What Can Rabbits Eat? Safe Foods List (and Foods to Avoid)

Cartoons have convinced generations of people that rabbits live on carrots. In reality, carrots are more like candy for a rabbit. A healthy rabbit diet is built on hay, with leafy greens and a small amount of pellets, plus occasional treats. This guide lists the foods that are safe for rabbits, the ones to limit and the ones to avoid entirely.

The rabbit food pyramid

1. Hay (most of the diet): timothy, orchard grass, meadow hay or oat hay, available at all times.
2. Leafy greens (daily): about one packed cup per 2 pounds of body weight, split into meals.
3. Pellets (small amount): plain, high-fiber timothy-based pellets.
4. Treats (occasionally): small pieces of fruit or non-leafy vegetables.

For a bigger picture of rabbit care, see our rabbit care guide for beginners.

Safe leafy greens and herbs

Offer a mix of at least three different greens daily for variety. Wash all produce thoroughly.

• Romaine and green or red leaf lettuce (not iceberg)
• Cilantro
• Parsley (flat or curly)
• Basil
• Mint
• Dill
• Carrot tops
• Fennel fronds
• Bok choy
• Arugula
• Dandelion greens (pesticide-free)
• Watercress

Greens to feed in moderation

Some greens are high in oxalates or calcium. They are fine in rotation but should not be fed in large amounts every day: spinach, kale, mustard greens, Swiss chard and beet greens.

Safe vegetables (in smaller amounts)

Non-leafy vegetables are higher in sugar or starch, so offer them as small extras:

• Bell peppers (any color, no seeds)
• Carrots (a small slice or two)
• Broccoli leaves and stems (small amounts, as some rabbits get gassy)
• Brussels sprouts (small amounts)
• Celery (cut into small pieces to avoid stringy fibers)
• Zucchini and summer squash
• Cucumber

Safe fruits as treats

A good rule is no more than about 1 to 2 tablespoons of fruit per 5 pounds of body weight per day, and many owners offer fruit only a few times a week.

Foods rabbits should never eat

• Avocado - potentially toxic
• Chocolate and caffeine - toxic
• Onions, garlic, leeks and chives - can damage red blood cells
• Rhubarb - toxic
• Iceberg lettuce - little nutrition and may cause digestive upset
• Bread, crackers, cereal, pasta and cookies - high in starch and sugar
• Nuts and seeds - too fatty, choking hazard
• Raw beans and potatoes - hard to digest and potentially harmful
• Meat and dairy - rabbits are strict herbivores
• Houseplants - many are toxic; check before allowing access

How to introduce new foods

A rabbit's gut is sensitive. Add one new food at a time in a small amount and watch for 24 hours. If droppings become soft or your rabbit seems uncomfortable, remove that food. Baby rabbits under about 12 weeks should eat mainly hay and pellets, with greens introduced slowly afterward.

Signs of a diet problem

• Small, dry or fewer droppings
• Soft, sticky droppings (often from too much sugar or starch)
• Reduced appetite or refusing hay
• Weight gain or loss

If your rabbit stops eating or producing droppings, contact an exotic pet vet right away. This can signal gastrointestinal stasis, which is an emergency.

Frequently asked questions

Can rabbits eat carrots every day?

Carrots are high in sugar, so a small slice a few times a week is plenty. The green carrot tops are a healthier daily option.

Can rabbits eat grass from my yard?

Fresh grass is natural food for rabbits, but only if it is free of pesticides, fertilizers and animal waste. Introduce it gradually.

Do guinea pigs eat the same foods?

Many foods overlap, but guinea pigs also need vitamin C every day. See our guinea pig care guide.