What Flowers Do Rabbits Eat
If you keep rabbits as pets, you already know that these animals like to eat a little bit of everything. In addition to the hay, pellets and produce that you intentionally provide for your rabbit, he might be tempted by a few flowers in your garden or bouquet. Though most flowers are safe for rabbits to eat, some aren’t. Before feeding flowers to your rabbit, make sure they aren’t toxic. Also make sure they haven’t been sprayed with pesticides or other chemicals before allowing them into your rabbit’s diet.
Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums are a good source of vitamin C, fibre, vitamin A and potassium.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect the body from free radicals. Free radicals are molecules produced when your body breaks down food or under stress conditions. They can harm healthy cells in your body if they are not neutralized by antioxidants such as vitamin C. Fibre is important for preventing constipation and other digestive issues as well as maintaining a healthy weight and lowering cholesterol levels. Vitamin A helps maintain healthy vision, bones and teeth while potassium helps regulate blood pressure and heart function.
Chrysanthemums bloom for about six weeks with bright yellow flowers that grow on tall stems above ground level
Calendulas
Calendulas are annual or perennial herbs that have bright yellow flowers. They can be found in many different colors, including orange, red and white. Calendula is a good source of vitamin C, A and K as well as iron. The petals of the calendula flower can be used to make tea or eaten raw.
Cleome
Cleome is a flowering plant that belongs to the buttercup family, which also includes plants like dandelions and chicory. Cleome is a perennial vine that grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 11. These flowers are edible and can be used in salads or as garnishes for other dishes. They are also called spider flowers because their petals resemble spiders’ legs when they’re picked and placed on top of food!
Geraniums
Geraniums are a good source of calcium and vitamin C. They also contain vitamin A, which helps maintain healthy vision, as well as vitamin K.
Nasturtiums
The vibrant, edible nasturtiums are a great choice for rabbits, who will love their bright colors and tangy flavor.
- What are Nasturtiums?
Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) are an annual flowering plant that can be used in salads or cooked dishes such as soups, stews and omelets. The leaves of the plant have a lemony taste with hints of mint while the flowers have an onion-like aroma. In addition to being eaten fresh out of hand they can also be dried for later use in cooking.
Marigolds
Marigolds are common in gardens and yards across the country. They come in a wide variety of colors, including yellow, orange and red. Marigolds can be used to keep pests away from your garden or even to make soap.
Rabbits will not eat marigolds unless they’re extremely hungry, but that shouldn’t discourage you from growing them! Marigolds provide many benefits for rabbits’ health as well as yours:
- Vitamin C: A single cup of fresh marigold petals contains enough vitamin C to meet a rabbit’s daily needs (about 16 mg). Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for maintaining healthy muscles and connective tissue, which is why it’s important for rabbits recovering from injuries or surgery to have a source of this vitamin available at all times! The high levels of calcium found in marigold petals also help strengthen bones.
- Vitamin A: Marigolds contain over 1 gram per cup (4 oz) – more than enough for any rabbit’s needs! Like vitamin C, this nutrient helps build strong bones and teeth by keeping them healthy throughout life… which means fewer trips back under anesthesia later on down the line!
Cosmos
Cosmos flowers are a tasty treat for rabbits. They also make a good source of nectar, which attracts bees. Cosmos is easy to grow and available in many colors. This plant is great for late summer blooming and can help attract beneficial insects that feed your garden plants.
Cosmos are a good source of pollen and nectar, making them an excellent choice for attracting bees or other pollinators to your garden during the late summer months when other flowers may have already bloomed out by this time of year!
Sunflowers
Sunflowers are a good source of vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin B1 and B2, as well as niacin. These nutrients help rabbits maintain healthy eyes and skin and keep them from becoming overweight. Sunflowers also contain carotenoids like beta-carotene that act as antioxidants in the body, protecting it from damage caused by free radicals (unstable molecules that can cause cell damage).
Sunflower seeds have a high fat content so limit your rabbit’s consumption to no more than 10 per day (about 2 tablespoons worth) since this could lead to obesity and other health problems.
Yarrow
Yarrow is a perennial herb of the aster family, native to Europe and Asia but naturalized in North America. It typically grows in dry grasslands, meadows and scrub areas. Yarrow was given its common name because its leaves resemble those of chamomile (Matricaria recutita), which is sometimes called “wild yarrow.” The flower heads are borne singly or in clusters on upright stalks that can reach heights of 2 feet (0.6 meters). The greenish-white flowers consist of four petals fused together into a cross-like shape, each with a dark reddish spot at the base.[4]
Some flowers are also tasty treats for your rabbits.
Some flowers are also tasty treats for your rabbits. Rabbits love to nibble on some of the more commonly known flowers such as dandelions, wildflowers and clover. However, they also love to eat other flowers that are high in protein, carbohydrates and fat!
Some of the more unusual plants that can be enjoyed by your rabbit include:
- Azaleas – these have a high level of nectar which is great for a rabbit looking to get a little boost during the cold months
- Camellias – Camellias are best eaten when they’re fresh off the tree but if you must pick them beforehand it’s important not to over-pick or you could end up killing off your plant!
We hope this article helped you determine what flowers your rabbit can safely eat. The best way to make sure your pet rabbit has a healthy diet is by giving them lots of fresh hay, a high quality pellet mix, and leafy greens in addition to the treat foods we’ve listed above.