Can Rabbits Eat Celery?

By Lauren Jones, VMD on May 6, 2024

Christa Boaz/E+ via Getty Images

Key Takeaways

Rabbits can eat celery when the vegetable is prepped and fed properly.
Celery may be included at approximately ⅛–¼ the total amount of vegetables offered.
Ensure all parts of the celery stalks are washed thoroughly before offering any to your rabbit.
Celery pieces should always be cut into small pieces that do not present a choking hazard.

Is Celery Good for Rabbits?

Celery may be a great addition to the many vegetables a rabbit eats. It’s low in calories and perfect for rabbits on a diet or those prone to obesity.

Celery’s vitamin and mineral content is minimal compared to other vegetables, especially the dark leafy green vegetables like spinach, bok choy, and lettuces, and therefore it may be considered of little nutritional value to rabbits.

So it’s perfectly acceptable to offer celery as a high-fiber snack. However, too much celery may make a rabbit feel full without providing adequate nutrition.

Rabbits can safely eat celery when the veggie is prepped and fed properly.

Can Rabbits Eat Celery Leaves?

Feeding a rabbit celery leaves is OK as long as they are washed free of pesticides, insects, or dirt. Celery leaves may contain more nutrients than the stalks.

Moderation is key, and celery leaves should be part of a balanced overall rabbit diet. Rabbits may even prefer the leaves over the stalk, as they are tender and have more flavor.

Can Rabbits Eat Celery Stalks?

Celery stalks are a go-to snack for many people, and your rabbit will enjoy their crunchy texture.

Ensure all parts of the celery stalks are washed thoroughly before offering any to your rabbit. Pesticides or fertilizers may be present on the exterior leaves and stalks as part of the farming process.

How Much Celery Can a Rabbit Eat?

While the staple in a rabbit’s diet is grass hay (typically timothy or orchard grasses), an adult rabbit should also receive 1 cup of veggies per 4 pounds of body weight every day.

Variety is the key when offering pet rabbits vegetables. A good goal is to have three to five different vegetables on rotation to provide adequate nutrition and enrichment for a pet rabbit; no one likes to get bored with their food!

As long as your veterinarian does not determine your bunny is underweight or has other health issues, celery may be included in the vegetable rotation at approximately ⅛–¼ the total amount of vegetables offered. Typically, a bunny can get celery a few times a week.

How To Feed Celery to Your Rabbit

Celery pieces should always be cut into small pieces that do not present a choking hazard. Rabbits can vary significantly in size, but aim for ½-inch pieces of celery (smaller for young rabbits or for smaller breeds like Netherland Dwarfs).

Most rabbit pet parents find stainless steel or ceramic bowls the best method for offering vegetables to their bunny. However, some rabbits are a little more feisty than others and may have fun tipping their bowl and spilling its contents all over. For these pets, a tip-proof bowl may be useful.

Other pet parents may hide small pieces of vegetables in the cage or around the house (during supervised play time). Some rabbits may find it fun to use this enrichment technique as they search for their food.

No matter the method, ensure all old food is discarded daily and bowls are cleaned to prevent mold or other health hazards.

What Other Vegetables Can Rabbits Eat?

A rabbit's diet should consist of unlimited hay, small, recommended amounts of high-quality rabbit pellets, and vegetables. Fruit and other treats can affect gut bacteria and lead to serious illness, so offer these items sparingly.

As part of the vegetable smorgasbord, pet parents can typically offer their rabbit the following vegetables in addition to celery: