Which Varieties of Grass Can Rabbits Eat? Diet, Safety & Portion Recommendations – Nutritional Overview & Preparation Guide

Grass Varieties That Your Rabbit Can Savour

If you’re a rabbit enthusiast like me, you’ll quickly realize that feeding our adorable little buddies isn’t just about and lettuce. The cornerstone of a healthy rabbit diet is grass. It sounds simple, right? But delve a bit deeper, and you’ll find a vast world of grass varieties, each boasting its distinct texture, aroma, and nutrition.

You might wonder, with such a plethora of choices, how can you ensure you’re offering the best and safest grass for your rabbit? Which one provides that perfect balance of fiber, vitamins, and minerals?

Your quest for the perfect grass ends here. I’ve poured hours into research, consulted with experts, and listened to countless bunny munching sessions to bring you the ultimate list of rabbit-approved grasses. Want to know the best part? For every grass type, I’ve provided an in-depth profile, highlighting its nutritional content, benefits, and even some words of caution where necessary. To explore, simply click on the grass name, and unveil a world of knowledge.

Are you excited to embark on this journey and discover the lush, green buffet awaiting your rabbit? Buckle up, and let’s dive into this green wonderland!

Which Varieties of Grass Can Rabbits Eat? Diet, Safety & Portion Recommendations – Nutritional Overview & Preparation Guide

Annual Ryegrass

, a cool-season forage grass, is appreciated for its rapid growth rate and ability to improve soil structure. This grass offers rabbits a tender bite filled with nutrition. However, it’s vital to ensure that it hasn’t been sprayed with pesticides, which can be harmful to bunnies.

Bahia Grass

thrives in warmer climates and can be a reliable source of green munchies for your rabbit. It’s not only hardy and drought-resistant but also rich in fiber. The downside? Some rabbits might find its thicker blades a tad challenging to chew.

Barley Grass

is often hailed as a superfood, packed with essential nutrients and antioxidants. For rabbits, it provides a juicy and nutritional treat. However, while the grass is beneficial, remember that barley grains or seeds can be fattening for your little hopper.

Bermuda Grass

Popularly used in lawns, is a dense, fine-textured grass that’s both drought-tolerant and nutrient-rich. Rabbits often enjoy its soft texture. However, owing to its popularity in landscaping, ensure it’s free from chemicals before letting your bunny nibble.

Big Bluestem

A native of the tallgrass prairies, is a high-quality forage grass. Its rich texture and nutrient content make it a delightful chew for bunnies. The drawback? Its taller and thicker blades might not be every rabbit’s favorite.

Blue Grama

Blue Grama, with its unique “eyebrow” seed heads, is a warm-season grass known for its drought tolerance. Its moderate nutritional content makes it a decent option for rabbits. However, it might not be as flavorful or juicy as some of the other grasses.

Bluegrass (Kentucky Bluegrass)

is a hit among many herbivores, rabbits included. Its lush, fine are a delicious treat, packed with essential nutrients. On the flip side, because of its widespread use in yards, ensure it hasn’t been exposed to pesticides.

Brome (Smooth Brome)

Smooth Brome is a high-quality forage grass, recognized for its palatability and nutritional content. If you want to see a happy bunny, offer some fresh Brome. However, it’s best grown in cooler climates, so availability might be seasonal.

Buffalo Grass

is a low-growing grass native to the North American prairies. It’s drought-resistant and offers moderate nutrition for rabbits. The potential downside? Its sparse, curly leaves might not be as enticing to some bunnies as lusher grass varieties.

Canada Bluegrass

Often confused with Kentucky Bluegrass, provides a decent amount of nutrients. Its soft texture can be a bunny’s delight, but like its namesake, ensure it’s not freshly sprayed with any chemicals, given its frequent use in landscaping.

Carpet Grass

is often found in wet, low-lying areas. It’s a warm-season grass with broad leaves. Rabbits might appreciate its soft texture. However, it’s less nutritious compared to some other grasses, so offer it as a supplementary green rather than a primary diet.

Centipede Grass

is a low-maintenance, warm-season grass with a slightly coarse texture. While it can be a part of a rabbit’s diet, its lower nutrient content might not make it the top choice. Always ensure it’s free from chemicals or fertilizers before offering.

Chewings Fescue

Chewings Fescue is a cool-season grass with fine blades, offering a soft nibble for bunnies. It has a good nutrient profile, making it a favorable option. As with all grasses, ensure it hasn’t been treated with chemicals before letting your bunny munch.

Common Bentgrass

is primarily used on golf courses due to its fine texture and tolerance to close mowing. If you have some untreated bentgrass, it can be a delightful, soft treat for your rabbit, but make sure it’s free from pesticides and fertilizers.

Couch Grass

, also known as twitch grass, can be quite invasive in gardens but is a hit among many rabbits. Its creeping rhizomes are packed with nutrients. However, it’s best to feed the green parts to your bunny and avoid the tougher, underground stems.

Creeping Bentgrass

shares similarities with common bentgrass. It’s a favorite in golf courses due to its dense mat formation. If sourced from chemical-free areas, it can provide a soft, lush treat for rabbits, but remember to ensure its safety before feeding.

Creeping Red Fescue

Creeping Red Fescue is a cool-season grass known for its shade tolerance and fine texture. Its nutrient-rich profile and soft blades make it a favorable munch for bunnies, but it’s essential to ensure it hasn’t been treated with harmful agents.

Crowsfoot Grass

, a warm-season grass, thrives in sandy soils. While it can be offered to rabbits, it’s not the most nutritious. It’s best used as an occasional treat or supplement, ensuring that it’s free from any pesticides.

Dallis Grass

, a high-quality forage grass, is known for its palatability. Rabbits often find its soft, succulent leaves appealing. However, ensure it’s not from areas prone to herbicide or pesticide application, which can be toxic for your bunny.

Eastern Gamagrass

is a tall, bunching grass native to the U.S. It offers substantial nutritional benefits and is often relished by rabbits. The main drawback is its limited availability in some regions, so it might be a seasonal treat for some bunnies.

Fine Fescue

Fine Fescue includes a group of cool-season grasses with slender blades. It’s not only nutrient-rich but also offers a delightful, soft texture that most rabbits enjoy. As always, ensure the grass hasn’t been treated with chemicals before offering.

Foxtail Millet

Foxtail Millet isn’t just for birds! While the grass is beneficial, avoid the seeds, which can be fattening for rabbits. The green parts provide essential nutrients, but always monitor your rabbit for any adverse reactions when introducing new grasses.

Guinea Grass

Guinea Grass is a tall, tropical grass known for its high forage quality. Rabbits can benefit from its nutritional content, especially if other greens are scarce. Just ensure that it’s harvested from a safe, chemical-free area.

Hair Grass

Hair Grass, with its delicate, fine blades, offers a delightful snack for bunnies. It’s not the most nutrient-dense grass out there, but it can be a fine supplementary green. Always ensure it’s free from harmful chemicals before offering.

Hard Fescue

Hard Fescue is a durable, cool-season grass. While it’s often used for erosion control, it’s also a decent option for rabbit feed. Its moderate nutrient content and coarser texture might not make it every bunny’s favorite, but it’s still a healthy choice.

Carpet Grass

Carpet Grass is often found in wet, low-lying areas. It’s a warm-season grass with broad leaves. Rabbits might appreciate its soft texture. However, it’s less nutritious compared to some other grasses, so offer it as a supplementary green rather than a primary diet.

Centipede Grass

Centipede Grass is a low-maintenance, warm-season grass with a slightly coarse texture. While it can be a part of a rabbit’s diet, its lower nutrient content might not make it the top choice. Always ensure it’s free from chemicals or fertilizers before offering.

Chewings Fescue

Common Bentgrass

Common Bentgrass is primarily used on golf courses due to its fine texture and tolerance to close mowing. If you have some untreated bentgrass, it can be a delightful, soft treat for your rabbit, but make sure it’s free from pesticides and fertilizers.

Couch Grass

Couch Grass, also known as twitch grass, can be quite invasive in gardens but is a hit among many rabbits. Its creeping rhizomes are packed with nutrients. However, it’s best to feed the green parts to your bunny and avoid the tougher, underground stems.

Creeping Bentgrass

Creeping Bentgrass shares similarities with common bentgrass. It’s a favorite in golf courses due to its dense mat formation. If sourced from chemical-free areas, it can provide a soft, lush treat for rabbits, but remember to ensure its safety before feeding.

Creeping Red Fescue

Crowsfoot Grass

Crowsfoot Grass, a warm-season grass, thrives in sandy soils. While it can be offered to rabbits, it’s not the most nutritious. It’s best used as an occasional treat or supplement, ensuring that it’s free from any pesticides.

Dallis Grass

Dallis Grass, a high-quality forage grass, is known for its palatability. Rabbits often find its soft, succulent leaves appealing. However, ensure it’s not from areas prone to herbicide or pesticide application, which can be toxic for your bunny.

Eastern Gamagrass

Eastern Gamagrass is a tall, bunching grass native to the U.S. It offers substantial nutritional benefits and is often relished by rabbits. The main drawback is its limited availability in some regions, so it might be a seasonal treat for some bunnies.

Fine Fescue

Foxtail Millet

Guinea Grass

Hair Grass

Hard Fescue

Indian Grass

Indian Grass, a tall perennial grass, is a staple of North American prairies. It’s rich in nutrients and offers a great chew for bunnies. While its thick blade might not be every rabbit’s favorite, it’s a healthy inclusion to their diet.

Italian Ryegrass

Italian Ryegrass is closely related to annual ryegrass, but with a more prolonged life cycle. This grass offers a tender and nutritious bite, making it a popular choice for many rabbit owners. Ensure it’s free from chemicals before offering it to your furry friend.

Kikuyu Grass

Native to East Africa, Kikuyu Grass is a hardy and aggressive grower. While it’s great for ground cover, rabbits might find its texture a bit coarse. However, it’s still packed with essential nutrients that are beneficial for bunnies.

Little Bluestem

Little Bluestem, a North American native, is a primary component of tallgrass prairies. Its blue-green stems turn a vibrant orange in fall. Rabbits usually enjoy its rich nutrient content, but always offer it in moderation and ensure it’s chemical-free.

Meadow Fescue

Meadow Fescue is a cool-season grass with a high tolerance for wetter soils. It provides a good nutrient balance for rabbits and is typically well-received due to its softer texture. As always, source it from untreated areas to ensure safety.

Meadow Foxtail

Meadow Foxtail, with its iconic brush-like seed head, is a favorite among many herbivores. It provides a balanced nutrient profile for rabbits. However, as with other grasses, ensure it hasn’t been exposed to pesticides or herbicides before feeding.

Midland Bermuda

Midland Bermuda is a type of Bermuda grass bred for its cold tolerance. It offers the same soft, nutrient-rich profile that rabbits enjoy. Given its popularity in landscaping, always ensure it’s sourced from a chemical-free zone before offering to bunnies.

Milium Grass

Milium Grass, often grown for ornamental purposes, showcases a bright golden hue. While visually appealing, it’s best offered to rabbits in moderation due to its average nutrient content. Ensure it’s free from pesticides or other chemicals.

Napier Grass

Also known as elephant grass, Napier Grass is a tall tropical grass with a high yield. While it’s often used for fodder in agriculture, rabbits can benefit from its nutrition. However, its thicker blades might be challenging for some bunnies to chew.

Orchard Grass

Orchard Grass is a favorite among many rabbit owners due to its soft texture and high nutrient profile. It’s a cool-season grass that’s both delicious and beneficial for bunnies. Always source it from untreated areas to ensure your rabbit’s safety.

Paspalum Grass

Paspalum Grass is a warm-season grass known for its tolerance to wet conditions. While it offers decent nutritional content for rabbits, it’s not the most palatable due to its coarser texture. Offer it as a supplementary green rather than a primary feed.

Perennial Ryegrass

Perennial Ryegrass is nutrient-rich and offers a tender bite for rabbits. It’s closely related to the annual and Italian ryegrass varieties, sharing many of their beneficial qualities. As always, ensure it’s free from harmful chemicals before feeding your bunny.

Prairie Grass

Prairie Grass, native to North American grasslands, offers a balanced nutrient profile. While not the most lush or soft, it’s still a decent option for rabbits, especially if other favorites are unavailable. Ensure it’s sourced from safe, untreated areas.

Prairie Junegrass

Prairie Junegrass, a cool-season grass, thrives in dry, open spaces. While it can be a part of a rabbit’s diet, it might not be as palatable as some other grasses. However, it offers a decent nutrient profile and can be a good occasional treat.

Purpletop

Purpletop, with its striking purplish seed heads, can be an attractive addition to landscapes. For rabbits, it offers moderate nutritional benefits. It’s best used as an occasional treat and should always be sourced from areas free of pesticides or herbicides.

Quack Grass

Quack Grass, often considered a weed in gardens, has a quick-spreading nature. Surprisingly, it’s quite nutritious and can be a treat for rabbits. As with all grasses, ensure that it hasn’t been exposed to harmful chemicals before offering it to your bunny.

Queensland Bluegrass

Queensland Bluegrass, native to Australia, thrives in tropical and subtropical areas. While not the top choice for many rabbits due to its tougher texture, it provides decent nutrition and can be offered as a supplementary green.

Redtop Grass

Redtop Grass, recognized by its reddish seed heads, is a perennial cool-season grass. While it isn’t the most nutritious, it can serve as a variety in your rabbit’s diet. Always ensure it comes from an untreated area before serving.

Reed Canary Grass

Reed Canary Grass is a tall perennial that often grows in wetlands. It’s not the primary choice for a rabbit’s diet, but can be offered occasionally. As always, double-check to ensure it hasn’t been treated with pesticides or herbicides.

Rhodes Grass

Rhodes Grass, native to Africa, is a salt-tolerant and drought-resistant variety. Its soft texture and nutritious profile make it an excellent choice for bunnies. Ensure you source it from a safe area and offer in moderation.

Rye Grass

Rye Grass, different from ryegrass, is a cereal grain primarily grown for its seed. While the grass itself can be nutritious for rabbits, it’s essential to ensure that it’s free from any chemicals or treatments before offering it to your pet.

Saltgrass

Saltgrass, as the name suggests, can thrive in saline soils. While it might not be a rabbit’s first choice, it’s a decent nutritional source. However, its tougher texture might not be favored by all bunnies.

Sand Dropseed

Sand Dropseed grass is native to North American prairies and prefers sandy soils. While it offers modest nutritional content for rabbits, its slightly rough texture might be less preferred. As always, source it from untreated areas for safety.

Seashore Paspalum

Seashore Paspalum thrives in saline conditions and is often found near coastlines. It’s relatively nutritious and can be offered to bunnies, but ensure it’s washed thoroughly to remove any salt residue.

Sheep’s Fescue

Sheep’s Fescue is a cool-season grass known for its fine texture and adaptability. Bunnies usually appreciate its tender blades. As with all greens, make sure it’s from a chemical-free source before offering it to your pet.

SideOats Grama

SideOats Grama, recognized by its unique seed stalks, is native to North America. This grass provides a balanced nutrient intake for rabbits. However, always ensure it’s sourced from a safe zone free from treatments and chemicals.

Signal Grass

Signal Grass, a tropical grass, has a broad blade and offers decent nutrition to rabbits. Due to its coarser texture, it’s best to offer it occasionally or mixed with softer grasses. Always ensure it’s free from harmful chemicals.

Silvergrass

Silvergrass, also known as Miscanthus, is often grown for ornamental purposes. Its towering plumes can be a sight, but when it comes to rabbit nutrition, it’s best to offer this sparingly and as a varied addition to their regular greens.

Slender Wheatgrass

Slender is native to North American prairies and provides a good nutrient balance for rabbits. Its slender blades are often favored by bunnies. Always source from untreated areas to ensure safety.

Sorghum Grass

Sorghum Grass, mainly grown for grain and fodder, is a staple in agriculture. While the grain is not suitable for rabbits, the grass can be offered occasionally. Ensure it’s free from chemicals and treatments.

Squirreltail Grass

Squirreltail Grass, recognized by its bushy seed heads, can be a treat for rabbits. While it’s not the most nutritious, it can be a part of the variety in your bunny’s diet. As always, ensure it’s free from harmful treatments or chemicals.

Absolutely. Here’s a continuation for the remaining grasses on your list:

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St. Augustine Grass

St. Augustine Grass, known for its robust nature and rich green color, is a staple in many lawns. Its broad blades offer decent nutrition for rabbits, but always ensure it’s free from lawn treatments or chemicals before offering it to your pet.

Switchgrass

Switchgrass, native to North American prairies, stands tall and proud. Its nutrition is fairly decent for bunnies, making it a good occasional treat. As with all feeds, ensure it’s sourced from untreated areas.

Tall Fescue

Tall Fescue is a cool-season grass and is highly adaptable. While its nutrition is satisfactory for bunnies, its tougher texture might not be a favorite for all. If offering, ensure it’s free from harmful treatments.

Tall Wheatgrass

Tall Wheatgrass, a relative of the common wheat, offers balanced nutrients suitable for rabbits. Its long slender blades are a treat, but as always, it should be free from pesticides or chemicals before it reaches your bunny’s dish.

Timothy Grass

Timothy Grass is one of the most recommended grasses for rabbits. Its balanced nutrition and soft texture make it a bunny favorite. It’s often a primary ingredient in rabbit hays. Always opt for fresh, untreated Timothy Grass for best results.

Tufted Hairgrass

Tufted Hairgrass, recognized by its tufted seed heads, is a native of the Northern Hemisphere. It offers modest nutrition and can be an occasional treat. As with all grasses, ensure it hasn’t been treated with chemicals.

Velvet Grass

Velvet Grass, with its velvety texture, might seem like a delightful treat for bunnies. It offers a good nutritional balance, but its soft blades might carry more moisture. Ensure it’s well-dried if offered as and free from harmful chemicals.

Virginia Wildrye

Virginia Wildrye, native to North America, has a unique appearance with its long seed heads. While it provides good nutrition, it’s best offered occasionally. Always source from areas free of pesticides or herbicides.

Weeping Lovegrass

Weeping Lovegrass, with its cascading appearance, is a beauty to behold. Its nutrition is fairly balanced for bunnies, but always ensure it’s fresh and free from treatments before offering.

Western Wheatgrass

Western Wheatgrass is a hardy grass native to the prairies of North America. Its balanced nutrient content makes it suitable for rabbits, but its availability might vary. If choosing this, ensure it’s untreated and fresh.

Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is often hailed as a superfood for humans, but did you know it’s also nutritious for rabbits? Its vibrant green blades are packed with nutrients. However, offer in moderation and always ensure it’s fresh.

Wild Oat Grass

Wild Oat Grass, different from the cultivated oats, is a perennial grass. It provides decent nutrition for bunnies, but like all feeds, ensure it’s sourced from safe and untreated zones.

Wire Grass

Wire Grass, known for its wiry texture, might not be a bunny’s first pick. While it offers nutritional benefits, its coarse texture could be a turn-off for some rabbits. It’s best offered occasionally and sourced from untreated areas.

Witchgrass

Witchgrass, with its tangled appearance, provides modest nutrition for rabbits. It’s not a primary choice, but can be included for variety. As always, make sure it’s free from harmful chemicals before serving.

Wood Bluegrass

Bluegrass, often found in woodland areas, offers a unique taste and nutrition for bunnies. Its cool-season growth and shade tolerance make it unique. Offer occasionally and ensure it’s sourced from safe zones.

Yellow Bluestem

Yellow Bluestem, recognized by its yellowish hue, is a perennial grass. It offers good nutrition, but its availability might vary. As with all grasses, ensure it’s free from treatments and chemicals.

Zoysia Grass

Zoysia Grass, a warm-season grass, is known for its lush appearance. While it provides satisfactory nutrition for rabbits, always make sure it’s fresh, untreated, and given in moderation to ensure your bunny’s health.

Best Types of Grass for Rabbits to Eat

Feature	Description	Reference
Timothy	Popular for its palatability, Timothy hay is a nutrient-rich choice, making it a favorite among rabbit owners.	1, 2
Orchard	Known for its sweet aroma, Orchard hay is not only tasty for bunnies but also offers a variety of nutrients.	2
Bermuda	With a fine texture and rich nutrients, is a staple in many rabbit diets.	2
Meadow Fescue	Meadow Fescue provides a balanced mix of stems and leaves, ensuring a good blend of fiber and nutrients for bunnies.	2
Oat	Oat hay, while being fibrous, also contains oat seeds, which add variety and nutrition to a rabbit’s diet.	2

References:

Important Disclaimer:

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and safety of the information provided in this list, it’s important to remember that individual rabbits may react differently to various grass types. Always introduce any new , including grass, slowly and in moderation. If you notice any adverse reactions, discontinue that particular grass immediately.

Furthermore, the information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as veterinary advice. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian regarding the diet and health of your rabbit, especially before making significant changes to their food intake.

Lastly, always ensure that the grass you’re offering hasn’t been treated with pesticides, herbicides, or any other chemicals, as these can be harmful or even fatal to rabbits.

Author

Keith Purkiss

Keith has qualifications in Science including Biology and Chemistry studied at Durham University and the Open University He has worked as a research scientist and maintains an interest in scientific subjects. At home, he shares his space with two delightful rescued rabbits. Drawing from his scientific background and genuine affection for these furry companions, Keith has authored insightful rabbit guides, which have found a home on Kindle. In Keith’s world, the line between science and everyday life blurs beautifully, showcasing a perfect blend of expertise and passion.