Key Takeaways Not all types of wood are safe for rabbits, and care must be taken to choose non-toxic, untreated wood.Several common plants and wood types are safe for rabbits to chew on, including alfalfa and apple (without seeds).Toxic woods such as cedar, cherry, and almond must be avoided to prevent harm to rabbits.
Key Takeaways
Not all types of wood are safe for rabbits, and care must be taken to choose non-toxic, untreated wood.Several common plants and wood types are safe for rabbits to chew on, including alfalfa and apple (without seeds).Toxic woods such as cedar, cherry, and almond must be avoided to prevent harm to rabbits.
Rabbits need to chew on things regularly to keep their teeth trimmed and healthy. Wood is a popular and natural choice for rabbit owners but not all types of wood are safe, which is something to keep in mind when choosing wood for a rabbit hutch or for rabbit toys.
Warning Before just grabbing that tree branch from your backyard or a chunk of wood from the local lumber yard make sure the wood you are offering your rabbit is safe, free of pesticides, untreated, preferably organic, does not include any roots, and is free of paint.
Warning
Before just grabbing that tree branch from your backyard or a chunk of wood from the local lumber yard make sure the wood you are offering your rabbit is safe, free of pesticides, untreated, preferably organic, does not include any roots, and is free of paint.
Many common backyard plants are also great options for rabbits to chew on. Below is a list of woods, vines, and other plant materials that are safe for pet rabbits.
*This list is for informational purposes only, and the writer cannot be held responsible for any ill effects from consumption.
Safe Woods (and Wood-like Substances) for Rabbits
![Gray rabbit eating a tipped over basil plant outside]
Toxic Woods for Rabbits
Other safe options are available in pet stores for rabbits. Woods marketed for chinchillas and other rodents are usually okay to offer to your pet rabbit, but make sure the type of wood is not on the toxic woods list before putting it in your rabbit's cage. The same goes for the material that his hide box and cage are made out of (if they are made of wood). Any items in his cage are fair game for his teeth to nibble on so you want to make sure they are safe!
If you think your rabbit may have eaten a toxic wood, then contact your exotics vet as soon as possible.