Do Rabbits Eat Tomato Plant Leaves?

Rabbits are adorable animals that can be quite destructive to gardens and crops. They are herbivores and enjoy feeding on plants, vegetables, and fruits. This raises the question, do rabbits eat tomato plant leaves?

What Do Rabbits Eat?

Rabbits feed primarily on grass, hay, and leafy vegetables, such as lettuce and spinach. They also enjoy eating fruits such as apples, bananas, and berries. However, rabbits are known to be opportunistic feeders and will eat virtually any plant material available to them.

Tomato Plant Leaves

Tomatoes are a common garden crop that homeowners and farmers grow in their gardens. Tomato plants contain compounds that make them unpalatable to most animals, including rabbits. The leaves on tomato plants can be toxic to both rabbits and humans if ingested in large quantities, as they contain alkaloids such as solanine, which can cause digestive issues and nerve damage.

Rabbits and Tomato Plants

Rabbits may eat tomato plant leaves if they are desperate for food or if they cannot find any other food source. It is not their preferred food, as rabbits typically avoid plants that have a bitter taste, which tomato plant leaves possess. Rabbits are more likely to eat the fruits of tomato plants than the leaves.

Preventing Rabbit Damage to Tomato Plants

Preventing rabbits from damaging tomato plants involves ensuring that the garden is secure by installing a fence around the perimeter. The fence should be buried several inches into the ground to prevent rabbits from digging underneath it. If rabbits are still able to get into the garden, it may be necessary to use a rabbit repellent or to plant vegetables that rabbits do not find appetizing, such as onions or garlic.

In Conclusion

Rabbits are herbivores that enjoy feeding on a variety of plants, vegetables, and fruits. Tomato plant leaves may be toxic to rabbits and should be avoided whenever possible. Rabbits may eat tomato plant leaves only when they are desperate for food or cannot find any other sources. Preventing rabbits from damaging tomato plants involves using a fence or rabbit repellent, or planting vegetables that rabbits do not find appetizing.