There’s more to feeding your rabbit than just boring old lettuce! Turn your bunny’s mealtime into an adventure by offering a diverse mix of leafy greens and vegetables. Your rabbit’s diet should be mostly hay, but the right fresh foods provide vital nutrition and excite those picky rabbit taste buds. In this article, you’ll learn about 7 of the healthiest, tastiest vegetables to add flair and variety to your furry friend’s dining experience. We’ve got crisp, tangy treats like arugula and cilantro. Plus nutrient powerhouses like kale and sweet, hydrating picks like zucchini. Read on to give your rabbit palate some new flavors to hop around!
Cilantro
Cilantro is a great vegetable to feed your pet rabbit. It has a strong flavor that rabbits tend to love. Cilantro contains vitamins A, K, E, and C as well as minerals like potassium, calcium, and phosphorus. It also has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties which can support your rabbit's health.
When introducing cilantro to your rabbit's diet, start with just a few sprigs at a time. Monitor your rabbit's droppings to make sure the new food does not cause diarrhea. Gradually increase the amount over a week or two. Most rabbits can eat a handful of cilantro 2-3 times per week.
Give your rabbit fresh cilantro sprigs, not dried. Rabbits will munch both the leaves and tender stems of cilantro plants. Offer it by itself or mix small amounts into your rabbit's usual leafy greens. The strong scent and flavor make it a tasty treat.
Cilantro may cause mild gas or intestinal discomfort if your rabbit eats too much at once. Limit portions to a tablespoon or two per day. Spread it out and serve it a few times a week rather than every day. Quickly rinse and pat dry cilantro to remove dirt, chemicals, or contaminants before feeding.
Overall, cilantro is a nutritious addition to a pet rabbit's diet. The vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients support immune function, skin health, digestion, and more. The flavor provides enrichment. Feed cilantro in moderation as part of a balanced rabbit diet. Monitor your bunny's poops and gradually increase the amount based on how well it is tolerated.
Leafy Lettuce
Leafy lettuce is another fantastic vegetable for pet rabbits. Lettuce of all types provides hydration and important nutrients. Feed lettuce in moderation due to the high water content.
Romaine lettuce is arguably the best type of lettuce to offer your bunny. It is very rich in vitamin A, vitamin K, and folate. The leaves also provide some fiber to support healthy digestion. Introduce romaine gradually and feed 1-2 leaves 2-3 times per week.
Green and red leaf lettuces are also nutritious choices. They are lower in some vitamins and minerals than romaine but still provide hydration and fiber. Iceberg lettuce has very minimal nutritional value so it should only be an occasional treat.
When serving lettuce, opt for whole leaves rather than chopped up pieces. Rabbits need the intact leaves to get the fiber they provide. Wash and dry lettuce thoroughly before feeding. Discard any wilted or spoiled leaves which can make your rabbit sick.
Rotate what types of lettuce you give your bunny rather than feeding the same thing every day. This provides more nutritional variety. Also aim to combine lettuce with hay and a small amount of fresh vegetables for a balanced diet. Avoid sudden increases in portion sizes which may lead to diarrhea.
Lettuce is loved by most rabbits but can cause digestive upset if overfed. Feed a few leafs 2-3 times per week as part of a varied vegetable diet. Romaine, green leaf, and red leaf lettuces are healthier options than iceberg. Serve whole leaves and monitor your rabbit's poop for any issues.
Arugula
Arugula is a nutrient-packed leafy green that makes a healthy addition to your rabbit's diet. It has a bold, tangy flavor that rabbits enjoy. Arugula contains vitamins K, A, and C as well as minerals like calcium and potassium.
When feeding arugula to your bunny, introduce it slowly. Start with just a few leaves at a time. Gradually increase the amount to 1-2 tablespoons (a small handful) two or three times per week. Monitor your rabbit's droppings to ensure the new vegetable does not cause diarrhea.
Arugula has a high oxalate content, so overfeeding can potentially lead to bladder stones. It is safe in moderation though. The antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals in arugula provide great health benefits. Just feed a variety of leafy greens rather than arugula alone.
Look for fresh arugula free of wilting, discoloration, and dirt. Wash leaves thoroughly and pat dry before serving. Arugula has a short shelf life, so purchase only what you will use within a few days. Offer small amounts to add flavor variety alongside other veggies.
Arugula is one of the more nutritious leafy greens to choose for your bunny. The spicy, bold taste makes it a rabbit favorite. Introduce slowly and feed just a few leaves 2-3 times per week. Combine with other veggies and monitor your rabbit's health when trying new foods.
Basil
Like other herb plants, basil makes a healthy addition to a rabbit's diet. Both the leaves and tender stems of basil provide fiber, antioxidants, and aromatic flavor. Use fresh basil rather than dried.
Basil contains compounds like vitamin K, vitamin A, and manganese. It provides antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects to support immune health. The distinctive scent and taste add interest to your rabbit's usual veggies.
When introducing basil, start with just a few small leaves. Gradually increase the amount to a tablespoon or two a few times a week. Spread out portions rather than offering basil every day. Monitor stool consistency when making dietary changes. Diarrhea may signal feeding too much basil at once.
Look for vibrant green leaves without wilt or discoloration. Rinse and pat basil dry before feeding to remove dirt and residue from handling. Avoid use of chemical pesticides which can be toxic to rabbits. Homegrown or organic basil is best.
Basil is not only tasty but provides great nutrition and health benefits. The antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals support your rabbit's body. Feed a tablespoon or two of fresh basil leaves 2-3 times weekly as part of a varied diet. Monitor stool health when introducing new foods.
Celery Leaves
While rabbits should not eat the stalks of celery, the leaves are safe for your bunny in moderation. Celery leaves offer more nutrition and fiber compared to the watery stalks. Introduce them slowly as a tasty addition to your rabbit's diet.
The leaves contain compounds like vitamin K, vitamin A, and potassium. There are small amounts of antioxidants as well. Avoid giving too much celery since the higher oxalate content can potentially cause bladder stones if overfed.
When first offering celery leaves, start with just one or two leaves at a time. Gradually build up to one or two stalk's worth of leaves 2-3 times per week. Spread portions out rather than offering daily since they are high in oxalates. Monitor stool consistency when making dietary changes.
Rinse celery leaves thoroughly and pat dry before feeding. This removes any dirt or residue from handling and shipping. Inspect leaves and discard any that are wilted or discolored. Feed fresh celery leaves within a few days of purchase.
While celery stalks make an unhealthy snack, the leaves are nutritious and enjoyed by most rabbits. Feed them as an occasional treat. Start slowly and give just a few leaves at a time. The vitamins, minerals, and hydration they provide add variety to your rabbit's diet.
Dandelion Greens
Dandelion greens are a nutritious wild vegetable that makes a great addition to your rabbit's diet. They contain fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The bitter taste is appreciated by rabbits. Introduce them slowly to avoid digestive upset.
Dandelion leaves are especially high in vitamin K as well as vitamin A, calcium, and antioxidants. They have anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and prebiotic effects to support urinary tract and digestive health. The fiber aids healthy bowel function.
When bringing home dandelion greens, inspect thoroughly for dirt, bugs, grass clippings, fertilizers, weed killers, and animal waste that could make a rabbit sick. Carefully wash and pat dry the leaves before feeding.
Start by giving your rabbit just a few small dandelion leaves. Gradually increase the portion to a handful 2-3 times per week. Spread out feedings rather than offering them daily since dandelion greens are high in oxalates. Monitor stool consistency when making dietary changes. Diarrhea may indicate feeding too much at once. Introduce new vegetables slowly.
Both wild and store bought dandelion greens can be fed to your rabbit. They make a tasty, nutritious addition to your bunny's usual greens. Feed a handful 2-3 times weekly for healthy nutrients and fiber. Inspect carefully and always wash greens before feeding.
Kale
Kale is a superfood vegetable with amazing health benefits for your rabbit. It is very high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. Kale supports urinary tract health, digestion, immune function, skin health, and more.
Curly kale and other dark leafy kale varieties are healthier than paler iceberg kale. Red kale and purple kale also contain protective plant pigments. When possible, choose organic kale to avoid pesticide exposure.
Introduce kale gradually to your rabbit's diet. Start with just a few small leaves mixed in with their usual veggies. Slowly increase the amount to a handful (about 1/4 cup) a few times a week. Spread out portions rather than offering daily since kale contains oxalates.
Rinse kale thoroughly and pat dry before feeding to remove any dirt or residue. Avoid wilted or slimy leaves which can make a rabbit sick. Store kale in an open plastic bag in the refrigerator and use within a few days.
Both you and your rabbit can enjoy the many benefits of kale! It is one of the most nutritious vegetables to add to your bunny's diet. The vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber support whole body health. Feed kale in moderation along with a variety of other veggies for balanced nutrition.
What About Non-Leafy Vegetables?
While leafy greens make up the bulk of a healthy rabbit's diet, some non-leafy vegetables can also be given in moderation. Good options include:
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Carrots – Provide vitamin A; feed small slices or carrots sticks about 1-2 times per week
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Bell peppers – Contain vitamin C and antioxidants; offer a couple thin slices or chunks about 2-3 times per week
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Zucchini – Has vitamin C, hydration, and fiber; give a few small slices or shreds a few times a week
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Squash – Provides vitamin A and fiber; offer a slice or pieces from winter squashes like butternut a couple times a month
Non-leafy veggies should make up a smaller portion of the diet compared to leafy greens. Feed just a tablespoon or two at a time. Too much can upset digestion. Also limit high starch vegetables like corn, peas, or potatoes which are unhealthy in excess.
A rabbit's digestive system works best with a diet mostly comprised of grass hay along with some leafy greens and limited fruits or starchy vegetables. Always monitor stool health when making dietary changes. Reduce portions or avoid new foods that cause diarrhea or stomach upset.
Vegetables to Avoid
While many vegetables are healthy for rabbits, there are also some that should be limited or avoided. Vegetables to avoid include:
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Onions/garlic – Contain compounds that can damage rabbit blood cells
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Iceberg lettuce – Very low in nutrients and hydrating but can cause diarrhea
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Celery stalks – Composed mainly of water and fiber with minimal nutrients
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Creamed corn – High in starch and fat compared to plain corn
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Beans – Raw beans contain toxins, and they are also too high in protein
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Potatoes – Contain too much starch and sugars for most rabbits
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Beets – High in oxalates so best avoided
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Rhubarb leaves – Contain toxic compounds that can poison rabbits
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Mushrooms – Tough to digest and may cause gastrointestinal upset
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Eggplant – Contains alkaloids that may impact nerve signals
Even vegetables that are healthy for rabbits should only be given in moderation, about 1-2 tablespoons per pound of body weight per day. Avoid sudden increases in quantity which can disrupt digestion. Keep track of which foods your bunny tolerates best. Each rabbit is an individual. Avoid vegetables that seem to cause soft stools or diarrhea.