Safe and unsafe foods for rabbits
Safe rabbit foods centre on unlimited grass hay, a variety of suitable leafy greens, and small amounts of pellets. Unsafe foods include chocolate, avocado, onion and garlic, most human snacks, and high-sugar or starchy snacks, plus many ornamental plants. If your rabbit eats something unsafe, call a rabbit-savvy vet for advice — some foods are dangerous even in small amounts, and rabbits cannot vomit them back up.
Fast answer for owners
- Go now if: Any unsafe food plus not eating, diarrhoea, bloating, weakness, toxin concern, or large amount eaten
- Call today if: Small accidental nibble of a questionable food while rabbit is normal
- Do not: Do not introduce many new foods at once; do not feed human treats; do not wait after toxic foods
- Tell the vet: Food name, amount, time, ingredients, sugar/fat/spice, appetite, droppings, and age
Go to a vet now if
- Your rabbit ate a known toxic food (chocolate, avocado, onion) — call now
- Signs of illness after eating something unusual
Call a vet today if
- Too many snacks or a sudden diet change causing soft stool
- Wanting to introduce a new green safely
What to tell the vet
- What was eaten and how much
- When it happened
- Any current signs
- Normal daily diet
- Weight and age
- Ongoing conditions
What not to do
- Do not feed chocolate, avocado, onion, or sugary human snacks
- Do not make sudden large diet changes
- Do not try to induce vomiting
What your vet may check
If your rabbit ate something unsafe, your vet can advise whether it's a concern and assess for any effects.
Recovery support after veterinary assessment
If a dietary upset causes soft stool, your vet may advise a return to a hay-based diet plus support such as RodiCare Dia.
Frequently asked questions
What foods are dangerous for rabbits?
Chocolate, avocado, onion and garlic, most human snacks, high-sugar or starchy snacks, and many ornamental plants. When unsure, check with a vet before feeding.
How do I introduce new greens safely?
Add one new suitable green at a time in small amounts and watch the droppings. Stop and ask your vet if you see soft stool or any upset.
My rabbit ate a little chocolate — what do I do?
Call a rabbit-savvy vet or poison line for advice. Some foods are harmful even in small amounts, and rabbits can't vomit them up.
Related emergency guides
What changes urgency for this page
- Young rabbits and stasis-prone rabbits tolerate diet mistakes poorly
- high sugar/fat foods can trigger gut upset
What the vet is trying to rule out
- Diet history, toxin risk, gut status, hydration, diarrhoea, and safe diet reset
Source-tied safety note
House Rabbit Society: rabbit diet: House Rabbit Society gives rabbit diet principles centered on hay and safe foods.
Page-specific owner FAQ
Is a new vegetable dangerous?
Usually less than human medicine, but sudden changes can upset the gut.
Are treats okay during illness?
Do not use treats to mask reduced hay intake.
Sources & standards
Emergency guidance follows RWAF, House Rabbit Society, and exotic small-mammal medicine standards, source-cited; veterinary review pending.
Related pages in this emergency hub
Source-cited guidance; veterinary review pending.