Dandelion - The Hay Experts

Yes, rabbits, guinea pigs and many other small animals (including herbivorous reptiles such as tortoises) can eat Dandelion.

Dandelion is a natural and healthy food source, rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. It can be added to hay, fed on its' own, or added to other leaves or flowers for added enjoyment.

Yes, rabbits (and guinea pigs and other small animals) can eat all the parts of the dandelion plant.

Dandelion is an amazing plant, full of natural goodness with the flower, leaves, stem and roots all being edible.

Rabbits guinea pigs and other small animals enjoy the leaves, as well as the root, stem and bright yellow flower

In addition to small animals, the dandelion flower is often one of the first sources of food for bees in the spring and so is a valuable food source for this vulnerable species.

Whilst there is no definitive answer to this, as it depends on factors such as diet, age, activity, and overall health, it is generally understood that dandelion can be fed daily in moderation.

It is a natural and valuable food source for rabbits, guinea pigs and others, offering not only nutritional benefit but environmental enrichment and enjoyment too.

As it is high in calcium, dandelion is especially important to the young and elderly as it can help support bone health.

However, this should be reduced to feeding as a treat level, and not every day, to those who have kidney, bladder or known calcium issues due to the relatively high levels of calcium found in dandelion. Some vets may recommend feeding a controlled amount of dandelion to those with these conditions due to its many health benefits, and veterinary advice is recommended in such instances.

Dandelion is known to support urinary health as it is a diruetic and can help with urination/water intake and our Animal Medicines Advisor is on hand to help with any questions on this.

There is no specific age that is accepted as the right age to feed dandelion to the very young as young rabbits or guinea pigs will start copying their mum and nibble on the foods she is enjoying as they start to wean.

As dandelion is a natural food source, rabbits come into contact with it from a very young age and as it is packed full of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, it is a valuable food source for them.

It's high calcium level will also help support their normal bone development and help their mum with her milk production too!

We recommend introducing dandlion slowly, as a new food, to any animal that has not had it before; it's better to limit the amount able to be consumed for a week or two rather than risk an upset stomach, diarrhoea, or worse.

The Hay Experts Animal Medicines Advisor is on hand to offer guidance should any queries arise on this.