Can rabbits eat rhubarb? No — why, and what to do
Quick answer: No — rhubarb is not safe for rabbits and should never be given.
Quick verdict
Unsafe
Key risk
High in oxalates which are toxic and can cause serious illness.
Why
Rhubarb is poisonous to rabbits.
Can rabbits eat rhubarb, and why?
Rhubarb is poisonous to rabbits. High in oxalates which are toxic and can cause serious illness.
Rabbits are herbivores: roughly 85% of their diet should be good-quality hay or grass, plus a daily handful of leafy greens, with only small amounts of other veg and tiny occasional fruit. They have a sensitive hindgut that depends on constant fibre — sudden changes, sugar or starch can trigger dangerous gut stasis and bloat.
Warning — what to watch for
High in oxalates which are toxic and can cause serious illness.
If your rabbit has eaten rhubarb, don’t wait for symptoms — contact your vet immediately, or call the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 (24/7, UK). Signs of a problem can include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, lethargy, tremors or loss of appetite.
🚨 Find an emergency vet near youMore foods rabbits might eat
Keep rhubarb out of reach
If your rabbit has eaten rhubarb, ring your vet — do not wait to see what happens. For preventing a repeat:
Feeding & nutrition guides
Frequently asked questions
Can rabbits eat rhubarb?
Unsafe. Rhubarb is poisonous to rabbits.
What happens if my rabbit eats rhubarb?
High in oxalates which are toxic and can cause serious illness. If your rabbit has eaten rhubarb, contact your vet or the Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) straight away — don’t wait for symptoms.
Is rhubarb poisonous to rabbits?
Unsafe. Rhubarb is poisonous to rabbits.
Free printable: safe & toxic foods for rabbits
rhubarb is just one food — get the full one-page checklist of what’s safe, fine in moderation, or dangerous for rabbits. Vet-sourced, yours to print and keep.
Check rhubarb for another pet
Sources
Our verdict on whether rabbits can eat rhubarb draws on established UK and US veterinary and welfare organisations. Individual pets, quantities and preparation vary — always confirm with your own vet.