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Yes, fresh grass is one of the best things a rabbit can eat. PDSA counts hay and grass together as about 85% of the diet. Let rabbits graze growing grass, or cut a little with scissors and feed it straight away. Never feed lawnmower clippings: the RSPCA says they can make rabbits ill, and Medivet says they ferment quickly.
| Safe? | Yes, fresh grass only |
|---|---|
| How much | Freely when grazing; small hand-cut amounts at first |
| How often | Daily, alongside unlimited hay |
| Best served | Growing, or cut with scissors and fed at once |
| Watch out for | Lawnmower clippings; sprayed, roadside or dog-walked grass |
Is grass good for rabbits?
Yes. Grass is what wild rabbits live on, and the welfare charities treat it as part of the main diet, not a treat. PDSA, the RSPCA and Medivet all group hay and grass together as the bulk of what a rabbit should eat, and the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund calls unlimited hay and fresh grass the foundation of the diet.
Fresh grass vs lawnmower clippings
| Type | OK? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growing grass, grazed | Yes | The most natural way for a rabbit to eat |
| Grass cut with scissors, fed at once | Yes | PDSA's way to give grass to indoor rabbits |
| Kiln-dried grass | Yes | The RSPCA lists it as a good option |
| Lawnmower clippings | No | The RSPCA says they can make rabbits ill; Medivet says they ferment quickly |
| Grass from roadsides, sprayed lawns or dog areas | No | PDSA says avoid weed killer, pesticides and busy, dog-walked spots |
Never tip a bag of lawnmower clippings into the run, even fresh ones. The mower chops and bruises the grass, which then ferments quickly and can upset a rabbit's gut badly. If your rabbit has eaten a lot of clippings and goes quiet, stops eating or stops passing droppings, ring your vet straight away.
How much grass can a rabbit eat?
A rabbit used to grass can graze for hours. If your rabbit has not had fresh grass before, start small and build up. PDSA advises changing a rabbit's diet slowly over 2 to 4 weeks, so a handful of hand-cut grass a day at first, growing week by week, is a sensible start.
How to give grass safely
- Pick a clean patch. Use your own lawn or garden, untreated by weed killer or fertiliser, away from roads and where dogs go.
- Check what is growing. PDSA says never feed anything you cannot identify. Pull out any plant you are unsure of first.
- Cut with scissors. Snip a small amount each day and feed it straight away, rather than storing it.
- Or let them graze. A safe, covered run on the lawn gives them grass and exercise together.
Grass and other garden plants
Some lawn plants are good too. Dandelions are safe in small amounts, and PDSA lists chickweed and cleavers as safe forage. For indoor rabbits, a tray of grass grown from seed works well. See our indoor vs outdoor rabbits guide, our rabbit diet guide, the rabbit food list and the rabbit care hub.
Questions owners ask
Can rabbits eat grass clippings?
Not lawnmower clippings. The RSPCA says they can make rabbits ill and Medivet says they ferment quickly. Grass you cut by hand with scissors and feed straight away is fine.
Can rabbits eat grass every day?
Yes. Fresh grass is part of the main diet alongside hay. If your rabbit is new to grass, start with small amounts and build up over a few weeks so the gut can adjust.
Can rabbits eat grass instead of hay?
Grass and hay are counted together, but most owners cannot offer enough fresh grass year round. Keep unlimited hay available even if your rabbits graze, so they always have something to eat.
Can rabbits eat wet grass?
Grass wet with rain or dew is what rabbits graze outdoors all the time. The bigger risks are clippings, sprayed grass and sudden large amounts for a rabbit not used to it.
