickly, can upset their stomach. And remember: variety is best. Mixing different herbs and greens ensures they get a wider range of nutrients without overloading on just one thing.

Also, make sure anything you feed is clean and pesticide-free. Wash plants well, especially if they come from a garden or store. If you’re unsure about a plant’s safety, it’s better to skip it.

Safe Herbs Rabbits Love

Herbs are a favorite for many rabbits. Not only do they taste great, but they also provide extra nutrients and variety. Here are a few rabbit-safe herbs you can offer:

• Parsley: A rabbit classic. It’s packed with vitamins and has a fresh taste most bunnies love.

• Basil: Fragrant and flavorful, basil is safe in moderation and can help add variety to meals.

• Mint: Yes, rabbits can eat mint leaves! Refreshing and tasty, mint is often a big hit. Just don’t go overboard, as too much can be strong for their stomach.

• Dill: Light and aromatic, dill is another safe choice that can be a nice change for your rabbit.

• Oregano & Thyme: Both are safe and bring different flavors to the mix, making mealtime more interesting.

The great thing about herbs is that they’re easy to grow in a windowsill pot or garden, so you’ll always have fresh and safe snacks on hand. Just rotate them around so your rabbit gets variety without too much of one plant.

Safe Vegetables and Edible Greens

Rabbits naturally love leafy greens, and adding the right ones to their diet keeps things both healthy and interesting. The trick is knowing which vegetables and greens are safe, and how much to give.

Some great options include:

• Carrot tops: Rabbits actually enjoy the leafy tops more than the carrot itself! They’re full of nutrients and a great way to use up what you’d normally toss.

• Dandelion greens: Free, nutritious, and rabbit-approved. If you’re picking them from outside, make sure the area is free from pesticides or pollution.

• Romaine lettuce: A crisp and safe lettuce choice. Skip iceberg lettuce, though: it’s mostly water and not good for bunnies.

• Kale (in moderation): Kale is nutrient-dense, but too much can cause digestive issues, so rotate it with other greens.

• Cilantro: Another fragrant herb-like green that many rabbits can’t resist.

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A good rule of thumb is to offer a mix of two to three different greens each day. This way your rabbit gets a balanced variety without overloading on any single veggie.

Safe Flowers and Plants Rabbits Enjoy

Beyond herbs and leafy greens, some flowers are perfectly safe (and even beneficial) for rabbits. They don’t just add flavor, they also bring enrichment and a little variety to their daily diet.

Here are some rabbit-safe favorites:

• Chamomile: Gentle and calming, chamomile can be soothing for rabbits just like it is for us.

• Marigold: Bright and cheerful, marigold petals are safe and can add some fun color to their meals.

• Hibiscus: Both the flowers and leaves are rabbit-friendly and offer a tangy flavor.

• Rose petals: Unsprayed roses are safe, and most rabbits will happily nibble on the petals.

• Lavender: Fragrant and calming, lavender is another safe option, though not all rabbits will go for it.

When offering flowers, always make sure they’re chemical-free and safe for pets. Never give store-bought bouquets, as they’re often treated with preservatives or pesticides. It’s best to grow your own or source them from a trusted, organic garden.

Plants to Avoid (Important Safety Notes)

Just as there are plenty of safe plants for rabbits, there are also some that should never make their way into your rabbit’s diet. Some common garden and household plants are toxic and can cause serious health problems if eaten.

A few to watch out for include:

• Tomato leaves and stems: The fruit is fine in very small amounts, but the green parts are toxic.

• Onions, garlic, and chives: These can damage a rabbit’s blood cells and should be completely avoided.

• Ivy: Common in gardens, but very harmful to rabbits.

• Lilies: Pretty to look at, but toxic if ingested.

• Houseplants like philodendrons or aloe: Many common indoor plants are unsafe for rabbits.

If your rabbit ever eats something questionable, keep an eye out for warning signs like lethargy, loss of appetite, diarrhea, or unusual behavior, and contact a vet right away. It’s always better to be cautious.

Tips for Growing Your Own Rabbit-Friendly Garden

One of the easiest ways to make sure your rabbit gets safe and fresh plants is to grow them yourself. You don’t need a huge yard; even a few pots on a balcony or windowsill can do the trick.

Start with easy herbs like parsley, basil, mint, or dill. They grow quickly and don’t take up much space. You can also dedicate a small patch of your garden to rabbit-friendly plants like dandelions, chamomile, or lettuce varieties.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Skip the chemicals: Pesticides and herbicides can be dangerous for rabbits, so stick to organic growing methods.

• Rotate crops: Plant different herbs and greens so your rabbit always has variety.

• Share the harvest: Growing your own rabbit snacks means you can enjoy fresh herbs and greens, too.

Not only is a rabbit-friendly garden healthier, but it’s also rewarding. You’ll always know exactly what’s going into your bunny’s food bowl.

Bottom Line

Rabbits thrive on a diet that’s rich in hay, but safe plants and herbs are a wonderful way to add variety, flavor, and extra nutrients. There are plenty of safe options your rabbit can eat and will love.

The key is to keep it balanced, introduce new foods slowly, and always double-check that plants are free from chemicals and pesticides. Just as important is knowing which plants to avoid, so your rabbit stays safe and healthy.