RabbitWhat can a rabbit eat?
20 foods checked against vets’ sources: what’s fine, what only now and then, and what never.
Every day
Every day, a pile of good hay as big as your rabbit, and hay always available (85% of what it eats); a large handful of washed leafy greens (10%); pellets only 25 grams, about an egg cup, per kg of body weight (5%).
No food matches: if it isn’t on the list, ask your vet before giving it.
Never
AvocadoNo
For rabbits and birds it's one of the most dangerous foods: it can damage the heart and kill.
Bread, pasta and cerealNo
They're not rabbit food: even though they aren't poisonous, they can cause digestive and other health problems.
ChocolateNo
It contains caffeine-like substances that are toxic to animals: never, not even a bite.
Iceberg lettuceNo
The RSPCA lists it among foods to avoid: give romaine or other dark leafy greens instead.
Milk, cheese and yogurtNo
Rabbits only eat plants: dairy isn't for them and is on the foods-to-avoid list.
Onion, garlic and leekNo
They're on the list of foods never to give rabbits; the onion plant is also among those poisonous to them.
PotatoesNo
Neither raw nor cooked, and no sweet potatoes either; the potato plant is also poisonous to rabbits.
Seeds, nuts and cornNo
They can cause choking or block the gut: skip treats with seeds, nuts or corn.
Source: Scottish Government: Pet rabbit welfare guidance: a suitable diet
Only now and then, a little
AppleA little
Fine as a treat, but without the seeds: apple pips are poisonous to rabbits.
How much: A small piece (about an eighth of an apple), now and then, not every day.
Source: PDSA: Feeding your rabbits
BananaA little
It's one of the fruits you can give as a treat, in very small pieces; best avoided if your rabbit is overweight.
How much: A very small amount, now and then.
Source: PDSA: Feeding your rabbits
CarrotA little
Rabbits love it, but it's sugary: it can cause weight gain and tummy trouble. The leafy tops are better and fine with other greens.
How much: A small piece as a treat, once or twice a week at most.
Source: RWAF: Safe Vegetables & Herbs for Rabbits Diet Guide
CeleryA little
It's safe, but only now and then, not as an everyday green.
CucumberA little
Fine as an occasional treat, not as a staple.
GrapesA little
Unlike dogs, rabbits can have the odd grape; but grapes are very sugary, so only as a treat.
How much: One grape, once or twice a week at most.
Source: RWAF: Safe Vegetables & Herbs for Rabbits Diet Guide
Spinach and cabbageA little
Safe, but only now and then, rotated with other greens.
StrawberriesA little
They can be given as a treat in small amounts: they're fruit, so sugary.
How much: A few, once or twice a week at most, like all fruit.
Source: PDSA: Feeding your rabbits
Fine
BroccoliYes
Fine among the daily greens, without overdoing it: in some rabbits they cause gas.
How much: In moderation, as part of the day's greens.
Source: PDSA: Feeding your rabbits
Hay and grassYes
It's the core of the diet: it keeps the gut moving and wears down teeth that never stop growing. But never give lawnmower clippings, which make rabbits ill.
How much: Always available: every day at least a pile of hay as big as your rabbit (about 85% of what it eats).
Herbs (parsley, basil, mint)Yes
Parsley, basil, mint, coriander, dill and thyme are safe herbs to add to the fresh greens.
Source: PDSA: Feeding your rabbits
Romaine lettuceYes
It's one of the leafy greens to give every day, washed well and mixed with other greens.
How much: Part of the large daily handful of leafy greens (about 10% of the diet); ideally 5-6 different kinds, rotated.
When to call the vet Emergency: who to call
What other pets can eat
Guinea pig Hamster Pet rat Ferret Canary Budgies Cockatiel Lovebirds Tortoise Red-eared slider Leopard gecko Bearded dragon Goldfish Betta fish Dogs and cats: can my pet eat it?
Sources
- RSPCA: What do rabbits eat? Rabbit diet advice (checked on October 14, 2026)
- PDSA: Feeding your rabbits (checked on October 14, 2026)
- Scottish Government: Pet rabbit welfare guidance: a suitable diet (checked on October 14, 2026)
- RWAF: Safe Vegetables & Herbs for Rabbits Diet Guide (checked on October 14, 2026)
- ASPCA: People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets (checked on October 14, 2026)