Tasty rabbit treats

Unlimited hay, fresh vegetables and pellets are the "meat and potatoes" of your pet's diet, but every self-respecting rabbit will appreciate a delicious treat to eat on occasion. Feeding inappropriate foods, however, can upset your bunny's sensitive digestive system. As a responsible caretaker, you'll need to inform yourself about what's good (and what's not) for your animal companion.

Fruity rabbit treats – Moderation is key

Most rabbits love fresh fruits, and they make excellent treats for your pet when given in moderation. Experts recommend no more than one tablespoon of fruit per day. Good choices include:

• Papaya
• Banana
• Peach
• Grapes
• Apple (no seeds, please!)
• Melon
• Strawberries

Fresh herbs such as basil, mint and cilantro are yummy treats, too. Take care to wash all fresh foods, and never offer your pet anything that's spoiled or old.

Tree branches and twigs also make tasty treats

Looking for more healthy treats for your pet? Chew on this! Untreated tree branches and twigs, when dried and aged, will satisfy a rabbit's natural urge to gnaw while combating bunny boredom at the same time. Willow, beech, linden, maple and some fruit trees are good choices, but please note that apricot, cherry, and peach branches are toxic to rabbits.

Chew sticks can work, but stay away from fats and grains

Rabbit chew sticks, available at pet supply stores, can also fulfill the need to chew, but should be given only once every couple of weeks. You'll probably find several brands to choose from, but please take care to select the one that's made with more greens than grains. Most other commercially packaged bunny treats are high in fat and sugar, and can lead to obesity. Many of these treats, for example, contain 4-5% fat – and that's way too much, considering that companion rabbits should receive no more than 1.5% of their daily calories from fat.

Never give your bunny bread or other human edibles that are high in fat, sugar and carbohydrates, such as seeds, nuts, chocolate or breakfast cereals. These foods can cause a variety of problems, from obesity and diarrhea to intestinal upset.

Please note: just because a food is on our list of recommended treats, it may still disagree with your individual bunny. If you notice that a particular treat causes upset stomach or diarrhea, it's best to discontinue that food.