Food safety
Can Rabbits Eat Celery? Yes, Cut Into 1-Inch Pieces
Yes, rabbits can eat celery, both the crunchy stalks and the leafy tops. The House Rabbit Society lists celery among suitable non-leafy vegetables, with one practical instruction: cut it into 1-inch pieces so the long strings cannot cause choking or wrap around a rabbit's teeth. Celery is mostly water and low in sugar, so it makes a good crunchy extra. Like every vegetable, it sits alongside unlimited grass hay, which should always make up most of what a rabbit eats.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 13, 20264 min read3 sources
Why celery is safe for rabbits
Celery is high in water and fiber and low in sugar, which suits a rabbit's digestive system far better than fruit or starchy vegetables. The House Rabbit Society includes it in its list of non-leafy vegetables, alongside cucumber, broccoli and asparagus, and notes its high water content.
The base of a healthy rabbit diet is hay. The House Rabbit Society puts hay at about 80% of the diet, fresh vegetables at around 10% and fruit at under 5%. VCA Animal Hospitals says high-quality grass hay such as timothy, orchard or brome should be the bulk of what a rabbit eats. Celery is one small part of the vegetable share.
The string problem
Each celery stalk carries tough fibrous strings that run its full length. Rabbits chew vigorously, and a long string can get caught around the teeth or be awkward to swallow. The House Rabbit Society specifically advises cutting celery into 1-inch pieces to avoid choking or strings wrapping around the teeth.
Cutting across the stalk, rather than lengthwise, shortens every string at once. Some owners also peel off the outer strings with a vegetable peeler, which is optional. Never give a rabbit a whole long stalk to drag around the enclosure.
How to prepare celery
Wash the celery well under running water, then slice the stalks crosswise into pieces about an inch long. The leafy tops are tender and can be offered as they are, or chopped. Serve the celery fresh and slightly wet, which the House Rabbit Society suggests as a way to add fluid to the diet.
Only use crisp, fresh celery. The House Rabbit Society says never to serve spoiled vegetables, so throw out stalks that are slimy, brown or moldy. Plain raw celery is all a rabbit needs; skip anything cooked, seasoned or dipped.
Hiding a small piece of a safe food around a small animal playpen lets a rabbit forage, and an outdoor rabbit hutch needs the same daily check for uneaten fresh food.
How much celery can a rabbit have?
The House Rabbit Society suggests non-leafy vegetables make up about a quarter of the daily fresh vegetables, with leafy greens the other three quarters. In plain terms, a tablespoon or two of chopped celery alongside a pile of leafy greens is a reasonable portion for an average-size adult rabbit, with smaller rabbits getting less.
Celery can appear several times a week as part of a rotating mix. Keep the overall picture in view: unlimited hay, a measured helping of leafy greens, a small side of non-leafy vegetables like celery, and fruit only as an occasional treat.
Can baby rabbits eat celery?
Young rabbits have particularly sensitive digestion. The House Rabbit Society advises starting vegetables only after about 12 weeks of age, introducing them one at a time and in very small amounts, under half an ounce, while watching the droppings.
When a young rabbit is ready, a single short piece of celery leaf is a sensible first try. Wait 24 hours before adding anything else new. If the droppings turn soft or the rabbit seems gassy, stop the celery, as the House Rabbit Society recommends, and try again later or skip it.
Signs of digestive trouble and when to call a vet
Add one new vegetable at a time and watch for soft stools or gas over the next day, the House Rabbit Society advises, and drop any food that causes them. A rabbit that stops eating, passes fewer or smaller droppings, sits hunched or grinds its teeth may be in pain.
The Merck Veterinary Manual warns that gastrointestinal stasis can become life-threatening if not treated, and advises seeking veterinary care promptly if a rabbit stops eating or shows signs of digestive upset. Diarrhea is also a serious warning sign. Call a vet who sees rabbits the same day rather than waiting to see if it passes.
Other vegetables to rotate with celery
Leafy greens should make up most of the fresh portion. VCA lists romaine lettuce, bok choy, mustard greens, carrot tops, cilantro, watercress, basil and beet greens among good choices. Cucumber, broccoli and green peppers are other non-leafy options.
VCA advises avoiding potatoes, carrots and iceberg or head lettuce, and the House Rabbit Society adds chocolate, onions, garlic and raw dried beans to the avoid list. Check with your vet before introducing a new food if your rabbit has a history of gut trouble.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
Can rabbits eat celery leaves?
Yes. The leafy tops are tender and safe, and many rabbits prefer them to the stalk. Rinse them well and offer them as part of the daily fresh vegetables.
Can rabbits eat celery every day?
A small amount can be part of the daily vegetable mix, but variety is better. Rotate celery with leafy greens and other vegetables, and keep hay as the bulk of the diet.
Do I need to remove celery strings for my rabbit?
Cutting the stalk crosswise into 1-inch pieces, as the House Rabbit Society advises, shortens the strings enough for most rabbits. Peeling the outer strings off is optional extra caution.
Can rabbits eat cooked celery?
Stick to raw celery. Rabbits are adapted to fresh plant food, and cooked celery from soups or stews usually carries salt, onion or garlic, which rabbits should not have.
Can baby rabbits eat celery?
Only after about 12 weeks of age, according to the House Rabbit Society. Start with a single small piece of leaf, wait a day and stop if droppings soften.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
