Can Rabbits Eat Blackberries?

Yes, they can—including the ripe or unripe berries, leaves, and stems.  

However, while blackberries aren’t toxic to rabbits, eating too many can still cause digestive issues, says Renee Schmid, DVM, DABT, DABVT, a senior veterinary toxicologist and director at the  Pet Poison Helpline.  

Stick to blackberries as an occasional treat alongside a diet of hay, a small serving of pellets, and a few leafy greens. 

If you’re wondering how many blackberries rabbits are allowed to eat, there is no simple answer—it depends on factors like your pet’s age, weight, and overall health.  

However, Dr. Schmid suggests a general guideline: one teaspoon of fruit per two pounds of body weight per week. If you’re offering multiple types of fruit as treats, the recommended amount applies to the total, not to each type of fruit. 

According to Dr. Schmid, blackberries provide some vitamins for rabbits, such as vitamin C and antioxidants. With that said, Schmid stresses that meeting your rabbit’s essential dietary needs should come first, which means plenty of hay and a small serving of pellets daily. 

Jana Bryant, DVM, lead veterinarian and managing partner at CityVet, concurs, saying that “fruits and vegetables such as carrots or peppers should be used as occasional treats,” making up no more than 5% or less of a rabbit’s diet.  

It’s not a good idea to regularly give your bunny lots of blackberries. Rabbits have very sensitive digestive systems and specific dietary needs.  

If your bun fills up on treats like blackberries, it can leave little room for the essential parts of their diet. “They may begin to prefer the sweet taste and avoid eating other important foods,”  Dr. Schmid says. This can ultimately lead to nutritional deficiencies. 

Hay should make up the bulk of a rabbit’s diet because it contains two types of fiber: digestible and indigestible. Hay provides essential nutrients and helps with digestion.  

According to Dr. Bryant, signs of a healthy rabbit include:  

• Consistent eating and defecating: Any loss of appetite or absence of stool is a medical emergency. 
• Healthy stool appearance: Stool should be formed into round balls that are not overly dry or crumbly. 
• Proper body condition: You should be able to feel your rabbit’s ribs beneath their fur and muscle, but they should never feel bony over the ribs, shoulders, or spine. 

If your rabbit overindulges in raspberries from outside, Schmid says the effects are usually minor, likely causing only temporary gastrointestinal upset. However, if your rabbit is showing signs of illness, reach out to your veterinarian for advice as soon as possible.  

Q: Can a rabbit eat blackberries? 

A: Yes. Just like any other fruit or vegetable treat, moderation is key—they should make up 5% or less of your rabbit’s diet.  

Q: What berries are best for bunnies?  

A: Dr. Schmid says many of the berries found at the grocery store are safe for rabbits to eat, including blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, and raspberries. “My bunnies love our leftover strawberry tops and blueberries that are too squishy for my kids,” says Dr. Bryant of her own lop-eared bunnies.  

Q: Can rabbits eat blackberry leaves?  

A: All parts of the blackberry fruit and bush, including its leaves and stems, are safe for rabbits to eat in moderation.