Bunny proofing your home goes beyond covering cords and hiding cables. Are you sure every leaf and flower your rabbit can reach is safe to nibble? Many common plants contain hidden toxins that can be extremely dangerous for pet rabbits if consumed. Yet with the right knowledge, you can confidently provide a healthy salad bar packed with delicious greens that are not just safe, but packed with nutrition to keep your rabbit thriving. Learn how to transform your garden into a leafy rabbit paradise, avoid risky choices, and discover 20 of the top non-toxic plants for every bunny owner’s list. Your rabbit friend will rejoice at the bounty of safe plants to happily munch on!
How worried should you be about poisonous plants?
As a responsible rabbit owner, you want to make sure your furry friend has a safe home environment with plenty of approved plants and greens that will keep them healthy. However, you also need to be aware of which plants can be potentially toxic or even deadly to your rabbit if ingested. While the vast majority of plants are harmless, there are some common poisonous plants that all rabbit owners should know about.
Consuming poisonous plants can cause a wide range of symptoms in rabbits based on the toxins involved, from gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea or vomiting to liver and kidney problems or even neurological effects. Some poisonous plants can cause almost immediate reactions, while the impacts from others may develop more slowly over hours or days. Depending on the amount consumed, the effects can range from mild to very severe or fatal.
Many common garden and house plants contain some level of toxins, whether in the leaves, stems, flowers or berries. Plants like azaleas, chrysanthemums, daffodils, foxgloves, hydrangeas, ivies, lilies, morning glories, nightshades, oleander, rhododendrons and tulips are all known to be poisonous and should be avoided. Other unsafe plants for rabbits include some very common vegetables and herbs like onions, garlic, leeks, tomatoes, potatoes and rhubarb. Household trees like cherry, plum, apricot, peach and apple trees also contain cyanide within their leaves, branches and seeds which can be toxic.
The risks depend on the individual rabbit, how much plant material was consumed and the type of toxins involved. Larger amounts will cause more significant effects, while smaller taste tests may just lead to irritation or minor stomach upset. However, the toxins can accumulate in their body over time with repeated exposure. Some plants like lilies are extremely toxic and just a small amount can be fatal.
The best approach is to assume that any unknown plant could be poisonous. Take precautions by removing or restricting access to any questionable plants. Do research ahead of time to make sure any plants you allow your rabbit access to are confirmed as rabbit-safe. Also look out for potential hazards when allowing outdoor exercise in gardens or play areas. With proper knowledge and plant selection, you can feel confident your rabbit's environment is poison-free.
Plants that are safe for rabbits
Providing the right plants and greens is crucial to your rabbit's diet. Here are 20 safe, healthy options to consider:
1. Roses
Roses are non-toxic for rabbits, including the leaves, flowers and petals. Be sure to remove any thorns to prevent potential mouth injuries before feeding rose plants to your bunny.
2. Daisies
Both daisies and english daisies (Bellis perennis) are rabbit-safe choices and provide a healthy source of fiber and nutrients. The leaves, flowers and stems are all non-toxic for bunnies when eaten fresh or dried.
3. Dandelions
Dandelions are a favorite food for many rabbits. Both the yellow flowers and green leaves are edible. Dandelions provide a wide range of vitamins, minerals and fiber. They can be fed fresh or dried as a nutritious addition to your rabbit's hay-based diet.
4. Sunflowers
The leaves and stems of sunflowers are safe for rabbits to eat and deliver beneficial nutrition like vitamin E. Feed sunflower leaves and stalks in moderation along with other greens. The large sunflower seeds themselves are high in fat and should only be given sparingly as treats.
5. Mints
Mint is non-toxic for rabbits and can be offered fresh or dried. Feed mint leaves in moderation due to the higher oxalic acid content. Spearmint, peppermint and catmint are rabbit-safe varieties that provide antioxidants. Avoid pennyroyal mint as it can be toxic.
6. Bell flowers
Also called bluebells, bell flowers like campanula and Canterbury bells are a safe, healthy edible choice for rabbits. The flowers, leaves and stems can all be enjoyed by your bunny as part of a varied diet. Different bell flower varieties provide vitamins A, C and E.
7. Willow
Willow branches make great chew toys for rabbits to nibble on and are an edible wood source. Provide pesticide-free willow twigs for your rabbit to gnaw on which will help wear down their continuously growing teeth. Both weeping willow and white willow are non-toxic varieties.
8. Jasmine
Jasmine is rabbit-safe in moderation and offers antioxidants. Feed jasmine flowers and leaves sparingly due to the higher oxalic acid content. Opt for non-toxic varieties like Asiatic, Arabic and Chinese jasmine.
9. Nasturtium
Both the leaves and colorful flowers of nasturtiums are edible for rabbits and provide vitamin C. Introduce nasturtiums slowly to make sure they agree with your bunny's digestion. Avoid allowing rabbits to eat large amounts as it may cause loose stools.
10. Hollyhock
The leaves, stems and flowers of hollyhock (Alcea rosea) are all safe for rabbits to consume. In addition to vitamins and minerals, hollyhock contains antioxidants. Feed hollyhock along with a variety of other greens as part of a balanced diet.
11. Cotton
Cotton is a useful plant for digging and burrowing rabbit toys. The plant fibers are also non-toxic, so cotton leaves, flowers and stems can all be nibbled by bunnies without issue as a supplemental treat.
12. Pot marigolds
Also called calendula, pot marigolds provide antioxidant benefits and are safe for rabbits to eat. Both the colorful flowers and green leaves can be fed. Introduce pot marigolds slowly and in moderation to watch for potential allergic reactions.
13. Lavender
Lavender has antibacterial properties and the leaves and small purple flowers can safely be consumed by rabbits. Feed dried lavender sparingly since the essential oils may cause stomach upset in excess. Lavender also makes a pleasing natural scent in rabbit toys.
14. Nettle
Stinging nettle loses its stinging properties when dried or cooked, making it safe for rabbit consumption. Nettle contains vitamins A, B, C, D and K. Slowly introduce nettle into the diet and feed in moderation mixed with other greens.
15. Chamomile
Both German chamomile and Roman chamomile flowers and leaves are non-toxic for rabbits. Chamomile may provide anti-inflammatory effects but should not be given in excess due to the higher calcium content. Feed dried chamomile sparingly as part of a varied diet.
16. Clover
Clover is a nutritious legume that is perfectly rabbit-safe. The leaves, stems and flower heads can all be enjoyed. Clover provides rich fiber as well as vitamins and minerals like vitamin K, calcium and potassium. White and red clover are good options.
17. Grass
Letting your rabbit graze on fresh grass is beneficial. Provide access to pesticide-free grass for short periods under supervision. Timothy, oat, Bermuda, rye and meadow grasses are all good choices. Avoid feeding large amounts of rich spring grass which may cause digestive issues.
18. Violets
African violets and Johnny jump ups with their purple flowers are non-toxic for rabbits to eat. The leaves, blooms and stems of violets provide vitamin A. Introduce violets slowly to watch for any diarrhea or gastrointestinal upset.
19. Pansies
The colorful flowers and greens of pansies contain vitamin C and are perfectly rabbit-safe. Feed pansy flowers and leaves in moderation as treats or as part of a mixed salad. Baby bunnies especially enjoy nibbling the velvety soft petals.
20. Fuschia
Fuschia flowers and leaves are edible and non-toxic for rabbits. The berry-like pods are also safe but should only be given occasionally due to the higher sugar content. Feed fuschia as part of a varied diet to take advantage of the beneficial antioxidants.
Making sure your rabbit friend only has access to healthy, non-toxic plants is a key part of rabbit proofing their environment. Stick to plants from the safe list, and always research before introducing any new greens. With proper precautions, you can ensure your bunny only benefits from leafy greens instead of being harmed. Providing a diverse salad bar of rabbit-safe plants and flowers will keep your rabbit happy and healthy while satisfying their natural urge to graze.