If you have an adorable puffball hoping in your home, you may absolutely want to share your bowel with it too. Pets are our family, and the table always misses the members not present. So, you must be wondering which human foods you can share safely with your rabbit?
Rabbits are not very picky eaters. They enjoy having sweet and delicious foods. However, as we have explained in our detailed article on diet and food chart for bunnies, rabbits need a lot of fiber (80-90%). Their digestive systems will only contract enough when there is sufficient fiber. You can add 10-20% fruits and vegetables. That is the part where they can share food with you.
Humans are omnivores and can have multiple kinds of food. The fiber content in this food may vary from 10-80%. They may also have a lot of lipids or sugars that rabbits cannot tolerate that easily. Obviously, you cannot share a big Mac or an extra cheese pizza with your bunny. However, there are multiple other options that can be really appealing.
In this article, let us talk about safe human foods for your rabbit. Do not forget to write down the important points in your bunny diary.
Table of Contents
What Human Foods Rabbit Can Safely Eat?
Of human foods, rabbits can safely have multiple types of veggies and fruits. However, you need to make sure not to overdo anything.
As discussed before, rabbits need a lot of fiber. So, only a small percentage of food is there to provide them all the essential vitamins and minerals. Also, rabbits are not very good with a high percentage of fat and sugar. This can cause multiple metabolic diseases in bunnies, including diarrhea, bloating, and more serious, compromising conditions like diabetes, weak bones, heart diseases, and obesity.
So, you know you have to be very careful about how you feed your bunny. Although things are harmful to bunnies, they do not care much about it. Like a naughty kid, they are ready to binge on anything delicious. They even crave delicious sweet meals and even fight for them. Your bunny doesn’t know when to stop, even if it is toxic for it. You have to care for it in order to protect it from life-threatening conditions.
Fruits:
Fruits usually have a lot of sugar in them. However, owing to their delicious flavor and important nutritional value, they should be added carefully to a rabbit’s diet. You should avoid fruits for baby bunnies and those fighting obesity. Here are the most popular human fruits that are safe for your rabbit.
| Fruits Rabbits Can Eat | |
|---|---|
|
Food Type |
Important Nutrients For Rabbits |
|
Apples |
Water, Sugar, Antioxidants, A Small Amount of Fiber, and Vitamin B complex. |
|
Bananas |
Sodium, Potassium, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Sugars, Iron, Magnesium |
|
Blueberries |
High in Sugar, Potassium, and Antioxidants. |
|
Pineapple |
Sugar, Vitamin C, Manganese. |
|
Strawberries |
Sodium, Potassium, Vitamin C, Iron, Magnesium |
|
Tomatoes |
Vitamin C, Magnesium, Vitamin B6, Sodium, Potassium |
|
Watermelon |
Water, Vitamin C, Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium, Iron |
Vegetables And Herbs:
Vegetables are a great addition to the diet chart of your bunnies. These provide all the essential nutrients, minerals, and vitamins. You better need to have them fresh and introduce a good variety for your rabbit. Also, herbs have a strong aroma and flavor. So, better mix a variety in the bowel to balance everything out and have maximum benefits. Following are some vegetables that are safe for rabbits.
| Herbs And Vegetable Rabbits Can Eat | |
|---|---|
|
Food Type |
Important Nutrients For Rabbits |
|
Arugula |
Like kale and Broccoli, Low in Sugar and Fat, High in Fiber, Calcium and Folic Acid. |
|
Asparagus |
Sparrow Grass, Fiber, Vitamins A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Folates, and Minerals. |
|
Basil |
Herb, Potassium Vitamin A, C and B6, Iron, and Magnesium. |
|
Bell Peppers |
Vitamin C, B6, and Minerals. |
|
Bok Choy |
Vitamin B6, Fiber, Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, Vitamin C. |
|
Broccoli Leaves |
Fibers, Folate, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Iron, Calcium, and Selenium. |
|
Cabbage |
Fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Sodium, and Potassium |
|
Carrots (and Carrot Tops) |
Fiber, Folate, Potassium, Calcium, Phytonutrients, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Vitamin K, and Manganese |
|
Celery |
Fiber, Folic Acid, Calcium, Potassium, and Vitamins B Complex |
|
Cilantro |
Fiber, Folate, Vitamin A, Vitamin B Complex, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Zinc, Calcium, and Potassium. |
|
Cucumber |
Fiber, Water, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Potassium, Magnesium, and Manganese |
|
Dark Lettuce |
Fiber, Folate, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Magnesium. |
|
Endives |
Low in Nutrients and Calories, Potassium, Sodium, Vitamin C, Magnesium, and Iron. |
|
Kale |
Low in Nutrients, Vitamins B6 and C, and Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium, Iron, and Calcium. |
|
Lemon Balm |
Zero Calorie, Flavonoids, Polyphenols, and Tannins. |
|
Oats |
Fiber, A Complex Sugar, Multiple Vitamins, and Minerals. |
|
Spinach |
Vitamin C, B Complex, E, K, folic acid, Potassium, Magnesium, Carotenoids, Iron, and Calcium. |
Let us talk about all these choices in brief. For detailed information on all the diet options for rabbits, you may visit: What do rabbits eat? A complete diet chart and schedule.
Fruits:
Here is the short detail of human fruits that are part of the human table
Pineapple
There is no wonder your rabbit craves pineapples. Pineapple is high in sugars, which make them “not so good” for your bunnies. However, a small amount once a month doesn’t hurt.
Also, if you are cutting pineapple for yourself, do not bother to throw away the center part. The center region of pineapple has the most bromelain. Bromelain is great for reducing intestinal motility and its fluids. So, it will be great in small amounts for treatment of upset stomach. Bromelain also improves hairballs. Thus, it is great to maintain gut health.
With pineapple, make sure to have it fresh. Do not go for dried or frozen ones. Also, keep the amount less like all the other fruits.
Tomatoes:
Another popular food loved by rabbits is tomatoes. Yes, you can feed tomatoes safely to your bunnies. However, you better need to keep it in low amounts. Not only is it high in sugars, but tomatoes are also acidic too. Tomatoes also have a good amount of oxalic acid in them. Therefore, you need to have good knowledge before you include any such food in your pet’s bowel.
Give the article Can Rabbits Eat Tomatoes? a good read before including them in the diet of your bunny.
Blueberries
Bunnies love blueberries, and they are also a great source of nutrients for them. As for all the other fruits, they are only safe in small amounts. The high sugar content causes digestive issues in rabbits. However, not that high like other fruits. Owing to its low glycemic index, it causes a slow discharge of energy, thus maintaining a constant supply for long hours.
As a general rule, most seed-containing fruits are not recommended for bunnies. It is because they cannot vomit things out. However, blueberries have small seeds that can pass along the gut easily. Seeds can get stuck in gastroenteric tract and can cause severe obstructions. However, to be on the safer side, you may remove the seeds.
Moreover, as bunnies love blueberries, they will love you when you come to them with this delicious treat. Feed them with your hand and improve your relationship with your pet.
Please make sure you never overdo it. 2-4 berries a week are great for bunnies. Moreover, do not go for frozen berries. Also, wash them thoroughly before feeding them to your bunny. Do not feed blueberries to baby bunnies. And do not make a start with more than a single berry. For another two days, watch for any unusual signs. If you see any, contact your vet and do not vet as soon as possible.
Strawberries
Like blueberries, strawberries are also safe for bunnies. Also, you do not need to remove its seeds before feeding. However, make sure to keep the amount under check. Before adding strawberries to the diet of your rabbit, make sure you give the article Can rabbit eat strawberries? a good read.
Bananas
Bananas are safe for your bunnies only in a small amount. However, you need to be cautious of the high sugar foods in your bunny’s diet. You can not only feed a small amount of pulp but can also give them the peel.
Make sure to check this article before adding bananas to your pet’s diet: Can rabbits eat bananas?
Apples
Bunnies love apples, and they are completely non-toxic for them too. However, due to the high sugar content, they are not recommended. Give your rabbit a slice of apple a week or after every fortnight as a treat.
Moreover, make sure you take out the seeds and leave the skin on. Apples have a great amount of vitamin B in them, which is essential for the healthy growth of bunnies. Also, it has other nutrients and minerals. So, a little apple once in a while does no harm.
Watermelon
Watermelons are a great source of hydration and that delicious sweetness your rabbit craves for. However, make sure you never overdo it. Make sure to read the article on Can rabbits eat watermelon? before adding them to their diet.
Herbs And Vegetables
Here are the most popular herbs and vegetables that are the constant part of your kitchen.
Carrots
Remember bugs bunny and how he binge on carrots? Well, that’s not a cartoon movie. Rabbits do like carrots, but these are not as good for their health as for humans. Rabbits naturally crave sweet foods. However, all that sweetness comes with the cost of severe diarrhea, bloating, and other digestive issues.
So, carrots are only toxic for rabbits if you overdo it. Keep them in moderation. Give your rabbit carrot root only once or twice a month only as a treat and in a small amount. Moreover, avoid feeding carrots to baby bunnies.
Carrots in a safe amount will provide the essential Vitamin A, which is great for eye health in bunnies.
Moreover, your rabbit can also safely have carrot tops that are much better than root for them, I must say. Carrot top provides them with all the important minerals and vitamins, especially Vitamin C. This will keep them healthy and help to fight the diseases. Also, there is a good percentage of fiber in leaves which is essential for bunnies.
Cucumber
Yes, you can share the cucumber from your salad bowl with your bunny. However, make sure you keep the skin on to provide the fiber part. Before adding cucumbers to your bunny’s diet, give this article a good read: Can bunnies eat cucumbers?
Lettuce
Lettuce has quite a good percentage of fiber with all that nutrients and minerals. It is delicious and surprisingly low in calories. Therefore, they are great for overweight bunnies asking for a change.
Also, the good water content in lettuce is great to keep your bunny hydrated. Go for leafier and darker varieties to get more fibrous food for your rabbit.
Iceburg lettuce is not well tolerated by most rabbits. It is because it contains lactucarium which is hazardous for bunnies. So, better avoid iceburg and other light colored lettuces for your rabbits.
Large amounts of lettuce can also cause diarrhea and bloating in rabbits, especially when they are new to it. So, better to keep it in moderation to avoid any unpleasant effects.
Celery
Rabbits can safely have celery. Celery is a great source of fiber and other minerals. Your bunny will love it though it is not sweet. The crunch makes the bunnies crave for it.
Along with fiber, an appreciable amount of water is also there to provide your bunny the essential hydration it needs.
We have a detailed article on Do rabbits eat celery? It contains all the pros and cons of feeding celery to your bunny. Also, how will you feed it? You better give it a read to stay at a safer end before introducing celery in the diet of your rabbit.
Cilantro
Cilantro is one of the most popular herbs that can be found in any kitchen. Cilantro has a surprisingly high concentration of Vitamin C and other essential vitamins and minerals. It can become the best source of magnesium for your rabbit. Magnesium deficiencies can lead to multiple heart diseases in bunnies. So, you better take care of magnesium content in the diet.
Owing to its strong flavor, you bunny may not particularly like it. However, if your rabbit can tolerate it well, you can include cilantro by mixing it in the vegetable bowel, so its aroma and taste are a bit masked. Also, keep it in low amount to get the best benefits.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is great to keep your bunny healthy. They are not only safe but should also be on the essential bucket list for your rabbits. Feed your bunny with lemon balm from time to time to get its best antibacterial and antiviral properties.
Some bunnies might be allergic to any content in lemon balm. So, you better feed it first and then wait for the next two days to see if anything happens. In case of any unusual sign or behavior, never feed lemon balm again to your pet.
Spinach
Since childhood, we have believed that rabbits binge on spinach. However, that’s not completely true. Spinach is not toxic for rabbits but is only safe in very small amounts. It is because of their high oxalic acid content, which makes them an unsafe addition.
To safely include spinach in your bunny’s diet, check the article: Can rabbits eat spinach?
Broccoli
Are you thinking of taking your bunny with you on a diet? Well, you can do so. Broccoli is a great source of fibers (not as good as hay). It is low in calories and has a great hydration potential. So, it can provide a great crunch to obese bunnies.
Broccoli is marked as a superfood for rabbits fighting obesity, heart and bone problems. Also, it is a great source of minerals. However, as you are low in nutrients, you have to make sure you give your bunny all the essential nutrients from other sources.
Kale
This cruciferous vegetable is a great source of vitamins and minerals for rabbits. It also has great fiber and water content. The antioxidants in kale are essential to slow down aging in rabbits and help them fight disease and infections.
Kale in rabbits is popular to cause bloating, diarrhea, and flatulence if given in large amounts. So, better feed it from time to time mixed with other vegetables to keep the quantity under check.
Cabbage
Cabbage is another great addition to the diet of your bunny. They are also one of the best vegetables when it comes to planning the diet chart for obese rabbits. Your pet will love all that crunch. However, before adding cabbage to your bunny’s diet,, make sure to give this article a quick read: Can rabbits eat cabbage?
Bok Choy
Bok Choy, like lemon balm, acts as antiviral and antibacterial. However, owing to its oxalic acid content, it is not recommended for baby bunnies.
Bok Choy can have a lot of pesticides residing on them that can be lethal for rabbits. Therefore, it is always recommended to wash them thoroughly and soak them in large amounts of water before feeding.
Oats
Our breakfast table is incomplete without oats. And to your surprise, you can share your oats with your bunny. They are not only great for you but also healthy for the rabbit. Even they are recommended for underweight bunnies. Owing to their low glycemic index, they cause a gradual release of glucose, thus providing a constant energy source for rabbits.
Oatmeal can make your rabbit gain a lot. Therefore, they are not recommended for bunnies that are obese or have normal weight. Also, never feed cooked oats to your bunny. It can cause severe digestive issues. A small amount of rolled oats occasionally as a treat is great for your bunnies.
Basil
Basil is completely safe for rabbits. It should be used occasionally in rabbits owing to its antibacterial properties. Also, a great vitamin K and calcium content make them a significant addition to the diet chart of your pet.
Basil has a great antioxidant concentration. Antioxidants are essential to protect your bunny from damage from free radicals, enhance immunity, and slow down aging.
Toss a small amount of basil in the vegetable bowl of your rabbit. Wash it thoroughly before feeding, and always use fresh.
Arugula
Arugula has become a very popular addition to salads. If you are wondering if you can share it with your bunny, then yes. Arugula is completely safe for rabbits. However, do not forget to keep the amount under check. You may toss them in the vegetable portion of your bunny. A small amount of arugula twice a week is great for an adult rabbit.
Arugula will provide your bunny with all the essential minerals, the most important of which is calcium. Also, it is rich in folic acid, which can be great for healthy reproduction. Remember to take care of folic acid concentration in your rabbit’s diet, especially when you are aiming to continue breeding your bunny.
Bell Peppers
Sweet bell peppers can become one of the most favorite foods for your bunny. Bell peppers are non-toxic for rabbits, and the same goes for their seeds. However, it is preferable to remove the seeds to avoid any chance of gastric discomfort caused by them.
If you are wondering to provide any other peppers of hot class, it is a complete no. Rabbits cannot tolerate spices.
Asparagus
Asparagus in small amounts is completely safe for rabbits. It will not only provide them with a diversity of flavors but also all the essential vitamins, folates, and minerals, the most important of which is chromium. Chromium improves insulin functionality in the body. Also, it is low in calories. Therefore, asparagus is a great addition to the diet of diabetic or obese bunnies.
Owing to its high water content, asparagus is a great source of hydration too. Mix them in the salad bowl for your bunny once or twice a week to get the best benefits.
Endives
Endives are a great source of minerals and vitamins for rabbits. Include them with vegetables once or twice a week in the diet of your pet.
What Human Foods Rabbits Should Not Eat?
Here is the list of foods rabbits should never eat:
- Cooked Foods:
As for general rule, rabbits should never have cooked food. Rabbits stomach is designed to work for raw foods. Therefore they cannot tolerate the cooked ones. In any case, avoid feeding your rabbit cooked foods.
- Frozen Food:
Frozen food is not toxic to rabbits, but it is not recommended. Whenever you plan to feed your rabbit fruits and vegetable, always go for fresh ones.
- Processed foods:
Processed foods are also a complete No for rabbits. It is because they have a high sugar concentration and other additives. So, never try to feed your rabbit with processed foods.
- Chocolate
Your rabbit may go crazy for it. But be sure you are a strict parent. Chocolates are toxic to rabbits, so avoid feeding any.
- Avocado:
Among the fruits, avocado is one of the most popular foods that are very harmful to rabbits. It can cause severe respiratory problems in rabbits.
- Iceberg Lettuce:
As discussed before, Iceberg lettuce is a complete No for bunnies. However, you can go for darker and leafier lettuce options safely.
- Meat
No, your rabbit is not an omnivore! No matter how adult your bunny is, never try to feed them meat. It will not make them muscular but will cause severe digestive problems!
- Oranges
Oranges are acidic for rabbits. So, they are not recommended for them. If you want to know more about oranges you may visit our article: Can rabbits eat an orange?
- Potato
Potato is a complete starch, and rabbits cannot digest it. Therefore, never feed your bunny potatoes.
- Corn
Corn, like potatoes, has a high concentration of carbohydrates. These are also not suitable for bunnies
- Beans
Beans no doubt has a good concentration of proteins and other vital nutrients. However, rabbits cannot digest them easily. Therefore, you should not feed beans to your bun
- Seeds or Nuts
Like all the food options as mentioned above, seeds and nuts are a complete NO for rabbits.
Conclusion
You see, there is a huge variety of human food that your rabbit can eat safely. However, you need to make sure that you feed them only in a small amount. Always balance the nutrient content in the diet of your bun, considering all the foods and vegetables.
I hope this article helps you plan the right diet for your pet and makes you cherish your relation a lot more. In case of any other query, comment below. We would be happy to help.
I am a graduate of a veterinary university. Dealing with all the kinds of pets from the dawn to dusk, it’s like understanding their language. That is the best time ever, I must say!
Writing has always been my orphenadrine. I love to share my experience and talk about the most common issues people have been facing with their pets. My writing career began in 2015. I aimed to work for pets to share my experience and make pet humans relation a lot better. I usually talk about the most significant or recurrent cases of the day. During my practice at pet centre, I face a lot of questions by pet owners. Moreover, I also own a variety of pets myself including different species of mammals, birds and reptiles.
Therefore, I have decided to educate all the pet owners about their little friends who can’t talk the way we do. Understanding what they are telling us is all we need to do. And most of us fail to perceive.
So, I am here to serve the purpose. Let’s help each other in better understanding the needs, behaviours, and problems of our best friends with the best possible solutions!
