Can rabbits eat celery? Yes, pet rabbits absolutely can eat celery in small quantities, if properly prepared. The main issue with rabbits eating celery is the strings found inside of them. These could be a choking hazard. But let’s start at the beginning.
Is Celery Safe for Rabbits?
As previously mentioned, celery is absolutely safe for rabbits. So, if you came with that question — can bunnies have celery — you can check it as answered.
The only potential problem with a celery stalk comes from the strings found inside of them.
According to the Cheadle Center for Biodiversity and Ecological Restoration, the strings, or ribs, are made from thick collenchyma tissue. This tissue helps to keep the celery stalks growing upright.
It goes without saying, the strands of tough tissue get stuck in the teeth. If you have ever had that little string get caught in the back of your throat, you know they can cause potential choking problems. Or at least a bit of discomfort.
This can be problematic for your fuzzy bunny.
Let’s look at celery for rabbits in more detail.
Rabbits and Celery
Rabbits conjure up some pretty unique images in the mind. The most common undoubtedly features a cute fuzzy bunny snacking on a juicy carrot.
It may come as a shock, therefore, to learn that rabbits do not actually eat carrots in the wild. In fact, they do not eat any root vegetables at all! Their natural diet is largely grass hays and a minor portion of leafy vegetables.
Greens and other plant matter make up the bulk of a rabbit’s diet, and the indigestible fiber is essential in keeping the waste moving in the intestinal tract.
Research tells us this and it also helps us to understand the very complicated and unique aspects of the rabbit digestive system. This includes the less than pleasant habit of eating “wet wastes.”
The carrot-munching rabbit image can be traced back to those old Bugs Bunny cartoons and a reference to Clark Gable. Of course, the idea of rabbits eating and loving carrots stuck in our minds.
However, this fact about carrots may leave your wondering if you are feeding your rabbit correctly. You may be wondering “can bunnies have celery?” or “can rabbits have celery?” You may even be concerned, “do rabbits eat celery?”
Celery may come to mind as a healthy option for your rabbit, and it is the natural companion to carrots. But here’s some interesting information about celery for rabbits below.
Do Wild Rabbits Eat Celery?
Bunnies do not eat celery in the wild.
There are several reasons for this. And they have nothing to do with whether or not celery is healthy or even favored by rabbits.
First of all, wild rabbits can be found on every continent across the planet.
There are about 30 different rabbit species and each species is adapted to its environment. For example, the desert cottontail needs very little water to survive. The pygmy rabbit, on the other hand, is small enough to evade predators in the southwestern US.
There are two types of rabbits — the swamp rabbit and marsh rabbit — that live in wetland areas. These rabbits are adapted to life in the wetlands and frequently munch on marsh plants.
What does this have to do with answering the question of can rabbits eat celery?
Well, wild celery, or garden angelica, grows in marsh and wetland areas. Russia, Sweden, Finland, and France, are a few of the countries where celery grows wild.
Rabbits in US marshy areas though (which are the majority) are unlikely to come into contact with celery plants. Some rabbits may find their way into a crop field filled with celery. But since celery needs so much water to grow, bunnies may not spend mealtime in a muddy celery field.
In other words, celery is likely off the menu for most of the wild rabbits.
Do Rabbits Like Celery?
We know the answer to “can bunnies eat celery” now. But to better understand celery for rabbits, you may have another question. That question you should be asking right about now is, do rabbits like celery?
Yes, the vast majority of bunnies love celery.
Celery is savory, rich, and a refreshing treat. It also fulfills your rabbit’s need to munch on crunchy foods to minimize tooth growth.
While your bunny may adore celery as a part of the diet, you should start with just a bit. This is best whenever you provide your pet with new food in general. Celery is unlikely to cause any problems, but some pets do develop a bit of diarrhea with new foods.
If you notice runny diarrhea that lasts for a day or more, then stop giving your rabbit the celery. While it is quite rare, your poor rabbit may actually be allergic to the vegetable.
If stool appears only slightly wetter than usual, then you are probably OK to continue with the celery feedings. Continue experimenting with a small amount of celery once a week.
Watch for signs of discomfort, like the production of gas or the continued production of loose stool. If you notice that the digestive issue has passed — which is likely — then add a bit more celery to the diet over the next few weeks.
Is Celery Bad for Rabbits?
No, celery is mostly good for rabbits. With celery for rabbits, to reduce choking, feed your rabbit small pieces of celery.
Cut the stalk down the middle first and use your knife to cut one-quarter to one-half inch chunks off each halved stalk. Feed your rabbit the small pieces.
While the much smaller ribs or strings are unlikely to cause a problem, you should still watch out for signs that your animal is in distress.
Choking is an issue that can be devastating for your pet rabbit, especially since bunnies cannot vomit.
Vomiting can sometimes help dislodge a large piece of food that has obstructed both the esophagus and windpipe.
If you bunny ate celery and is choking, please scroll down to our section about what to do.
Is Celery Good For Rabbits?
As discussed earlier, celery is pretty good for your bunny to munch on.
Leaves are a great addition and so is the celery stalk, as long as you follow a varied diet and mix up your fruit and vegetable selections as often as you can get out to the grocery store.
Health Benefits of Celery for Rabbits
Celery, in particular, is packed with a wide assortment of vitamins and minerals including:
- Folate
- Vitamin C
- Potassium
- Vitamin B6
- Manganese
- Vitamin B2
- Phosphorous
See, and you thought celery was just filled with a bunch of water. This is also why many people wonder, “can rabbits have celery?” But, celery is more than just water.
The inclusion of phosphorous is especially important for rabbits. Phosphorous deficiencies, along with low levels of calcium and vitamin D, can lead to a condition called rickets.
Rickets can lead to weak bones, especially when it comes to the backbone. If the backbone is not strong enough, then it can fracture.
The right combination of phosphorous, vitamin D, and calcium is required to prevent rickets.
Do not panic just yet though. Studies show a few cases of rickets in tame rabbits, especially when they follow a good diet plan.
Feed your bunny celery for the phosphorous. Then add in some sunlight for vitamin D. Definitely not least, include a dash of calcium-rich broccoli and you should be all set to prevent all types of bone diseases.
Can Rabbits Eat Celery Stalks?
Rabbits can eat celery stalks. The part of the plant that we munch on is called the petiole or stem.
Can Bunnies Eat Celery Roots?
Yes, they can! The celery stem thickens towards the end where the petiole meets the root structure of the plant. This part of the plant stalk is called the root base, and it is safe to eat.
The root base is not as tasty as the thinner part of the petiole though. You may know this already if you cut it off and throw it in the trash when cooking.
However, the root base has fewer of the ribs or strings that can cause choking issues. So it is the safest part of the vegetable for you bunny, outside the leaves.
Cut off a small piece of the root base when feeding your rabbit to see if he likes this part of the stalk. You never know, it might actually be his favorite part of the vegetable.
Can Rabbits Eat Celery Leaves?
The leaves of the celery plant are also safe for your rabbit to eat. In fact, they pose no choking risk, so they are a great vegetable option for your bunny.
The leaves are also a lot like the other foods that rabbits eat in the wild. These foods include weeds, grasses, flowers, buds, bark, and clover.
You can see how celery leaves fit right into your rabbit’s natural diet. Now you need not ask, “can bunnies eat celery?”
My Rabbit Ate Celery and Is Choking. What Should I Do?
With rabbits, first aid for tummy issues can be different than we know — rabbits cannot vomit. They have a tight upper/esophageal sphincter that does not allow this.
Since vomiting is not going to be helpful to a choking bunny, look for the following choking signs:
- Rabbit lifting nose high to breathe in oxygen
- Gurgling, whining, or hissing sounds coming from the mouth
- Heavy breathing followed by gasps or pants
- Strong chewing motions or mouth pawing
- A blue tint developing across the gum tissues.
If you notice these signs, then rush your rabbit to the nearest animal hospital.
If this is not possible or if your nearest emergency animal clinic is far away, then you can perform the rabbit Heimlich maneuver, which is outlined in a video by House Rabbit Society.
The maneuver involves abdominal thrusts underneath the ribs. Just like the human Heimlich maneuver, it is dangerous when completed incorrectly.
Ask your veterinarian to show you how to complete it properly so you are more than prepared if an emergency situation develops. It may be handy to learn other first aid for issues like diarrhea, for example, when your vet can’t be reached.
Can Baby Rabbits Eat Celery?
No, baby rabbits should not eat celery or any vegetables for that matter until week 12. Until week seven, baby rabbits should stick to their mother’s milk. After week seven, they may eat some alfalfa hays and pellets.
Do not give vegetables to baby rabbits.
Can Rabbits Eat Celery Every Day?
Celery for rabbits should be served in moderation, bearing in mind its high water content. You may decide to feed your bunny celery every other day as well, instead of daily.
For adult rabbits, experts recommend about one cup of packed greens for every two pounds of rabbit. Of course, this depends on how your rabbits responds after a slow introduction. It is wise to look out for any habit changes or bowel changes when you introduce new food.
Rabbit Celery Treats
There are a few fun ways to feed you bunny celery. These include:
- Dried celery leaves
- Complete rabbit meal of hays mixed in with chopped celery
- Fresh celery sliced to one-inch pieces, max, to reduce risk of choking or string around teeth
Alternatives to Celery for Rabbits
Besides celery, some other nutritious veggies you can feed your rabbit include:
Can Rabbits Eat Celery? – Summary
Nothing is more satisfying than munching on a fresh, crisp piece of celery. Celery is a healthy vegetable for both you and your rabbit. And, the vegetable is very likely to become one of your bunnies’ favorite snacks.
With a bit of cutting and a careful eye, celery can be a staple in your rabbit’s varied and nutritious diet.
If you are having doubts or if you are a bit worried about potential choking issues, then make sure to speak to your veterinarian about feeding your bunny celery. This is always wise, whether you decide on a new type of commercial food or want to start adding more greens to the diet plan.
Do you love the crunching sound your rabbit makes when eating his celery? Have you just started adding celery to your rabbit’s diet? What kind of veggies are loved by your bunny? You can let us know about your experiences with rabbits and celery in the comments below.
References and Further Reading
- Lathan, L. K., DVM, First Aid for Rabbits
- Lafeber. Kelleher S., DVM. Gastrointestinal Problems in Rabbits
- Brown, S. “Suggested Vegetables and Fruits for a Rabbit’s Diet”
- A. M. Safwat, L. Sarmiento-Franco, R. H. Santos-Ricalde, D. Nieves, and C. A. Sandoval-Castro, Estimating Apparent Nutrient Digestibility of Diets Containing Leucaena leucocephala or Moringa oleifera Leaf Meals for Growing Rabbits by Two Methods, Asian-Australas J Anim Sci. 2015 Aug; 28(8): 1155–1162Facts About Plant Anatomy
- House Rabbit Society
- W. King Wilson, Incidence of Rickets in Rabbits, Nature 136, 434-434 (14 September 1935) | doi:10.1038/136434a0
