The best food for rabbits is a mix of grass hay, fresh greens, a few pellets, and rare treats. This diet keeps your bunny healthy. It helps their gut work right. It stops sickness. Think of a daily plate. It should be 80% grass hay. Then 15% fresh greens. Lastly, 5% pellets. This balance is key to a happy bunny.
Knowing the best food for rabbits is vital. It helps your bunny live a long and full life. The right food has big benefits. It makes digestion work well. It stops gut stasis. It also keeps teeth from getting too long. Chewing hay grinds teeth down. This prevents pain and vet trips. Good food stops common health problems.
The best rabbit diet has key parts. Grass hay is the base. It should be most of what they eat. It gives them needed fiber. Fresh plants add nutrients and water. Pellets are just a supplement. They are not a main meal. Treats are for fun only. This mix is the best food for rabbits.
Pro Tips:
- Try one new green at a time. Watch for soft poop for a day.
- Buy hay in bulk. It costs less.
- Change food slowly. Do it over weeks.
Common Mistakes:
- Too many pellets or treats. This leads to fat bunnies.
- Iceberg lettuce. It is bad for them.
- Thinking pellets are a full meal. They are not. Hay is a must.
The Core of a Rabbit’s Diet: Unlimited Grass Hay
Grass hay for rabbits is a must. It should be there all day and night. Give fresh hay many times a day. The fiber in hay does two big jobs. First, it keeps the gut moving. This stops blockages. Second, it wears down teeth. Teeth never stop growing. Chewing hay keeps them short. A rabbit with no hay is not healthy.
Not all hay is the same. For grown rabbits, grass hays are best. Legume hays are too rich. Save them for young bunnies. You can mix hay types. This keeps your rabbit keen to eat. The best hay types are below.
Types of Grass Hay Comparison
| Hay Type | What it is | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Timothy Hay | The top pick. It is rough and has long strands. | All adult rabbits. Good for every day. |
| Orchard Grass | Softer and sweeter than Timothy. A nice change. | Picky eaters. Good to mix. |
| Oat Hay | Has hollow oat tops that bunnies love. | Adds fun and texture. |
Selecting the Right Pellets for Your Rabbit
Pellets are a small part of the best food for rabbits. They are like a vitamin pill. Not a meal. For adults, use plain, high-fiber pellets. Give only 1/4 cup per 5 pounds of weight each day. Too many pellets make rabbits fat. Then they skip hay.
Pick pellets according to your rabbit’s age. Young bunnies need alfalfa pellets. They help growth. Adults need Timothy pellets. Check the stuff in the pellets. Good pellets are all the same color. They are green-brown. They smell fresh.
Pellet Ingredient Red Flags to Avoid:
- Color bits, seeds, nuts, corn: They can cause gut problems.
- Low fiber: Get pellets with at least 18% fiber.
- Added sugars: Bad for rabbit health.
- “Complete Diet” words: Not true. Hay is needed.
Safe and Healthy Vegetables for Rabbits
Fresh greens are key to the best food for rabbits. They give nutrients and water. Feed about 1 cup of greens per 2 pounds of weight each day. Use 3 to 5 types each day. Wash them well. Start new greens slowly. Give a tiny bit. Wait a day. See if poop is normal.
Think about calcium. Some greens have a lot. Some have little. Use both types.
Daily Greens Rotation List
- Low Calcium (Use a lot): Romaine, red leaf lettuce, endive, cilantro, bell peppers.
- High Calcium (Use less): Spinach, kale, dandelion greens, Swiss chard.
Rabbit Feeding Schedule by Age
What rabbits eat changes as they age. This table shows what to feed at each stage. Always have fresh water ready.
Table 1: Daily Diet Guide by Life Stage
| Age | Grass Hay | Pellets | Fresh Vegetables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Young Kits (0-3 mos) | Lots of Alfalfa | Lots of Alfalfa | None |
| Teens (3-6 mos) | Lots of Alfalfa | Less Alfalfa | Start slow |
| Young Adults (7 mos – 1 yr) | Lots of Grass Hay | Start Timothy Pellets | Add more types |
| Adults (1-5 yrs) | Lots of Grass Hay | 1/4 cup per 5 lbs (Timothy) | 1 cup per 2 lbs daily |
| Seniors (6+ yrs) | Lots of Grass Hay | Change if weight shifts | Keep the adult plan |
Foods to Avoid: The Dangerous List
Some foods are bad for rabbits. Do not feed these. Their gut can’t handle sugar, fat, or complex carbs.
- Avocado: Has a toxin. It can cause breathing issues.
- Iceberg Lettuce: Has a bad substance. No good nutrients.
- Rhubarb: Leaves are poisonous. It can cause kidney failure.
- Chocolate & Candy: Toxic. It can be deadly.
- Onions, Garlic: Kill red blood cells.
- Seeds, Nuts: Can block the gut.
- Beans: Cause bad gas.
- Dairy, Meat: Rabbits eat plants only.
Hydration: Water Needs and Tips
Water is as key as hay. Rabbits must drink each day. No water can make them very sick. Give fresh water daily. Use a bowl or a bottle. A bowl is often best. It is natural.
5 Tips to Get Rabbits to Drink:
- Try a bowl and a bottle. See which they like.
- Add a drop of pure fruit juice to water.
- Wash the water dish each day.
- Feed wet greens like romaine.
- Have more than one water spot.
Recognizing a Healthy Rabbit Diet
Good diet shows in their poop. Healthy droppings are round and firm. They also make cecotropes. These are soft droppings that they eat. You might not see them. If you see them stuck to fur, the diet may have too much sugar.
Transitioning Your Rabbit to a Healthier Diet
Change food slowly. Take 2 to 3 weeks. Mix new food with old. For pellets, mix new with old for 14 days. Add more new things each day. For greens, start with one type. Try romaine. Give a small piece each day for a week. Then add another. Be patient.
DIY Foraging: Growing Your Own Rabbit Greens
Grow your own greens to save money. It gives fresh, safe food. Grow parsley, cilantro, mint, or basil inside. Outside, plant lettuce or carrot tops. Rabbits love carrot tops. You can also grow wheatgrass in a pot.
FAQ
What human food can rabbits eat?
They can eat many of the fresh greens we eat. Like romaine, cilantro, and bell peppers. Never give processed foods. See our full list here.
Can rabbits eat fruit?
Yes, but only as a rare treat. Too much sugar. Give a small piece of an apple or a berry once a week. Learn about strawberries.
How often should I feed my rabbit pellets?
Once per day. Give a set amount. For most adults, that is 1/4 cup.
What is the number one food for rabbits?
Grass hay is number one. It should be 80% of their food. Always have it ready.
Why is my rabbit not eating his hay?
This is bad. Often, they eat too many pellets. Give fewer pellets. Tooth pain can also cause this. See a vet. Try different Hays to find their favorite.
What are the signs of a poor diet in rabbits?
Fat, messy fur with poop, small droppings, long teeth, and low energy. Do regular health checks.
How much does it cost to feed a rabbit per month?
It can be cheap. Buy a big hay bale. It lasts months. Maybe $30-$50 per month. This is less than a vet bill.
Is it okay to give my rabbit treats?
Yes, now and then. Use bits of safe fruit or mint. Do not use store treats with yogurt or seeds.
What is the best brand of rabbit food?
Pick a brand with high fiber. No added bits. Timothy hay should be first on the list. Oxbow and Small Pet Select are good.
