what vegetables can bunnies eat

Rabbits can safely eat many vegetables, but they should still get most of their diet from hay (about 80–90%), with vegetables as a daily supplement and treats in moderation.

Daily-safe vegetables for bunnies

These can usually be part of your rabbit’s everyday salad (introduced slowly and rotated for variety):

• Romaine lettuce and other dark salad leaves (not iceberg).

• Arugula/rocket.

• Bok choy.

• Kale (in rotation, not the only green every day).

• Dandelion greens.

• Cilantro/coriander leaves.

• Basil and basil flowers.

• Beet greens.

• Watercress, spring greens, curly kale.

• Other mixed dark leafy salad greens (e.g., escarole, endive, chicory).

A common guideline is about 1 packed cup of mixed leafy greens per 2 kg of rabbit body weight per day, split into two meals.

Non-leafy veggies (small portions)

These are usually offered in smaller amounts alongside leafy greens:

• Bell peppers (any color, without seeds).

• Green beans.

• Zucchini/courgette and other summer squash.

• Celery (cut into small pieces so the strings don’t cause problems).

• Fennel.

• Cauliflower leaves and stalks; florets only in tiny amounts.

• Radishes and radish tops (tops are better than the roots).

Think of these as side dishes: a tablespoon or two per kg of body weight is usually enough when combined with plenty of leafy greens.

“Sometimes” vegetables (gas, oxalates, or sugar)

These can be safe but should be given in small amounts, a few times a week at most:

• Broccoli (especially florets), Brussels sprouts, cabbage: nutritious but can cause gas and bloating; introduce very slowly and watch the poop and appetite.

• Spinach, Swiss chard, parsley, mustard greens: higher in calcium/oxalates, so best limited, especially if your bunny has a history of bladder sludge or stones.

• Carrots and other root veg: much higher in sugar, so treat them like dessert, not a daily staple.

An example “sometimes” treat: a thin carrot slice or a small broccoli floret 1–2 times per week, not every day.

Vegetables to avoid for rabbits

These are unsafe or not recommended:

• Iceberg lettuce (very low nutrition, contains lactucarium that can cause problems).

• Rhubarb (all parts are considered poisonous to rabbits).

• Onions, leeks, garlic, chives and other alliums (can cause blood abnormalities and digestive issues).

• Potatoes and potato tops, and very starchy veg like corn.

• Tomato leaves and stems; green (unripe) tomatoes.

• Any vegetable that is moldy, spoiled, or treated with pesticides.

If your rabbit eats any of these by accident and then seems off (not eating, fewer poops, lethargic), contact a rabbit‑savvy vet quickly.

Simple daily salad example

For an average adult bunny, a typical daily veggie bowl might look like this:

• Base: a mix of romaine lettuce, arugula, and cilantro.

• Plus: a small piece of bell pepper and a couple of green beans.

• Occasionally swap in kale, bok choy, or dandelion greens and remove something else to keep variety high.

Always introduce any new vegetable slowly over several days and watch your rabbit’s poop and appetite; some individuals have more sensitive tummies than others.

Quick HTML table of safe vs avoid

html

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Category</th>
      <th>Examples</th>
      <th>Notes</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>Daily leafy greens</td>
      <td>Romaine, arugula, bok choy, kale, dandelion greens, cilantro, basil</td>
      <td>Rotate 3–5 types; about 1 cup per 2 kg body weight per day.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Non-leafy veggies (small)</td>
      <td>Bell pepper, green beans, zucchini, celery, fennel, cauliflower leaves</td>
      <td>Serve in tablespoons alongside leafy greens.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Sometimes only</td>
      <td>Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, spinach, chard, parsley, carrots</td>
      <td>Can cause gas or add extra calcium/sugar; limit to a few times weekly.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Avoid</td>
      <td>Iceberg lettuce, rhubarb, onions/leeks/garlic, potatoes, tomato leaves, green tomatoes</td>
      <td>Toxic, too starchy, or very poor nutrition; do not feed.</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.