Can rabbits eat cucumber? From blackberries to broccoli, we look at what rabbits eat

Rabbits thrive when given a healthy diet of pellets, hay, fresh grass, cuttings and vegetables. While rabbits used to eat muesli-style food with dried cereals and vegetables, advice has changed in recent years after muesli was found to be fattening, cause stomach and urine issues and be bad for a rabbit's teeth.

Hay makes up the majority (85-90%) of what a rabbit eats, along with pellets (about 5%). But fresh vegetables are also a delicious and exciting way for a bunny to get added nutrients, hydration and variety in their diet. The right veg can even create some entertainment, with rabbits loving to challenge their teeth on something tough!

Paula Stewart, director of The Animal Talent works with rabbits on television and film sets. She told NimbleFins: "A rabbit's staple food should always be hay and fresh growing grass (or kiln dried if fresh is not available).

"They rely on this high fibre diet for GI stasis, gut movement and helping to prevent blockages, as well as helping to keep their ever-growing teeth in check with tooth abrasion. The chewing time caused by eating these foods also is psychologically stimulating and good for the rabbit's mental well-being.

"In addition to hay and grass, the varied diet for a rabbit should include leafy greens such as kale, cabbage, parsley and mint."

If you want your rabbit to live a long life, experts do warn some foods you find in your fridge should be given in moderation, particularly sugary vegetables as well as fruit. We've looked at some of the most popular items households buy for next time you have some leftovers in your salad drawer and wonder whether they will suit your pet rabbit.

Can rabbits eat cucumber?

Rabbits can eat cucumber - and the leaves from a cucumber plant if you grow your own - but too much of it can lead to digestive issues. Rabbits enjoy the refreshing taste and hydration, but the high water content can cause diarrhoea if they have too much.

Vet and behaviourist with petkeen.com, Paola Cuevas, told us: “Rabbits require a large amount of fibre in their diet, but the water content of cucumbers makes the fibre less nutritionally available for them. Offer cucumbers to your rabbit only as an occasional treat. Feeding your rabbit too many cucumbers can cause digestive problems. Rabbit stomachs have evolved to handle a fibrous diet, so an overload of moisture-rich cucumber can result in loose, mushy waste.”

Can rabbits eat blackberries?

Rabbits can eat blackberries and they love the sweet taste. Plus they are an excellent source of vitamins A and K, potassium, folate and copper. But they are very high in sugar, meaning they should only be given as an occasional treat.

Dr Paola said: “Too much water might result in wet or watery droppings. Too much sugar content will disrupt your rabbit's delicate intestinal bacteria. If that happens your rabbit will suffer from bloating, cramps and discomfort. Additional carbohydrates will also lead a rabbit to put on excessive weight which leads to additional mobility and health issues.”

Can rabbits eat broccoli?

Most animal experts advise against rabbits eating broccoli. It is not toxic but the florets can cause gas and uncomfortable bloating. Some say broccoli leaves are fine to be eaten in moderation.

Can rabbits eat celery?

Rabbits can eat celery and celery leaves. In fact rabbits think nibbling a sturdy stick of celery is fun! However it’s a good idea to chop the celery stalks into small pieces to avoid choking hazards or a long strand of string causing harm to your pet.

Can rabbits eat grapes?

Some experts advise against feeding rabbits grapes altogether, while others say they are OK in small doses on special occasions.

They are not toxic, but do have high moisture and sugar content which can cause digestive issues and obesity. Their soft flesh does nothing to wear down their constantly-growing teeth and the sugar content will also damage their gnashers.

What can rabbits eat?

Rabbits can eat a variety of fruit and vegetables safely in small quantities, with experts suggesting fruit such as strawberries, blueberries and banana only given as occasional treats up to twice a week. Rabbits do not naturally eat fruits in the wild and they have a high sugar content which can cause obesity and other related issues down the line.

Only about 10% of a rabbit’s diet should be vegetables, with hay making up 85-90% of food for a healthy rabbit. The other 5% should be pellets - but not muesli and this is bad for a rabbit's teeth, can cause obesity, and is bad for their digestion and urine overall.

While greens are good for humans, some can cause smelly side effects for rabbits, with too much cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli sure to give your rabbit gas and bloating.

Kale, mint and watercress are better for rabbits than spinach and lettuce. Iceberg lettuce can cause diarrhoea so it's best to pick dark, leafy greens like romaine or butterhead lettuce, Jay Strubing of pet accessory shop Nooshie, said.

He added: "Spinach should be given in moderation due to its high oxalate content, which can contribute to kidney stones or bladder sludge in susceptible rabbits.

If you're wondering how much of a fresh vegetable to give your bunny, a daily amount should measure no more than the size of the rabbit's head, according to Dr Anna Foreman Everypaw Pet Insurance’s in-house vet.

She said: “If a rabbit eats too much sugar or starch they will gain weight and become overweight or obese. This is a massive welfare issue in rabbits – overweight or obese rabbits will not be able to groom themselves properly and be more prone to conditions such as flystrike.

"Like with dogs and cats, being overweight will also make them more prone to arthritis, liver and heart disease. Dietary imbalances can also lead to gut problems such as gut stasis, bloat or an obstruction. Rabbits have very sensitive digestive systems and so any sort of dietary change, as well as stress or other environmental changes, may leave them open to these conditions.

"It is vital a rabbit has enough hay or fresh grass in their diet – their teeth continually grow and are worn down by eating these foods, and the fibre aids with digestion to stop issues such as gut stasis, an obstruction or bloat. Rabbits should not be fed freshly cut grass but rather be allowed to graze naturally on grass – freshly cut grass ferments quickly and can cause gastrointestinal issues."

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