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| Safe? | Yes, in moderation |
| How much | 3 or 4 leaves for an average 2 kg (4.4 lb) rabbit |
| How often | Once or twice a week |
| Best served | Raw, washed, mixed with other greens |
| Watch out for | Thick or gritty pale urine, soft droppings |
Is spinach safe for rabbits?
Yes, as one of several greens. PDSA, Woodgreen and VetPartners all list spinach as a safe vegetable. The limit is because of oxalates (oxalic acid), natural compounds in some leaves. The Rabbit Welfare Association calls spinach safe but high in oxalates, to be fed only occasionally, and Woodgreen adds that it is high in calcium too.
The House Rabbit Society's rule of thumb for high-oxalate greens is a good one to apply to spinach too: rotate them so that only one in every three greens a day comes from that group. PDSA notes that rabbits need calcium, but too much can contribute to bladder stones. Our rabbit diet guide explains how greens fit around hay.
How much spinach can a rabbit have?
A small amount, not every day. No source gives an exact spinach portion, so we have worked from the overall greens advice. Rabbit.org suggests about 1 packed cup of leafy greens per 2 lb (900 g) of body weight a day in total. For an average 2 kg (4.4 lb) rabbit, we would make spinach no more than 3 or 4 leaves of that, once or twice a week, with the rest made up of low-oxalate greens such as romaine lettuce, rocket and spring greens.
How to serve spinach
- Buy fresh leaves. Choose crisp, dark green spinach with no slimy or yellow leaves.
- Wash and dry. Rinse well to remove soil and spray, then shake dry.
- Mix it in. Add a few leaves to the usual greens rather than serving spinach alone.
- Introduce slowly. PDSA advises bringing in new fresh foods gradually. Start with one leaf and check droppings the next day.
Which forms of spinach are OK?
| Form | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Fresh raw spinach, leaves and stems | Yes, occasionally |
| Baby spinach | Yes, occasionally |
| Cooked, creamed or frozen spinach | No |
| Tinned spinach | No |
| Swiss chard (often sold near spinach) | Not recommended by the RWAF, high in oxalates |
Who should avoid spinach?
Baby rabbits under 12 weeks should not have vegetables at all, and new greens should be added one at a time after that.
Greens to rotate with spinach
Good daily greens include romaine lettuce and spring greens. Kale is another one to rotate rather than feed every day. Our rabbit safe food list has the full range, and our rabbit care guide covers the rest.
Spinach and rabbits: questions
Can rabbits eat baby spinach?
Yes, on the same terms as full-sized spinach: a few washed leaves once or twice a week as part of a mix. Baby spinach is just young spinach, so it carries the same oxalates. It is easy to over-feed from a bag, so count out the leaves rather than tipping in a handful.
Can rabbits eat cooked or frozen spinach?
No. Rabbits are built to eat fresh, raw plants, and cooked spinach turns into a soft, wet mass with none of the chewing a rabbit needs. Frozen spinach is usually blanched and chopped. Feed fresh raw leaves only, washed and dried.
Is spinach bad for rabbits with bladder sludge?
Ask your vet first. PDSA says rabbits with urinary or bladder problems need vet advice on their diet, because too much calcium can contribute to bladder stones. Woodgreen notes spinach is high in oxalates and calcium. Until your vet says otherwise, leave it out.
What other greens are high in oxalates?
The House Rabbit Society marks parsley, beet greens, mustard greens, radish tops, sprouts and Swiss chard as greens to rotate for their oxalic acid, and the Rabbit Welfare Association says Swiss chard is generally not recommended. Rotate them, with spinach, so only one in every three greens a day comes from this group.
