Can rabbits eat bay leaf?
Quick verdict
Unsafe
Key risk
The oils and tough leaf are harmful to rabbits.
Why
Rabbits must never be given bay leaves.
Can rabbits eat bay leaf, and why?
Rabbits must never be given bay leaves. The oils and tough leaf are harmful to rabbits.
Rabbits are herbivores: roughly 85% of their diet should be good-quality hay or grass, plus a daily handful of leafy greens, with only small amounts of other veg and tiny occasional fruit. They have a sensitive hindgut that depends on constant fibre — sudden changes, sugar or starch can trigger dangerous gut stasis and bloat.
Warning — what to watch for
The oils and tough leaf are harmful to rabbits.
If your rabbit has eaten bay leaf, don’t wait for symptoms — contact your vet immediately, or call the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 (24/7, UK). Signs of a problem can include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, lethargy, tremors or loss of appetite.
More foods rabbits might eat
Make treat time better
Handy kit for feeding rabbits well:
Frequently asked questions
Can rabbits eat bay leaf?
Unsafe. Rabbits must never be given bay leaves.
What happens if my rabbit eats bay leaf?
The oils and tough leaf are harmful to rabbits. If your rabbit has eaten bay leaf, contact your vet or the Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) straight away — don’t wait for symptoms.
Is bay leaf poisonous to rabbits?
Unsafe. Rabbits must never be given bay leaves.
Check bay leaf for another pet