Can Rabbits Eat Tomatoes? Benefits and Risks for Pet Rabbits

Rabbits are allowed to eat tomatoes, but because tomatoes are not a primary part of their diet (that would be hay), they should be fed only in moderation, says Denise Pancari, DVM, a veterinarian and co-owner of Animal Medical Hospital, in Centereach, New York.  

Check out some of the reasons why tomatoes offer health benefits:  

• Vitamins and antioxidants: “Tomatoes are a good source of many vitamins, such as C, A, and K,” Dr. Pancari says. “They are also rich in lycopene, which is an antioxidant.”  
• Hydration: This juicy produce is chock-full of water, providing an additional source of hydration for your hopping cutie.  
• Low calorie count: Like many other types of produce, tomatoes are low in calories, which can help your bunny maintain a healthy weight.  

While tomatoes are a yummy snack for rabbits, there are some things you’ll want to keep in mind before feeding any to your furry friend.   

• Tomato leaves and stems: Toxins called tomatine and solanine are present in tomato leaves and stems, warns Dr. Pancari. Make sure to remove all of the green parts before feeding tomatoes to your rabbit. Tomatine and solanine poisoning can present with digestive upset (diarrhea or vomiting), loss of appetite, lethargy, or, in severe cases, tremors or seizures.  
• Unripe tomatoes: If you’re going to feed your bunny tomatoes, be sure they’re ripe. Unripe green tomatoes also contain higher levels of tomatine, which can be harmful to rabbits.  
• Acid levels: “Tomatoes can be high in acid, which can cause gastrointestinal issues,” Dr. Pancari says. These issues might present as bloating, soft or watery stools, or lethargy. 
• Sugar content: When consumed in excess, tomatoes can also provide too much sugar to your rabbit, which can lead to weight gain and obesity.  
• Allergic reaction: Though uncommon, some rabbits might have an allergic or adverse reaction to eating tomatoes. Observe your pet after introducing this fruit and watch for issues such as itching, swelling, bloating, diarrhea, or, in rare cases, labored breathing. If you notice any of these symptoms, stop feeding tomatoes immediately and contact your veterinarian for further guidance. 

Always feed tomatoes to your rabbit in moderation. A small slice one to two times a week is a good guide, Dr. Pancari says. Remember, all produce is supplemental to your rabbit’s diet, which should consist primarily of grass hay and pellets.   

Of the small amount of veggies that you do feed your rabbit, tomatoes should make up only about a quarter, says Brittany Schlacter, an educator for the House Rabbit Society and director of West Michigan Critter Haven in Grand Rapids, Michigan. “Leafy greens should comprise approximately 75% of the fresh vegetables fed daily, and non-leafy greens [including produce like tomatoes] should make up the other 25%.”  

Before feeding tomatoes to your rabbit, make sure the fruit is completely ripe and not green. Also, take care to remove all the stems and leaves. Unripe tomatoes, stems, leaves, and seeds are all poisonous to rabbits because they contain the toxic substances tomatine and solanine. Although the levels of these substances in ripe tomatoes and seeds are minimal, it’s still a good idea to remove the seeds as a precaution. 

“Wash tomatoes and clean off any seeds, then cut them into small pieces to eat,” Dr. Pancari says. The pieces should be about one-half inch in size, or smaller if you have dwarf-size rabbits. 

After feeding, monitor your rabbit closely for any adverse signs—such as in their droppings, desire to eat, or energy level—and contact your veterinarian with any concerns.