🐰 Introduction

As a veterinarian, I often get asked, “Can rabbits eat celery?” The short answer is yes, but with important precautions. Celery can offer hydration, fiber, and nutrients—but if served improperly, it can cause digestive upset or choking. In this 2025 update, I'll guide you through what you need to know, from benefits and risks to serving tips, so your bunny stays healthy, happy, and safe.

📚 Nutritional Profile of Celery

• About 95% water – hydrates bunnies (the Pet Staff) :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Rich in fiber – supports gut movement and dental health :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Vitamins: A, C, K, B complex – aid immune, vision & bone health :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• Minerals: calcium, potassium, phosphorus – essential for teeth and bones :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

✅ Which Parts of Celery Are Safe?

All parts are edible, including stalks, leaves, roots, and hearts. But stalks contain tough strings that may cause choking or digestive issues. Leaves are softer and safer. Experts commonly suggest removing tough ribs and cutting stalks into small pieces to minimize risk :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

🎯 Benefits of Feeding Celery

1. Hydration: Ideal snack in dry seasons :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
2. Dental health: Crunchy texture helps wear down teeth :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
3. Fiber-rich: Supports healthy digestion :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
4. Micronutrients: Vitamins + minerals help bone, vision, and immunity :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

⚠️ Risks & Why Moderation Matters

• Choking hazard: Tough strings can lodge in throat :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
• GI upset: High water content may cause diarrhea if too much :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
• Sugar: Though low, celery adds carbs; overeating can disrupt gut flora :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

Even VCA Animal Hospitals recommend avoiding iceberg lettuce and celery if fed improperly—its high water content and low nutrients can lead to imbalance in a rabbit’s diet :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.

🛠️ How to Prepare Celery for Bunnies

Here's my vet-approved method:

• Wash thoroughly (remove pesticides).
• Remove tough ribs/strings.
• Slice stalk into thin lengths, then small dice (~1cm cubes).
• Introduce slowly—feed 1–2 small pieces first, then wait 24 hrs to monitor.
• If no diarrhea or gas appear, it’s safe to continue.

Reddit savvy bunny owners also advise:

“Yes, celery is fine. You can remove the ribs ('strings') with a vegetable peeler.”

📏 How Much and How Often?

General guidelines:

• Celery should be no more than 10–15% of daily diet :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
• Feed 2–3 times weekly, not daily; limit total fresh veggies to 1 cup/2 lbs body weight daily :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
• Leaves can be included daily within vegetable limits, less risky than stalks :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}

🍽️ Sample Weekly Feeding Plan

Add occasional fruits/treats (<10% of diet), plus unlimited grass hay and fresh water.

💡 Tips from Ask A Vet

• Always prioritize unlimited grass hay—it’s vital for gut and dental health :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
• Rotate vegetables weekly—introduce new foods one at a time :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
• Beware of high-calcium or oxalate greens if your rabbit has bladder issues (e.g., parsley, spinach)—celery is low in both :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}

🧼 Troubleshooting Digestive Reactions

Signs to monitor:

• Looser stools
• Straining or discomfort
• Decreased appetite

If noticed, stop celery immediately and consult your veterinarian—especially if signs persist beyond 24 hours.

🎯 Alternatives to Celery

If celery isn’t your bunny's favorite or causes issues:

• Leafy greens: romaine, parsley, kale, cabbage, dandelion :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
• Crunchy veggies: cucumber, bell pepper (seeds removed), carrot tops :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}
• Herbs: basil, cilantro, mint—all bunny-approved low-risk options :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}

🐇 Celery and Specific Breeds

Certain breeds like Netherland Dwarfs or Lop brothers/sisters have more sensitive digestion:

• Introduce celery leaves only at first
• Delay stalks until stomach is stable on other veggies
• Watch closely and adjust frequency down if mild diarrhea occurs

🏥 When to See a Vet

Seek veterinary attention if your rabbit displays:

• Severe gas, bloating, or cessation of eating or defecation—signs of GI stasis
• Choking signs—gagging, salivating, or distress after eating celery sticks

Remember, rabbits cannot vomit—blockages are emergencies requiring immediate care.

🧠 FAQs

Can baby rabbits eat celery?

No—only after 12 weeks, and introduce slowly with only leaves at first :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}.

Is cooked celery okay?

Cooking reduces crunch and nutrients; avoid cooking—it’s unnecessary and less beneficial :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}.

Are celery roots/seeds safe?

Roots are safe but rarely eaten; seeds have concentrated compounds—avoid them.

Is iceberg lettuce better than celery?

No—iceberg is mostly water and lacks fiber, nutrition, and crunch :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}.

📌 Vet Tips for 2025 and Beyond

As diets and studies evolve, so does veterinary advice:

• Consider gut microbiome support—probiotic hay blocks may improve celery tolerance.
• Monitor calcium-to-phosphorus ratio—celery is well balanced (Ca 0.04%, low oxalate) :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}.
• Use celery as a training treat—its crunch is perfect for positive reinforcement.

👨‍⚕️ Final Verdict

So, can rabbits eat celery? Yes—but it's a treat, not a staple. When prepared safely, served in moderate amounts (especially leaves), and combined with a balanced diet of grass hay and leafy greens, celery can be a healthy occasional snack. Always prioritize hay, monitor reactions, and seek veterinary care if issues arise.

🔗 Mentioned Services

• Ask A Vet: For anytime veterinary chats and assessments.
• Woopf: Enrichment chews and crunchy toys to support dental health.
• Purrz: Recommended herbal blends like mint and parsley for veggie rotation.