Yes, rabbits can eat ripe tomato, but only as a treat
Ripe tomato flesh can be safe for rabbits in small amounts, but tomato leaves, stems and unripe green tomatoes should never be fed.
Tomatoes can be safe, but only the ripe fruit
Tomatoes are often treated like a vegetable in the kitchen, but they are a fruit. Rabbit owners may wonder whether this juicy food is safe to share with their pets. The good news is that rabbits can eat small amounts of ripe tomato flesh.
However, tomatoes are watery and contain natural sugars, so they should only be offered as an occasional treat. The green parts of the tomato plant are not safe for rabbits, so leaves, stems, vines and unripe green tomatoes should always be avoided.
Are tomatoes safe for rabbits?
Yes, ripe tomato flesh can be safe for rabbits when fed in very small amounts. Tomato skin and the soft inner flesh are usually fine for healthy adult rabbits, but tomato should still be treated as a treat rather than a main food.
A healthy rabbit diet should consist mostly of hay, which supports digestion and helps keep a rabbit’s teeth worn down naturally. Hay should still make up around 80–90% of a rabbit’s daily food intake.
Nutritional value of tomatoes
Tomatoes contain water, fibre and small amounts of useful nutrients. They are still best used as an occasional treat because they are juicy and can upset some rabbits if overfed.
Vitamin C
Tomatoes contain vitamin C, though rabbits should not rely on fruit treats as a main vitamin source.
Vitamin A
Tomato can add a little variety, but leafy greens are usually more useful for daily nutrition.
High water content
Tomato is very juicy, so too much may contribute to soft stools or digestive upset.
Antioxidants
Ripe tomatoes contain antioxidants, but this does not make them suitable as a daily food.
Natural sugars
Tomatoes are not as sweet as many fruits, but they should still be limited as a treat.
Hay comes first
Tomato should never replace hay, fresh water, leafy greens or a balanced rabbit diet.
How much tomato can rabbits eat?
Tomatoes should only be offered in small portions. A good guideline is a small piece of ripe tomato, such as part of a cherry tomato or a thin slice, once or twice per week.
Too much tomato can upset a rabbit’s digestive system because it is juicy and acidic compared with hay and leafy greens. Some rabbits may also be more sensitive than others, so introduce tomato slowly.
- Offer a small piece, not a whole large tomato.
- Feed ripe tomato once or twice per week at most.
- Do not use tomato as a daily food.
- Introduce new foods slowly and watch your rabbit’s poo and behaviour.
Never feed tomato leaves, stems or green tomatoes
When feeding tomato to rabbits, only offer a small amount of ripe tomato flesh. The green parts of the tomato plant should always be avoided.
- Avoid leaves and stems Tomato leaves, stems and vines are not safe for rabbits and should never be offered.
- Do not feed unripe green tomatoes Only ripe tomato flesh should be given. Avoid green, underripe tomatoes completely.
- Keep portions small Tomato is watery and acidic, so it should stay as an occasional treat even if your rabbit enjoys it.
Use tomato as a tiny occasional treat
Some rabbits enjoy the soft texture and juicy taste of ripe tomato. It can be used as a small enrichment treat, especially when scattered with safe leafy greens.
If your rabbit has never tried tomato before, start with a very tiny piece and watch for any changes in appetite, poo or behaviour afterwards.
How to prepare tomatoes for rabbits
Before feeding tomato to your rabbit, prepare it carefully and only use ripe tomato flesh. Keep your rabbit away from tomato plants and any green parts.
Choose ripe tomato
Only use ripe red tomato flesh. Avoid unripe green tomatoes completely.
Remove plant parts
Remove and discard any stalk, leaves, stems or vine pieces before feeding.
Cut a tiny piece
Offer a small piece of tomato, especially when introducing it for the first time.
Feed occasionally
Use tomato as an occasional treat rather than a regular daily food.
Benefits and signs your rabbit enjoys tomatoes
When given in moderation, ripe tomato can add variety and make treat time interesting. Even if your rabbit loves tomato, treats should always be limited.
Adds variety
A tiny piece of ripe tomato can add occasional variety to a hay-based diet.
Small amounts of nutrients
Tomato contains some vitamins and antioxidants, but it should not replace leafy greens or hay.
Encourages foraging
Small treat pieces can be mixed with safe greens or used in supervised enrichment.
Hydrating treat
Ripe tomato is juicy, which is why portions should stay tiny and occasional.
Signs they enjoy it
Your rabbit may run over quickly, nibble eagerly, lick the juice or search for more.
Still limit treats
Even enthusiastic rabbits should only have tomato occasionally to keep their diet balanced.
Ripe tomato can be a safe occasional treat for rabbits
Rabbits can eat small amounts of ripe tomato flesh as an occasional treat. However, tomato should not become a daily food because it is watery, mildly acidic and not an essential part of a rabbit’s diet.
Never feed tomato leaves, stems, vines or unripe green tomatoes. A rabbit’s diet should still be based mainly on hay, with fresh vegetables and leafy greens forming the rest of their daily food.
Related rabbit care guides
More useful guides for rabbit foods, treats and daily diet basics.
RabbitCare.co.uk provides general rabbit care information for UK owners. It does not replace advice from a rabbit-savvy vet. If your rabbit stops eating, stops pooing, seems in pain or is suddenly unwell, contact a vet urgently.