Can rabbits eat carrots?
When it is a problem
- Carrots contain a lot of sugar and not much fibre. Source: PDSA, Royal Veterinary College
- One Royal Veterinary College guide does not recommend carrots at all, because sugars and starches can upset the gut's bacterial balance. Source: Royal Veterinary College
If you offer it
- The leafy carrot tops are a better choice, as part of a mix of leafy greens. Source: RSPCA
Sources
PDSA: Feeding your rabbits (opens in a new tab)
“Just like fruit, carrots are okay in small amounts as an occasional treat.”
PDSA: Feeding your rabbits (opens in a new tab)
“Many rabbits love carrots, but they aren't the healthiest treat because they contain lots of sugar and not much fibre.”
RSPCA: What do rabbits eat? Rabbit diet advice (opens in a new tab)
“Only give your rabbits small amounts of root vegetables and fruit, such as carrots and apples, as an occasional treat.”
RSPCA: What do rabbits eat? Rabbit diet advice (opens in a new tab)
“Despite popular belief, carrots aren't the main source of food for rabbits – nor should they be.”
RSPCA: What do rabbits eat? Rabbit diet advice (opens in a new tab)
“Instead, give your rabbits carrot tops (the leafy green part) as part of a varied selection of leafy greens.”
Royal Veterinary College: Rabbit care (RVC Exotics Service) (opens in a new tab)
“Carrots (and carrot tops) – should be limited as they are high in sugars”
Royal Veterinary College: Rabbit care information pack (RVC Exotics Service) (opens in a new tab)
“Fruits and carrots (anything that can be pureed) are not recommended as the sugars and starches can upset the bacterial balance of the gut.”