What to Feed Your Pet Rabbit

​Rabbits require unlimited fresh water and hay, and a portioned amount of pellets every day. Treats and certain leafy vegetables are ok in moderation, but there are also foods that should be avoided altogether.
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​Hay

Hay is the most important part of a rabbit's diet. It keeps their gut moving well for proper digestion, and chewing the hay fibers helps grind their continuously growing teeth.
​Hay should make up the largest portion of your rabbit's diet, and be unlimited in amount. ​​If you see the hay supply running low, fill it up again. Your rabbit will graze on it throughout the day.

Types of hay

Timothy hay is the best type for rabbits because of its high fiber and nutrition.

Orchard grass and botanical grass hay varieties can be enjoyed on the side.
​
Alfalfa hay is unhealthy for adult rabbits because it is lower in fiber than timothy hay and is high in protein and calcium. However, alfalfa hay is acceptable for young rabbits (less than 6 months old) because they are rapidly developing at this age. Once your rabbit is 6 months old, mixing the alfalfa hay with timothy hay can help with the transition.

Where to buy hay

High quality hay can be purchased in pet stores or online. Our favorite brands of hay include Oxbow, Small Pet Select, and Standlee.
Hay can be stored for relatively long periods if kept in a cool, dry place.

Pellets

Adult rabbits should be fed pellets made from timothy hay, such as Oxbow Essentials Adult Rabbit Food.
Do not buy the various types that include dried fruits and seeds. They are linked to causing obesity, dental disease, gastrointestinal issues, and nutritional deficiencies.
​Young rabbits can be fed pellets made from alfalfa hay, such as ​Oxbow Essentials Young Rabbit Food. Similar to hay, once your rabbit is 6 months old, mixing the alfalfa pellets with the timothy pellets can help with the transition.

How much pellets to feed your rabbit

Young rabbits can be fed unlimited pellets, but adult rabbits should be fed a limited amount each day. The amount varies, but below is a guide to use as a starter.
  • ​< 5 lbs: 1/8 - 1/4 cup per day
  • 5 - 7 lbs: 1/4 cup per day
  • 8 - 10 lbs: 1/2 cup per day
Ultimately, you will need to determine the best amount for your bunny based on the makeup of your bunny's diet, exercise, metabolism, and health history.

Treats

Treats are ok in limited quantities. Make it fun and a time to interact and bond with your bunny by giving treats by hand.
Remember, treats don’t need to be food! Your bunny will be very happy with new toys every so often. Like humans, they are interested in new things.

Vegetables

Vegetables are an essential source of vitamins and serve as an extra source of hydration. Most rabbits will do well with 1/2 to 1 cup per day, but some can have an adverse reaction, resulting in gas or diarrhea. Introduce new vegetables slowly, one at a time, to monitor for any adverse effects. Wash all vegetables in cold water, and remove any wilting or rotten leaves.

Safe vegetables

  • Arugula
  • Artisan lettuce (Green Gem, Oak, Red Gem, Tango)
  • Basil
  • Cilantro
  • Dandelion greens (including the flowers if there are no pesticides and they are washed off well)
  • Dill
  • Endive
  • Escarole
  • Fennel
  • Green leaf lettuce
  • Green tops of carrots
  • Mint
  • Oregano
  • Parsley (limited amounts)
  • Red leaf lettuce
  • Romaine lettuce
  • Thyme
  • Watercress

Water

Rabbits should have access to fresh, clean water at all times. A heavy, ceramic water bowl is best. Rabbits won't tip it over, and they can drink from it more easily than a water bottle.

Unhealthy and harmful foods to avoid

There are some products in pet stores that are marketed for rabbits, but are actually unhealthy. And certain foods in grocery stores are toxic to rabbits and should always be avoided.

Foods high in oxalic acid, calcium, sugar, or cause digestive upset

  • Dairy (including yogurt drops)
  • Meat
  • Pellets or treats that contain seeds, nuts, or corn (for example, muesli mix)
  • Processed foods (for example, crackers, cereal, grains, oats)​
  • Fruit (including dried/dehydrated)
  • ​Vitamin supplements
  • The following vegetables: beet greens, bok choy, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, collard greens, green pepper, kale, mustard greens, pea pods, radish tops, spinach, swiss chard

Foods that are poisonous

  • Avocado
  • Beans
  • Chocolate
  • Fruit seeds/pits
  • Garlic
  • Iceberg lettuce
  • Onion
  • Rhubarb​
​Visit the Rabbit.Org Foundation for a list of plants that are poisonous to rabbits.