Foods Fatal To Rabbits : Avoid 7 Toxic Foods For Bunnies

Rabbits are very active animals and need to have regular access to food. They also like to explore, so there must be a sufficient portion for their daily needs.

If they are only fed on one type of food, they will quickly become bored, but there are some foods fatal to rabbits if you give other foods.

As rabbit owners, you must know what can rabbits eat and what can’t rabbits eat. Not all foods are suitable for rabbits because what not to feed rabbits have more risks for rabbit health. Let’s take a closer look at foods fatal to rabbits and some foods to avoid to find out about this.

What Foods Are Toxic To Rabbits?

Several foods can cause significant harm to your little rabbit. You must know what is poisonous to rabbits because toxic foods will irritate the bunny’s digestive system and can be fatal.

Remember these foods because they include what not to feed rabbits: Yoghurt drops, Garlic, soda, foxglove, and bracken. These foods can be fatal for rabbits because poisonous to their body and can lead to deadly problems.

Toxic foods can cause rabbit bloat, lose appetite, lose weight, lose hair, and other worse diseases.

Can Rabbits Eat Cucumbers?

What Can Rabbits Eat And Not Eat List?

To clarify what is edible for rabbits, you should know a list of what foods are allowed for rabbits and which foods are not allowed.

For example, some fruit is excellent for a rabbit with a generous portion. Do rabbits eat pineapple? Yes, make sure there are no seeds and cleaned them first.

Several other questions will follow regarding the fruit that will be given to the rabbit, such as “can rabbits eat persimmons?” or “can rabbits eat grapes”. Yes, don’t forget to provide the fruits with the respective portion as a treat, not as the main meal.

Let’s take a look at what foods we can give to rabbit and what not to feed rabbits in this table below:

As you can see, many foods are good for rabbits, and it concerns fruit and vegetables. Can rabbits eat asparagus? Yes. Rabbit can have ripe, clean asparagus. Can rabbits eat kiwi? Yes. Rabbits can get a tiny portion of kiwi.

If you look at the chart on the right, some can be fatal to rabbits and some that are better avoided. Can rabbits eat avocado? No. Avocado is one of the foods fatal to rabbits.

What Kills Rabbits Fast?

Several things can kill your rabbits fast, such as human medicine, food that still has pesticide residue, rat poisons, and automotive products.

Maybe some are not foods, but there are also some foods fatal to rabbits if they are not cleaned properly or are not processed according to the needs of the rabbit.

Rat poison and bug killers can be dangerous for your rabbit, even at a small dose. As for human medicine, you don’t want to carelessly give your rabbit your medicine, except the vet’s suggestion. Only the vets could tell which human medicine suited a rabbit.

Now you know what can kill a rabbit and what not to feed rabbits because it can be fatal for your rabbit’s life.

Holland Lop Lifespan

What Human Food Can Rabbits Eat?

After discussing a few things rabbits can’t eat, we now need to learn about some good human foods. Some of these foods are still related to fruit and vegetables.

Some foods such as carrots, celery, dark lettuce, apple, and berries are essential nutrients and vitamins for the rabbit.

Can rabbits have pineapple? Yes, they can. When the pet owner asks about “can rabbits eat pineapple?” They think that pineapple is terrible for rabbits, but it’s not. Pineapple has enzymes and bromelain that good for the rabbit digestive system.

Make sure you know some suitable fruits for rabbits and clean them first to avoid residual pesticides and seeds. Fruit seeds also include what not to feed rabbits because they can make your rabbit choke and have difficulty breathing.

Foods Fatal To Rabbits

Now, let’s go back to what can’t bunnies eat by discussing some fatal foods to rabbits. This is not one of the foods to avoid, but instead, not giving it to the rabbit. Several of these foods fatal to rabbits with varying effects. Let’s discuss them one by one.

Chocolate

Chocolate is not suitable for your rabbit. It contains theobromine, a substance that can be fatal for your bunny. Too much theobromine concentration will create multi-organ disease or organ failure.

It’s okay if your rabbit eats a small piece of chocolate, but it will be a problem if your rabbit eats a lot of chocolate at one time. You should never give your rabbit chocolate candy or bar, even on the trim piece. These can actually be quite lethal to your rabbit.

Iceberg Lettuce

Iceberg lettuce has a dangerous chemical for rabbits. Can rabbits eat iceberg lettuce? No, because it has lactucarium which can cause sleepiness and affect the nervous system.

When the pet owner asks about “can bunnies eat iceberg lettuce?” You need to give them information about how bad iceberg lettuce for rabbits. Besides, iceberg lettuce provides little nutritional value because it has a lot of water content.

Sugary Processed Foods

Sugary processed foods like candy, chips, cookies are things that what not to feed rabbits because too much sugar can ruin your rabbit’s digestive system. Even though your rabbit has a sweet tooth, it doesn’t mean you can give them sugary foods.

Foods that have a lot of sugar can lead to diarrhea and soft feces. This will lead your rabbit to get another fatal gut disease. Sugary processed foods are foods fatal to rabbits, and you must never feed your rabbit any other form of sugar.

Avocados

Avocados are one of the what not to feed rabbits because avocado has Persin. This is a toxic compound that can cause breathing problems in rabbits at short notice. This can cause rabbit heart failure, even death.

Persin is all over the avocado. The avocado fruit about things that what not to feed rabbits and the leaves and branches of avocado are also harmful to rabbits. Ensure your rabbit stays away from the avocado tree or if you keep avocado in your home.

Even without Persin, avocado is still bad for rabbits because it contains too much fat, while rabbits need a lot of fiber to digest the system.

Rhubarb

Rhubarb becomes foods fatal to rabbits because raw rhubarb has oxalic acid that can lead to losing appetite, weakness, neurological damage, and seizures to a rabbit. Although rhubarb is a vegetable with long green leaves, rabbits should not eat it.

The important thing about rhubarb being one thing what not to feed rabbits is its leaves. Oxalic acid is more commonly found in rhubarb leaves. Rhubarb should never be given to rabbits, even in small portions or pieces of leaves, because the rabbit’s body cannot stand its oxalic acid content.

Fruit Seeds & Pips

If you have given your bunny some fruits, seeds & pips as a treat, he may have some bad experiences left behind in his cage. If you let your rabbit consume these products, you could kill him.

If this happens to your pet, you will find out that the bunny is suffering from internal bleeding or even from strangulation.

There are many causes why your rabbit may choke on fruit seeds & pips. It may either be because of the substance mixed with the food, or it may be due to the consistency of the product. That’s why seeds and pips are the things that what not to feed rabbits.

You can give your rabbit fruit but release the seeds first before giving the slice of fruit for your rabbit. Can rabbits eat plums? Yes. But remember to remove the seeds first.

Slicing cucumber is okay for your rabbit without the seeds. But can rabbits eat pickles? No. Never give pickles to your rabbit. Instead, give them a thin slice of cucumber for their snacks.

Potato Leaves

Potato leaves are what not to feed rabbits because they can be fatal and poisonous to your rabbit. A single leaf can detach itself from the stem and hang down.

The effect of the poison varies. You may see your rabbit start to act weird, and you might discover he is vomiting. But again, the effect of the poison is variable, depending on the animal and the amount ingested.

If your rabbit eats potato leaves, these will be foods fatal to rabbits. it’s possible that the toxic chemicals have been absorbed into his system. This can be potentially dangerous.

If you notice your rabbit drooling, having stomach cramps, or urinating, there may be a problem. Call your vet immediately and get your rabbit checked thoroughly.

Allium Vegetables

The next toxic foods that what not to feed rabbits are allium vegetables. Garlic, onion,

and all herbs from the allium family are toxic for rabbits because they have an immunosuppressive effect that will lead your rabbit into weakening the immune system.

Onion, as one of the allium vegetables, is what not to feed rabbits because it can cause hemolytic anemia to a rabbit. Your rabbit can be anemic and dizzy. These will be foods fatal to rabbits because they can cause severe anemia and even death.

Rabbit Ate Toxic Food – What Should I Do Now?

If your rabbit accidentally eats one of the what not to feed rabbits like chocolate, avocados, or onion, you should see some signs of pet poisoning such as difficulty breathing, coughing, drooling, and unconsciousness.

Make sure you know what your rabbit eats, how much, and when. Immediately take your rabbit to the veterinarian and give him some info about foods fatal to rabbits that your rabbit accidentally eat and poisoned him.

Never induce vomiting even if you know that your rabbit just swallowed poisonous food because it will be more dangerous if there is vomiting left in the rabbit’s stomach. Let the professional do the work.

What Not To Feed Rabbits – Foods Not Toxic But Good To Avoid

There are some rabbit foods that you should avoid, although there is a wide range of quality rabbit feeds available. Not all fruit or vegetables are good for rabbits. Even that vegetable is one of the what not to feed rabbits. Let’s take a look at it.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower is a veggie, but it’s one of the what not to feed rabbits. Can rabbits eat cauliflower? Yes, but don’t give your rabbit too much cauliflower. Cauliflower can cause your rabbit to bloat and become gassy.

Cauliflower only has 8% of the protein that your rabbit needs. The rest of it is just water. Cauliflower is not one of the foods fatal to rabbits, but avoid this veggie for your rabbit.

Avoid Dog Food Or Cat Food For Rabbits

The next thing about what not to feed rabbits is dog and cat food. These pet foods may cause serious health problems for your pet rabbit. This is because the ingredients used by pet food companies are usually filled with meat, fish, and other proteins.

Rabbit cannot digest protein and fat properly because rabbit is a herbivore. It’s different from carnivorous cats or dogs so that every cat or dog food has protein and fat in it. It’s okay if your rabbit eats that accidentally, but don’t feed cat or dog food on purpose because it’s included in “what not to feed rabbits.”

Nuts

Nuts are considered safe for rabbits in a small amount. But you rather avoid nuts for your rabbit because nuts have high fat and high carbohydrates. Nuts are one of the what not to feed rabbits.

Can rabbits eat peanut butter? Yes, in a tiny amount, but it’s better not to. The rabbit digestive system can only process fiber and low-calorie food.

Giving rabbits carbohydrates and high fats can damage the kidneys and other organs because they are forced to digest what cannot be processed. Even if your rabbit can digest nut, your rabbit can get obesity and health complications.

Muesli

Sometimes rabbit owners still give muesli to their rabbits because they mistakenly think muesli is rabbit food. Muesli can make your rabbit have problems with its teeth and tummy. Muesli has high fat and sugar, which are two components that what not to feed rabbits.

Raisins

Raisins are not toxic for rabbits, but they can be a less healthy food for rabbits. Raisins do not contain fiber, which is what rabbit needs but has high sugar content.

Although raisins are safe for rabbits, they provide many raisins and can destabilize your rabbit’s gut flora. This will cause impaction, discomfort, and other health issues.

Consider Raisins as what not to feed rabbits in a heavy amount. Rarely give your rabbit raisins, and rather give your rabbit a fresh grape without seeds.

Parsnips

You can give your rabbit parsnips in a moderate portion and give it only as a treat. What not to feed rabbits on parsnips are cooked parsnips. Even though parsnips have low calories, this food is a little fattier than other vegetables. Besides, parsnips have high sugar and phosphorus.

Do not replace parsnips with your rabbit’s daily routine because parsnips have more carbs and sugar than dietary fiber.

Meanwhile, cooked parsnips can be foods fatal to rabbits because it’s hard to chew and digest. The ingredients for cooking parsnips can also harm rabbits and can cause fatal conditions on their bodies.

What Can Rabbits Eat?

After discussing a lot about what not to feed rabbits, now let’s talk about what food is safe for a rabbit. This will be what fruits can rabbits eat and also vegetables that good for a rabbit.

Give your rabbit high-fiber fruit like apple, pear, and berries. Don’t forget to remove the seeds first, and give 1/2 tablespoon per serving, likewise with vegetables like squash and pepper that have high fiber.

Pellets are by far the most common type of food that a pet rabbit will eat. This type of food is inexpensive, easy to prepare, and nutritious. Rabbits in their pre-domesticated state used pellets to supplement the amounts of hay that they received every day.

Fiber Food For Rabbits

Mix hay with other vegetables, pellets, and freshwater is healthy for your rabbit. Fresh hay has essential fiber needed for your rabbit and is good for digestive health.

What do rabbits eat besides hay that has high fiber? You can add basil, celery, clover, bok choy, parsley, and other green vegetables. Clean from the remaining pesticides and give them to your rabbit fresh new vegetables.

Vegetables To Feed Rabbit

You should always keep in mind that rabbits like all types of vegetables, including green leafy vegetables. There are many different kinds of vegetables that your rabbit might enjoy eating.

One good idea would be spinach, Brussels sprouts, and kale. All these vegetables have different ways of being chewed, and of course, each of them contains different nutrients that your rabbit needs.

Carrots and peas are other favorites among rabbits. It is important, though, to avoid tomatoes as these can be toxic for rabbits.

Can rabbits eat tomatoes? Yes, but don’t give your rabbit the plant part. Tomato plants and tomato seeds are both foods fatal to rabbits because they are poisonous to rabbits.

Rabbit Pellets Portion Size

Measure 25g of pellets for your rabbit’s daily routine. For a medium-sized rabbit, give 50g per day at maximum. Don’t give your rabbit muesli, but find another healthy pellet with high fiber and low protein.

Besides being given healthy pellets with high fiber, give your rabbit a healthy treat to give your rabbit a flavor variant. Also, pay attention to the weight of your rabbit.

Adjust your rabbit pellets with their body weight to match the nutrition needed for your rabbit. If you are still confused about the right portion for your rabbit, consult a veterinarian for a definite answer.

Rabbit Healthy Treats

To find good healthy treats for your rabbit, give some fruit or vegetables that rabbits can’t eat a lot like cucumber, arugula, cantaloupe, etc. Those foods are not considered fatal foods to rabbits, and they just need to be given a sufficient portion to become a healthy treat for the rabbit.

Can rabbits eat arugula? Yes, a rabbit can eat arugula as their healthy treats and healthy diet. Can rabbits eat cantaloupe? Yes, give it to your rabbit as a treat once per several days. Cantaloupes have antioxidants and plenty nutrients that rabbit needs.

How To Safely Change Rabbit Diet?

You can give your rabbit safely diet when you know about what not to feed rabbits. Avoid those foods, and you will get healthy foods for your rabbit’s diet.

If you want to replace the rabbit’s pellet with one that has more fiber and more nutrients, make sure you do it slowly. Rabbits can not be replaced immediately. After all, they can lose interest in eating because they cannot immediately receive new food.

Transition the diet to your rabbit’s food for four weeks so the rabbits can get used to the new taste of their food. For the initial seven days, give a portion of 90% old food and 10% new food.

Change it gradually per three days by adding new food and reducing the old food portion. Do this until your rabbit gets used to the taste of the new food.

Also, pay attention to your rabbit’s reaction after being given the diet transition. If your rabbit doesn’t show any side effects after being given the new food, then you can continue the transition process.

Importance Of Rabbit Food Safety

We have to think about food safety for rabbits in terms of cleanliness, nutrition, and avoiding foods fatal to rabbits. Some fruits and vegetables that are good for rabbits can also be harmful if we are not careful about serving foods to our rabbits.

For example, can bunnies eat grapes? Yes, as occasional food. But for safety, don’t give your rabbit grape seeds because they will choke your rabbit. So, can rabbits have grapes? Yes, but separate the seeds and just give the grape without seeds.

In addition, several fruit and vegetables cannot be given to your rabbit in large portions, such as raisins, parsnips, or cucumber, because they can cause digestive problems and other diseases.

Final Verdict – Fatal Foods To Rabbits

Give your rabbit a well-nourished diet and have high fiber, which will make their digest system healthier and increase their life expectancy.

Do not give foods fatal to rabbits because they can harm their bodies and can cause severe injuries to the rabbit’s digestive system.

Distinguish some of the foods that can be avoided for your rabbit, and which are some of the foods that what not to feed rabbits. Some of them are chocolate, potato leaves, iceberg lettuce, avocado, cauliflower, and sugary processed foods.

If your rabbit is already eating toxic foods, make sure what foods your rabbit eats and how much. Give quick action to contact the vet and not take action alone unless your vet tells you to. Let your vet do the work because they are more experienced in helping rabbits who get poison food.

Rajkumar Ravichandran

Welcome to Learn About Pet. My name is Rajkumar Ravichandran and I love all pets, travel, and amazing food. I write about my passion and personal experience caring for multiple pets in this blog! ❤️