Adult rabbits should have an assortment of fresh greens daily. Make sure that the greens are washed, haven’t been sprayed with chemicals, and are not wilted.
Our Tried-and-True Method
Spring mix is a pre-made salad mix containing a number of rabbit-friendly leafy greens. We feed spring mix daily to our adoptable rabbits because of its convenience- it often comes pre-washed, and it takes the work out of ensuring our rabbits get a varied diet.
They also get other greens, just less frequently. Dandelion greens and Italian / flat-leaf parsley are common favorites.
Introducing New Fresh Greens
It’s important to avoid drastic changes to a rabbit’s diet. When it comes to greens, the common rule of thumb is to only introduce a small quantity of one new veggie each week. That will give you the opportunity to observe your rabbit and determine if they tolerate the new food well. Some rabbits are more sensitive than others.
Recommended Fresh Greens
- Basil
- Beet greens * †
- Bok Choy
- Carrot tops *
- Cilantro
- Clover
- Collard greens * †
- Curly parsley *
- Dandelion greens *
- Endive *
- Escarole
- Italian / flat-leaf parsley *
- Kale †
- Mint
- Mustard greens * †
- Raddichio
- Radish tops
- Raspberry & blackberry leaves
- Lettuces (avoid iceberg lettuce)
- Sage
- Spinach * †
- Spring mix *
- Thyme
- Watercress *
- Wheat grass
* Contains vitamin A, which is a necessary part of a healthy diet. Please feed at least one of these selections each day.
† Should be fed sparingly. These are foods that should not be fed in large quantities, and / or can cause gas or stomach upset in more sensitive rabbits.
Things to Avoid
If you don’t know for certain if a rabbit can eat a particular food, it’s best to assume that they can’t. Rabbits are known to have sensitive stomachs, and an upset stomach, particularly if it causes the rabbit to stop eating, is a serious health concern.
Below are some notable things to avoid, either because they are toxic to rabbits, or because they are still commonly added to commercial rabbit products, despite not being appropriate for rabbits.
- Beans
- Corn
- Garlic
- Iceberg lettuce
- Nuts
- Onions
- Potatoes
- Rhubarb
- Seeds