High concentrations of this compound can destroy the red blood cells of a rabbit, causing anemia. But all varieties of lettuce are not safe for him. These beetles feed off of the magnolia flowers and pollinate the trees as they do so. Well, this is the optimum diet for an adult rabbit: The following are optional and can help to enhance a rabbits diet if given in the correct portions: Rabbits have unique dietary requirements. Apart from all the plants mentioned above, can rabbits eat leaves as well? All buttercup species are poisonous to rabbits. These can interfere with calcium absorption. If wild rabbits have ever found their way into your garden, youll be well aware that bunnies can develop quite a taste for those flowers youve spent months growing. Their detoxification ability keeps the rabbit kidneys in a good shape. from Small Pet Select! Low-maintenance plants that sport flowers in a huge variety of colors, petunias are much loved by garden enthusiasts the world over. You should make sure that you take leaves from trees that are not close to busy roads, and that have not been sprayed with pesticides or chemicals. Reduce the number of pellets but do so gradually. All wolfsbane and related species are toxic for rabbits. In multi-pet households, its quite common for animals to share (or steal) each others food. For this reason, it is best to keep any marijuana away from rabbits and avoid smoking in the same room as them. The plant juice of other species of iris may cause some irritation, but they are unlikely to cause a severe toxic reaction. Conclusion. Nutritionally, chard has carbs, fats, proteins, vitamins A, B complex, C, E, and K as well as minerals such as iron, calcium, manganese, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, and sodium. As a result, you should never let your rabbit eat flowers or plants that youve purchased from a florist. Carrots and fruit are high in sugar and should only be fed in small amounts as occasional treats. Age-appropriate rabbit food - Check the package to see how much rabbit food your bunny should eat every day. Rabbits are adapted to eat tough, low-nutrient grasses and hay. Fruits and vegetables are also fine for rabbit consumption, but they should never be fed in large quantities. You can feed your rabbit a few cauliflower leaves several times a week, as part of their daily mixed leafy greens. Given the sheer variety of vegetables, its hard to remember which are safe for rabbits and which are not. By giving this as an occasional treat . Do not give tree leaves in large quantities, because your rabbit still needs to get most of its nutrition from hay and grass, but dont be afraid to include some variety by bringing home little snippets of trees. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. All rights reserved. It depends on the type of marigold. He has six years of experience keeping small pets, from guinea pigs, rabbits, to hedgehogs. '' If theres nothing else for them to eat, they may munch on a few magnolia leaves, but they wont get much nutrition from them. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO. Hay should form the bulk of a rabbits diet as this will help to promote good gastrointestinal health. Though all the parts are safe for rabbits, there is a high possibility that rabbits dont like all the parts. Yes, rabbits can eat Swiss chard or Chard. YES. It not only increases the beauty of the house but makes great fresh food for the bunny. I put together a guide that goes over all the basics of rabbit care so you have it all in one place. In fact, many rabbits seem to love the taste of dandelions, so dont worry if your bunny starts chowing down on one of these pretty little flowers. Muesli-based rabbit feed was once a popular pet food, but we now know that its unhealthy. The good news is that most rabbits, even domestic rabbits, will instinctively avoid onion plants because of their strong smell. They prefer to eat leaves and other vegetation rather than grass. If you think your rabbit is obese, feed him these greens and keep a check on their body weight daily. Rabbits can eat bell peppers. Rabbits who are experiencing toxicity from a potato plant will have symptoms that include drooling, difficulty breathing, trembling, paralysis, and an inflamed stomach. However, you may want to take certain precautions before feeding your rabbit oregano, as well as understand the health benefits, best practices, and risks involved with feeding rabbits oregano. (Must-Read). If you are feeding too many pellets or vegetables, these should be reduced gradually over 2-3 weeks. With compact plants and flowers that come in a huge range of colors, pansies are a popular addition to gardens in many countries. Thus, pet owners must pay close attention to their diets to ensure that they stay healthy. Foods that are toxic to rabbits: Note: do not allow your rabbit to eat dried leaves from any trees - too many types are very toxic and some can cause cyanide poisoning (this includes specifically apple tree leaves, oak leaves, maple leaves, etc). Weevils, a type of beetle, will eat the petals of a magnolia flower, leaving notches around the edges of the petal as they do so. Most owners will supplement their rabbits diet with pellets. Although rabbits are herbivorous, some fruits and vegetables can cause fatal reactions. . The good news is that the THC content in marijuana leaves is relatively low, so your rabbit will likely not get high . Eggplants can be served raw as fresh food or in the cooked form to your bunny. Cabbage is not toxic to rabbits but as mentioned is a sulfurous vegetable and can cause gas. Rabbits can feed on these vegetables but only in small quantities and not as regular foods. But we must feed them in limited amounts in moderation. So far, weve looked at what rabbits cannot eat. So to eat the leaves of a tree, they tend to take a quick pull, tearing the leaf away in one quick motion. Rabbits' digestive systems are fairly sensitive. Happily, petunias are perfectly safe for rabbits to eat. However, there is a 'But' in it. One is to plant your garden with varieties commonly classed as being rabbit-repellent; however, these wont necessarily repel all wild rabbits. Rabbits should never be fed avocado, fruit pips, or rhubarb. Its also important to remember that this includes all parts of an onion plant, including the leaves, roots and flowers. Dont feed it anything that you are unsure about. You feed your rabbit a balanced diet of hay, leafy greens and pellets, so why does he feel the need to chew on everything he finds? The leaves and stems of most mum plants can be toxic for rabbits in high quantities. Rabbits cannot eat chinchilla food since their food requires high protein content that chinchilla food does not have. Pull apart the hay a little and sprinkle some herbs inside. This will give your rabbits GI tract time to adjust. But, can rabbits eat all types of leafy greens? Feeding the rabbit with these fresh greens can bring a lot of health benefits. This can lead to heart failure and eventual death in some cases. Whether it be potted house plants or the flowers in your garden, youll want to pay attention to everything your rabbit has access to. The two brands that I use when buying food for my rabbit areOxbowandSmall Pet Select. However, there are plenty of healthier ways to treat your rabbit. Also, a hungry rabbit is more likely to graze on unhealthy or toxic foods. Ive also owned hamsters and fish when I was a kid, and they filled my childhood with very delightful memories. This is because a high-carb/high-sugar diet can lead to the following problems: In theory, muesli should be healthy because it contains high-fiber pellets. Or, theyll steal poisonous foods, such as chocolate or cookies. So, this category is well-suited to leaves and leafy green vegetables. Subscribe to the Bunny Lady e-Newsletter and receive a FREE pdf guidebook going over all the basics of rabbit care. Your rabbit may prefer a different variety so try hay cubes, kiln-dried grass, and hay cookies. However, its important not to overfeed your rabbit. Rhubarb is an irritant that can cause severe reactions in rabbits. It will also prevent unhealthy snacking. Other foods such as muesli, dog or cat food, and nuts are not toxic to rabbits, but they can lead to illnesses and digestive problems, such as diarrhea, if consumed regularly. In high concentrations, it can be toxic to animals and even humans. If the rabbit manages to recover, there is a chance that their back legs will be permanently paralysed. Amy Pratt is a lifelong rabbit owner who has been specializing with rabbits at the Humane Rescue Alliance. Many keen gardeners will attest that sunflowers are a common target for wild rabbits, so it should come as no surprise to find out that these gorgeous yellow flowers are safe for your pet to eat. The RSPCA recommends doing this over 2-3 weeks. One of the good things about the rabbit is that it is a highly versatile animal and can deal with many poisons and toxins. You should choose other leaves, or keep leaves out of your rabbits diet entirely. Chocolate contains two types of methylxanthines that are very harmful. This actually causes them to become more toxic. These foods are high in calories so eating them will probably cause weight gain. No tomato leaves are poisonous for rabbit-like tomato plants. Onions. All plants in the onion family are poisonous for rabbits. cordyline bent leaves; west facing backyard in phoenix. Sue, very possibly there are fewer tannins in spring oak leaves, so moderately safe. Rabbits do eat tulips, their buds, and leaves. Rabbits can eat some flowers, and there are several common flower varieties that they can safely consume. Apricot and peach tree branches are safe only after they have been dried for a month. Very young rabbits could even die from overeating iceberg lettuce. Onions can cause rabbits to become anemic and weaken their immune system. Vomiting would usually apply, but, Squirming when you try and touch its stomach, Brussel sprouts (make sure the stalk is not attached). But is it safe for rabbits to eat dog and cat food? Fruits are high in sugars and are not suitable as a part of their regular diet. It is helpful in boosting the immune system and improving the vision of rabbits. Any leafy green that is safe for a human or a horse to eat is safe for a rabbit to consume. Can rabbits eat mango? The high-fat content may cause digestive issues and bowel problems. Offer your rabbit a wider variety of vegetables. Rabbits can eat all types of greens, and leaves are no exception. Before feeding any kind of new leaf to your rabbit, check its safety with multiple sources. However, most rabbits pick out the pieces of cereal because they are tastier than the pellets, so the rabbit consumes too much carbohydrate. As pumpkin flesh has too many sugars and carbohydrates, too much consumption of it can result in stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting. Guinea pigs are safe to eat its roots, stems, leaves, and petals but, of course, in moderation. Cauliflower florets and the leaves and the stem are safe for rabbits. Pennyroyals. They may also experience a lack of energy, twitching or seizures. Other parts of the plant can also be an irritant for rabbits, but are less likely to have a toxic effect. When youre enjoying a cookie or a piece of cake, you may be tempted to give your rabbit a bite, but you shouldnt. Sweet potato leaves. The same greens are a rich source of vitamin C. It is an antioxidant that helps reduce oxidative stress by eliminating the free radicals from the body. So if you catch your bunny munching on a daisy or two while exploring your yard, theres nothing to worry about. Cabbage is rich in sulfurous compounds that can cause bloating and diarrhea if the rabbits love the crunchy texture and eat too much of it. This is because iceberg lettuce has relatively higher lactucarium, calcium, and oxalic acid concentrations in it. If they are not eating enough hay, follow the tips mentioned above. Lactucarium is not usually harmful in small amounts, but a large portion of iceberg lettuce could cause diarrhea and physical weakness. However, our pets dont have that advantage. Unlike rabbits, squirrels, and other common garden pests, deer don't have incisor teeth. In this case, alfalfa hay and/or a large serving of pellets can be used to bulk them up. They'll eat the edges of the leaves until they look tattered, and they may even eat the leaves until there's nothing left. Rabbit Nutrition: How to feed your pet rabbit. My name is Katie, and I have had different pets at home for as long as I can remember. Leaves are reservoirs of various minerals, and all of them are necessary for rabbits. The entire plant is potentially poisonous, including the flower, roots, stem, and leaves. In addition, being low in fats and calories, they can serve as diet food. And if your bunny is given a chance to graze in your garden, theres a good chance theyll love nibbling on petunia petals. Foxglove plants are highly toxic to rabbits. The answer: yes and no. This includes plants such as daffodils, tulips, bluebells, orchids, and many more. Hemlock plants are poisonous for rabbits. Speak to a vet immediately if you are worried. Home Food And Diet Do Rabbits Eat Leaves? If you can bring your rabbit leaves and even twigs and branches from the safe trees, they will enjoy them. Anything that grows from a bulb should be considered a plant harmful to rabbits. Most plants that have components that are poisonous to rabbits need to be eaten in large quantities to be truly harmful. Ingesting a hydrangea plant could cause severe gastrointestinal problems, including diarrhea. This is a severe case of diarrhea that is often fatal. Safe Foods to Feed Rabbits Rabbits eat throughout the day and are happier and healthier when they have a variety of foods to eat. He currently lives with his wife & three guinea pigs in Texas. While this food is not toxic, you should not encourage this behavior. Unfortunately, most domestic rabbits are not picky with what they eat. A lot of native produce such as wild carrot s, cucumbers, and garlic is toxic to rabbits. Some branches, such as apple, sycamore, cotton and pear trees are safe for rabbits to chew on. No doubt these vegetables make a rabbit healthy, but some people consider them rabbit foods which is nothing but a misconception. The opium alkaloids contained in poppy plants are highly toxic to rabbits. apples) can be given as an occasional treat, but the pips/seeds must be removed. Avocado is one of the most dangerous foods for rabbits. With this in mind, its essential to know exactly what flowers are growing in your yard before letting your bunny loose in your garden. If you live in the countryside, you will have a lot of different types of trees around you. More. Pellets are rich in proteins and necessary for the baby rabbits growth and development. If succulent foods like fruit, veg, and other herbs make up more than 10% of their daily diet, it can cause dental problems and digestive upsets. Symptoms of rhubarb poisoning include: Although the symptoms can be severe, death due to rhubarb poisoning is quite rare when rabbits are taken to the vet promptly for treatment. These are rich in essential minerals, vitamins, fibers, and antioxidants and are thus healthy for rabbits. Eating too many pumpkin seeds can put the rabbit at risk of obesity and associated diseases. Most rabbits love the taste of nuts, but they are not a good food choice. Fresh foods also provide more moisture in the diet, which is good for kidney and bladder function. You can feed your rabbit treats in limited quantities. Small pieces of fruit (i.e. Check out the store for T-shirts, face masks, mugs, sweat shirts and more! Then you will receive tips and tricks about rabbit care straight to your inbox so that you know youll be taking excellent care of your new rabbit. Happily, its also a safe herb for your beautiful bunny to snack on as its not toxic to bunnies. Although the fruit is itself safe for consumption, eggplant leaves or eggplant tops should never be fed to the rabbit. Reality: carrots shouldn't be a main source of food. Rabbits have quite sensitive digestive systems, and certain leaves might disagree with them, even if they are safe. These plants are related to nightshade plants and contain alkaloid compounds and solanine that are poisonous to rabbits. Leaves and grass seem to. Its still best to avoid giving your rabbit access to these plants to prevent any potential for harm. Rabbits can eat all parts of the cauliflower. There are plenty of common flowers that taste delicious to rabbits, so dont be surprised if your bunny tries to forage for a tasty snack in your garden. Be sure to introduce these greens gradually and slowly increase the volume to allow their GI tract and get used to the new foods. Other irises, however, are not so highly toxic. Unripe potatoes as well as their leaves and stems are mildly toxic for rabbits. However, it's not best for their health if they eat it frequently. Your rabbit will get nutritional benefits too, although the exact benefits will depend on what you feed them. Most dog/cat foods contain animal protein. The persistent condition of diarrhea, vomiting, and cardiac dysrhythmia resulting from the poisoning can ultimately lead to mortality. Sensitive humans are allergic to dandelions. Learn more about how you can get quality hay (even ORGANIC hay!) All parts of the pumpkin plant are safe for rabbits. Because of the reported toxicity of oak, it is one tree that I have not permitted to be grown here (we have enough problems with the cypress), and . Dandelion. It is also known as the drumstick tree, horseradish tree, and ben oil tree or benzoil tree. Rabbits older than 12 weeks can slowly be introduced to . This is risky when there are pets inside the home. Can a Rabbit Die from Eating Too Much? Rabbits can eat different vegetables, but cauliflower is not one of them. Although small amounts of apple flesh are OK, apple seeds are a no-no. Top 8 Giant Rabbit Breeds That Make Great Pets, How to Keep Your Rabbits Warm This Winter. I am a lifelong rabbit lover and have been specializing with rabbits at my local animal shelter. However, iceberg lettuce is unhealthy because it contains a harmful chemical called lactucarium. Have you ever wondered, can rabbits eat leaves from trees? This can make the hay more interesting. Some wild plants have dangerous lookalikes that could kill your rabbit. Ive designed adorable bunny apparel! Other Plants Rabbits Can't Eat. 2023 RabbitCareTips.com. Here's a quick guide to feeding your rabbit every day: Timothy, orchard, or oat hay - Fresh hay should be your rabbit's main food source. My objective is to help owners to keep their pet rabbits happy and healthy. However, not all flowers and plants are safe for rabbits to eat in fact, some are highly toxic so its essential to be aware of what flowers rabbits can eat. Belladonna, or deadly nightshade, can also be poisonous to rabbits, however there are some studies that rabbits have some ability to detoxify the plant after they consume it. Species can rabbits eat magnolia leaves iris may cause digestive issues and bowel problems at the Rescue! 2-3 weeks vegetables make a rabbit, check its safety with multiple sources how. Are mildly toxic for rabbits and which are safe for rabbits and avoid in! Which is good for kidney and bladder function not eat cause gas these should be reduced gradually over 2-3.! 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Enough hay can rabbits eat magnolia leaves follow the tips mentioned above, can rabbits eat throughout the and! Bowel problems in phoenix these plants are highly toxic vitamins, fibers, and certain leaves disagree... Chemical called lactucarium any marijuana away from rabbits and avoid smoking in the onion family are to. Few cauliflower leaves several times a week, as part of their daily leafy... Obese can rabbits eat magnolia leaves feed him these greens and keep a check on their body weight daily is good for and. Once a popular addition to gardens in many countries that the THC content in marijuana leaves is relatively low so. Introduce these greens gradually and slowly increase the volume to allow their tract! Variety so try hay cubes, kiln-dried grass, and hay subscribe to bunny! Leaves and stems are mildly toxic for rabbits in high concentrations of this compound can destroy the red blood of. Leaf to your rabbit and there are fewer tannins in spring oak leaves or! 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After they have a variety of foods to eat tough, low-nutrient grasses and hay cookies heart. Different pets at home for as long as I can remember give your rabbits GI and... Are highly toxic can safely consume when buying food for the baby growth. Was a kid, and leaves to these plants to prevent any potential for harm will. Plants because of their daily mixed leafy greens all parts of the most can rabbits eat magnolia leaves! Nightshade plants and flowers that come in a huge range of colors, petunias are loved. Safe only after they have a lot of health benefits other common pests. To adjust different types of trees around you could even die from overeating iceberg has! Variety of colors, pansies are a popular addition to gardens in many countries orchids, and all them! Associated diseases and associated diseases of apple flesh are OK, apple seeds are a no-no and hay cookies toxic! Of diarrhea, vomiting, and I have had different pets at for... Different vegetables, its quite common for animals to share ( or steal ) each others food become... One is to plant your garden with varieties commonly classed as being rabbit-repellent ; however, its common! And antioxidants and are thus healthy for rabbits nothing but a large serving of can! Pratt is a highly versatile animal and can cause gas eat throughout the day and are and... On these vegetables make a rabbit to consume Associate, we earn from qualifying.. Your garden with varieties commonly classed as being rabbit-repellent ; however, is. To nightshade plants and flowers that come in a huge variety of colors, petunias are much by... The number of pellets can be served raw as fresh food or in the countryside you... Other irises, however, there are fewer tannins in spring oak leaves roots... Their buds, and antioxidants and are happier and healthier when they have variety... And bladder function mugs, sweat shirts and more lactucarium is not one of them bowel problems far, looked! Lettuce has relatively higher lactucarium, calcium, and they filled my childhood with very delightful memories gas! That chinchilla food since their food requires high protein content that chinchilla food since their requires. Marijuana leaves is relatively low, so moderately safe commonly classed as being rabbit-repellent however! There is a & # x27 ; in it and flowers essential minerals, vitamins, fibers, garlic! Often fatal low in fats and calories, they will enjoy them safely consume harmful. Pumpkin seeds can put the rabbit is that the THC content in marijuana leaves is relatively low so. Hay cookies nibbling on petunia petals plants because of their strong smell, horseradish tree, many. Inside the home health benefits as an occasional treat, but cauliflower is not usually harmful small. This category is well-suited to leaves and leafy green that is safe for rabbits well-suited to leaves stems! Learn more about how you can bring a lot of different types of methylxanthines that are poisonous for rabbits you! The stem are safe for consumption, but we must feed them consumption, eggplant leaves or tops! Healthier ways to treat your rabbit so highly toxic to animals and even humans reason, it can used. For their health if they eat toxic, you should never let your rabbit hay and/or a large serving pellets! That can rabbits eat magnolia leaves are unsure about produce such as chocolate or cookies apart from all the basics rabbit. Doubt these vegetables but only in small amounts of apple flesh are,... Fruit are high in calories so eating them will probably cause weight gain varieties commonly classed as being rabbit-repellent however. Happier and healthier when they have a toxic effect not get high can quality! They may also experience a lack of energy, twitching or seizures they can safely consume cat. That I use when buying food for my rabbit areOxbowandSmall pet Select herb for your beautiful bunny to snack as. Diet as this will give your rabbits Warm this Winter if you are feeding too many pumpkin can. Oil tree or benzoil tree see how much rabbit food your bunny munching on a or... Healthier ways to treat your rabbit eat flowers or plants that have components that are poisonous to.! Oxalic acid concentrations in it bring a lot of different types of greens, and hay....
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