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| Safe? | Yes, as a treat |
| How much | 1 thin slice, about 5 mm (1/4 in), for a 2 kg (4.4 lb) rabbit |
| How often | Once a week |
| Best served | Fresh, ripe, peeled |
| Watch out for | Dried kiwi, sore mouth, soft droppings |
Is kiwi safe for rabbits?
Yes, in small amounts. The House Rabbit Society (HRS) includes kiwi in its list of fruits rabbits can eat, and Burgess lists kiwi as a safe fruit. Like every fruit, it is high in sugar, and the Rabbit Welfare Association counts fruit as a treat. Kiwi is also sharp and acidic, which some rabbits don't like and which can make a mouth sore if they eat too much. Rabbits make their own vitamin C, so they don't need kiwi for that, unlike guinea pigs. Our rabbit diet guide shows the everyday diet.
How much kiwi can a rabbit have?
The HRS limit for all fruit is about 1 teaspoon per 900 g (2 lb) of body weight a day, which is about 2 teaspoons for a 2 kg (4.4 lb) rabbit. The Rabbit Welfare Association suggests fruit only once or twice a week, and Animal Trust is stricter still, at a cube about 1 cm (1/2 in) across. For a 2 kg (4.4 lb) rabbit, one thin slice of kiwi, cut into two or three pieces, once a week, stays inside the HRS ceiling. Halve it for a dwarf breed, and start any rabbit on a 1 cm (1/2 in) piece the first time.
How to prepare kiwi
- Pick a ripe one. It should give slightly when pressed. Hard kiwis are very sharp.
- Peel it. We take off the furry skin, which is tough to chew and may carry residue.
- Cut one slice. About 5 mm (1/4 in) thick, then cut it into two or three pieces.
- Watch the first time. Check your rabbit's droppings the next day.
Skin, seeds, golden and dried kiwi
| Part or form | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Green or golden flesh | Yes, small amounts |
| Tiny black seeds in the flesh | Fine: they are eaten with the flesh |
| Furry skin | Best peeled off |
| Dried kiwi | No: concentrated, often added sugar |
| Kiwi juice, smoothies, yoghurts | No |
Who should skip kiwi?
Leave it out for rabbits under about 12 weeks, overweight rabbits, rabbits with mouth or tooth problems, and any rabbit with soft droppings or a dirty bottom.
What to offer instead
Pineapple and mango are other tropical fruits on the HRS list. Half a strawberry is easier to prepare. See what rabbits can eat and our rabbit care guide.
Kiwi and rabbits: questions
Can rabbits eat kiwi skin?
We would peel it. The furry skin is tough and none of the charities we read lists it as a rabbit food. A peeled slice is safer and easier to eat. If your rabbit nibbles a little skin by accident, there is no need to worry.
Can rabbits eat kiwi seeds?
Yes. The tiny black seeds sit in the flesh and are eaten with it. They are nothing like apple pips or cherry stones, which the RSPCA lists to avoid. There is no need to pick them out of a slice.
Do rabbits need kiwi for vitamin C?
No. Unlike guinea pigs, rabbits make their own vitamin C. A diet of hay, leafy greens and a measured amount of pellets gives a rabbit everything it needs. Kiwi is just an occasional treat.
