Can Rabbits Eat Grapes?

Yes, rabbits can eat grapes, and many bunnies enjoy their sweet taste and soft texture. But that doesn’t make them healthy. 

Rabbits have highly specialized digestive systems designed to process high-fiber, low-sugar foods, primarily grass hay. Without enough hay, rabbits are at risk for gastrointestinal stasis, which can progress quickly and be deadly.  

While grapes are safe in small quantities, they should always be a treat, not a dietary staple. 

Grapes do offer some nutritional benefits, but they’re not an essential part of a rabbit’s diet.  

Some health benefits of grapes for rabbits include:  

• Water content, which can contribute to hydration 
• Small amounts of vitamins, including vitamin C and vitamin K, which can support the immune system and help reduce stress  
• Antioxidants, which can improve immunity and support overall health 

However, rabbits already get all the nutrients they need from: 

• Unlimited grass hay, like Small Pet Select First Cut Timothy Hay for adult rabbits or Oxbow Alfalfa Hay Small Animal Food for bunnies younger than 6 months old.  

• A small amount of high-quality pellets, like Nutrena NatureWise Premium Rabbit Food or Science Selective Rabbit Food 

• Fresh, leafy greens like romaine lettuce or arugula  

So while grapes aren’t bad in tiny amounts, they should never be part of a regular diet for rabbits.   

Yes, grapes can be bad for rabbits if you feed them too many. The biggest concern is that grapes contain a lot of sugar.  

Too much sugar can: 

• Disrupt the balance of gut bacteria 
• Lead to soft stools or diarrhea 
• Increase the risk of gastrointestinal stasis, which can be fatal  
• Contribute to weight gain 
• Cause dental issues 

Another issue is that if rabbits expect sweet foods, they may refuse hay or greens, which can lead to serious, long-term health problems. 

When it comes to grapes, less is more. 

Generally, you can offer your rabbit:  

• 1–2 small grapes cut into small pieces per serving 
• No more than once or twice per week 

If it’s your rabbit’s first time trying grapes, start with a very small piece and monitor their stool and behavior for 24 hours. 

Fruit, including grapes, is a treat and should make up no more than 5% of a rabbit’s overall diet. 

If you decide to offer your bunny grapes, follow these safety tips: 

• Wash grapes thoroughly: Remove pesticides, dirt, and residue. 
• Remove stems: Grape stems can be tough and harder to digest. 
• Cut grapes into smaller pieces: This reduces choking risk and makes portion control easier. 
• Offer grapes alone: Don’t mix grapes with other new foods—that way you can monitor for any bad reactions related to the grapes. 
• Feed grapes at room temperature: Cold foods straight from the fridge can upset sensitive stomachs. 

Always pair treats with unlimited hay access to keep digestion moving. 

If your rabbit accidentally ate more grapes than recommended, don’t panic, but do monitor them closely. 

You should look out for:  

• Soft stools or diarrhea 
• Reduced appetite 
• Lethargy 
• Decreased poop production 
• Signs of abdominal discomfort (hunched posture, tooth grinding) 

If you notice those signs, you should:  

• Remove all sugary foods immediately 
• Encourage your rabbit to eat hay  
• Make sure they have fresh water  
• Contact your veterinarian if symptoms last more than 12 hours or get worse  

Digestive issues can escalate quickly in rabbits, and GI stasis can be deadly, so you should never wait to see a veterinarian if symptoms don’t go away or get worse.  

Like grapes, most fruits are safe for rabbits only in small amounts.  

Some rabbit-safe fruits include: 

• Apples (with no seeds) 
• Strawberries 
• Blueberries 
• Raspberries 
• Pears (with no seeds) 
• Bananas (in very small amounts) 

These fruits, including grapes, are safe for rabbits in moderation but are not necessary for a healthy diet. Think of grapes as a rare indulgence—something to offer occasionally for enrichment, not nutrition.   

If you’re looking for more enrichment for your bunny, toys are a great alternative to foods. Try the Oxbow Animal Health Enriched Life Wooden Puzzler Small Animal Toy or the Oxbow Animal Health Enriched Life Natural Activity Mobile Small Animal Toy.  

Can bunnies eat grapes? 

Yes, bunnies can eat grapes, but only as an occasional treat. Their high sugar content makes them unsuitable for daily feeding. 

How many grapes can you give a bunny? 

Most rabbits should have no more than 1–2 small grapes at a time, once or twice per week at most. Smaller rabbits may need fewer pieces.