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