Bad Rabbit Food: What NOT To Feed Your Bunny

Hi there, do you know if it's ok to feed vine leaves? I have two grape vines and it seems a shame not to feed some if it's safe.

Thanks in advance.

Hi all. I have 2 pet rabbits. They are free roaming around the house. They have potty boxes that they are trained.

One is 9 years old and the other is 8 and still as spunky as ever. I recently took the older one to the vet for a checkup because I heard her tummy grumbling with gas. The vet took xrays and it confirmed the gas and since it wasnt a lot the vet didnt give a prescription for anything thankfully. However what she told me after looking at the xray was that because of how I had been taking care of them they dont have any geriatric symptoms such as arthritis. Which made me feel good.

Just some information to all.... I feed nothing but greens and hay!!! I do give them a few timothy pellets a day to make sure they go in their boxes. But not much(20 pellets or so) because the pellets have alf alfa and molasses which are not good for rabbits. Rabbits eat and poop at the same time generally so it makes it easy to train them when they are young. So I feed flat leaf parsely, curly parsley, basil, and cilantro primarily. And grass hay. I never give water unless its over 90 degrees because they get moisture from their greens. I have seen a ton of questions about diet on here. I would reccomend not listening to your vet unless they are trained to handle "exotics" such as bunnies. *Most are not*. And most have no idea than what is written in some book they go in the back to read up on before they consult with you. I have been fortunate. My vet actually is an "exotic" pet vet as well as having 2 pet house rabbits himself. He told me in the beginning to never give pellets if you dont have to. Rabbits can get diabetes so keep the sugarry treats to a minimum, this includes any fruits and carrots. Also feed them when its natural for them to eat in nature. First thing in the morning. Dusk. And in the evening before you knock off for the night. And keep the same times to feed, bunnies are very habitual.

As far as some of the questions i have read here..... Why do pet food makers make foods with alf alfa? Its cheap! They dont care about your animal. They care about your money...... The person talking about lettuce.. NEVER give your rabbit lettuce OR celery or cabbage or other watery items. They are small beings and can die because of diarhea because of too much water. In small small quantities and pay attention to their droppings. Think about how your body reacts to cabbage for instance. Hm gassy? They cant sweat nor can they pass gas. ..which leads me to the calcium/oxalic acid link. A leaf of kale,spinach, etc. is ok. A bundle is not. As far as the grapes go..one is more than enough. They will get a slight bit of diarhea. Cherries do this as well. I wont say for sure but it could be a possibility that is why your animal passed. As far as granola i wouldnt. At least not more than once a week and that being a very small piece.

I hope i have been able to help at least one person. Bunnies are extremely loving creatures. They love attention and play time. If anyone wants more information i am more than happy to contribute from my experiences.

Much love and success to you all.

im planning on getting a dwarf rabbit and this really helps a lot sence im researching so much

this is really helpfull

Mostly good information, but incorrect on a couple points. Some lettuces (romaine, green leaf, red) are good for rabbits, and encouraged by vets as a regular part of their daily veggies. These lettuces do not have the high water content of iceberg lettuce, and are vitamin-rich.

On the other hand, vegetables in the cabbage family, including kale, broccoli, and brussel sprouts (which are an entirely different veggie from what's sold as "sprouts"), can cause digestive problems if offered more than a couple days a week.

Likewise spinach, collard greens, swiss chard, carrot roots, and certain other veggies especially high in a single nutrient (calcium, iron, sugar, etc.) should be offered sparingly, but are fine now and then.

Other greens that can be offered to a rabbit are raddicio (both the version that looks like a red cabbage (but isn't) and the leafy variety), fennel leaves, carrot tops, dandelion greens, endives (curly or straight), herbs (basil, cilantro, parsley, sage, mint, marjoram, etc.), and nasturtium leaves.

The main thing to remember is that vegetables are a supplement, not the bun's primary source of food. Timothy hay should be the main stay of a bunny's diet.

JoeG860

What was the outcome of your rabbit that ate some plastic ?

When I feed my rabbits romaine lettuce, what about the whiter parts of the lettuce. Is it that ALL parts that are a little white is bad?

I was in 4-H for 10 years as a child and am now a mom of a 4-Her and ARBA show alumni. All show rabbit owners suggest a strict diet of rabbit pellets with a little hay, Timothy only, and some veggies or fruits as treats only. One oz of pellets per pound of rabbit. An 8 pound rabbit should get a cup of pellets a day. I think the problem people have with pellets that make these sites is that they buy the wrong kind of pellets. Don't buy rabbit pellets from pet stores or grocery stores they don't have the right nutrients in them. I've learned from trial and error and the best rabbit pellets come from live stock feed stores. 16% protein feed is best for small rabbits. Yes rabbits need protein. It comes naturally in mainly grains. Also, never feed alfalfa, it is too hot for rabbits and will kill them. Hot meaning too full of protein and calcium. Also just consider the fact that ur rabbit is kinda like a little bouncing horse. What do horses eat? Hay and oats.

joeg860 in response to your question if you bought the basket/play tunnel from pet store it should be fine as they don't spray those with chemicals and are made knowing they will get chewed on however if you got it from somewhere else it may have a thin plastic film to hold it together better that could be harmful

Is it alright for my 3yr old male Holland Lop to chew and swallow straw from a basket/play tunnel? Can't find an answer anywhere online.

I have a bunny and she likes lettuces and dandelion leaves she is a black polish and she is so cute and she walks with me when we walk our dog. i like dwarf hotots.

My neighbors let their white pet rabbit loose because she was "mean". I am very low budget. Lot of stray cats live under our trailer; will rabbit go under too? I can't afford outside home, is there anything else I can use he can go in? Laundry basket, box? I am clueless. I put out dry cat food for him and celery. He has made his home my yard. Please help! I feel bad for him and want to help.

This is bull. My rabbits live on clover. 24/7. Cuts back on feed.

My rabbit licked a raw chicken package for about 5 seconds before I caught her.

Will she be ok?

I gave my bunny 1 small piece of a banana yesterday, and one small piece of a banana today, please tell me he'll be okay?

I gave my baby bunny a peace of granola bar is he gunna be ok

I fed my bunny Swedish fish..... opps . She then ran around her cage like a psycho

I gave my rabbits approx.10 pcs of grapes tonight, but the female rabbit suddenly became uneasy and bump itself into its cage and with just less than a minute it died instantly. I really do not know what happened. Can somebody pls tell me why.. I am confused a bit traumatized with what happened.Don't want to feed them again with anything except d swamp cabbage.

can i feed my dutch bunny carrots? im not sure about my dutch bunny but the pet store told me that my dwarf rabbit cannot have carrots because they cant digest it right.

My rabbits like an oat and honey snack thing I eat. Is it alll right. Also.

Do’s and don’ts On foods for pet rabbits: Popular sites like this one can have totally opposite information on foods to feed your pet rabbit. The few things they agree on is hay and moderate amounts of fresh foods.

I’m now wondering why Pet stores sell hay with alfalfa and pellets with whole kernels of corn and hard seeds if rabbits should not have alfalfa nor able to chew grains.

The reason for this first visit is that my granddaughter’s pet which I’m sitting because she has no room will not eat hay period, alfalfa or not and not crazy about pellets and leaves all grains behind. I would gladly make a customized diet but it seems I’m getting conflicting information on raw fruits and veggies.

About the only thing I appear to be doing right is Apple’s in moderation and oats.

I would appreciate, for starters, comments about why pet stores sell dry foods (for rabbits) that are not suggested on this site. You do note the reasons for your suggestion and that is appreciated.

P.s. perhaps I need to “starve” the bunny of the allowed foods that he otherwise won’t eat or will even turn over in protest.

This page is great it is very useful.

This does not tell u why u don't feed your bunnies that stuff they said

Omg thank you I almost fed my rabbit half those foods before I read this!

bunnnies cannot eat peanut butter,they cant vomit so they choke and die

Sorry but I'm confused. You said not to cabbage but is a collard greens that you say below is ok. Can you please clarify that? Thanks

it was very useful thanks

This is a fun and helpful sight I think its a great way to learn about what rabbits should and shouldn't eat, thanks!

They seem to like papaya...in Hawaii papayas are cheap too.

peanuts butter is not good it does no good it could case a tummy ache.

Im so confused i searched up clover to see if its good for my bunny but it seems like one site told me its good since its high in protein and calcium weather its the ones bees like or the sweet ones yet here it says its dangerous that can cause death?

I saved a house bunny and accidentally fed it iceberg lettuce and what do I do!!!! I'm only 10 and I'm with my sister (10)

i like to spoil my little Mr. Snuggles but with too many treats he turns into Mr. Little brat he loves bananas and the peels i think that bananas are his favorite treat so far that he has tried he lives outside and he likes to munch on dandelions every day for half the day when the sun isn't on his spot. he has a little harness it is for cats but it works for him he is happy and joyful almost all the time and enjoys a good brushing an a nice long snuggle!

Instead of asking for advice when your rabbit is clearly dying maybe..take it to a vet instead. You are responsible for the animal you own-- it relies on you! TAKE IT TO THE VET if it shows signs of distress/pain. I mean, you can also -call- the vet for advice, ya'll.

Jeezums.

I let my rabbit eat a little bit of clovers not every day I mean he ate bacon

Can my bunny eat goat food for a day?

Can rabbits have peanut butter

I thought that clover was good for your Rabbit

Can rabbits eat peanut butter

I have an 8monty old bunny and my dad just bought lettuce for her Italian and Ceaser lite which one do I feed her? And if not which one should I not feed her?

He is gasping for air would it just ptolong his death by breatjing on his mouth a little and could it have been poison my husband gave him a peach and he mightve gotten some of the pit is that poisonous

I give my bunny a full bowl of food and fill up the hay bin in the mornings but maybe three hours later, it's all gone. Do I keep re filling his food and hay or is there a limit bunnies should eat a day?

Roy, rabbits should not have nuts. It can make them sick or die. You should also not give rabbits full celery sticks because the string in them and clog the intestines.

I have a baby nine week old tomorrow how do I make sure she's getting a healthy diet

A bit of banana PEEL is better than banana itself (too much sugar)

I raise my rabbits and they eat lots of head l lettuce tons of grass, potatoes, tomatoes, chili peppers, thistles, dandelion, hay, beans, morning glory leaves, lots of clover, onion tops, carrots, beer, Apple's, pears, and I've never had any trouble no kidding only bad thing is they'll eat a five gallon bucket a day if you put it in front of them there free range unless one is pregnant best part is I only have to pull the lawn mower out a couple times of year! Good Luck! And they eat a bunch of other plants and flowers that I don't know what they are.

Can bunnys die from eating clover!?

Can bunny's eat a potatoes or not

Zendaya Rose

Bunnies are vegetarians.

So if i was to get a bunny, would i be able to give him, like left ocer scraps from meat, chicken breast or ham...

So my bunny started chewing on my dogs rawhide chewing stick. Is that ok?

I really thought lettuce was okay to give me and my boyfriend just purchased a baby boy dwarf bunny and just thinking it's crazy the pet shop doesn't mention anything about what they can't eat !!! They made it sound like lettuce was okay actually so happy for your site great read thank you !

can i feed my baby bunny (XD) carrots?

Please look up the definition of laudanum

I enjoy your site because it is so informative.I find the answers to all of my questions. Your facts could save someone's loved pet! Apparently we are taking Bugs Bunny too seriously,because mine isn't crazy about carrots ! Your info on lettuce was so enlightening. TY

Can bunny eat onions

My son's bunny died a day after being fed baby spinach & spring mix. I don't understand. I want to get him a new bunny, but afraid of feeding spinach and spring mix.

stop feeding your bunnies vegatable oil ishola! your killing the rabbits, take them to the vet cause your just gonna kill all of them

Ishola... WHY are you giving vegetable oil? 12 of your rabbits died, and you're still doing the same thing?? Take the living rabbits to the vet NOW. You poisoned them

My rabbits are newly weaned and they are dying with big belly. I have being given vegetable oil but still dying please help me I lost 12 within a week

I have a baby bunny and she is a girl if you have baby bunnies or a baby bunny make sure to give it lots of love take it out of its cage and play with it don't be afraid to pet it,rabbits are friendly little creatures and Love attention from you and play with them all you can when they are little so when they grow up they won't scratch and bite.Keep your bunny close to your heart. In contrast, keep your bunny or bunnies healthy and give love to your bunny or bunnies. Love, The Bunny Person

My 3 yr old bunny from the get go has basically hated anything to do with pellets. Most Rabbit food we have bought him he has not liked and after a few days still no go regards to eating it!! I basically given him sunflower unsaled seeds, some of the smaller things you find in other pet foods . Loves Romaine lettuce, carrots etc. Anyone have any other advice. He gets out daily for exercise and we change his cage very frequent, every 4-5 days, water is refilled every day. Any advice ??

Cool, my bunny is called Flopsy and I had her almost 2 years now

Grace, it doesnt say let them eat carrots...

Well, my bunny Meatloaf eats just about everything he shouldn't (I apparently looked at some bad sources) we have always fed him like this for 2 years now and he never had one single issue. My bunny is a boss

really good tips in this

Awful sources! Me and my friend bought her first rabbit and we fed it Timothy Hay, Carrots and the next week passed, and he DIED! Turns out carrots have too much sugar! PetHELPFUL!? More like PetKILLER! :( :(

Hello I have read through all of these comments and remember there are no stupid questions but I did come across one I found interesting it was the one about consuming arsenic, just so you know as humans we do consume arsenic. Google search toxins and poisons naturally occurring in foods. Then search all preservatives and their chemical make up. Daily humans produce and consume more toxins than they actually realize.

Hi I bought my rabbit to show for the fair he's a Califorian rabbit but I didn't know they were going to get him sold and killed. My mom paid as much money for me to keep my rabbit alive. Well since we had him he's a sweet rabbit, he's like a little puppy! People say not to feed them this and that, well I feed him whatever he likes. He'll smell it before he eats it and if he likes the smell and thinks it safe he'll eat it. My rabbit is an outdoor pet. At night he goes inside his cage or if it gets too hot we'll bring him inside until it cools down. My rabbit absolutely hates Timothy hay, I've bought him more than 10 different name brands. I gave him some alfalfa to see if he'll like it, and he absoultely loved it so we fed him that as part as his diet. He hasn't died or got sick so it's safe for some rabbits.

thank you so much I will be getting a rabbit soon and now I know what to feed them and not to feed them

THANK YOU

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My bunny Snowball eats a lot of cabbage and she's fine! In fact, when we first got her the only thing other than hay that she would eat was cabbage, cabbage, cabbage!

My son purchased a Norwegian Dwarf for Father's Day two years ago. He's a real character. Rabbits crave attention so don't be afraid to pet them and give them lots of love. I named him Dexter. He was on his way to be live feed for snakes. I can hardly believe that breeders sell these cute creatures for snake consumption. My rabbit loves pears, bananas, apples, carrots, rolled oats and timothy hay. I find that Oxbow has the best products on the market. I've had rabbits for30 years. He lives in my apartment and has freedom to roam the apartment. He's partially litter box trained. I give him a small amount of alfalfa once a week. Fresh water every day. He loves when I chase him around the apartment. He has a nice life. I have to take him to the vet to have his nails clipped. Iy's too stressful for me to clip them. The last Norwegian Dwarf I had lived 1 years. He was a sweet rabbit. I've had better luck with male rabbits than females.. Rabbits are very curious little animals. They are high maintenance and are not a pet to bget for small children as they require a lot of work.

Hi guys I work and a bunny refuge we grow our own greens for over 40 bunnys we never give them iceberg lettuce or cucumber also my bunny sketch dose not eat carrots we also give them oxbow pellets and fresh hay the baby's need loosen hay same with pregnant mothers hope this helps oh and all the bunnys live inside and don't forget toys and boxs to hide and play in. ADOPT NOT SHOP!!!!!

Bunny's belong INSIDE! I have had my bunny 6 years now. He gets lots of timothy hay, he does NOT get tap water. I give him spring water with bunny vitamin drops. NO iceberg lettuce!!

Mine loves, kale, green leaf lettuce, cilantro, dandelion leaves, green carrot tips, curly parsley, spinach, dark tips off romaine. Greens are important. Make sure U ive high quality pellets as well. NOTHING from a supermarket. Carrots are NOT a food source either, more of a treat. Too high in sugar. I give him a few pieces a week & a slice of apple & banana once a week. Keep the water clean as well as the cage. LOTS of timothy hay!! Fiber is big for them.THey like to play & chew on empty toilet paper rolls which is OK. It keeps them busy & teeth trimmed. Good luck!

Wish I read this yesterday. Today I fed my 3 baby bunnies white clover and they all died. Please, if you love your bunnies, don't feed them any clovers.

Can you feed them hey

Can u give rabbits Grapes

Can you keep your rabbits outside

well probably not try it and see.

Hi, i bought my bun Mello from a petstore and she was sneezing and the next day she had boogers in her nose so i took her back to the petstore and traded her in for my girl Smokie. The petstore is treating Mello and will sell her bavk to me once she is well. My question for you is both my girls are from the same litter and have only been seperated for about a week will i be able to just put them together immediately or will i have to reintroduce them

I read the part about the lettuce and i want to say: I have fed my rabbits lettuce all of their lives and there has never been any problems. they love lettuce and it doesn't harm them in any way. So does it matter what breed of rabbit they are?

First try pellets. If your bunny is not eating,try a new kind also don't feed it lettace! My bunnies LOVE snow peas.try those.

My grandma is giving me a Red bunnie and i dont know if i just give it bunnie pellets and lettace, i would very much like to know thank you and please no mean comments

DO NOT FEED ICEBERG LETTUCE AND CUCUMBER TO YOUR RABBITS, for goodness' sake!!! Please, please, go to rabbit.org for more info on proper rabbit care and consult your vet if your rabbits are sick and NOT pet shops! Majority of the pet shops are IGNORANT to the wellbeing of rabbits. Their only purpose is sell you the rabbits (mostly from backyard/unethical/illegal breeders) and let you deal with the animal. The WORST place to seek advice from are the pet shops!

Hi everyone,I have 2 rabbits that died today Ted was nearly 9 years old and Thumper about 8 1/2 both were in good health last night.

I gave them half an Iceberg lettuce each and some carrots and cucumber yesterday thinking it was a treat in this warm weather but after reading the threads on here to try and find a reason I realise it was a bad idea,they have had iceberg in the past but in small amounts,please take care with your feeding we have had rabbits for years but never knew about this as always thought it was a natural food.

Petshops should give more info ????

I gat my bunny maby a week or so ago, and I fed him lettuce. Iceberg lettuce. I didnt know it could die. Please please please can someone tell me if comit needs to go to the vet. Im scared about him dieing. Im 10 and I love my bunny

My rabbit has bin sick

Hi I fed my bunny some clover today cuz I heard that its very healthy for them! The bunny is only 8-10 weeks old and I don't know what to do! She is drinking and eating but I'm still really scared! Please tell me what to do!!!

I just got a bunny from the wild we are going to take them to a shelter tomorrow is it illegal to keep healthy wild bunnies in Texas?PLEASE HELP I DONT WANT TO GO TO JAIL!

What do i do if one of my rabbit eats other rabbit's hair?

Hi there

My dad bought me 4 bunnies for my birthday and i'm not sure where to buy a 'run' thing for them :/ And also, do I keep them outside or inside?

Elena, How much do you know about rabbits??,

Please email me back at: Rebekah4011@gmail.com

And if anyone else has a question about rabbits please feel free to email me also,

I have 8 Rabbits, And i know a lot about rabbits, In my room i have almost 75 books about rabbits, :)

So please email me at Rebekah4011@gmail.com

If you have any questions,

Thanks

Ps.Bunniez i'm not trying to steal your answer's or anything, I just want to help people and their Bunny's.

Please understand, Thanks Bunniez, :)

I strongly have to disagree with this article. You say no clover, thats one thing that rabbits LOVE. Wild rabbits eat it all the time and so do mine, I have never had an issue. As a show rabbit owner I only want top wuality for mine. My vet even recommends clover...

So I really don't trust this article

Bunniez, I would like to ask you a few questions about my Rabbits,

I have a Female with a little of 5 Babbie Bunnies, They will be 4 Weeks old on October the 19th, When i first got them, They were really skinny, So i read on the Internet, Before i found you,

That its best to feed your rabbit a diet, So my mom toke me to Tractor Supply and i got (Dumor- Advanced Diet) And they do really well on it, I have had my Rabbits for about 1 year, I have a young Female, And a Older Male, And Female, The Female is the one that had babbies as i said, I have fed them (Dumor- Brand ever sence,) Like on Alfalfa Chews, And Timothy Hay, And food, They really like that Brand, (I just wanna know if i'm choosing the right food, And is there any other things that they might need the most, Thanks, Please Comment me back, Rebekah♥

i am 10 years old i have a bunny and the before this one it died because it had stomach pain so if your bunny is doing somthing like that PLEASE TAKE IT TO A VET!!! but now i have a new one named autumn and it the best thing ever!!!

Bunniez, I would like to ask you a few questions about my Rabbits,

I have a Female with a little of 5 Babbie Bunnies, They will be 4 Weeks old on October the 19th, When i first got them, They were really skinny, So i read on the Internet, Before i found you,

That its best to feed your rabbit a diet, So my mom toke me to Tractor Supply and i got (Dumor- Advanced Diet) And they do really well on it, I have had my Rabbits for about 1 year, I have a young Female, And a Older Male, And Female, The Female is the one that had babbies as i said, I have fed them (Dumor- Brand ever sence,) Like on Alfalfa Chews, And Timothy Hay, And food, They really like that Brand, (I just wanna know if i'm choosing the right food, And is there any other things that they might need the most, Thanks, Please Comment me back, Rebekah♥

Congratulation on maintaining a great hub. My hub is about baby names and baby names meaning - All suggestion baby naming.

Can rabbits eat green onions?

Before deciding to have a pet rabbit, one must know what they should eat and should not eat. Our rabbit of course loves to eat carrots and every time we attempted to give the rabbit other food, the rabbit wouldn't dare to eat except for a few grasses.

so what IS good to feed my rabbit