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Yes, rabbits can eat basil. PDSA, the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund and Medivet list it as a safe herb, the RSPCA names it among safe daily herbs, and House Rabbit Society says any variety is fine. Give a sprig or a few leaves as one of the greens in your rabbit’s daily mix, and rotate it with other herbs.
| Safe? | Yes |
|---|---|
| How much | A sprig or a few leaves within the greens portion |
| How often | Daily or most days, rotated |
| Best served | Fresh, washed leaves and soft stems |
| Watch out for | Pesto and sauces; sudden large amounts |
Is basil good for rabbits?
Yes. Basil is one of the most widely listed safe herbs for rabbits. It appears on PDSA's safe herb list, the RSPCA's daily herbs, the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund's herb rotation and Medivet's safe options. House Rabbit Society lists basil "any variety", so sweet basil, Thai basil, purple basil and lemon basil all count.
How much basil can a rabbit have?
Basil is part of the leafy greens portion, which is about 10% of a rabbit's diet according to the RSPCA. PDSA suggests an adult-sized handful of greens, vegetables and herbs twice a day, from five or six different plants. A sprig of basil is one of those.
Which parts and types are OK?
| Type or part | OK? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet (Genovese) basil | Yes | The common supermarket basil |
| Thai, purple, lemon basil | Yes | House Rabbit Society says any variety |
| Soft stems | Yes | Part of the same herb |
| Flowers | Yes, a little | Part of the plant; most rabbits prefer leaves |
| Pesto, basil sauces | No | Garlic, cheese, oil and salt |
How to give basil
- Wash it. PDSA says never feed unwashed fresh food.
- Try a little first. Add one new food at a time and watch droppings and appetite, as the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund advises.
- Rotate. Swap basil with other herbs over the week for variety.
A supermarket pot of growing basil lasts longer than cut basil and gives you clean leaves on demand. Pinch off the top leaves and it bushes out.
Who should go easy on basil?
Young rabbits should start fresh greens slowly; House Rabbit Society introduces greens from about 12 weeks, one at a time. A rabbit with a sensitive tummy should have new herbs in very small amounts at first.
Other safe herbs
Rotate basil with coriander, mint and thyme. See our rabbit food list, the rabbit diet guide and the rabbit care hub.
Questions owners ask
Can rabbits eat basil every day?
Yes, as one of several greens. The RSPCA lists basil among safe daily herbs. Rotating it with other herbs keeps things varied.
Can rabbits eat basil stems?
Yes. The soft stems are part of the same herb and fine in the same amounts as the leaves.
Can rabbits eat Thai basil?
Yes. House Rabbit Society lists basil of any variety as a safe leafy green for rabbits.
Can rabbits eat pesto?
No. Pesto contains garlic, cheese, oil and salt, which are all unsuitable for rabbits. Give plain fresh basil instead.
