Can rabbits eat pumpkin seeds?
Quick verdict
Caution
Key risk
Too high in fat for a herbivore; offer hay and greens instead.
Why
Pumpkin seeds are best avoided for rabbits.
Can rabbits eat pumpkin seeds, and why?
Pumpkin seeds are best avoided for rabbits. Too high in fat for a herbivore; offer hay and greens instead.
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
Too high in fat for a herbivore; offer hay and greens instead.
If your rabbit has eaten pumpkin seeds, 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 pumpkin seeds?
Caution. Pumpkin seeds are best avoided for rabbits.
What happens if my rabbit eats pumpkin seeds?
Too high in fat for a herbivore; offer hay and greens instead. If your rabbit has eaten pumpkin seeds, contact your vet or the Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) straight away — don’t wait for symptoms.
Is pumpkin seeds poisonous to rabbits?
Caution. Pumpkin seeds are best avoided for rabbits.
Check pumpkin seeds for another pet