The fruit and the seeds, leaves, and flowers are safe for them. And if your bunny is given a chance to graze in your garden, theres a good chance theyll love nibbling on petunia petals. The flowers, leaves, and stems of these plants are toxic for rabbits and should be avoided, including the foliage of a lily of the valley bush. Like potatoes, if your rabbit only gets ahold of a small amount of tomato plant, they will likely be just fine and not show any symptoms of toxicity. A rabbits gastrointestinal tract cannot handle large amounts of carbs or sugar. Including all types of leaves, along with the hay and pellets in their diet, help them get all the vitamins required by their body. Hay is not available in our area. Can Rabbits Eat Celery Leaves? The best leaves for rabbits to eat are dark green, leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, collard greens Swiss chard and dandelion greens. There is a lot of debate about what is and is not safe for rabbits, so take the time to verify your information. Rabbits are herbivores so they lack the necessary enzymes to digest meat. Assume all houseplants are likely toxic, so keep them out of reach of your bunny. However, its best to avoid giving your bunny any sunflower seeds seeds of any kind can be difficult for your bunny to digest, so should never be included in your rabbits diet. These can interfere with calcium absorption. Keep in mind to serve them . Although parsnips are acceptable in small amounts, they are not a recommended food for rabbits. Rabbits are a family of herbivorous mammals. As with all new foods, you should introduce cabbage slowly and gradually so that your bunny has time to get used to it. These compounds tend to be especially concentrated in the greener parts of the plant. Before feeding any kind of new leaf to your rabbit, check its safety with multiple sources. Wild rabbits often eat tree leaves, so this is definitely a great way to make your bunny happy. Vomiting would usually apply, but, Squirming when you try and touch its stomach, Brussel sprouts (make sure the stalk is not attached). It is not worth the risk to feed them something that you are unsure of, you may poison your rabbit and you may be faced with a huge vet bill so stick to the safe stuff and always check what you feed your bunnies. Amy Pratt is a lifelong rabbit owner who has been specializing with rabbits at the Humane Rescue Alliance. However, if a tree that you are concerned about is shedding lots of leaves into your yard, contain your bunnies while you get rid of the leaves. Hemlock is poisonous to many other animals as well (including humans), so its best to keep it far away from all of our mouths. The leaves of a rhubarb plant are poisonous in large quantities. A small amount of potato may not do any harm to a rabbit. Nuts are very high in fat, which is a problem because rabbits need a relatively low-fat diet to thrive. If you have a pet rabbit, it is very important to know whether they are safe for your rabbit to be around and occasionally eat some of those tree leaves. Symptoms of rhubarb poisoning include: A swollen or sore mouth Diarrhea Bloated or sore tummy Tomato. Ivy, on the other hand, can be poisonous to rabbits if it is eaten in very high quantities. All wolfsbane and related species are toxic for rabbits. A lot of native produce such as wild carrot s, cucumbers, and garlic is toxic to rabbits. Outdoors, this is one of the plants that is most likely to be ignored by wild animals, such as deer or wild rabbits, because of the strong scent and fuzzy texture of the flowers. Yes. However, there is a 'But' in it. Why do rabbits eat leaves? This leaves one remaining option as the safest choice: restricting your rabbits access to certain areas of the garden altogether. why do senators have the ability to block hearings for presidential appointments? If you cannot find several reputable sources that state the tree is safe, do not feed its leaves to your rabbit. However, its best not to let your rabbit eat any kind of leaves on a regular basis. The leaves of potato plants can be toxic to rabbits. While cows will eat the leaves of most trees, they will not eat the leaves of magnolia trees. Rabbits should never be fed avocado, fruit pips, or rhubarb. 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. At times, rabbits eat something toxic without us realizing it. If that were not enough, allium-type vegetables can also cause anaphylactic shock in some rabbits. Rabbits who are fed an appropriate diet are less likely to graze on unhealthy or toxic foods. The roots of a kaffir lily are toxic, while lily of the valley, may lily, and calla lily plants are highly toxic and can cause severe gastrointestinal complications. Eating poisonous foods can be a danger to rabbits. document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a63a59b25fd2026c7e163723ba4d5721" );document.getElementById("c5d3bdb794").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); SmallPetJournal is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.ca. If they are not eating enough hay, follow the tips mentioned above. This can lead to heart failure and eventual death in some cases. Happily, its also a safe herb for your beautiful bunny to snack on as its not toxic to bunnies. Technically speaking, rabbits cannot eat a lemon. An ad-libitum diet with fresh food available around the clock mimics nature where up to 30 meals a day are eaten. We may only come to realize when our rabbit falls sick. In addition, the stones may perforate the internal lining of the kidneys or the associated organs like the ureter resulting in a condition called hematuria (presence of blood in urine). 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 . Rabbits can have a small amount of lemon as it will not adversely affect them. This actually causes them to become more toxic. Rabbits should not be fed any fruit pips, seeds, or pits in case they experience an adverse reaction. According to PDSA, symptoms of chocolate poisoning include: Although most of us would not treat our rabbits with chocolate, most of us do leave packets of half-opened chocolate lying about the house. Radish is quite spicy for rabbits and . It is a gas producing vegetable and can kill your rabbit. If everything seems okay, slowly introduce the leaf into its diet. Speak to a vet immediately if you are worried. This will give your rabbits GI tract time to adjust. What Foods Are Rabbits Not Allowed to Eat? He has six years of experience keeping small pets, from guinea pigs, rabbits, to hedgehogs. Yes. Carrot tops are not only safe for rabbits to consume, but they also contain a lot of nutrients. In small quantities, tree leaves are a wonderful way to enrich your rabbits life and give it a varied diet. Most owners will supplement their rabbits diet with pellets. This includes all varieties of regular onion, in addition to greens onions, shallots, and even garlic. In this case, yes, rabbits can eat mint in small quantities as part of their balanced diet. They prefer to eat leaves and other vegetation rather than grass. If a rabbit has been poisoned by eating chrysanthemum plants, they may suddenly exhibit anorexia and refuse to eat anything. Put your weed in closed high cabinets and locked drawers. Some wild plants have dangerous lookalikes that could kill your rabbit. Obesity in rabbits can be fatal enough to cause heart diseases. There are some clear signs of internal distress . Can rabbits eat mint? These are as follows: The higher the cocoa content, the higher the concentration of methylxanthines. . Learn which leaves are good for rabbits and which arent in this article. 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. If a rabbit does manage to eat some onion, they may show symptoms of weakness and dizziness. Variety is a good thing, but its essential to make changes gradually. If you let your rabbit forage in your garden, it is unlikely to eat poisonous plants, but you may still wish to remove any that you know are unsafe, such as hellebore and foxgloves. According to MAG, hay should comprise 80% of a rabbits diet. Dandelion flowers are also safe for your rabbit to eat, as are the leaves. Rabbits enjoy variety, and having a lot of diverse foods helps to make them happy. These can interfere with calcium absorption. It is helpful in boosting the immune system and improving the vision of rabbits. Some leaves will be rich in vitamins, while others may have valuable minerals. 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. Though its safe as an occasional treat, multiple feedings result in digestive problems. It can cause solanine poisoning in rabbits. THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. The list of toxic plants is extensive and this list, while large, does not cover every toxic plant. Besides these, oat hay is also a healthy option. Conclusion. If you are new to caring for rabbits, check out the Bunny Lady bimonthly newsletter. Rabbits quickly develop a taste for raisins, so you might feel like your denying your rabbit its favorite treat. Mint falls into the small category of herbs that are nontoxic for rabbits. Yes, rabbits can eat Swiss chard or Chard. (Yes, But ), How Tall/Deep Should A Rabbit Fence Be? So if you catch your bunny munching on a daisy or two while exploring your yard, theres nothing to worry about. Other parts of the plant can also be an irritant for rabbits, but are less likely to have a toxic effect. Other herbs that are safe for rabbit consumption are basil, oregano, parsley, cilantro, clover, caraway, rosemary, sage, tarragon, lavender, dill, lemon balm, and comfrey. Replied by LongRidge on topic Can sheep eat Magnolia leaves ?? You can rest assured and feed the pet with these foods as they are usually not allergic to them. link to 6 Reasons Rabbits Will Flip Over Their Food and Water Bowls, or visit their website for more information, Second Cutting Timothy Hay from Small Pet Select, Read more about why I recommend this product. So if your rabbit takes a couple nibbles of a flower that they shouldnt eat, theyll probably be fine, but if they eat the whole potted plant, then you may have to take action. Similarly, seeds are rich in fatty acids. Pet owners can chose to feed radishes to their rabbits, but it should not make up their entire diet. The good news is that most rabbits, even domestic rabbits, will instinctively avoid onion plants because of their strong smell. In fact, they are good for healthy teeth. Some trees are not suitable for rabbits to eat, and you should not give them to your bunny. So, if you serve up some apple as a treat, make sure that all of the pips have been removed. 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. As we know, rabbits are herbivores, so their gastrointestinal (GI) tracts can handle a very high-fiber, low nutrient diet. Rabbits suffering from foxglove poisoning will experience diarrhea, stomach pain, dehydration, weakness, and an irregular heartbeat. Its not just apple pips that are harmful, but apricot, peach, and plum pits, too. Mango is a good nutritious fruit for rabbits. apples) can be given as an occasional treat, but the pips/seeds must be removed. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Ive loved rabbits for as long as I can remember, so it felt natural to share my passion for lagomorphs with a much wider audience. This includes plants such as daffodils, tulips, bluebells, orchids, and many more. These beetles feed off of the magnolia flowers and pollinate the trees as they do so. Although not toxic to rabbits, sweet potatoes are still not recommended and should be avoided. The rabbits should stay in an isolated, properly ventilated area. In this case, alfalfa hay and/or a large serving of pellets can be used to bulk them up. Just like tomatoes, all the green parts of the eggplant are rich in glycoalkaloids (like solanine), which can lead to poisoning, as mentioned earlier. It should be kept out of reach of rabbits. So far, weve looked at what rabbits cannot eat. This is a substance that is poisonous to most mammals. However, it's not best for their health if they eat it frequently. However, rabbits do not eat the stones, and many people state that the leaves and twigs are fine for rabbits to eat. My objective is to help owners to keep their pet rabbits happy and healthy. The entire plant is potentially poisonous, including the flower, roots, stem, and leaves. But feed your rabbit in moderation. So, here are some food safety tips to remember: The most important tip is to be cautious. You can feed your rabbit treats in limited quantities. Rabbits need mainly hay and/or grass, some leafy greens and a small, measured amount of pellets. (Overweight Rabbits), Diarrhea. This is risky when there are pets inside the home. It shouldn't make up any large portion of their diet, not because it's unhealthy but because it doesn't have the nutrients they need. Rabbits don't naturally eat root vegetables or fruit. Yellow irises are highly toxic and should definitely be avoided. You should avoid giving your rabbit leaves from the following trees: There are many other trees that are not safe for rabbits, and still, more than that are in question. Water hyacinths can absorb toxins from the ground they are growing in, so if you dont know where it was grown, its best not to offer it to your rabbit. Feeding the rabbit with these fresh greens can bring a lot of health benefits. Celery leaves have less sugar and water than the stalks and are high in fiber and nutrients like vitamin C and vitamin E. The roots of the dandelion are very healthy once consumed in the right amounts. Rabbits can eat all types of greens, and leaves are no exception. Flowers with bulbs are all potentially poisonous for rabbits. Rhubarb. 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. Click here to schedule a video consult to speak to one of our vets. But we must feed them in limited amounts in moderation. Yes, bamboo leaves are described as great feeding for rabbits. Check out the store for T-shirts, face masks, mugs, sweat shirts and more! If youre at all worried that your rabbit has eaten something poisonous, the safest thing you can do is seek veterinary attention straight away. 2023 RabbitCareTips.com. But pet parents need to know which leaves are safe for them and which ones can pose health hazards. Alfalfa and spinach, for example, are safe for rabbits since they would not be able to eat enough for them to have a toxic effect. Generally, the rule of thumb is: the darker the leaves are, the healthier is the lettuce. Purple and blue plants contain anthocyanins. But what about pet rabbits? High contents of potassium regulate nervous coordination and blood pressure. Hemlock plants are poisonous for rabbits. 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. The answer: yes and no. There is henbit also growing in the yard. Small quantities of potato or a potato plant, will likely not be deadly to a rabbit, however large quantities can still be fatal. Cauliflower florets and the leaves and the stem are safe for rabbits. Most processed foods for humans will not be accepted by a rabbit's digestive system. All parts of a hydrangea plant, including the leaves, buds, and flowers, are highly toxic to rabbits. Rabbits can feed on these vegetables but only in small quantities and not as regular foods. Feeding a celery stalk whole or in large chunks could cause your rabbit to choke, which is extremely dangerous as they are unable to vomit. 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. Its your job to be discerning and research every new food you give them to make sure its not poisonous. So, whats the best source of fiber for rabbits? Rabbits can also be fed small amounts of herbs such as Basil, Dill, and Mint. However, there are also many flowers and plants that are dangerous and even toxic to bunnies, so make sure youre fully aware of everything growing in your garden before letting your bunny out to forage. This is problematic because, if they dont curb their appetite with hay, theyre more likely to overeat pellets. Can Rabbits Eat Tomatoes Leaves? In fact, dandelion greens have been found to soothe inflammation caused by other allergies in rabbits due to the presence of chemicals called polyphenols. Douglasine is poisonous to cows and can cause them to become sick or even die if . If you want to know more About us Click Here. The symptoms of this poisoning are abdominal pain, diarrhea, cardiac dysrhythmia, itching, and bloating. So to eat the leaves of a tree, they tend to take a quick pull, tearing the leaf away in one quick motion. Sweet Gum Trees. Your vet will then be able to assess your rabbit and determine whether they require treatment or not. Rabbit Nutrition: How to feed your pet rabbit. The poisonous compound found in mums is high levels of pyrethrins. Bunnies can eat rose petals and all parts of the rose bush, so if youve got a rose garden youd like to keep pristine, keep your rabbit well away from it. Onions can cause rabbits to become anemic and weaken their immune system. Each day, provide a bundle of hay thats at least as big as them. This is a substance that is poisonous to most mammals. Facebook; Oh I have raised rabbits and showed them in 4h as a kid now my daughter is doing the same!! Avocado is one of the most dangerous foods for rabbits. Read . If you think your rabbit is obese, feed him these greens and keep a check on their body weight daily. Does your rabbit like to flip over their food bowls? Tree leaves will provide a multitude of benefits. Its also crucial that we feed our rabbit a species-appropriate diet. can rabbits eat magnolia leaves. Unless you know otherwise, you should assume that the entire plant, not just the bulbs are toxic to rabbits. Rhododendrons, including azaleas, are beautiful plants that are highly toxic for rabbits. Follow the Bunny Lady and her bunny partner Elusive and they seek to educate rabbit caretakers and make sure everyone is able to have a happy and healthy bunny in their home. Cover the seeds with about 1/4 inch (0.5 cm.) Celery leaves resemble parsley leaves in appearance. Other irises, however, are not so highly toxic. is henbit safe and nutritious for my furry termites? They provide a balanced diet. These both have high quality rabbit products and are companies that care about the health of our small animals. Rabbits can eat these greens raw. In mild cases a rabbit may experience difficulty breathing, an inflamed stomach, or shaking. Cat and dog foods contain added calcium, so this is not recommended for rabbits. 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