The rabbit's diet, regardless of its breed should be based on hay, a selection of recommended fruits and vegetables and feed. But just because the rabbit is a herbivore, it doesn't mean that it can eat all types of plants. There are some foods which are harmful and dangerous for its health. Let's look at what you should avoid when feeding rabbits.

1. Sweets and chocolate. Rabbits should not eat sweets, including chocolate, as they cannot digest the sugar and fat they contain. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to rabbits and can cause serious health problems.

2. Dairy products. Rabbits are unable to digest milk and may have digestive problems due to a lack of the enzyme lactase. Therefore, it is not recommended to give rabbits milk, cheeses or other dairy products.

3. Citrus fruits. The acid found in citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons and grapefruits can be irritating to rabbits and disrupt their digestion. Therefore, it is better not to offer them these fruits.

4. Potatoes. It contains high amounts of a very toxic alkaloid, called solanine. Solanine is removed by boiling the potatoes, but they nonetheless remain very high in calories and starch, which can cause severe digestive disorders. It is highly advisable to never feed your rabbit potatoes. 

5. Toxic plants. Some plants can be toxic to rabbits, so it is important to avoid such plants as food or dietary variety. Examples of plants that are toxic to rabbits include oleanders, avocados, plants in the lily family, and others.

Some of them are toxic because they contain poisonous elements, while others are not poisonous but produce gases.

The rabbit's intestines are unable to remove these gases through flatulence. Thus, these toxic gases enter the rabbit's bloodstream, causing enterotoxemia, which can be fatal to the animal.

Don't forget that rabbits are very gentle mammals that require active intestinal transit to thrive. Therefore, if you notice any unusual symptoms in your pet, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible for an urgent examination. A quick call to a specialist can save an animal's life.