Moss is a non-vascular plant that is commonly associated with wet or moist conditions. This is why most people will note moss as being spread across the top of a swamp.
While this is true, it is important to note, moss plays an integral role in the preservation of the environment in these moist conditions.
It is the same conditions that rabbits tend to be near. As a result, you may wonder, do rabbits eat moss?
Rabbits can eat moss but will often seek other types of plants to sustain themselves. Moss offers limited vitamins but is a good way to consume calories. The reason rabbits don’t eat moss often is that it’s moist.
This is something to account for if you have moss nearby and are worried your rabbit will begin to eat it.
Most rabbits are not going to go near moss and will head in the opposite direction. Others are going to take a sniff but will likely avoid it.
Here is a look at some of the reasons rabbits can eat moss and what type of value it has to offer if a rabbit takes a few bites.
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Benefits Of Moss For Rabbits
1. Quick Calories
The main reason rabbits eat moss has to do with quick calories.
In the wild, a rabbit has to make sure it is eating enough to preserve itself. If there are any issues in this regard, it can have a dramatic impact on the rabbit’s health over the long term. This is why most rabbits do end up eating moss from time to time.
While this is true, it is important to note pet rabbits will likely avoid moss in the yard or anywhere else.
They will be well-fed and are not going to be as intrigued by moss as a wild rabbit that’s hungry. This is a subtle difference that has to be kept in mind when it comes to what a rabbit can eat and what it will want to eat.
Those quick calories are the reason many rabbits eat moss in the wild.
2. Increased Hydration
Moss is known for being moist and that is the type of condition it grows in.
Due to this, the moss that a rabbit will eat is going to be moist to the touch. This means it is going to have increased water content that will fill the rabbit during warmer months of the year.
In certain parts of the wild, the moss can be refreshing and a quick way to eat calories while getting hydrated at the same time.
It’s a win-win for the rabbit.
Since rabbits can eat moss, it makes sense for them to take a bite during the hotter days of the year.
3. Filling
The benefit of rabbits eating moss has to do with how filling it is as a plant.
When a rabbit is hungry, it will want to eat anything that it can find. This includes fruits, vegetables, and of course garden plants that are nearby.
With moss, a rabbit will take a bite because it will get full from the weight of the moss. This is appealing to the rabbit and it is one of the reasons they can end up eating moss.
When it comes to the advantages of a rabbit eating moss, this has to be right up there at the top.
4. Ample Access
Moss is readily available in moist conditions near swamps.
This means if a rabbit wants, it can go up to the moss and take a bite without worrying about getting ambushed or having to share resources with other animals.
Since rabbits are prey animals, they are risk-averse.
This is essential when it comes to their decision-making. The rabbit will eat moss because it is easier to access than other plants and still can be digested. This is appealing for rabbits and something they do enjoy when there’s nothing else.
Final Thoughts
Do rabbits eat moss?
Rabbits do eat moss but it is not a preferred plant. Most rabbits will prefer drier plants that are easier to access and will not taste like moss. Even in the yard, a rabbit will commonly avoid moss unless it has no other option.
This is something to keep a note of if you are in a rush to get rid of moss around the property.
Don’t worry about it because your rabbit won’t want to eat the moss or it will take only a few bites. Get rid of it when you have the chance to do so but don’t assume it’s toxic. It is not.
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