Rabbit Nutrition & Feeding

A rabbit’s diet is the foundation of their health — everything from digestion to dental wear depends on what they eat. A natural, balanced diet keeps your bunny’s gut moving smoothly, their teeth in shape, and their energy steady all day long.

The Foundation: Unlimited Hay

Hay should make up about 80–90% of your rabbit’s daily diet. It keeps their digestive system healthy and their teeth properly worn down.

Best Types of Hay

Timothy Hay – the go-to for adult rabbits
Orchard Grass – soft, fragrant, and great for picky eaters
Meadow or Mixed Hay – adds variety and natural enrichment
Alfalfa Hay – higher in calcium and protein; best for babies and nursing does

Tip: Always keep hay fresh and dry. Refill daily, and offer it in multiple spots (especially near the litter box).

Daily Greens

Fresh leafy greens provide essential vitamins, hydration, and variety.

Recommended Daily Serving

Adult rabbits: 1–2 packed cups of fresh greens per 5 lbs of body weight

Great Choices

Romaine, green or red leaf lettuce
Cilantro, parsley, dill, or basil
Dandelion greens, carrot tops, plantain, or clover

Rotate greens often to keep things exciting and support a diverse gut microbiome.

Avoid: iceberg lettuce or anything treated with pesticides.

Pellets

Pellets are a concentrated source of nutrients — not the main meal.

General Guideline

1/8–¼ cup per 5 lbs of body weight daily (adjust for age and activity)

Choose a plain, high-fiber pellet (no colored bits, seeds, or dried fruits). Look for 18%+ fiber and minimal added sugars.

Tip: Think of pellets as a supplement — not a substitute — for hay and fresh foods.

Water & Hydration

Fresh water is just as important as hay. Rabbits tend to drink more from bowls than bottles.

Best Practices

Refresh water daily
Avoid water bottles
Keep bowls heavy and tip-proof
For outdoor setups, check for freezing or debris

Tip: Encourage hydration with juicy greens like romaine or herbs, especially in warmer weather.

Treats & Forage

Treats should be fun, natural, and given sparingly. They can help with bonding, training, and enrichment.

Healthy Treat Ideas

Small pieces of fruit (apple, banana, or berries)
Homemade or dried forage mixes
Fresh herbs, flowers, or dried greens

Tip: Keep treats under 5% of the daily diet. When possible, choose whole, plant-based treats over packaged snacks.

Gut Health & Prevention

A healthy gut = a healthy rabbit. Constant access to hay and water is your best defense against GI stasis, the most common digestive issue in rabbits.

Support Gut Health With

A consistent feeding schedule
Fresh hay and greens every day
Limited sugary treats or starches
Probiotic herbs/forage (like plantain or chamomile)

Tip: If your rabbit ever stops eating or pooping for 8–12 hours, contact a rabbit-savvy vet right away — early action can save their life.

Feeding Setup

Keep feeding areas simple, clean, and inviting.

Essentials

A heavy ceramic food bowl
A hay rack or basket near the litter box
A separate greens plate or hanging bundle
A sturdy water bowl or bottle

Tip: Rabbits love routine — feed around the same times daily for a calm, predictable rhythm.

Bringing it all together

A natural, fiber-rich diet is the secret to a long, healthy, happy life. Focus on hay first, add fresh greens daily, and treat pellets and snacks as the small extras they are. Over time, you’ll learn your rabbit’s favorites — and feeding time will become one of the best ways to bond.

Next up: Rabbit Health & Wellness — keeping your bunny thriving from nose to tail.

Rabbit Health & Wellness

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