Natural Treats for Rabbits and Guinea Pigs: What to Feed and Why

by Ryan Stiff

Rabbits and guinea pigs are natural foragers. In the wild, they'd spend their days nibbling on a huge variety of leaves, twigs, bark, and herbs — far more varied than the pellets and hay that make up most pet diets. Offering fresh and dried forage treats is one of the best things you can do for their health, enrichment, and happiness. Here's what we offer and why it matters.

Why Natural Forage Treats?

Commercial rabbit and guinea pig treats are often high in sugar and low in nutritional value. Natural forage — leaves, twigs, and dried herbs — is much closer to what these animals evolved to eat. The benefits include:

  • Dental health: Gnawing on twigs and fibrous leaves helps wear down continuously growing teeth naturally.
  • Gut health: High-fibre forage supports healthy digestion and reduces the risk of GI stasis in rabbits.
  • Mental enrichment: Foraging behaviour is mentally stimulating. Scattering leaves or hanging twigs gives your pet something to work for.
  • Variety: A more varied diet is a healthier diet. Rotating different leaves and plants keeps mealtimes interesting and nutritionally balanced.

Our Natural Treat Range

All of our forage treats are cut fresh to order or carefully dried to preserve nutrients. Browse our full Rabbits & Guinea Pigs natural treats collection, or read on for a guide to each product.

Hazel Leaves & Twigs

Hazel is one of the safest and most nutritious forage plants for small pets. The leaves are rich in fibre and tannins, and the twigs provide excellent gnawing material to support dental health.

Suitable for: rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, degus, and tortoises.

Blackberry Leaves

Blackberry leaves are a firm favourite with rabbits and guinea pigs. They're high in fibre and tannins, and most pets go absolutely wild for them. The slightly rough texture is also great for wearing down teeth.

Note: Small thorns may remain on base of leaf, always check before feeding to young or small animals.

Willow Leaves & Sticks

Willow is another safe and popular forage plant. The bark contains salicin (a natural anti-inflammatory), and the leaves are palatable and nutritious. Willow sticks are particularly good for gnawing.

Hawthorn & Blackthorn Twigs

Both hawthorn and blackthorn are safe for rabbits and guinea pigs and provide excellent gnawing enrichment. We remove all thorns before packing.

Willowherb Leaves

Hairy willowherb is a wild plant that many rabbits enjoy as an occasional treat. It's best offered in small quantities as part of a varied diet.

Mixed Leaf Bundles

Not sure where to start? Our mixed bundles are a great way to introduce variety and find out what your pet loves most.

How to Feed Natural Forage

  • Introduce new plants gradually — start with small amounts and increase over a few days to avoid digestive upset.
  • Fresh leaves should be fed within a few days of delivery. Store in the fridge in a paper bag or loosely wrapped.
  • Dried leaves can be stored in a cool, dry place for several months. Mix into hay, scatter in the enclosure, or offer by hand.
  • Twigs and sticks can be left in the enclosure for your pet to gnaw at their leisure.
  • Always ensure fresh water is available, especially when feeding dried forage.

Cut Fresh to Order

All our fresh forage is cut to order and dispatched quickly so it arrives in the best possible condition. We don't hold stock sitting in a warehouse — what you receive is as fresh as it gets. Browse the full natural treats range and treat your pets to something they'll love.

Back to News