What Do Wild Rabbits Eat? Feasting In The Forest

Last updated on September 21st, 2025 at 01:02 am

Have you ever seen a fluffy bunny hopping through a field and wondered, “What do wild rabbits eat out there?” Most of us are familiar with pet rabbits and their dietary needs, but the diet of wild rabbits may not be as well understood.

In this blog post, I’ll explain what wild rabbits eat, explore the foods they forage for in their natural habitats, and learn the importance of a diverse and balanced diet for their survival.

 

Grasses and Leafy Plants – The Bulk of a Wild Rabbit’s Diet

For wild rabbits, fresh grasses are the main course—day in and day out. They nibble on a variety of species, including clover, timothy grass, ryegrass, and meadow fescue, often found in open fields, meadows, and along woodland edges.

These plants are loaded with fiber, which keeps a rabbit’s digestive system moving smoothly and supports the healthy gut bacteria they need to thrive. All that constant chewing also helps wear down their ever-growing teeth, preventing painful dental problems.

While domestic rabbits often eat dried hay, wild rabbits usually stick to fresh vegetation they forage themselves.

 

Weeds – Nature’s Candy Store for Rabbits

When I think of happy wild rabbits, I picture them hopping through a meadow, pausing to nibble on some of their favorite “treats” nature has to offer. Some of the top picks I’ve seen (and even spotted in my own yard) include:

Dandelion leaves – loaded with vitamins A and C to help keep their immune system strong
Broadleaf plantain – packed with fiber and minerals for healthy digestion
Chickweed – soft, mild, and easy for them to munch on.

These aren’t just tasty snacks—they’re nutritious little power foods. And the best part? Wild rabbits can usually find them right where they live, whether that’s a meadow, a backyard, or the edge of a field.

 

Herbs – The Wild Rabbit’s Flavor Boost

Wild rabbits don’t exactly have an herb garden, but they’re happy to nibble on aromatic plants when they come across them. I’ve seen them sample everything from fresh parsley and cilantro to fragrant mint leaves and thyme sprigs. These herbs can add a little extra variety to their diet, along with trace nutrients and even some mild medicinal properties.

Some herbs a wild rabbit might snack on include:

• Basil
  
  
• Oregano
  
  
• Sage
  
  
• Thyme
  
  
• Rosemary
  
  
• Dill
  
  

While herbs aren’t a major calorie source for rabbits, they add flavor and a change of pace from their usual greens. And in the wild, a little variety can go a long way.

Flowers Are Pretty and Packed with Nutrients

I’ve always thought it was sweet to see a rabbit pausing to sniff a flower—only to take a big bite a second later. In the wild, some flowers are more than just eye candy; they can be a source of extra vitamins, minerals, and variety in a rabbit’s diet.

Wild rabbits might snack on:

• Roses
• Daisies
• Sunflowers
• Marigolds
• Lavender
• Chamomile
• Violets
• Pansies

Of course, flowers are more of an occasional treat compared to their daily grasses and weeds, but they definitely add a little flavor (and color!) to the menu.

Want to read more about rabbits? Check out my “Rabbit Is Not Eating” post, which includes a free rabbit grocery list printable.

 

Bark and Twigs – Nature’s Toothbrush

If you spot a wild rabbit chewing on a twig or stripping bark from a branch, they’re not just passing the time—they’re taking care of their teeth. Rabbits’ teeth never stop growing, so gnawing on woody plants helps keep them at the right length and shape.

This natural “toothbrush” not only prevents painful overgrowth and malocclusion (poor alignment), but also gives them a boost of fiber. When teeth don’t line up correctly, it can throw off the whole bite, making it hard to chew and leading to drooling, weight loss, and even serious health problems.

You’ll see rabbits rely more on bark and twigs in winter, when tender greens are scarce. It’s one of the ways they adapt to the changing seasons and keep their teeth—and themselves—healthy year-round.

Fruits and Veggies Are Occasional Treats, Not the Main Course

Grass, herbs, and other greens make up the bulk of a wild rabbit’s diet, but every now and then, they’ll come across something sweet or crunchy and take a nibble. This might be a bite of carrot from a garden, a tender kale leaf, or a few berries, apple slices, or pear drops that have fallen to the ground.

Think of these foods as dessert—they’re tasty, but not a staple. Wild rabbits naturally keep these treats to a minimum, because too much sugar (even from fruit) can upset their sensitive digestive system. As tempting as it is to imagine them munching on a big carrot like in the cartoons, in reality, they’re far more likely to take just a bite and hop back to their grasses and weeds.

Seeds and Nuts Are Rare Treats in a Wild Rabbit’s Diet

Every once in a while, a wild rabbit will come across a few seeds or nuts while foraging. These aren’t a major part of their diet—more like little extras they stumble upon rather than seek out.

Think of them as the “sprinkles” on their salad: fun to have, but not something they rely on for nutrition. Most of their energy and nutrients still come from the greens, herbs, and woody plants they eat every day. 

How Wild Rabbits’ Diet Changes with the Seasons

One of the smartest things about wild rabbits is how they adjust their diet to match what’s available. They don’t have a pantry to raid—just whatever nature is offering that time of year—so they’ve become masters of seasonal eating.

Spring & Summer – This is peak salad season. Fresh grasses, clover, dandelion greens, herbs, and flowers are everywhere, so rabbits graze almost nonstop. These foods are high in moisture, which also helps keep them hydrated.

Fall – As plants begin to dry and die back, they shift to tougher greens, fallen leaves, seeds, and the occasional late-season flower or berry.

Winter – When tender greens are scarce, rabbits rely heavily on bark, twigs, buds, and woody plants. It’s not as tasty, but it keeps them going until spring growth returns.

By switching up their menu throughout the year, wild rabbits make the most of every season and every available food source.

 

How Rabbits Get the Most from Their Food

Wild rabbits have a unique way of making sure they get every last bit of nutrition from their meals—it’s called coprophagy. This means they produce special soft droppings called cecotropes and eat them directly, usually early in the morning or late at night when no one’s watching.

It might sound strange to us, but it’s actually an important part of a rabbit’s digestion. Cecotropes are packed with vitamins, minerals, and healthy bacteria that weren’t fully absorbed the first time the food passed through. By re-eating them, rabbits can break down their high-fiber diet more completely and stay healthy in environments where every calorie counts.

What Not to Feed Wild Rabbits

It’s tempting to offer a wild rabbit a snack, especially if they visit your yard often—but the wrong foods can upset their delicate digestive system or even make them sick.

Avoid feeding wild rabbits:

• Processed foods – bread, crackers, cereal, or anything with added sugar or salt
• Human snacks – chips, cookies, or candy
• Starchy vegetables – potatoes, corn, or beans, which can cause digestive upset
• Large amounts of fruit – too much sugar can lead to diarrhea and gut imbalance
• Lawn clippings – these can ferment quickly and cause dangerous digestive issues
• Anything treated with pesticides or herbicides – even small amounts can be toxic

If you really want to help the wild rabbits in your area, the safest way is to make your yard more rabbit-friendly—planting clover, native grasses, and safe herbs, and providing fresh water. That way, they can forage naturally, just as they would in the wild.

 

What Do Wild Rabbits Eat? A Well-Balanced Buffet

Wild rabbits are some of nature’s most resourceful foragers. From fresh grasses and leafy weeds to fragrant herbs, seasonal flowers, and the occasional bark or berry, they know how to put together a menu that keeps them healthy year-round.

By understanding what wild rabbits eat—and how their diet changes with the seasons—we get a better appreciation for how they fit into the ecosystem. These little grazers help shape plant growth, provide food for predators, and keep nature’s balance in check, all while living off the land in a way we can only admire.

 

What Do Wild Rabbits Eat – FAQs

Are there any plants that wild rabbits avoid eating?

Yes, wild rabbits generally avoid toxic or poisonous plants that could harm them. Examples include Foxgloves, poppy, ivy, buttercups, bluebells, and nightshade. They have evolved to recognize and steer clear of potentially dangerous vegetation, relying on instinct to select safe food sources.

How do seasonal changes affect a wild rabbit’s diet?

Seasonal changes can affect the availability of food for wild rabbits. During warmer months, they may have access to a wider variety of plants, including fresh grasses and herbs. In colder months or during periods of drought, they may rely more heavily on dried vegetation or stored food reserves.

Is it ok to feed a wild rabbit?

While it might be tempting to leave out a tasty treat for those adorable wild bunnies hopping around your yard, it’s generally not recommended. Wild rabbits have evolved to find everything they need in their natural habitat, and offering human food can disrupt their balanced diet and lead to health problems. Regular handouts may also make them dependent on people, leaving them less resourceful and more vulnerable to predators. On top of that, leaving out food can attract other animals—some of which might be dangerous to the rabbits or even cause problems for your property.

Remember:  Always consult with a wildlife rehabilitation center or veterinarian before intentionally feeding wild rabbits. They can offer guidance on the best course of action depending on the specific situation.

If I see a wild rabbit, can I pet it?

While it may be tempting to try to capture or handle a wild rabbit, it’s best to resist the urge to do so. Wild rabbits are not domesticated animals and may become agitated or defensive if handled, potentially leading to injury for both the rabbit and the person attempting to handle it.

Additionally, handling wild animals can increase the risk of disease transmission and disrupt their natural behavior and survival instincts.

 

More Helpful Tips

Here are three things that people should or should not do if they come across a wild rabbit:

DO – Maintain a Safe Distance

When encountering a wild rabbit, it’s important to maintain a safe distance and avoid approaching or attempting to touch the rabbit. Wild rabbits are naturally cautious animals and may perceive human interaction as a threat, causing them to become stressed or frightened.

Observing the rabbit from a distance allows it to feel safe and reduces the risk of causing unnecessary stress or harm.

DO -Provide Shelter and Protection

If you encounter a wild rabbit that appears injured, distressed, or in need of assistance, you can provide shelter and protection without attempting to handle it directly. Create a quiet and secluded space near the rabbit where it can seek refuge from potential predators or environmental threats.

You can also provide food and water in the vicinity of the rabbit to help support its recovery and well-being. If you’re concerned about the rabbit’s health or safety, consider contacting a local wildlife rehabilitation center or animal control agency for further assistance.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure the safety and well-being of wild rabbits while also respecting their natural behavior and habitat.

 

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