Can Rabbits Eat Celery?

Your rabbit should eat mostly hay and pellets, but that cutie probably also loves getting in on some fresh veggie action too. Celery, with its fibrous crunch and hydrating properties, seems like a natural addition to your bunny’s diet to help support good health. But can rabbits eat celery? If so, what should you know before letting them chomp away?

We’re covering it all, including whether celery is good for rabbits and some considerations to keep in mind.

Celery is a low-calorie, high-fiber snack that is safe for rabbits to munch on, says Dwight Alleyne, DVM, a senior veterinary associate at Petfolk in Sandy Springs, Georgia. He says that because this stalky vegetable is made of 95% water, it also comes with the benefit of keeping your fluffy friend well hydrated.

Though celery shouldn’t be a primary part of your rabbit’s diet, it is something they can enjoy as a treat every once in a while, says Joanne Fernandez-Lopez, DVM, an associate veterinarian for Dutch, an online veterinary service based in Oakland, California. Small amounts of celery can have health benefits for rabbits because celery includes:

• Vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, K, and C (though celery is not as high in those vitamins as leafy greens are)
• High water content, which helps with hydration
• Low sugar content, which helps to avoid obesity, digestive problems, diabetes, and dental issues in your bunny
• Low calorie count, which will help your rabbit maintain a healthy weight

Fun Fact: Celery leaves contain more nutrients than the stalks do, so rabbits can enjoy the leaves too.

Celery is generally considered a safe, healthy, and delicious snack for your bunny. As with any fruit or vegetable you introduce to their diet, though, it’s important to be aware of some potential risks. In this case, Dr. Alleyne and Dr. Fernandez-Lopez say to consider the following:

• Fibrous, stringy texture: Celery’s texture can create blockages or present a choking hazard, so it’s important to chop the celery into tiny pieces for your rabbit.
• Excess water: When your bunny consumes too much water, it can lead to overhydration. To avoid this, make sure you’re not overfeeding celery to your rabbit. (We’ll get into how much celery is safe for rabbits below.)
• Potential adverse reaction: Whenever you introduce new foods to your rabbit, they might experience an upset stomach due to allergies or sensitivities. Give your rabbit only a few small pieces of celery at first and observe them (and their stool) for the following 24 hours.

If your rabbit is tasting celery for the first time, limit their serving to one or two tablespoons, Dr. Fernandez-Lopez says.

Raw celery is better for your bunny than cooked, because cooking reduces celery’s nutritional value, she says.

Serve your rabbit celery only as an occasional snack, not as a meal replacement. Your bunny needs many more nutrients that cannot be found in this green veggie. Their diet should consist primarily of hay and pellets.

Though bunnies can eat celery, it’s still a good idea to follow best practices when feeding.

Dr. Alleyne says you should feed your rabbit celery in bite-size (half-inch) pieces. If your bunny is a dwarf breed, the pieces will need to be even smaller. This prevents the celery from becoming a choking hazard and minimizes the risk of your bunny dealing with long pieces of fibrous string, which can lead to obstruction.

Additionally, Dr. Alleyne recommends washing the celery thoroughly to remove dirt and pesticides.

Observe your bunny and their stool for the following 24 hours to make sure your pet tolerates celery well. Try not to introduce other new foods at the same time, which can create confusion if any adverse reaction occurs.

Is celery good for rabbits?

While other vegetables have higher nutritional value for rabbits, celery is a tasty snack that provides hydration and fiber. It’s also low in calories and in sugar content.

Do rabbits like celery?

Many bunnies enjoy eating celery as a treat. However, celery isn’t a meal replacement for rabbits. Think of it like a healthy and yummy “sometimes snack.”

Do rabbits prefer celery or carrots?

Carrots are naturally sweeter than celery, so many bunnies prefer the crunchy orange snack over the fibrous green one. However, every rabbit is unique, so consider trying both with your bunny.

Can rabbits eat celery stalks?

Yes, rabbits can eat celery stalks. It’s important that they are cut into bite-size pieces to minimize choking and to shorten the fibrous strings.

Can rabbits eat celery leaves?

Bunnies can eat celery leaves. The leaves are more nutritionally dense than the stalk, so some bunnies prefer to eat them instead.

This content was medically reviewed by Teresa Manucy, DVM, Chewy veterinarian.