Herbs to Grow and Feed
Whilst feeding herbs and plants with medicinal properties can be beneficial to your rabbit(s) they are not an alternative to seeking appropriate and timely veterinary care and treatment.
All herbs should be fed in small amounts - one sprig a few times a week, in particular those that contain high levels of volatile oils including Lavender, Sage (incl Pineapple Sage), Oregano, Rosemary, Basil, Mint & Thyme.
A quick word about the lists/plant info on this website ...
All of the information on the lists within this group has been independently researched or has come from verifiable, trustworthy sources and is then double checked. MANY so called rabbit safe plant lists are not only inaccurate, but are unsafe and have simply been copied from other so called ‘safe’ lists. One needs to remember that these lists - which are found on websites and/or various FB groups or via Google, are only as good as the person who compiled them and may not have been researched further after being copied from yet another so called safe list.... It's a bit like Chinese whispers and the end result is not necessarily safe, accurate or pertinent to pet rabbits living in New Zealand. All of the plants on WW's lists are independently researched and verified as being safe - or otherwise, to the best of my abilities and are not simply copied/parroted from other sources.
Further to this, the use of Plant ID Apps to accurately ID plants is not advisable. These Apps are not trustworthy (I've tested 3 so far with very poor results) and can often give an answer that is not only inaccurate, but can be simply dangerous. I do not claim to 'know it all' and if I don't know the ID/safety of a plant, I will say so and will then do my level best to both ID the plant and ascertain it's safety etc. because the well being and safety of your rabbits is my top priority.
Please note - Highly aromatic herbs such as ALL Sages - including Pineapple Sage, Rosemary, Lavender, Thyme, Oregano, Lemon Verbena, Summer & Winter Savoury & Marjoram are high in volatile oils and whilst ‘safe’ should be fed with caution and in very limited amounts
Do not assume that just because a herb appears on a safe to feed list that it is indeed safe. Whilst many may not be outright harmful, they may not be advisable to feed - especially in any quantity, due to specific compounds that they may contain.
Check the list below the gallery for more information about each plant
Feeding Information
Catnip - a Controversial Herb!
Opinions on the safety of Catnip & Catmint vary. I choose to err on the side of caution and do not feed it. This herb has sedative effects which could make a rabbit vulnerable and the antispasmodic nature of Catnip could potentially slow the gut down and send a rabbit into stasis. So, have a read of these links and come to your own conclusions!
Catmint
Comfrey and Borage - More Controversy!
These two herbs appear on many ‘safe to feed’ lists. They are not included in my list because they are very high in Pyrrolizidine alkaloids which can cause liver damage. If you insist on feeding them then do so very sparingly, infrequently and only medicinally for Comfrey. Borage flowers can be sparingly fed as a treat. NEVER use to replace Veterinary care for your rabbit.
Some of these lists contain plants/herbs that I would hesitate to give my rabbits - ALWAYS use your better judgement and err on the side of caution and IF IN DOUBT - ASK!
Further Reading
Feeding the house rabbit 3: Fresh herbs - MediRabbit
Herbs and their role for your disabled rabbit. - Disabled Rabbits
Online Herb Plant Suppliers
Kahikatea Farm
MeadowSweet Herbs and Flowers
Kings Seeds
Egmont Seeds