Rabbits & Carrots

Rarely seen without a carrot in hand, Bugs Bunny has taught children from all around the world that rabbits love to eat this orange root vegetable. However, carrots can actually be harmful to real pet rabbits (those that can't talk) when fed in large quantities – or worse, as their main staple food.

Naturally, rabbits don't eat root vegetables or fruit. These foods are high in sugar and should only be fed in small amounts as occasional treats. In fact, some non-cartoon bunnies don't even like the taste of carrots that much – when given a whole carrot, they may choose to eat the green, leafy tops instead.

According to research done by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RPSCA), only eight percent of bunny owners know what to feed their furkids. Eleven percent of rabbits suffer from tooth decay and another eleven percent have digestive issues, with their diet playing a huge role in these results.

If not carrots, what then should pet owners feed their pet bunnies?

Good quality hay and/or grass should make up the majority of your rabbit's diet. Eating lots of that helps to wear down your bun's constantly growing teeth, and keep its tummy healthy. They can also be given a small, measured amount of pellets every day, ensuring that it gets the vitamins and minerals that it needs.

In addition, Thumper's diet shouldn't be lettuce-based as well. Some types of lettuce, such as iceberg lettuce, contain laudanum which can be harmful when consumed in large quantities.

If you do want to include lettuce into your bunny's diet, choose the darker, more leafy, and fibrous varieties like romaine lettuce, which is higher in fibre and nutrients.

*This article was updated on 22 Apr 2021. It first appeared in PetsMagazine.com.sg on  22 Apr 2016.