Safe Summer Foraging for Rabbits

Letting your small pets nibble on natural, hand-picked forage is one of the most rewarding parts of warm-weather care. Whether you're gathering from your garden or on a countryside walk, rabbits and guinea pigs love the fresh textures and scents of wild plants. But it’s important to know what’s safe — and what’s not.

This guide gives you everything you need to forage with confidence this summer.

Safe Plants to Forage in Summer

Here are some commonly found plants that are safe for rabbits and guinea pigs to enjoy in moderation:

Dandelion (leaves and flowers) – A bunny favourite! Great for digestion.
Plantain (ribwort or broadleaf) – Soothing and rich in fibre.
Nettle (young leaves, dried or wilted) – Packed with nutrients once the sting is removed.
Marigold (calendula) – Gentle and calming, especially for skin and gut health.
Chamomile – Naturally relaxing and great for picky eaters.
Strawberry Leaves – A sweet, fibrous treat.
Hawthorn Leaves & Blossom – Excellent for heart health in small amounts.
Bramble (blackberry) Leaves – High in tannins, helpful for digestion.

Tip: Always introduce new plants slowly and in small quantities.

Plants to Avoid

Some plants that look innocent can be harmful or even fatal. Always double-check before feeding.

Buttercups – Toxic, even when dried.
Foxglove – Extremely poisonous.
Daffodils – All parts are toxic.
Rhubarb Leaves – Contain oxalic acid, very dangerous.
Ivy – Toxic to rabbits and guinea pigs.
Privet and Laurel – Often found in hedges but very unsafe.

When in doubt, leave it out.

How to Prep Your Forage

Just like with your own meals, a little prep makes a big difference.

Pick early in the day, when the plants are fresh and the ground is dry.
Avoid roadsides and sprayed fields – you don’t want pesticides in the mix.
Rinse gently under cool water to remove bugs and dirt.
Dry on a towel or in the shade to avoid sogginess.
Serve in small quantities, mixed with hay or dried forage.

Or… let us do the work for you! Our ready-made forage blends are carefully dried, balanced, and mixed to make every bite safe and satisfying.

Summer Foraging Checklist

Before feeding, ask yourself:

Have I positively identified this plant?
Was it picked from a clean, pesticide-free area?
Have I rinsed and dried it properly?
Is this a new plant? (Start with a small amount.)
Is this plant in season and fresh?

Let Nature Nourish

Foraging isn’t just food – it’s enrichment. Watching your rabbit or guinea pig sniff, tug, and nibble their way through a pile of wild plants is a joy.

Not sure where to start? Browse our Forage Collection to find safe, seasonal bundles that make every mealtime special.