Can Rabbits Eat Grapes?

You might know that grapes are off-limits for dogs and cats, because they contain a substance that’s toxic to these pets. But what about bunnies? Can rabbits eat grapes?

The short answer is yes. Bunnies are allowed to munch on this tasty fruit, but there are still some important caveats to keep in mind. Here’s everything you need to know, including how many grapes rabbits can have, how to prepare them properly to keep your bunny safe, and what health considerations to be aware of.

As is the case with many types of fruits, grapes have several nutritional benefits, notes Denise Pancari, DVM, a veterinarian and co-owner of Animal Medical Hospital, in Centereach, New York. Grapes offer:

• Vitamins: “Grapes are high in vitamins C and K, particularly in the skin,” Dr. Pancari says.
• Antioxidants: Along with healthy vitamins, grapes are chock-full of antioxidants. Dr. Pancari says these can help reduce inflammation.
• Hydration: Grapes contain a lot of water, making them a hydrating snack that’s delicious too.

While rabbits can eat grapes and reap the nutritional benefits they offer, this fruit should be given to bunnies sparingly. Here are a few reasons why:

• Sugar content: “Grapes contain sugars that, in excess, can be dangerous to rabbits,” Dr. Pancari says. “Too much can lead to obesity, dental issues, and possible gastrointestinal issues, such as soft stools or diarrhea.” Some variations of grapes, such as Cotton Candy grapes, contain more sugar than others do, so be mindful when picking out the type of grape for your rabbit.
• Too much water: Rabbits can experience softened stool if they consume too much water. However, this shouldn’t be a problem if you’re feeding your rabbit grapes only in moderation.
• Pesticides: Some grapes—especially non-organic options—are treated with pesticides. These can be toxic to your pet. Make sure to wash grapes before feeding them to your bunny and consider feeding your fluffy friend organic produce.

If you feed grapes to your rabbit sparingly, you’ll be less likely to encounter these issues.

Brittany Schlacter, a rabbit trainer and educator for the Rabbit.Org Foundation in Palo Alto, California, says that a rabbit’s primary diet is grass hay and pellets. These should be available to your rabbit all day, every day.

Further, leafy greens should make up most of the small amount of fresh produce you feed your rabbit. About 75% of your rabbit’s produce intake should be leafy greens. Other produce, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, celery, and grapes, falls into the remaining 25%.

Always cut grapes into small pieces before feeding them to your bunny, Dr. Pancari says. Cut them into about half-inch pieces, or smaller if you have a dwarf-size rabbit, and make sure they’ve been thoroughly washed to remove dirt and pesticides. She says to feed your rabbit no more than one or two cut pieces of grapes per week.

Any time you introduce a new food to your rabbit, monitor their response and contact your veterinarian if you notice any adverse effects. These can range from gastrointestinal upset—such as soft stools, bloating, or diarrhea—to lethargy, irritation, or signs of inflammation.

How many grapes can a rabbit eat?

Rabbits should eat no more than one or two pieces of grape per week. These pieces should be about half an inch in size, or smaller if your rabbit is a dwarf breed. This might seem like a very small amount, but even that small bit makes a very nice, occasional sweet treat for your hopping friend.

Can rabbits eat grape skin?

Yes, rabbits can eat grape skin. In fact, this part of the grape is especially dense in vitamins and antioxidants compared to the rest of the fleshy fruit. Remember to cut grapes into small pieces before feeding them to your rabbit.

Can rabbits have raisins?

Raisins are dried grapes, but even so, they aren’t the best snack for your bunny. It’s best to give your rabbit fresh, raw produce instead of anything that has been dried or treated. Raisins aren’t as easy to digest as pieces of raw grape, and many raisins are also made with extra sugar that’s not good for your pet. Further, raisins lack the hydrating benefit of grapes. Stick to the fresh stuff!

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