DIY Herbal Blends for Rabbits: Natural Treats Your Bunny Will Love

Specific herbal blends have a significant impact on the overall health of bunnies. So if you’ve been wondering what herbs rabbits can eat, or how you can offer them something fresh, beneficial, and bunny-approved, you’re in the right place.

As a devoted rabbit parent, you already know your bunny’s health and happiness rely on more than just hay and pellets. Just like us, bunnies thrive when they have a varied diet full of good nutrition and excitement.

Herbs are more than just treats; they are substances that have tremendous benefits for your bunny’s digestion, relaxation, immune support, and natural enrichment. Herbal blends are usually a way to mimic the things that rabbits would usually forage for in the wild to support both their physical health and mental stimulation.

What Herbs Can Rabbits Eat? Rabbit-Friendly Herbs and Their Benefits

There are specific herbs that wild rabbits enjoy eating. When selecting them, the rabbits enjoy the appeal of their smell and the slight bitterness of their taste.

This is because, contrary to popular beliefs, carrots and other sweet fruits are not suitable for rabbits in heavy quantities. However, these plants are safe and rabbits love to eat them because of the benefits they have for their health:

1. Chamomile

Chamomile is a popular herb known for its calming properties. It is a gentle herb that can help anxious or overstimulated bunnies relax. It’s also beneficial when bunnies are under a lot of stress. You can use chamomile when you are grooming your fur baby, traveling, or experiencing thunderstorms or loud noises.

2. Dandelion

Dandelion leaves are a rabbit superfood packed with fiber. They also act as a gentle diuretic that supports your bunny’s liver function and are rich in antioxidants. The flowers contain minerals and a slightly bitter taste that appeals to every bunny’s palate. 

3. Mint

Mint aids digestion and has a refreshing aroma that encourages foraging. It’s a great herb to offer after a heavy meal or when your bunny needs a little tummy support.

4. Rosemary

Though best in small amounts, rosemary offers antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can support respiratory health and may deter some parasites.

5. Parsley

High in vitamin C, parsley is a favorite herb that’s both tasty and supportive of your rabbit’s immune system. Just be sure to offer it in moderation due to its calcium content.

How to Dry, Mix, and Store Herbs at Home

Creating herbal blends for your fur baby isn’t so hard; it also allows you to tailor treats to your bunny’s taste and needs. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Harvesting and Drying

What herbs can rabbits eat? Well, start with the fresh, organic herbs, whether store-bought or from your garden. To preserve their nutrients, you need to start by rinsing them gently under cold water and patting them dry.

Then you can tie the herbs in small bundles and hang them upside down in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space away from sunlight.

Alternatively, use a dehydrator on the lowest setting or an oven at 100°F (38°C) with the door slightly open. Drying can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on humidity and method.

2. Mixing

Once fully dried, crumble the leaves (avoid stems and hard parts) and combine them in an airtight container. You can create blends based on purpose, such as:

• Calming Mix: Chamomile + lavender + lemon balm
• Digestion Blend: Mint + dandelion + plantain
• Immune Support: Parsley + echinacea + calendula

Always research each herb before adding new ones, and introduce them slowly into your bunny’s diet.

3. Storing

You need to use a clean, airtight glass jar or resealable kraft pouch. To make it easier to identify the herb mixtures, you need to label each blend and keep it in a cool, dark place.

Remember to avoid plastic containers, which can trap moisture and reduce freshness. Dried herbs can last up to 6 months if stored properly.

Beginner-Friendly Recipes for Bunny Wellness

Here are two simple bunny recipes you can try out now that you know the answer to the “ what herbs can rabbits eat” question. Remember to consult your vet and also make sure your bunny doesn’t have any allergies or adverse reactions to a specific herb first:

Calming Blend for Relaxation

When your bunniess has trouble sleeping or is under a lot of stress, this is a great blend to help ease the problem: 

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp dried chamomile
• 1 tbsp dried lavender
• 1 tbsp dried lemon balm

Instructions:
Mix and store. Sprinkle a small pinch over hay or use as a free-choice treat 2–3 times a week.

Tummy Soother Digestive Blend

This blend is usually great for helping your bunny’s gut health and easing bloating.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp dried mint
• 2 tbsp dried dandelion leaves
• 1 tbsp dried plantain

Instructions:
Use this blend as a weekly treat or after introducing new foods to help regulate digestion.

Encourage Natural Foraging Behavior

Wild rabbits forage for a variety of plants, sniffing, digging, and nibbling their way through meadows and underbrush. They don’t have pet parents to worry about things like “what herbs can rabbits eat?”, how safe and fresh the herbs are, etc.

So, they tend to eat a variety of herbs, which are easier to get for your bunny because they have you. As a pet parent, introducing herbal blends helps your bunny tap into this natural behavior and stay mentally engaged, exercise their sense of smell and taste, and reduce boredom and stress.

You can even take this further by scattering blends in their hay, stuffing them into toys, or hiding them in enrichment puzzles to mimic the thrill of foraging.

Want an Easier Option? Try Store-Bought Herbal Blends

If you’re short on time or just want to explore high-quality, pre-made options, you can go to a local pet shop or website and search “what herbs can rabbits eat’ or just look for handcrafted herbal blends explicitly designed for rabbits.

You can buy pre-made herbal samplers, dry herb mixes, herb-infused hays, and Dandelion and Rose Hip Blends. These mixtures usually come packed with vitamin C and antioxidants for a healthy immune system.

Conclusion

Remember to always consult your vet before introducing new herbs, especially if your rabbit has any underlying health conditions.

DIY herbal blends are a beautiful way to support your rabbit’s well-being, naturally. You’re offering a boost to their health, a chance to forage, and a deeper bond with you.

So next time you’re prepping your rabbit’s hay or enrichment toy, sprinkle in a bit of herbal magic—and watch their nose twitch in delight.