Safe Summer Foraging for Rabbits & Guinea Pigs: A Complete Guide
Summer is the perfect time to enrich your rabbit or guinea pig's diet with fresh, foraged plants — but knowing which ones are safe (and which to avoid) is essential. At Bluebells Forage, we're passionate about connecting small animals with the natural diet they're built for. Here's everything you need to know about safe summer foraging.
Why Forage Matters for Rabbits & Guinea Pigs
In the wild, rabbits and guinea pigs graze constantly throughout the day on a wide variety of grasses, herbs, and leafy plants. This natural variety supports their digestive health, dental wear, and mental enrichment. A diet that mirrors this — rich in hay, fresh leafy greens, and occasional foraged treats — is the foundation of a healthy small animal.
Hay should always make up the bulk of their diet. Our Premium Timothy Hay is a brilliant everyday staple, and for bunnies who need a little calming support, our Premium Calming Timothy Hay blends soothing botanical into every handful.
Safe Plants to Forage in Summer
If you're heading out to pick fresh plants, these are safe choices commonly found in UK gardens and hedgerows:
- Dandelion — Leaves and flowers are loved by both rabbits and guinea pigs. Rich in vitamins A and C.
- Plantain — Ribwort and broadleaf plantain are nutritious and widely available.
- Clover — Leaves and flowers in moderation; too much can cause gas in rabbits.
- Bramble leaves — Young leaves are great for teeth and digestion.
- Yarrow — A useful digestive herb in small quantities.
- Chamomile — Calming and gentle; particularly good for anxious or skittish rabbits.
- Spearmint — A firm favourite. Our Dried Spearmint Leaves are a convenient, safe way to offer this herb year-round.
- Marigold (Not the French sort)— Petals are safe and brightening for the diet. Try our Dried Marigold Flowers as a tasty supplement.
Plants to Avoid
Not everything that grows in a British summer is safe. Always avoid:
- Foxglove — highly toxic
- Buttercup — toxic in larger quantities
- Nightshade — extremely dangerous
- Ivy — toxic to rabbits and guinea pigs
- Rhubarb leaves — toxic
- Poppy — avoid all parts
- Anything sprayed with pesticides or herbicides
When in doubt, don't feed it. Stick to species you can identify with certainty, and always introduce new plants gradually to avoid digestive upset.
Foraging Safely: Practical Tips
- Pick away from roads and footpaths — pollution and dog urine contamination are real risks.
- Wash everything thoroughly before offering it to your pets.
- Introduce new plants slowly — a small amount on day one, building up over several days.
- Dry excess forage for later use — many herbs dry well and retain their nutritional value.
- Never replace hay — foraged plants and herbs are enrichment and supplementation, not a substitute for unlimited hay.
Boost Their Diet with Botanical Mixes
If foraging isn't always possible, our botanical mixes make it easy to offer variety and enrichment every day. The Premium Timothy Hay Herb & Flower Mix combines the nutrition of Timothy hay with dried herbs and edible flowers — perfect for inquisitive grazers. For a treat-style option, the Premium Timothy Hay & Flower Mix adds a colourful, fragrant twist they'll love.
For guinea pigs especially, green oat is a wonderful seasonal addition — our Green Oat is soft, palatable, and packed with goodness.
How Much Hay Does a Rabbit Need Daily?
A common question — and an important one. Rabbits should eat their own body size in hay every single day. Yes, really. Hay is critical for gut motility, dental health, and preventing potentially fatal GI stasis. A rabbit that isn't eating enough hay is a rabbit at risk. Keep hay available 24/7, refresh it regularly to keep it appealing, and use enrichment hides or hay racks to encourage foraging behaviour.
Guinea pigs have similar needs — unlimited fresh hay, daily, alongside fresh leafy greens and a small amount of pellets.
Final Thoughts
Summer is a wonderful opportunity to bring a little more of the natural world into your small animals' lives. Whether you're heading out to forage from hedgerows or supplementing with quality dried botanicals, every bit of variety makes a difference to their health and happiness.
Explore our full range of natural rabbit and guinea pig foods — all carefully chosen with welfare at heart.