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Rabbits can have beetroot, but only a little, now and then. The Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund says the root is fine in small amounts but starchy, so not one to feed regularly, and House Rabbit Society calls it high in sugar. Beet leaves are on the leafy green lists, but are high in oxalates, so rotate them. Beetroot can turn wee red.
| Safe? | Sometimes, as a treat |
|---|---|
| How much | A small piece of root, about a thumbnail |
| How often | Occasionally; leaves a little in rotation |
| Best served | Raw, plain, washed |
| Watch out for | Pickled or cooked beetroot; red wee looks alarming |
Is beetroot good for rabbits?
It is not harmful, but it is not an everyday food either. The Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund says beetroot itself should be fine in small quantities, but it is quite starchy and probably not a good food to give in general. House Rabbit Society lists beetroot as a non-leafy vegetable that is high in sugar. Treat it like carrot: a small occasional piece.
Beetroot root vs beet leaves
| Part | OK? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Raw beetroot root | Occasional treat | Starchy and sweet; small pieces only |
| Fresh beet leaves (greens) | Yes, in rotation | On the leafy green lists, but high in oxalates |
| Older, tougher beet leaves | Avoid | The Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund says aged leaves should be avoided |
| Pickled beetroot | No | Vinegar, sugar and salt |
| Cooked or roasted beetroot | No | Softer, sweeter, often with oil or salt |
Beet leaves: the charities differ
The Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund's vegetable list calls beetroot greens an excellent leafy green, but its own beetroot article says the leaves are the concern because of their high oxalate content, and that older leaves should be avoided. House Rabbit Society puts beet greens in a group to rotate, with only one daily green from that group. We would follow the careful version: a few fresh, young beet leaves now and then, never as the main green.
How much beetroot can a rabbit have?
A small piece of raw root, about the size of your thumbnail, as an occasional treat. House Rabbit Society suggests non-leafy vegetables stay at about 1 tablespoon per 2 lb (0.9 kg) of rabbit a day in total, so beetroot shares that space with other vegetables.
Beetroot can turn a rabbit's wee bright red or orange. The Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund warns it can cause a dramatic urine colour change. If you have not fed beetroot and see red wee, or your rabbit strains, ring your vet.
Who should avoid beetroot?
Overweight rabbits, rabbits with a sensitive stomach, and any rabbit your vet has told to avoid high-oxalate greens or with bladder trouble should skip it. Young rabbits should start fresh food slowly.
Sweet roots such as parsnip follow the same treat rules. For leafy greens, try carrot tops instead. See our rabbit food list, the rabbit diet guide and the rabbit care hub.
Questions owners ask
Can rabbits eat beetroot leaves?
Fresh young leaves, a little, in rotation. They are on the leafy green lists but high in oxalates, and the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund says older leaves should be avoided.
Why is my rabbit’s wee red after beetroot?
Beetroot pigment can colour the urine red or orange. The Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund warns it can cause a dramatic colour change. If you see red wee without beetroot, or your rabbit strains, ring your vet.
Can rabbits eat cooked beetroot?
Raw is better. Cooked beetroot is softer and sweeter and often comes with oil, salt or vinegar. Pickled beetroot is a no.
Can rabbits eat beetroot every day?
No. It is starchy and sweet, so keep it to an occasional small piece.
