Feeding your rabbit a healthy, balanced diet is one of the most important parts of responsible rabbit ownership. Rabbits have delicate digestive systems that are very different from those of dogs, cats, or even humans. Providing the right food ensures not only a happy bunny but also a long, healthy life free from common issues like obesity, dental disease, and gastrointestinal stasis.
If you’re a new rabbit owner, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by conflicting advice or endless product options. This guide will break everything down clearly so you can confidently feed your rabbit the way nature intended.
The Golden Rule of Rabbit Nutrition: Hay is Life
The foundation of every rabbit’s diet should be hay—specifically, unlimited amounts of high-quality grass hay such as:
- Timothy hay
- Orchard grass
- Meadow hay
- Bermuda grass hay
Hay should make up around 80-90% of your rabbit’s daily food intake. This is because:
- Hay is rich in fiber, which keeps the digestive system functioning properly.
- Chewing hay wears down a rabbit’s teeth, which grow continuously and can cause serious health problems if not kept in check.
- It encourages natural foraging behavior, keeping your rabbit mentally stimulated.
Always provide fresh hay in a clean area. Avoid feeding alfalfa hay to adult rabbits—while it’s fine for young bunnies under 6 months due to its higher calcium and protein content, it’s too rich for adult rabbits and can lead to obesity or bladder problems.
💡 Tip: If your rabbit doesn’t seem interested in hay, try different types or brands. Some rabbits are picky and prefer one over another. You can also mix in dried herbs like dandelion or marigold to encourage eating.
Fresh Vegetables: A Daily Dose of Nutrition
Fresh leafy greens and vegetables are the second most important part of your rabbit’s daily diet. They provide essential vitamins, minerals, and hydration.
Recommended Daily Amount:
- Around 1 cup of greens per 1kg of body weight daily.
Safe Greens to Feed Daily:
- Romaine lettuce (not iceberg!)
- Spring greens
- Kale (in moderation)
- Coriander (cilantro)
- Basil
- Parsley
- Dill
- Dandelion greens
- Rocket (arugula)
- Swiss chard (limit to a few times a week)
Veggies to Feed Occasionally:
- Carrot tops
- Broccoli leaves and stems
- Bell peppers
- Carrots (root – high in sugar, so limit)
- Spinach (high in oxalates—limit to once or twice a week)
Avoid or Never Feed:
- Iceberg lettuce (contains lactucarium, which can be harmful and has no nutritional value)
- Onions, garlic, leeks (toxic)
- Potatoes, corn, beans
- Rhubarb
- Any houseplants (many are toxic to rabbits)
🛑 Always introduce new greens slowly, one at a time, and observe your rabbit’s droppings. Diarrhea or soft stools can indicate sensitivity.
Pellets: Small but Important
Pellets are a convenient way to ensure your rabbit gets balanced nutrition—but they should only make up a small portion of the daily diet. Many new rabbit owners make the mistake of overfeeding pellets, which can lead to obesity and reduce hay consumption.
Recommended Daily Amount:
- For most adult rabbits: 25g (1/8 cup) per 2.5kg (5 lbs) of body weight
What to Look for in a Good Pellet:
- High fiber content (at least 18-20%)
- No added seeds, nuts, or dried fruit
- No artificial colors or sweeteners
- Timothy-based (for adult rabbits)
- Alfalfa-based is fine for young rabbits under 6 months
🛑 Avoid “muesli-style” mixes. These encourage selective feeding and are linked to dental and digestive problems.
Fresh Water: Always Available
Your rabbit should always have access to clean, fresh water. You can provide it in a heavy ceramic bowl or a water bottle—whichever your rabbit prefers. Bowls are often more natural and encourage better hydration.
✅ Change water daily
✅ Wash the bowl or bottle every day to prevent bacterial build-up
Treats: Occasional and Healthy
Everyone loves giving treats to their pets—but with rabbits, it’s vital to keep treats limited and healthy.
Safe Occasional Treats:
- Small pieces of fruit (1-2 teaspoons per day max)
- Apple (no seeds)
- Banana
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Pear
- Homemade treats made of hay and herbs
- Freeze-dried fruit (unsweetened)
🛑 Avoid:
- Commercial treats with yogurt drops, seeds, or added sugar
- Chocolate, crackers, bread, cereal, or human snacks
Feeding Schedule: How Often Should I Feed My Rabbit?
Rabbits do best when they can graze and forage throughout the day, mimicking their wild cousins.
A typical daily feeding routine:
Morning:
- Refresh hay
- Small measured portion of pellets
- Fresh greens
Evening:
- Top up hay
- Fresh greens again
- A small treat (if any)
This kind of routine helps regulate digestion and keeps your rabbit mentally stimulated and satisfied.
Baby Rabbits vs. Adult Rabbits: Feeding Differences
Baby Rabbits (up to 6 months):
- Free access to alfalfa hay and alfalfa-based pellets
- Slowly introduce leafy greens starting around 12 weeks
- Fresh water at all times
Adult Rabbits (6 months to 5 years):
- Timothy hay or other grass hay (unlimited)
- Measure pellets carefully
- Daily greens
Senior Rabbits (5+ years):
- Similar to adult rabbits, but you may need to adjust based on health and weight
- Some seniors may benefit from a return to alfalfa-based pellets if underweight
Monitoring Health Through Diet
Your rabbit’s diet directly affects its overall health. Here’s what to look out for:
✅ Healthy signs:
- Constant chewing on hay
- Round, dry droppings
- Normal appetite and energy
- Good body condition (not too thin or overweight)
🛑 Warning signs:
- Soft or sticky poop
- Loss of appetite
- Teeth grinding (indicates pain)
- Sudden weight loss or gain
- Uneaten cecotropes (soft poop that rabbits normally eat for nutrition)
If any of these symptoms appear, consult a rabbit-savvy vet immediately. Many rabbit health issues stem from incorrect diets, but they are preventable with proper care.
Final Thoughts
Feeding your rabbit the right foods every day doesn’t have to be complicated. Just remember the golden ratio:
80-90% hay + 10-15% fresh leafy greens + a small portion of pellets + unlimited water = a happy, healthy rabbit.
Always pay attention to your rabbit’s behavior, droppings, and eating habits. With the right diet, you’ll not only help your rabbit thrive but also deepen the bond between you and your fluffy companion.