Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian or weed specialist. This information was gathered from multiple sites including Woodgreen.org and the Rise & Shine Rabbitry. Please talk to your exotic vet before introducing any weed as a health supplement to their diet.
Weeds are often seen as a nuisance, but for pet rabbits, they can be a powerhouse of nutrition and health benefits. Many common weeds are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can support your rabbit’s immune system, aid digestion, and promote overall well-being. From dandelions to clover, these wild greens offer a natural and varied diet that can help prevent boredom and encourage healthy eating habits. Understanding which weeds are safe and beneficial for your rabbit can transform your pet’s diet, providing a more balanced, enriching experience.
Rabbits in the wild are often seen grazing on weeds like clover and dandelion. They instinctively know which weed is beneficial to them, but our domesticated bunnies don’t have that instinct. Foraging for your rabbit can become a great peaceful activity for you and one they will love you for! Did you know that besides weeds, there are many herbs that also have healing benefits?
8 Healing Weeds
There are many safe weeds that your buns can eat, but these 8 weeds can be found quite easily. For those of you that live in a city without green space, you always have the option to order some dried weeds online.
Chickweed (Stellaria media) has some great benefits for your bun. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B C and D, calcium, potassium, and iron. It is believed to have mild anti-inflammatory properties and high water content which is great for keeping your bun hydrated. Some herbalists believe it may have mild respiratory benefits as well. Chickweed can also help with the healing of cuts. Another benefit is that it is soothing for the digestive tract which can help when your bun is moulting. Chickweed is considered a super food and can be given daily!
NOTE: Chickweed does have a moderate amount of calcium so if your rabbit has a problem with high calcium or calcium related issues, just give this weed as a treat on occasion.
Chicory is a great source of various vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, E and K, potassium, folate, manganese and calcium. Chicory contains a soluble fiber and inulin (which is a natural prebiotic) that can promote a healthy digestive system. It also has mild anti-inflammatory properties, which could be beneficial for rabbits with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. Chicory is a diuretic, meaning it promotes urine production. This may be beneficial for rabbits in preventing urinary tract issues.
Chicory is actually part of the dandelion family and in the US can also be termed curly endive. You can use both weeds for enrichment by mixing them into your rabbit’s hay for them to forage! Also, the root is great for them to chew for dental reasons. NOTE: Chicory contains oxalic acid so it should be used in small amounts!
Clover is rich in various vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and K, calcium, manganese and protein. The fiber content in clover can contribute to a healthy digestive system in rabbits. Adequate fiber is crucial for preventing gastrointestinal stasis. Clover, particularly red clover, contains isoflavones, which may have mild anti-inflammatory properties. It also has diuretic properties and is rich in antioxidants. There are many varieties of clover all of which are safe and all parts can be given to your rabbit.
NOTE: Use sparingly. Too much protein can increase urine which can be a strain in the kidney’s. It is also considered a legume and therefore too much can cause gas and bloat which will make their gut hurt.
Dandelion is an extremely common weed known to most people. It’s greens are rich in essential nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium, potassium, and iron. They are a good source of dietary fiber, which supports a healthy digestive system in rabbits as well as mild diuretic properties which can help prevent UTI’s. Dandelion greens have mild anti-inflammatory properties and a high water content that will help keep bun hydrated. Other benefits include purifying the blood, tempering respiratory ailments such as pasteurellosis and can help regulate diarrhea. The milky sap stimulates glands making this very beneficial to lactating does!
All parts of the dandelion can be used and can be given fresh, dried or even as a tea (cooled). My buns love when I head out to my yard and pick them some dandelions for a daily treat!
Mallow leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, potassium, and iron as well as being a great source of soluble fiber. These can all lead to a healthy digestive system. Mallow has mild anti-inflammatory properties and diuretic properties too.
Purslane is another common weed and is a good source of essential nutrients including vitamins A, C, E and some B and minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and omega 3’s. It helps to keep the eyes healthy, the immune system strong, bones strong, the heart healthy and improves digestion. Purslane contains antioxidants, which may have mild anti-inflammatory effects and is rich in antioxidants. This weed has a high water content helping to keep your rabbit well hydrated. You can add some purslane to your rabbits daily greens.
Note: Do not overfeed purslane or use in place of your rabbits regular diet. Too much can cause diarrhea.
Stinging nettle, also known as common nettle, is rich in vitamins C, K, and various B vitamins and minerals iron, magnesium, and calcium. It contains compounds that have mild anti-inflammatory properties. Stinging nettle has diuretic effects, promoting urine production. In herbal medicine, stinging nettle has been historically used for its potential blood-purifying effects. The anti-inflammatory properties of stinging nettle may offer some support for rabbits with joint issues or arthritis. It also contains chlorophyll, a green pigment with potential detoxifying properties. Like the dandelion, nettles can help stimulate a lactating doe.
NOTE: Do not get this mixed up with Bull Nettle which can be toxic to your bun. Bull nettles have stiff stems that are growing out of the central stock which has many small sticky hairs and purple or white flowers.
Yarrow contains flavonoids and alkaloids, which have mild anti-inflammatory properties. It has antimicrobial properties that could help combat certain types of bacteria helping to support digestive health. This may be relevant in supporting overall health. It can be used topically for wound healing (slowing bleeding and promoting healing of skin wounds). It also has appetite-stimulating effects, which could be beneficial for rabbits with a decreased appetite. Yarrow can also help with postpartum recovery.
Note: Yarrow is very strong and should only be used in moderation.
Foraging for Weeds
First and foremost, make sure you are foraging weeds that have not been treated with fertilizers or herbicides. If you have a lawn service, don’t be tempted to pick a dandelion or clover for your bun.
You also need to know what you are looking at. If you are unsure, a book about foraging wild edibles is a good thing to have on hand! Never give your bunny any weed unless you are 100% sure you know what it is!
Before you head out of doors, there are a few things you’ll need to grab to make your foraging trip much easier. A basket for collecting your weeds, heavy duty gloves, clippers and a weed puller. Don’t forget to slather on the sunscreen!
Description of Weeds:
- Chickweed likes cool weather, so it’s best harvested in late spring and fall. It has oval-shaped leaves growing in pairs opposite each other on long stems that creep along the ground and star-like white flowers.
- Chicory is a branching, scraggly-looking plant. The flowers are 2 to 4 cm. wide and are usually a bright, light blue and the base leaves resemble dandelion leaves then alternately spaced and much smaller as they get higher up on the stem.
- Clover is a plant with a semi-erect, sparsely branched, grooved stem, hairy in its upper regions. It has three blunt-tipped leaves and the flowers are quite distinct with a white and pink appearance.
- Dandelion has a rosette base producing several yellow flowering stems and toothy, deeply-notched leaves.
- Mallow is a low growing weed, with leaves that are kidney shaped, toothed and 5-9 lobes. The flowers have 5 petals and are white, pink or lilac in color.
- Purslane has yellow flowers that occur singly or in small clusters. The leaves that are spoon-like in shape and succulent or fleshy. This hearty weed can even be found growing out of sidewalks!
- Stinging Nettle is a plant that can have 2 different types of flowers. The first being greyish yellow and the other greyish green and hairy. It has fine toothed, tapered, somewhat heart-shaped leaves that are 3-15 cm in length. NOTE: this weed has “stinging” hairs which can “burn” your hands….make sure to wear gloves! The hairs do not hurt bunnies although you can dry them or make a tea if you are wary.
- Yarrow has flat or dome shaped clusters of small white flowers. It has fine feathery leaves and can grow to three feet in height. It looks similar to Queen Anne’s Lace (which is also edible for buns)
Picking your forage: Make sure to forage weeds in areas free from contaminants. Pick “higher up” if possible to avoid risk of disease and never pick anything that is moldy or has parasites.
Preparing your forage: Place your weeds in a sink filled with cool water. Leave them for 20 minutes to refresh them, swirl the dirt off, then remove, dry, and refrigerate in a zip-top bag. Stored in the fridge, fresh greens will last about a week.
An alternative way to prep is to dry your weeds. This can be done by lying them out in a single layer in the sun to dry or by using a dehydrator or the oven on a low setting. Once dried, store in air tight containers in a cool dry place.
Final Thoughts…
Incorporating healthy weeds into your rabbit’s diet can be a simple yet powerful way to boost their nutrition and enhance their quality of life. With careful selection of safe, pesticide-free options, weeds offer a natural, enriching supplement to their regular food. Not only do they provide essential nutrients, but they also engage your rabbit’s natural instincts to forage, making mealtime more exciting. By introducing these wild greens into their routine, you can give your rabbit the health benefits of nature’s bounty, supporting a happier and healthier life.
As with any new edible item, introduce in small quantities and observe how you bun likes it and tolerates it. Never use healing weeds in place of traditional medicine. Always consult your exotic vet if your bunny is ill. It’s important to remember that rabbits are delicate animals, and not all weeds are safe. You can find a list of poisonous plants here. Symptoms could include intestinal upset and inflammation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, fever or low body temperature, seizures, lethargy, weakness and depression.
If you believe your bun has ingested an unsafe weed, get to your vet immediately. ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center has round-the-clock availability in case you’re unsure about whether an weed is safe or not. Their phone number is (888) 426-4435.
