Do Rabbits Eat Hostas? Why? 3 Expert Tips to Stop (EASY)

• Main source of fiber
• Essential for healthy digestion & dental wear

• About 70–80% of daily diet

• Should be available at all times
• Keeps gut moving & prevents GI stasis

• Provide vitamins & hydration
• Mimic wild rabbit foraging

• About 1 cup per 2 lbs of body weight per day

• Examples:
  • Romaine
  • Bok choy
  • Parsley
• Avoid iceberg lettuce

• Supplement nutrients not always covered by fresh food alone

• 1/8 to 1/4 cup daily (varies by weight)

• Choose vet-approved pellets with high fiber content (18%+)

• Source of natural sugars, used for bonding & training

• 1–2 tablespoons 2–3x per week

• Too much can cause obesity & digestive upset
• Stick to berries, apples (no seeds)

• Only in rare cases
• Not part of natural or safe diet

• Very small amounts

• Many human foods are toxic to rabbits
• Always consult a vet before trying anything new

• Vital for digestion, temperature regulation & hydration

• Unlimited

• Should always be clean & fresh
• Can be offered in bowls or bottles

Hopping

Grooming

• Healthy, happy & well-fed rabbit!
• A satisfied rabbit often exhibits active behavior such as running around playfully or spending a lot of time grooming its fur

• Hard droppings & cecotropes show healthy digestion
• ‘Cecotropes are rich in protein and fiber’ & eaten directly from the anus – a sign of normal gut function

Not eating hay

• Possible dental, digestive or behavioral issue
• Needs immediate attention

• Hostas have lush, broad leaves in varying shades (green to blue-gray) that draw both humans and wildlife

• ‘Juicy crunchiness blended with subtle sweetness’ makes hosta leaves irresistible to rabbits

• According to reports from various university extension services on flora that commonly attract wildlife, hostas are high on the list, largely due to their appeal to taste buds of animals, particularly rabbits

• According to American Rabbit Breeders Association, a rabbit’s diet, especially for domesticated ones, strictly requires products approved by a vet, along with properly monitored portion control – things that cannot be guaranteed when discussing consumption of these garden plants

• Unfortunately, very few studies have been conducted to definitively determine how safe hostas are for rabbit consumption
• Anecdotal evidence suggests that they do not result in immediate or severe toxicity

• Hostas may offer no significant nutritional benefit to meet daily rabbit dietary needs

• One primary concern is chemical content
• Leaves may be coated with pesticides or fungicides harmful to rabbits

• Overeating can cause digestive blockages, slowing or stopping gut movement – “a prevalent yet dangerous disorder responsible for numerous fatalities every year amongst domestic rabbits”

• Non-fiber-rich foods like hostas may disrupt bacterial balance

• A good starting point is fencing off areas with vulnerable plant species like hostas, making them inaccessible to hoppy intruders & effectively solving gnawing problem
• Physically blocks access to hostas

• Sacrificing their free roaming/ freedom
• May affect emotional/physical health of rabbits

• Creates an unpleasant taste/smell that deters chewing

• Long-term effects not fully researched

• Acts as fertilizer & deterrent with no synthetic chemicals

• May need frequent reapplication, not always weather-resistant

• Safe herb, rich in aroma & taste, often enjoyed by rabbits

• Fresh & nutritious herb that mimics natural grazing

• Provides digestive benefits & a cooling flavor

• Similar texture to hostas but nutritionally superior & rabbit-safe

• “Primarily hay-based” & contain fiber, protein & vitamins needed daily