Foods that are notorious for causing rabbit GI problems when fed improperly are grains of any kind and legumes (beans, peas, etc). Even starchy root vegetables and fruits if fed to excess with their high load of sugars and starch could be a problem and should only be fed as a very small part of the diet.
Yes, but only in limited quantities.
As with other legumes, too many peas could cause stomach issues and gastro-intestinal stagnation. An adult rabbit should consume no more than two tablespoons of peas per day. Rabbits are able to eat peas as part of a healthy diet.
And while peas are a good source of protein for us, they can cause digestive problems if used as rabbit food.
Rabbits in the wild can enjoy peas and bean plants whenever they see them. Their digestive systems would most likely be unaffected because the diet of wild rabbits would be balanced out by feeding on hay and many other leafy greens.
Do not feed your rabbit potatoes, corn, beans, seeds or nuts. These foods are difficult for rabbits to digest and can cause serious digestive problems.
Leafy greens daily
Rabbits must have an adult-sized handful of safe, washed leafy green vegetables, herbs and weeds daily.
These foods are poisonous for your rabbit and could make her ill: Potatoes, daffodils, tulips, rhubarb, lillies, mushrooms, avocado, broad beans, sweet peas, buttercup, kidney beans, jasmine, foxglove and iceberg lettuce.
Rabbits don't naturally eat root vegetables or fruit. Carrots and fruit are high in sugar and should only be fed in small amounts as occasional treats. Rabbits need mainly hay and/or grass, some leafy greens and a small, measured amount of pellets.
Particularly good vegetables include the dark leafy greens like romaine lettuce, bok choy, mustard greens, carrot tops, cilantro, watercress, basil, kohlrabi, beet greens, broccoli greens, and cilantro.
Can rabbits eat tomatoes as an occasional treat? Yes, but there are a couple things you should know first. Tomatoes do have some health benefits (they're a great source of vitamins A and C) — but they're also high in sugar. As a result, as with all fruits and vegetables, a small amount is key.
Yes. Rabbits can eat peas, but they must be fresh and still green. They are safe for your furry friend. However, avoid giving them dried ones as the latter can cause intestinal blockages.
Yes, it is safe for rabbits to eat cucumber! Most rabbits will love the fresh taste. Rabbits can also eat cucumber leaves. Before feeding cucumber to your rabbit, wash it in cold water to remove pesticides.
For Your Pet
Sweet Peas are toxic to many animals and humans if ingested. Symptoms may include paralysis and breaking down of the connective tissues in joints and other areas if ingested often.
We do not advise giving them frozen treats or ice cubes because they can cause intestinal problems. You can safely used battery operated fans which can be attached to an indoor or outdoor hutch. Ensure that your rabbits have the choice whether to sit in the air flow or not.
Fruit. Pretty much any fruit will make a good sweet treat, though the high sugar content means it should only be given in moderation. It's also important to remove any pips or stones that could become choking hazards. Bananas, apples, strawberries and raspberries have all proven a hit.
Oats make a good treat for rabbits. Like everything else, they should be given in moderation. One teaspoon a day is plenty unless you have an underweight rabbit. Oats are low is sugar but higher in fat.
Do NOT feed the following: cereals, grains, nuts, seeds, corn, beans, peas, breads, biscuits, sweets, sugar, breakfast cereals, chocolate or any garden plants that are toxic to rabbits (see links below).
General feeding recommendations are around 1 cup of dark, leafy greens per 2 pounds of a rabbit's body weight daily.
Apples and pears are the most notorious examples, but the pits from apricots, peaches, plums, and mangos also contain cyanide, as do cherry pits. While the amount of cyanide contained in fruit seeds and pits is generally scant, it is best to avoid feeding them to rabbits altogether.
Green, leafy vegetables are good for bunnies. You can include arugula, basil, bok choy, broccoli leaves, carrot tops, celery, clover, collard greens, dandelion leaves, dill, endive, kale in small quantities, romaine and dark leaf lettuce, mint, mustard greens, parsley, and watercress.
Rabbits eating a diet that is too high in carbohydrates (typically pellets) are prone to developing intestinal problems because they are not consuming adequate fiber (grass hay).
Veterinarians suggest feeding rabbits fresh vegetables as well as grass and hay as primary sources of nutrition. Pellets are high in calories, so rabbits fed too many may develop health issues.
Likewise buttercups, foxgloves, primrose, delphiniums/larkspur, columbine (aquilegia) hellebore, comfrey, poppy, periwinkle, monkshood, rhubarb, nightshade, ivy, privet, holly and yew are all reasonably common garden plants and all are toxic.
Silverbeet
Like iceberg lettuce, silverbeet—sometimes referred to as chard—is another leafy green that your rabbit should avoid. According to a veterinary center in New Zealand, the vegetable can cause your bunny to suffer from colic and bloating and should be replaced with high-fiber fruits, veggies, and herbs.
Do not give broccoli to rabbits. It will give them painful gas. Never give your rabbit kale or spinach. Kale and spinach can cause health problems over time, due to the high amount of oxalates and goitrogens.