Yes, Rabbits Can Eat Zucchini! But Follow These 7 Tips

Rabbits enjoy a wide variety of treats, including many different types of vegetables and fruits. Most people know that rabbits love leafy greens and the occasional root vegetables, like carrots. But what about zucchini? Yes, rabbits can eat zucchini and other forms of squash. The zucchini, sometimes called a courgette, has a very high water content, similar to that of cucumbers. It also provides a lot of natural fiber, as well as vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and manganese. You can most likely add zucchini to your rabbit’s diet, but make sure to follow these seven tips.

Offer Zucchini in Moderation

Owners should only offer zucchini, like most other fruits and vegetables, in moderation. Yes, rabbits can eat all the parts of a zucchini, from the flowers and leaves to the skin and the flesh. However, too much can sometimes cause digestive issues. The bulk of an adult rabbit’s diet, about 80 percent, should consist of timothy hay and pellets. The rest can be made of treats such as leafy greens and other vegetables and fruits. Approximately 1 tablespoon of non-leafy greens, such as zucchini, may be offered daily per 2 pounds of your rabbit’s overall weight.

Wash Zucchini Thoroughly

Like all other fruits and vegetables that you offer your rabbit, you should make sure to thoroughly wash zucchini. Pay special attention to the leaves if you provide them to your bunny. Wash and rinse all zucchini parts to remove any pesticides or other chemical residue.

Consider Removing the Seeds

Some owners say that although rabbits can eat the flesh, skin, leaves, and even the flowers of the zucchini plant, the seeds may be tough for them to swallow. Just in case they could cause your rabbit problems, you might want to consider removing the seeds before offering zucchini.

Slice Thinly

Rabbits have an easier time eating vegetables cut into small strips or slices than those left whole or cut into large chunks. Leave the skin on, but make sure to slice the zucchini into thin pieces before offering it to your bunny.

Always Serve Zucchini Raw

Although rabbits easily tolerate many vegetables and fruits, they cannot handle butter, oils, and other fats. Don’t fry, roast, boil, or otherwise cook zucchini before giving it to your pet. Rabbits can easily eat raw zucchini and very much prefer it that way.

Wait Until Adulthood to Introduce Zucchini

Do not introduce zucchini and other vegetables to a rabbit’s diet until they reach adulthood. You can begin offering these treats sometime around 7 months of age. When you do introduce zucchini or any other new food, do so one food at a time. That way, you will know if that particular type of food causes issues.

Watch for Signs of Intolerance

Rabbits can eat lots of different types of fruits and vegetables, including spicy offerings such as bell peppers and radishes. But not every rabbit tolerates every type of food the same way. Some rabbits might eat a particular vegetable with no problems whatsoever, while others may suffer from diarrhea, constipation, excess gas, or other issues with just a small amount.

When feeding your rabbit zucchini, or any other new food, remember to start slowly, with just small amounts. Watch for any signs of intolerance such as bowel changes or discomfort. If your rabbit does not tolerate the new treat well, stop offering the food and switch to one of the many other treats that bunnies can usually eat without problems.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Rabbitti/iStock via Getty Images