Are you wondering what your rabbit should eat every day? Or maybe you just got a rabbit and want to feed it the right way. This guide is for you.
Feeding a rabbit isn’t as simple as tossing them a carrot (spoiler: carrots should be a rare treat!). Their digestive systems are super delicate, and the wrong diet can lead to serious health problems.
In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know in the simplest, most practical way.
Why Your Rabbit’s Diet Is Important
Rabbits have super sensitive digestive systems. Their gut needs constant movement to stay healthy, and the wrong foods can cause:
- GI stasis (a deadly slowdown of digestion)
- Dental problems (their teeth never stop growing!)
- Obesity (yes, rabbits can get fat!)
They need the right type of food to stay healthy.
Your rabbit’s diet should do two things:
- Keep their gut healthy.
- Help wear down their teeth, which never stop growing.
What to Feed Your Rabbit – The 4 Must-Have Food Groups
Let’s start with the most important food of all – hay.
1. Hay (The Most Important Rabbit Food)
Hay isn’t just food, it’s a lifesaver for your rabbit. Without enough hay, your rabbit’s digestion can shut down.
Rabbits need unlimited hay every day. It should make up 80–90% of their diet.
– Why hay is necessary:
Hay is so important because:
- High in fiber – keeps digestion working
- Helps prevent tooth problems
- Keeps your rabbit busy and happy
– The best types of hay:
The best types of hay for your rabbits include:
- Timothy hay – gold standard for adult rabbits. High in fiber, low in calories.
- Orchard grass – softer and good for picky eaters.
- Meadow/oat hay – a mix of grasses for variety
- Alfalfa hay – ONLY for baby rabbits (under 7 months) or pregnant mothers (too rich for adults)
– How to pick good hay:
To pick good hay, ensure the hay:
- Smells fresh and sweet (not musty or dusty)
- Has a greenish color (not brown or yellow)
- Has long strands (not chopped into dust)
– How to feed hay to your rabbits:
- Keep it clean and dry
- Offer a fresh pile every day
- Put hay in a hay rack or litter box to reduce mess
| 🚨 Key Rule: Your rabbit should have unlimited 24/7 access to fresh hay. |
2. Fresh Leafy Greens (10–15% of Diet)
After hay, the next most important part of your rabbit’s diet is leafy greens.
– How much to feed:
- 1 cup of leafy greens per 2 pounds of your rabbit’s body weight
- Feed once a day (usually in the evening)
– Best daily greens for rabbits:
- Romaine lettuce (not iceberg, it’s useless!)
- Kale (small amounts)
- Bok choy and arugula
- Cilantro and parsley
- Basil
- Dandelion leaves (not from sprayed lawns)
- Carrot tops (yes, the greens are safe!)
– How to feed greens:
- Wash before feeding
- Rotate different types daily
- Introduce new greens slowly to avoid stomach upset
– Greens to AVOID:
❌ Iceberg lettuce (no nutrition, can cause diarrhea)
❌ Cabbage and broccoli (can cause gas, painful for rabbits!)
| 💡 Pro tip: Introduce new greens one at a time to avoid tummy upsets. |
3. Pellets (5% or Less!)
Pellets are not the main food for rabbits. They are just a supplement.
– How much to feed:
- 1/8 to 1/4 cup per 5 pounds of rabbit body weight
- Unlimited alfalfa pellets for baby rabbits (under 7 months)
- Feed once a day
– Best type of pellets:
- High fiber (at least 18%)
- Timothy-based pellets for adults (alfalfa-based only for babies)
- No seeds, nuts, corn, or colorful pieces (just plain pellets)
Pellets with extras like dried fruits or seeds are not safe. They can cause obesity and gut problems.
| ⚠️ Warning: Overfeeding pellets leads to obesity and dental issues! |
4. Treats (Less Than 5%)
Yes, rabbits love treats, but too many cause problems!
– Safe treats for rabbits:
- Fruits: Apple (no seeds!), banana (tiny piece!), blueberries, strawberries, pineapple
- Herbs: Mint, basil (fresh only!)
- Flowers: Rose petals, hibiscus (organic, no pesticides!)
Feed just 1–2 tablespoons per 5 pounds of rabbit weight, 2–3 times per week.
– Other vegetables (use caution):
- Carrots (high in sugar, small pieces only)
- Bell peppers
- Zucchini
- Broccoli (can cause gas)
5. Water (Always Available)
Your rabbit needs fresh water at all times.
– How to provide water:
- Use a bowl or a bottle
- Clean and refill daily
- In hot weather, check more often
Tip: Most rabbits prefer a bowl because it’s easier to drink from.
Foods You Should NEVER Feed Your Rabbit
Some foods are dangerous or even deadly for rabbits.
– Do NOT feed:
- Bread, pasta, crackers
- Chocolate
- Avocado
- Onions, garlic, or leeks
- Dairy products
- Iceberg lettuce (too watery, low nutrients)
- Rhubarb
- Processed snacks
- Seeds or pits from fruits
How to Feed Your Rabbit – Schedules, Portion, and Tips
Rabbits like to eat throughout the day. They are natural grazers.
Having a feeding schedule for your rabbits will help prevent overfeeding and increase portion control.
1. Daily Feeding Routine:
Rabbits thrive on consistency. Here’s a sample schedule:
– Morning:
- Fresh hay refill
- 1 cup leafy greens per 2 lbs body weight
– Evening:
- Another hay refill
- Measured pellets (if needed)
💧Water: Always fresh, changed daily (bowls are better than bottles!).
2. Portion Control:
How much should you feed your rabbits?
- Hay: Unlimited (they should always be munching!)
- Greens: 1 packed cup per 2 lbs body weight
- Pellets: ¼ cup per 5 lbs (only for adults)
📏 Weigh pellets – don’t eyeball it! Overfeeding = fat rabbit.
3. Transitioning to a New Diet:
If changing diets, do it slowly! Switching foods too fast causes digestive disasters.
Follow this rule:
- Week 1: 75% old food + 25% new food
- Week 2: 50% old + 50% new
- Week 3: 25% old + 75% new
🐇 Watch their poop! If it gets soft, slow down the transition.
How to Tell if Your Rabbit’s Diet is Working
If your rabbit stops eating or pooping, it’s an emergency.
– Signs of good health:
- Eating hay all day
- Normal, round poop pellets
- Active and alert behavior
- Smooth, clean fur
– Warning signs:
- Not eating or drinking
- Very small or runny poop
- Sitting hunched up
- Loud stomach sounds
If you notice any of these, contact a vet immediately – don’t wait!
Bottom Line
Feeding a rabbit isn’t complicated if you stick to the basics:
- Hay, hay, hay (unlimited!)
- Fresh greens daily (but not too much!)
- Pellets in strict moderation
- Treats = rare and healthy
- Avoid unsafe foods completely
- Keep water fresh and clean
And always watch their behavior and poop, it tells you if the diet’s working!