Why
Cucumber is on the rabbit-safe vegetable lists of Rabbit.org, the Royal Veterinary College and Pasadena Humane, and the RSPCA names cucumber among vegetables to give as an occasional treat. The House Rabbit Society lists cucumber leaves among its leafy greens.
Cucumber flesh is a non-leafy vegetable with a very high water content. Rabbit.org notes that vegetables with a high water content can cause diarrhea and runny stools, so cucumber works best as a small side to leafy greens rather than a large serving.
What to watch out for
- Large servings, which can loosen the droppings
- Pickles and pickled cucumber, which are salty and often spiced
- Cucumber in salads with dressing, onion or garlic
- Cucumber that has gone soft or slimy
- Soft droppings after a new vegetable
How to serve it
- Wash the cucumber well.
- Cut a few thin slices or small cubes.
- Serve them alongside the day's leafy greens.
- Offer cucumber leaves from an unsprayed garden plant as a leafy green.
- Stop and return to hay and familiar greens if the droppings turn soft.
How much?
The House Rabbit Society suggests keeping non-leafy vegetables such as cucumber to about 1 tablespoon per 2 pounds (about 1 kg) of body weight per day. For a 4 pound (about 2 kg) rabbit, that is about 2 tablespoons, a couple of thin slices.
Cucumber leaves count as greens
Cucumber leaves are on the House Rabbit Society's list of leafy greens, which should make up most of a rabbit's fresh food. Owners who grow cucumbers can offer a few leaves from plants that have not been sprayed.
Rabbit.org lists cucumber leaves among leafy greens as well. Leaves picked from a garden should be washed, and PDSA advises never feeding plants that have been in contact with pesticides or fertilizers.
Why watery vegetables can cause soft droppings
Rabbit.org's vegetable guide notes that vegetables with a high water content can cause diarrhea and runny stools in some rabbits. Cucumber is one of the most watery vegetables in the fridge.
A rabbit's droppings are the best guide. The RSPCA advises booking a vet appointment if a rabbit has diarrhea, or if changes in the size, shape or consistency of the droppings do not return to normal within 24 hours.
Pickles are not cucumber
Pickles start as cucumbers but end up soaked in salt, vinegar and spices. The RSPCA lists sugary or salty human foods and processed foods among the things rabbits should not eat.
Cucumber salads made for people often include onion, garlic or dressing. The RSPCA puts onions and garlic on its foods to avoid list, so share only plain cucumber cut before any seasoning goes on.
Common questions
Is cucumber good for rabbits?
Yes, as part of a hay-based diet. Cucumber is on the rabbit-safe vegetable lists of Rabbit.org, the Royal Veterinary College and Pasadena Humane, and the RSPCA names cucumber among vegetables to give as an occasional treat. The House Rabbit Society lists cucumber leaves among its leafy greens.
Is cucumber bad for rabbits?
Not in sensible amounts. The main thing to watch: large servings, which can loosen the droppings.
Are rabbits allowed to have cucumber?
Yes. Wash the cucumber well.
Can rabbits eat cucumber every day?
A thin slice of cucumber can be part of a rabbit's fresh food on most days, as long as the rabbit's droppings stay normal. Pasadena Humane lists cucumber among vegetables that can be fed daily, but the House Rabbit Society keeps all non-leafy vegetables to about 1 tablespoon per 2 pounds (about 1 kg) of body weight a day.
Does cucumber help keep a rabbit hydrated?
Wet vegetables add some water to a rabbit's diet, and Rabbit.org suggests serving vegetables wet for that reason. Cucumber does not replace a bowl of fresh water, which should always be available.
Sources
- Rabbit.org. Best Vegetables for Rabbits: A Healthy Diet Guide (Paige K Parsons; adapted from WabbitWiki).
- House Rabbit Society. Healthy Rabbit Diet.
- Royal Veterinary College Exotics Service. Feeding Your Rabbit (Rabbit feeding guidelines, 2022).
- RSPCA. What Do Rabbits Eat? Rabbit Diet Advice.
- Pasadena Humane. Rabbit Safe Vegetable and Fruit List.
- 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.