Can Rabbits Eat Thyme - Thymus vulgaris

Thyme is a general term that refers to the various aromatic herbs that belong to the genus Thymus under the mint family Lamiaceae. These perennial evergreen plants are cultivated for culinary, ornamental and medical purposes with the Thymus vulgaris, a culinary herb being the most common species that is cultivated.

With a brief familiarization to what thyme is, it is worthwhile looking at whether you can give this herb to your rabbits – are they safe or toxic and will your bunny like them?

Do rabbits eat thyme

Yes. Bunnies can eat thyme (Thymus vulgaris).[1] This is one of the rabbit safe herbs besides basil, mint, sage, oregano, rosemary, coriander, among others.

However, do not forget that due to their strong scent and taste, some bunnies might not like them. In fact, they are some of the plants not often eaten by rabbits.[2]

Nutritionally, thyme is going to be beneficial to your bunny as they have carbs, dietary fibers, vitamins A, C, K, B9, and minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium, and manganese among others. These pets require all these nutrients.

Secondly,  thyme is “good for diarrhea, the stems and leaves are ideal as a useful digestive remedy, warming for stomach ache, chills, and associated diarrhea, and expels worm.”[3] This benefit should encourage you to give them this herb.

If you intend to give your bunny thyme, our best advice is to harvest it before and after it has begun flowering. You can then discard the woody stems, wash it under running water and mix it with at least 4-6  other leafy greens. A cup of this chopped mixture is enough a two-pound weighing bunny. It will provide a great nutritional mix.

Other leafy greens you can mix it with include spinach, kales, radish greens, dill, celery, cauliflower, carrot tops, cabbage, basil, spring greens, among others.

Whereas thyme is safe, you need to introduce it slowly over a duration of at least a week, check for any signs of stomach upsets, gas or diarrhea and do not forget to continue with the recommended diet even if your rabbits like this herb.

Conclusion

Rabbits depend on high-fiber, low energy food since they promote gut motility and a healthy digestive system. Therefore, ensure there is an unlimited supply of grassy hays such as Kaytee Timothy Hay, Small Pet Select 2nd Cutting "Perfect Blend" Timothy Hay Pet Food, Standlee Premium Western Forage Timothy Grass, Oxbow Timothy Hay, Vitakraft Timothy Hay, Premium Sweet Grass Hay, among many others.

Provide about 10-15% fresh food of which leafy greens should make a bulk with fruits and non-leafy vegetables being treats. Pellets should be high in fiber and account for about 5% of dietary needs unless your bunny needs a special diet.