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The Daily Insight

What plants do rabbits eat

Author

Isabella Browning

Updated on April 18, 2026

Rabbits prefer young, tender shoots and are particularly fond of lettuce, beans, and broccoli. Flowers they like to nibble include gazanias, marigolds, pansies, and petunias. Young rabbits are curious and tend to sample many plants, even ones reputed to be rabbit-resistant.

What greenery do rabbits eat?

Leafy greens daily Rabbits must have an adult-sized handful of safe washed leafy green vegetables, herbs and weeds daily. Feed a variety of greens daily, ideally 5-6 different types, such as cabbage/kale/broccoli/parsley/mint. Introduce new types of greens gradually in small amounts to avoid potential stomach upsets.

What bedding plants do rabbits not eat?

  • Acanthus species (bear’s breeches)
  • Aconitum species (monkshood)
  • Agapanthus (African lily)
  • Ajuga reptans (bugle)
  • Alchemilla mollis (lady’s mantle)
  • Allium (ornamental onions)
  • Alstroemeria (Peruvian lily)
  • Anaphalis.

What plants can I feed my rabbit?

  • Broccoli (stems and leaves only)
  • Carrots.
  • Chard.
  • Clover.
  • Collard greens.
  • Dandelion greens (pesticide-free)
  • Flowers: calendula, chamomile, daylily, dianthus, English daisy, hibiscus, honeysuckle, marigold, nasturtium, pansy, rose.
  • Kale.

What leafy greens can rabbits eat?

Particularly good vegetables include the dark leafy greens like romaine lettuce, bok choy, mustard greens, carrot tops, cilantro, watercress, basil, kohlrabi, beet greens, broccoli greens, and cilantro.

Can a bunny eat lettuce?

Reality: a rabbit’s diet shouldn’t be based on lettuce. You can feed darker, more leafy and fibrous varieties (e.g. romaine lettuce) to your rabbit, as these are higher in fibre and actual nutrients. Introduce them gradually, as large amounts of lettuce can cause tummy upsets for rabbits not used to it.

What Tree leaves can rabbits eat?

  • Willow.
  • Mulberry.
  • Apple.
  • Pear.
  • Hawthorn.
  • Maple.
  • Hazel.
  • Beech.

What garden vegetables do rabbits eat?

  • Beans.
  • Beets.
  • Broccoli.
  • Carrots (particularly the tops)
  • Lettuce.
  • Parsley.
  • Peas (especially the leaves and tendrils)
  • Spinach.

Can bunnies eat leaves from outside?

However, bringing a bunny outdoors to romp in the leaves is never a good idea, and even bringing leaves inside for them to play in can be extremely dangerous, too. Before allowing your rabbit to eat or come in contact with any plant, you should be aware of the plants that are toxic to rabbits.

How do I keep rabbits from eating my plants?

To discourage pesky rabbits, try dusting your plants with plain talcum powder. Since rabbits are great sniffers, powdered red pepper sprinkled around the garden or on targeted plants may keep them out. Irish Spring soap shavings placed in little drawstring bags around the garden will also help to keep rabbits away.

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What plant do rabbits hate?

Plants rabbits tend to avoid include: Vegetables: asparagus, leeks, onions, potatoes, rhubarb, squash, tomatoes. Flowers: cleomes, geraniums, vincas, wax begonias. Herbs: basil, mint, oregano, parsley, tarragon.

What flowers keep rabbits away?

  • marigolds – planted all around your garden will create a rabbit barrier (they hate the smell of the marigolds)
  • spicy globe basil – keep the bunnies out and make lots of pesto throughout the summer.
  • Christmas basil also works well.
  • onions.
  • leeks.
  • lavender.
  • mint.
  • oregano.

Can rabbits have cucumbers?

Similarly, most vegetables are safe for rabbits to eat. … Rabbits are not cats and therefore are not afraid of cucumbers, so these make perfectly good snacks. Romaine lettuce, curly kale, asparagus, celery – just about any of your standard greens will make fine rabbit food.

What do domestic rabbits eat?

Fresh, clean drinking water and good quality hay and grass should make up the majority of your rabbits’ diet. A rabbit’s digestive system needs hay or grass to function properly so a healthy supply is extremely important. You can supplement with leafy greens and a small amount of pellets.

Can rabbits eat apples?

Apples are Safe for Rabbits. Veterinarians agree that apples of all varieties and colors are a good addition to your rabbit’s diet. Red Delicious, Gala, Honeycrisp, and Granny Smith are the varieties that you’re most likely to find in your local produce section, and all of them are safe for rabbits.

What branches and leaves can rabbits eat?

  • Maple – Safe to eat, with anti-inflammatory, detoxifying and anti-bacterial properties.
  • Apple – Good for digestive problems, provides energy and supports wound healing.
  • Apricot – Safe to feed.
  • Birch – Good for urinary tract diseases as it stimulates the kidneys and is anti-inflammatory.

What flower can rabbits eat?

  • Achillea millefolium – Yarrow.
  • Alcea rosea – Common Hollyhock.
  • Bellis perennis – Common Daisy.
  • Calendula officinalis – Pot Marigold, Common Marigold.
  • Centaurea cyanus – Cornflower.
  • Cerastium arvense – Field Chickweed.
  • Dahlia hortensis – Dahlia.
  • Echinacea – Coneflowers.

What foods are toxic to rabbits?

  • Avocados.
  • Chocolate.
  • Fruit seeds/pits.
  • Raw onions, leeks, garlic.
  • Meat, eggs, dairy.
  • Broad beans and kidney beans.
  • Rhubarb.
  • Iceberg lettuce.

Can rabbits eat carrot tops?

Your rabbit may enjoy some of the following vegetables: … Broccoli leaves (stems or tops can make rabbits gassy) Carrot tops (carrots are high in calcium and should be given sparingly)

Can bunnies have tomatoes?

Tomatoes Are Okay to Feed to Your Rabbit — In Small Quantities. The good news is that in small quantities, tomatoes are okay to feed your rabbit. … Whether you consider tomatoes a fruit or a vegetable, it’s all the same to your bunny: Tomatoes should not be considered an essential part of their diet.

Do wild rabbits eat carrots?

So, if you’re wondering “Do wild rabbits eat carrots?” the answer is, “Yes, they will, but it’s not their favorite.” The same applies to most other vegetables. Although we like to give our own pet rabbits lots of fresh veggies, wild rabbits will eat whatever nutrient-dense foods are available.

Can bunnies eat wild flowers?

Yes, rabbits can eat flowers in general – they actually love them – and by flowers we mean the petals, and no because they can’t eat all the flowers, as some of them are not edible and considered poisonous or can cause them serious digestive problems.

Can rabbits eat peas?

Rabbits can eat peas, but they must be fresh and still green. They are safe for your furry friend. However, avoid giving them dried ones as the latter can cause intestinal blockages. … With this insight, it is wise to conclude that bunnies should be given green peas sparingly as occasional treats.

Can rabbits eat lettuce flowers?

Rabbits Can Eat Lettuce. Despite some alarming reports of lettuce’s psychoactive properties, it does not pose any threat of toxicity to rabbits. This means that it is safe for rabbits to eat – though its water content may not make it the best choice as a daily addition to your rabbit’s diet.

How do I Rabbit Proof my garden?

  1. Add physical garden barriers. …
  2. Protect individual plants. …
  3. Include plants rabbits don’t like. …
  4. Remove potential nesting spots. …
  5. Add visual deterrents. …
  6. Elicit the help of predators. …
  7. Create your own spray.

Do coffee grounds keep rabbits away?

Coffee is an environmentally friendly way to repel unwanted insects and animals in the garden. The smell of the coffee repels snails, slugs and ants. You may also have success using coffee grounds to repel mammals, including cats, rabbits and deer.

Do wild rabbits eat mint leaves?

Since you may know that rabbits can eat certain herbs, you may be wondering if you can pick a few mint leaves from the plants growing in your garden and feed it to your rabbit. … In this case, yes, rabbits can eat mint in small quantities as part of their balanced diet.

How do I get rid of rabbits in my yard naturally?

  1. Scatter hair clippings. …
  2. Plant repelling flowers. …
  3. Scatter snakes. …
  4. Make a little noise. …
  5. Don’t provide cover. …
  6. Use chicken wire. …
  7. Protect plants with netting. …
  8. Don’t forget: You can also make your own Rabbit Repellent using items in your pantry.

How do I get rid of rabbits in my yard without killing them?

  1. Chicken Wire. Installing a chicken wire fence around your vegetable garden is a great way to eliminate rabbits without killing them. …
  2. Live Trap. …
  3. Life-Sized Dummies. …
  4. Natural Repellents. …
  5. Cut Tall Grass. …
  6. Use A Wooden Fence.

How do you get rid of rabbits naturally?

  1. Red pepper. Rabbits also dislike spicy foods, so red pepper flakes also work as a deterrent.
  2. Irish Spring soap. Some gardeners find that Irish Spring soap shavings also work. …
  3. Pungent plants. …
  4. Fences. …
  5. Repellents.

Do rabbits eat Cleome?

Cleome. Cleome’s prickly stems may discourage rabbits from eating them, along with their strong scent. Some gardeners say the plants smell pleasantly minty, while others complain of a skunk-like or catty odor.