Use this visual food database to quickly look up any food and find out whether your rabbit can eat it, how much to give, and what to watch out for. Browse by category or scroll through all entries โ every food includes portion guidance and safety notes.
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Why Portion Control Matters
One of the most common mistakes new rabbit owners make is treating vegetables and fruits as free-for-all foods. A rabbit's digestive system is finely tuned for high-fiber, low-sugar eating โ and too much of the wrong thing can cause serious health problems.
The Sugar Problem (Fruits)
Rabbits have no need for dietary sugar. Their gut flora is designed to process fiber, not fructose. When you give fruit, you are feeding their gut bacteria sugar โ which can cause an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, leading to GI stasis, bloating, and painful gas. Fruit should be a rare treat, not a daily snack.
The Calcium Problem (Leafy Greens)
Some greens are very high in calcium. Rabbits absorb calcium differently than humans โ excess calcium settles in the bladder as sludge or stones. Rabbits with a history of bladder issues should stick to low-calcium greens like endive, escarole, and romaine. Rotate high-calcium greens and keep portions small.
The Oxalate Problem (Some Greens)
Oxalates are naturally occurring compounds found in many leafy greens. In high quantities, they can contribute to kidney and bladder stone formation. Foods like spinach and kale are high in oxalates โ safe in moderation, but not daily staples. Mix in low-oxalate options to balance the load.
The Water Problem (Cucumbers, Melons)
High-water foods like cucumber and watermelon can cause soft stools or diarrhea if overfed. This is not dangerous in small amounts, but can dehydrate your rabbit or disrupt their gut flora if they eat too much. Keep portions small and introduce slowly.
How to Use This Database
Each category below shows every food in our database for that category. Each entry includes:
- Safe status โ whether the food is safe, caution-required, or toxic
- Recommended portion โ how much to feed and how often
- Caution notes โ any specific risks or concerns
- Extra notes โ nutritional context, tips, or things to watch for
When in doubt, feed less. A rabbit can survive on hay alone โ but they thrive when given a thoughtful, varied diet with fresh vegetables as a daily foundation and fruit as a rare reward.
๐ฅฌ Leafy Greens
High in fiber, low in sugar โ these should form the bulk of your rabbit's daily vegetable intake. Watch calcium and oxalate content for rabbits prone to bladder issues.
Romaine Lettuce
Portion: 1-2 cups per day
Caution: Avoid iceberg lettuce โ has little nutrition and may cause diarrhea
High in water content โ great for hydration
Green Leaf Lettuce
Portion: 1-2 cups per day
Caution: Introduce slowly to avoid digestive upset
Good source of vitamin A
Red Leaf Lettuce
Portion: 1-2 cups per day
Caution: Introduce slowly
Rich in antioxidants
Bok Choy
Portion: 1-2 leaves per day
Caution: Contains calcium โ limit if rabbit has bladder issues
High in vitamin C and A
Kale
Portion: 1 leaf per day max
Caution: High in calcium and oxalates โ can cause bladder stones if overfed
Nutritious but should be rotated with lower-calcium greens
Spinach
Portion: 1-2 leaves per day max
Caution: High in oxalates โ limit if prone to bladder or kidney issues
Only feed occasionally, not daily
Carrot Tops
Portion: 1 cup per day
Caution: Not the carrot itself (too much sugar) โ tops are excellent
High in fiber and calcium; a great leafy treat
Cabbage
Portion: 1-2 leaves per day
Caution: Can cause gas โ introduce slowly and limit
Green and red cabbage both safe in small amounts
Radicchio
Portion: 1-2 leaves per day
Caution: Slightly bitter โ not all rabbits like it
Good source of vitamin K
Endive
Portion: 1-2 cups per day
Caution: Low in oxalates โ good daily green
Excellent staple green; very safe
Escarole
Portion: 1-2 cups per day
Caution: Low in calcium โ good for daily feeding
Mild flavor most rabbits enjoy
Watercress
Portion: 1-2 leaves per day
Caution: High in calcium โ feed sparingly
Very nutrient-dense; good for iron and vitamin C
Dandelion Greens
Portion: 1-2 cups per day
Caution: Avoid if from pesticide-treated lawns
Excellent daily green; high in calcium and iron
๐ฅ Non-Leafy Vegetables
Root vegetables, peppers, and other crunchy options. Generally safe in measured amounts. Most are lower in calcium than leafy greens.
Bell Pepper (Red)
Portion: 1-2 tablespoons per day
Caution: Remove seeds and stem
High in vitamin C; lowest in sugar of the pepper colors
Bell Pepper (Green)
Portion: 1-2 tablespoons per day
Caution: Remove seeds and stem
Good vitamin C source; slightly more bitter
Bell Pepper (Yellow/Orange)
Portion: 1-2 tablespoons per day
Caution: Remove seeds and stem
Sweeter than green; moderate vitamin C
Cucumber
Portion: 1-2 slices per day
Caution: Very high in water โ can cause soft stools if overfed
Low calorie; great for hot weather hydration
Zucchini
Portion: 1-2 tablespoons per day
Caution: Remove seeds if present
Good source of vitamin A and potassium
Celery
Portion: 1-2 inch pieces per day
Caution: Strings can be a choking hazard โ cut into small pieces
Low calorie; good for teeth wear
Fennel
Portion: 1-2 tablespoons per day
Caution: Introduce slowly
Excellent for digestive health; freshens breath
Broccoli
Portion: 1-2 florets per day max
Caution: Can cause gas and bloating โ introduce very small amounts
Feed in moderation; high in vitamin C and fiber
๐ Fruits
High in natural sugars โ these are treats, not daily food. A few berries or a slice of apple once or twice a week is plenty. Always remove seeds and pits.
Banana
Portion: 1-2 small pieces (thumb-size) per week
Caution: Very high in sugar โ treat only
Most rabbits love it; use as a rare treat
Strawberry
Portion: 1-2 small berries per week
Caution: High in sugar; remove leaves and stem
Good source of vitamin C; feed as occasional treat
Apple (no seeds)
Portion: 1-2 small slices per week
Caution: Seeds contain cyanide โ NEVER feed apple seeds
Remove all seeds and stem before feeding
Blueberry
Portion: 2-3 berries per week
Caution: Moderate sugar โ treat only
High in antioxidants; a favorite treat
Papaya
Portion: 1-2 tablespoons per week
Caution: High in sugar; feed as treat
Contains enzymes that aid digestion
Mango
Portion: 1-2 tablespoons per week
Caution: High in sugar
Remove skin and pit; good for vitamin A
Peach (no pit)
Portion: 1-2 small slices per week
Caution: Pit is toxic โ remove completely
Remove all fruit from pit before feeding
Pear
Portion: 1-2 small slices per week
Caution: High in sugar; remove seeds
Mild fruit; good starter treat
Watermelon (rind only)
Portion: 1-2 small pieces of rind per week
Caution: Flesh is very high in sugar and water โ limit to tiny amounts
Rind is safer than flesh; helps with hydration
Pineapple
Portion: 1-2 small chunks per week
Caution: High in sugar and acidity โ small amounts only
Contains enzymes that may help with hairballs
Raspberry
Portion: 2-3 berries per week
Caution: High in sugar; feed sparingly
Good for vitamin C; anti-inflammatory
Blackberry
Portion: 2-3 berries per week
Caution: Contains seeds โ small amounts are fine
High in antioxidants and fiber
๐ฟ Herbs
Aromatic, flavorful, and often medicinal. Most herbs are safe in small to moderate amounts. Some have strong properties โ introduce one at a time.
Cilantro
Portion: 1-2 stems per day
Caution: Introduce slowly
Excellent source of vitamin C and antioxidants
Parsley
Portion: 1-2 stems per day
Caution: High in calcium โ monitor intake
Great for freshening breath and providing vitamin C
Basil
Portion: 1-2 stems per day
Caution: Large amounts may cause digestive upset
Anti-inflammatory properties; high in calcium
Mint
Portion: 1-2 stems per day
Caution: Can be strong โ start with a small piece
Helps with digestive issues and nausea
Rosemary
Portion: 1 small sprig per day
Caution: Strong herb โ introduce slowly
Contains antioxidants; good for circulation
Thyme
Portion: 1-2 small sprigs per day
Caution: Introduce gradually
Good for respiratory health and digestion
Oregano
Portion: 1 small sprig per day
Caution: Feed in moderation due to intensity
Antibacterial and antifungal properties
Dill
Portion: 1-2 stems per day
Caution: Introduce slowly
Good for digestion; freshens breath
๐ธ Flowers & Blossoms
Edible flowers can be a lovely enrichment for rabbits. Only use organic, pesticide-free flowers. Never feed bouquets from florists.
Marigold
Portion: 1-2 flowers per day
Caution: Avoid if rabbit has sensitivities
Good for skin health and inflammation
Hibiscus
Portion: 1-2 flowers per day
Caution: Avoid horticultural spray-treated flowers
Supports immune system; good for vitamin C
Rose Petals
Portion: 1-2 petals per day
Caution: Only organic, pesticide-free roses
Aromatic and enjoyable for rabbits
Chamomile
Portion: 1-2 flowers per day
Caution: Introduce slowly; some rabbits are sensitive
Calming and good for digestive health
๐ Treats & Human Foods
Some human foods are safe in small quantities. Most should be considered occasional treats at best. Always avoid anything with added sugar, dairy, or grains.
Coconut
Portion: 1 small piece (1-inch) per week
Caution: High in fat and sugar โ very limited
Safe in tiny amounts; not a regular treat
Oats
Portion: 1 teaspoon per week
Caution: Can cause weight gain; not for daily feeding
Plain, uncooked oats only
Bread
Portion: Small piece (1-inch) occasionally
Caution: No nutritional value; high in carbs โ can cause GI issues
Not a healthy choice; hay is always better
โ ๏ธ Foods Requiring Caution
These foods are not outright toxic, but have properties that make them risky. Understand the specific risk before feeding, and always limit portions.
Iceberg Lettuce
CAUTIONPortion: Avoid
Caution: Contains lactucarium ('lettuce opium') which is mildly toxic; has no nutritional value
Can cause diarrhea and lethargy โ stick to dark leafy greens instead
Corn
CAUTIONPortion: Avoid โ not recommended
Caution: Cob is a choking hazard; corn hulls can get stuck in teeth and intestines
No nutritional benefit; skip entirely
Seeds
CAUTIONPortion: Avoid โ hulled seeds only in tiny amounts
Caution: Seeds can be choking hazards and some contain trace toxins
Chia seeds and flax seed are high in fat; avoid
๐ซ Foods Rabbits Cannot Eat Dangerous
These foods are toxic or dangerous to rabbits. Some can be fatal even in small amounts. Memorize this list and keep these foods far away from your rabbit.
Chocolate
TOXICPortion: NONE
Caution: TOXIC โ contains theobromine which rabbits cannot metabolize
Even small amounts can be fatal
Avocado
TOXICPortion: NONE
Caution: TOXIC โ contains persin, fatal to rabbits
All parts of the plant are toxic
Onion
TOXICPortion: NONE
Caution: TOXIC โ destroys red blood cells, causes anemia
All Allium family foods are toxic to rabbits
Garlic
TOXICPortion: NONE
Caution: TOXIC โ allicin is poisonous to rabbits
Never feed; even small amounts are dangerous
Potato
TOXICPortion: NONE
Caution: TOXIC โ contains solanine; raw or cooked is dangerous
All parts of the potato plant are toxic
Rhubarb
TOXICPortion: NONE
Caution: TOXIC โ contains oxalic acid, fatal in high amounts
Both leaves and stalks are dangerous
Tomato Leaves and Stem
TOXICPortion: NONE
Caution: TOXIC โ solanine is concentrated in green parts
Ripe tomato fruit in small amounts is controversial โ safest to avoid
Nuts
TOXICPortion: NONE
Caution: TOXIC โ high fat, no fiber, choking hazard
No nuts are safe for rabbits
Caffeine
TOXICPortion: NONE
Caution: TOXIC โ chocolate, coffee, tea, energy drinks are all dangerous
Never give anything with caffeine
Alcohol
TOXICPortion: NONE
Caution: TOXIC โ even small amounts cause severe organ damage
Obviously never give alcohol to rabbits
Quick Reference: Portion Cheat Sheet
Bookmark this section for fast lookups at feeding time.
| Food Type | Daily Amount | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leafy Greens | 2 cups per 6 lbs body weight | Daily โ 3+ varieties | Mix high- and low-calcium greens |
| Non-Leafy Vegetables | 1โ2 tablespoons per 6 lbs | Daily is fine | Bell peppers, cucumber, zucchini |
| Fruits | 1โ2 tablespoons per 6 lbs | 1โ2 times per week max | Remove all seeds and pits |
| Herbs | 1โ2 stems or small sprigs | Daily is fine | Cilantro, basil, mint โ rotate varieties |
| Flowers | 1โ2 flowers or petals | A few times per week | Only organic, pesticide-free |
| Treats / Human Food | Very small amounts | Occasional only | Avoid sugar, dairy, grains |
When in Doubt
If you are unsure about a specific food, the safest answer is: do not feed it. Hay and water are always safe. A rabbit cannot die from missing a treat โ but they can get seriously ill from the wrong one. When you are ready to add something new, introduce it slowly and watch for digestive upset over the next 24 hours.
How to Introduce a New Food
- Start with a tiny amount โ one leaf, one bite, one berry. Not a whole portion.
- Wait 24 hours โ watch for soft cecotropes, diarrhea, lethargy, or loss of appetite.
- If all is well โ you can consider that food safe and gradually work up to a full portion over the next few days.
- If anything seems off โ remove the food immediately and contact your vet if symptoms persist. Do not try another new food until your rabbit is back to normal.
This process applies to any vegetable, herb, or fruit you have not fed before โ even if it is on the "safe" list. Every rabbit is different, and individual sensitivities are real.
Want a Printable Version?
Download our free Rabbit Food Reference Sheet โ a printable one-page guide to safe foods, portions, and toxic foods to avoid.