Why
Blueberries are covered by the House Rabbit Society's treat list, which includes berries of any type, and Pasadena Humane lists blueberries among safe fruits to be fed sparingly.
A blueberry is small, which makes the portion easy to control. Rabbit.org's diet guide keeps all fruit and treats together under 5 percent of the diet and recommends a very small amount once or twice a week, and VCA Animal Hospitals advises very limited fruit because fruit is high in carbohydrates.
What to watch out for
- Handfuls of berries, which add up quickly
- Dried blueberries, which are far more concentrated
- Blueberry muffins, yogurt drops and other sweet snacks
- Moldy or mushy berries
- Soft droppings after fruit
How to serve it
- Wash the berries well.
- Offer one or two fresh blueberries, or cut a large berry in half.
- Use a single berry as a reward for coming when called or stepping into a carrier.
- Skip fruit on days when your rabbit has already had another treat.
How much?
The House Rabbit Society suggests no more than about 1 teaspoon of fresh fruit per 2 pounds (about 1 kg) of body weight per day. For a 4 pound (about 2 kg) rabbit, that is about 2 teaspoons, roughly a few blueberries, and Rabbit.org recommends fruit only once or twice a week.
Fresh versus dried blueberries
Fresh blueberries are the better form. Rabbit.org notes that dried fruit is about three times as concentrated as fresh, so a few dried berries carry the sugar of many more fresh ones.
Dried berries sold as people snacks may also have added sugar. Rabbit.org's treat guide says rabbits should never eat added sugar.
A blueberry as a reward
A single blueberry makes a tidy reward. The size is easy to keep consistent, and a rabbit quickly learns to come for it.
PDSA advises adjusting the day's food when a rabbit gets treats, so the extras do not add up. The Royal Veterinary College suggests using part of the daily pellet ration for training, which works well alongside a rare berry.
Blueberry muffins, yogurt drops and rabbit treats
Blueberry flavored snacks are a different matter. Rabbit.org's treat guide says rabbits should never eat yogurt drops, seeds, chocolate, added sugar or artificial flavors or colors, and its diet guide calls processed human foods especially dangerous for rabbits.
The House Rabbit Society also warns against pellets with fruit, seeds, nuts, corn or yogurt drops mixed in. A plain fresh berry is a better treat than any blueberry flavored product.
Common questions
Are blueberries good for rabbits?
Yes, as part of a hay-based diet. Blueberries are covered by the House Rabbit Society's treat list, which includes berries of any type, and Pasadena Humane lists blueberries among safe fruits to be fed sparingly.
Are blueberries bad for rabbits?
Not in sensible amounts. The main thing to watch: handfuls of berries, which add up quickly.
Are rabbits allowed to have blueberries?
Yes. Wash the berries well.
Can rabbits eat blueberries every day?
Daily blueberries are more than most guides advise. Rabbit.org recommends fruit once or twice a week in very small amounts, and Pasadena Humane suggests about once a week in less than a tablespoon.
Are blueberries healthier for rabbits than other fruit?
Blueberries are no healthier for a rabbit than other safe fruit, and all fruit is treated as a treat because of its sugar. The advantage of blueberries is their small size, which makes a small portion easy to give.
Sources
- House Rabbit Society. Healthy Rabbit Diet.
- Pasadena Humane. Rabbit Safe Vegetable and Fruit List.
- Rabbit.org. Healthy Rabbit Diet Guide: Safe Foods & Treats (Paige K Parsons).
- Rabbit.org. Treat Your Bunny Right (Amy Ramnaraine).
- VCA Animal Hospitals. Gastrointestinal Stasis in Rabbits (Gregory Rich, DVM; Laurie Hess, DVM; Rick Axelson, DVM).
- Royal Veterinary College Exotics Service. Feeding Your Rabbit (Rabbit feeding guidelines, 2022).
- PDSA. Feeding Your Rabbits.
- House Rabbit Society. Healthy Rabbit Diet.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Disorders and Diseases of Rabbits.
If your rabbit has eaten something harmful, or stops eating or passing droppings, contact a veterinarian who treats rabbits right away, even if your rabbit seems fine. Rabbits cannot vomit, so do not try to make your rabbit throw up.