Mint is a healthy herb that can be fed to rabbits in small amounts. Not only is it tasty, but it has many health benefits. All parts of the mint plant can be eaten, including the leaves and stems. While the roots aren't toxic, they aren't nutritious either.
You can offer a small fresh mint stem once or twice a day. In addition to the mint, you will have to give many other healthy vegetables to meet the nutritional needs of your rabbit's diet. Also, your pet will love to eat different varieties.
Plants rabbits tend to avoid include: Vegetables: asparagus, leeks, onions, potatoes, rhubarb, squash, tomatoes. Flowers: cleomes, geraniums, vincas, wax begonias. Herbs: basil, mint, oregano, parsley, tarragon.
Although rabbit-proof plants don't exist, there are some that rabbits don't like because of their strong scents such as basil, garlic, rhubarb, hot peppers, spicy basil, and mint.
Some of the more commonly found herbs on the exhaustive list includes agave (leaves), aloe, amaryllis, bloodroot, bluebonnet, blue-green algae, buttercup, belladonna, echinacea, elder, eucalyptus, hemlock, hogwort, holly, jasmine, lily of the valley, milkweed, mistletoe, nutmeg, oak leaves, poppy and ragwort.
Dark leafy green vegetables such as Asian vegetables (bok choy, pak choy, choy sum), cos lettuce (not iceberg lettuce), endives, celery, broccoli, herbs (coriander, parsley, mint, dill), carrot tops and capsicum (all colours) are safe for rabbits and guinea pigs.
Take note that most backyard plants are poisonous, including poppies, tulips, dahlia, clover, buttercups, iris, jasmine, and snowdrops.
Yes, mature rabbits can safely enjoy mint in moderation.
However, rabbit owners must be aware that too much mint or the wrong type of mint can put rabbits at risk.
4. Pepper Mint. You can use the peppermint plant or its essential oil as a rabbit repellant. The bunnies hate the scent of peppermint, but they can still eat the plant if the odor is not very strong.
Lavender is among the plants that are completely safe for rabbits to eat. You can give lavender to your rabbit fresh or even dried, allowing your rabbit to forage for the yummy pieces of lavender. Some evidence suggests that lavender can even act as a relaxing agent for rabbits, helping them to calm down and chill out.
Can Rabbits Eat Cucumber? Yes, it is safe for rabbits to eat cucumber! Most rabbits will love the fresh taste. Rabbits can also eat cucumber leaves.
Garden-grown human foods that rabbits shouldn't eat include Apple Pips, Garlic, Onion, Potato Plants, Rhubarb (all of it), and Tomato Plants. Most evergreen leaves are poisonous to rabbits and some lighter coloured lettuces (e.g. iceberg) can harm them too.
Leafy greens daily
Rabbits must have an adult-sized handful of safe, washed leafy green vegetables, herbs and weeds daily. Find out more in rabbit-safe plants, vegetables, herbs and fruits. Your vet can also advise about rabbit-safe plants.
Some leafy greens, such as collard and dandelion greens, parsley, kale, Swiss chard, and escarole, should be fed in limited quantities, as they are high in calcium and may contribute to the development of calcium-based bladder stones if fed in excess.
Only one variety of mint is toxic to pets – Mentha pulegium. It can grow in most areas of the United States, except for the coldest regions. If your pet starts vomiting, having diarrhea, or showing weakness after eating mint, call your vet immediately or get in touch with Maven's veterinary team.
Like many herbs, mint can adversely affect some people. People with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) should not use mint in an attempt to soothe digestive issues. According to a 2019 review , mint commonly acts as a trigger for GERD symptoms. Taking peppermint oil in large doses can be toxic .
The powerful concentration of scents that essential oils deliver makes them a great deterrent to rabbits. Mint and peppermint essential oils are good choices, as are lemon balm and rosemary. You can buy essential oils or make your own.
Due to the low concentration of potentially harmful essential oils, eating raw wild mint or using dried plant material for tea is not harmful to humans. However, there is an exception: Mentha pulegium contains pulegone, a highly toxic essential oil derivate that can cause liver damage and death.
Deer, insects, and some other outdoor pests do not like the smell or taste of mint. If they smell mint while scoping out your garden, they'll likely try to get away from the scent. There are a few different ways you can use mint to keep animals out of gardens.
Mint isn't just great for cooking. Its oils are proven to repel fleas, ticks, ants, mice and moths. Mint is an invasive plant, so you'll want to put it separately from your garden (unless, of course, you want an all-mint garden).
Safe plants for rabbits include Chickweed, Clover, Daisies, Dandelion, Nasturtiums, Nettles, Roses, Pansies, Pot Marigolds, and Sunflowers. Safe garden vegetables for rabbits include Kale, Romaine Lettuce, Bok Choy, Carrot Tops (carrots themselves are high in sugar so give these sparingly), Basil, and Broccoli Greens.
Once eaten, these harmful plants may cause symptoms such as seizures, loss of appetite or digestive signs of intestinal inflammation. If you notice your rabbit acting strangely or showing any of the signs above, always consult your vet as soon as possible!
Poisoned rabbits often become lethargic and weak, and may lose their appetite. Some develop obvious abdominal pain and breathing difficulties. Rabbits with these signs may die, even with treatment. Find more information on poisoning in rabbits.