Can Rabbits Drink Vinegar?

Categorized as Bunny Diet

Last Updated on February 19, 2023 by Marjon Ramos

Vinegar is not toxic to rabbits, but most rabbits would never drink pure vinegar due to its smell.

In fact, vinegar is a popular natural repelant against rabbits and is being used by gardeners to protect their plants from wild rabbits. 

Additionally, apple cider vinegar has been used by some rabbitries for its health benefits.

Rabbitries would add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a gallon of water and use that as their rabbit’s water supply. 

Vinegar+water is also a popular cleaning solution for rabbit cages because it is safe for rabbits if they decide to lick their cages after cleaning them. 

Now that I’ve given you the gist of the article, read on as I explain in more detail if rabbits can drink vinegar: 

Would rabbits intentionally drink vinegar?

A rabbit drinking water with vinegar.

It’s unlikely for a rabbit to drink a pure vinegar due to its smell. Vinegar is a popular natural repellent against rabbits amongst gardeners. Rabbits hate the smell of vinegar.

However, your rabbit would likely drink a vinegar that’s been diluted with water. There are several rabbit owners online that reported seeing their rabbits drink a water+vinegar solution that’s being used to clean their cages.

Here’s an example:

My odd little bunny decided to drink some of the white vinegar/water solution that I use to clean her cage with. 

https://binkybunny.com/forums/topic/vinegarae/

What would happen if rabbits drank vinegar?

Vinegar is not toxic to rabbits, so even if they drink it, nothing will happen. It’s also unlikely that your rabbit would even attempt to drink pure vinegar, as most rabbits find the smell of vinegar repulsive. 

There’s a reason why rabbit cages are often cleaned with a vinegar + water solution; it’s completely safe compared to bleach and other cleaning solutions. 

So don’t worry if your rabbit drinks some vinegar + water solution that you are using to clean their cage. Just observe their behavior, poop, and urine for any changes.

What type of vinegar is safe for rabbits?

A clear bottle with apple cider vinegar

Every type of vinegar is safe for rabbits. If you’re using vinegar to clean your rabbit’s cage, go for white vinegar diluted with water. 

There are rabbitries that are using apple cider vinegar on their rabbits’ water supply due to its health benefits. I would, however, advise that you don’t do this. 

Rabbitries would often only consider the short term health of their rabbits and just want to keep them alive until they are slaughtered. 

Your rabbit might stop drinking water or only drink a little if they don’t like the smell of apple cider vinegar.

Conclusion

Vinegar is not toxic to rabbits, but most rabbits would never drink pure vinegar due to its smell. Vinegar is actually a popular natural repellent against rabbits amongst gardeners.

If you’re using vinegar to clean your rabbit’s cage, go for white vinegar diluted with water. It’s safe compared to bleach and other cleaning solutions.

Cite this article:

Bunny Horde (December 2, 2024) Can Rabbits Drink Vinegar?. Retrieved from https://bunnyhorde.com/can-rabbits-drink-vinegar/.
"Can Rabbits Drink Vinegar?." Bunny Horde - December 2, 2024, https://bunnyhorde.com/can-rabbits-drink-vinegar/

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By Marjon Ramos

I’ve loved and cared for rabbits since I was 9 years old, and I’m here to share my passion for rabbits. My objective is to help rabbit owners give their rabbits the best life possible.