If you've got a rabbit at home, you've probably asked yourself, "Can my bunny eat this veggie?" It's a great question—because while rabbits love munching on greens, not all vegetables are safe for them.
As bunny parents, we want to feed our little friends a diet that keeps them both happy and healthy. In this article, let's go through a simple and clear list of rabbit-friendly vegetables, which ones to offer in moderation, and what to avoid completely. By the end, you'll feel more confident when filling up your bunny's bowl!
Why Vegetables Matter in a Rabbit's Diet?
Rabbits need more than just pellets and hay. While hay should always be the main part of their diet, fresh vegetables give them important nutrients, hydration, and variety. Crunchy greens help keep their teeth in check, while leafy veggies support digestion and overall health.
But we do need to be careful—some vegetables can cause tummy issues or even harm if fed too much or too often.
Top Leafy Greens to Feed Daily
These are the best vegetables to give rabbits every day in small amounts along with their hay:
• Romaine lettuce – A staple leafy green that's easy to digest
• Green leaf lettuce – Mild and safe
• Red leaf lettuce – Adds color and nutrients
• Coriander (cilantro) – Many bunnies love the smell and taste
• Parsley – Offers vitamin C and supports the immune system
• Endive and escarole – Mild-tasting and gentle on the tummy
• Dandelion greens – Wild but rabbit-approved if clean and pesticide-free
These greens can be mixed and matched for variety, but always wash them well and introduce slowly if your rabbit hasn't tried them before.
Other Vegetables to Offer in Moderation
Some veggies are fine for rabbits, but we shouldn't give them too often or in large amounts. Here are a few:
• Carrots – Cute, yes, but high in sugar. Slice thin and use as a treat.
• Bell peppers (red, green, yellow) – A colorful source of vitamin C
• Zucchini – Soft and hydrating, easy on digestion
• Broccoli leaves – Safe, but stems and florets may cause gas
• Celery – Crunchy and hydrating, but chop finely to avoid strings
• Cucumber – Mostly water, refreshing but not very nutritious
• Tomatoes – Only the fruit part, in small amounts. Never the leaves or stems!
We can give these 2–3 times a week, mixing them with the daily leafy greens.
Vegetables We Should Avoid
Some vegetables may seem harmless but can upset your rabbit's tummy or be toxic. Please avoid these:
• Iceberg lettuce – It's mostly water and can cause diarrhea
• Onions and garlic – Harmful to red blood cells
• Potatoes and sweet potatoes – Too starchy and heavy
• Beans and peas – Can cause bloating or gas
• Rhubarb – Toxic to rabbits even in small amounts
If your bunny accidentally nibbles something unsafe, monitor them closely. If they stop eating or seem unwell, don't wait—call your vet.
How Much and How Often?
As a rule, we should feed about 1 cup of fresh vegetables per 2 pounds of our rabbit's body weight each day. Divide it between a few different veggies so your bunny gets a mix of tastes and nutrients.
Always introduce new veggies one at a time, and watch your rabbit's stool. If you notice soft stools or a change in appetite, reduce or stop that veggie.
Washing and Preparing Veggies
Always wash vegetables thoroughly before feeding them to remove any dirt or chemicals. Chop them into bite-sized pieces to prevent choking. Serve them raw—rabbits don't need cooked veggies.
And don't forget to remove leftovers from the cage after a few hours. Fresh food that sits too long can spoil and lead to stomach problems.
Conclusion: A Happy, Healthy Bunny
Feeding our rabbits a variety of safe vegetables is one of the best ways to support their health and make mealtime more exciting. As long as we follow a few simple rules—safe choices, clean veggies, and the right portions—we'll be giving our bunnies the best care possible.
What's your rabbit's favorite veggie snack? Do they do a happy hop when they see you coming with fresh greens? Share with us—we'd love to hear about your fluffy friend's favorites!
