The Foundation of a Healthy Rabbit Diet
Feeding a rabbit seems simple at first glance — but getting the diet right is one of the most impactful things you can do for your bunny's long-term health. Many common misconceptions (carrots as a staple, no need for hay) lead to preventable health problems. This guide breaks down exactly what your rabbit needs to thrive.
The Rabbit Diet Pyramid
Think of a rabbit's diet as a pyramid with three tiers:
- Hay — 80–85% of the diet
- Fresh leafy greens — 10–15%
- Pellets and treats — 5% or less
Hay: The Non-Negotiable Foundation
Hay is the single most important food for your rabbit. It provides the fiber that keeps the digestive system moving, and the chewing action wears down teeth that grow continuously throughout a rabbit's life. Without enough hay, rabbits are at risk of GI stasis and dental disease — two of the most common and serious rabbit health issues.
- Timothy hay — the gold standard for adult rabbits. High in fiber, widely available.
- Orchard grass — slightly sweeter smell, great for picky eaters.
- Meadow hay — a mix of grasses and plants, good for variety.
- Oat hay — higher in carbohydrates, good as a supplement rather than a primary hay.
- Alfalfa hay — high in calcium and protein; suitable for young rabbits (under 6 months) but not for adult rabbits as a staple.
Hay should always be fresh, sweet-smelling, and available in unlimited quantities.
Fresh Leafy Greens
Adult rabbits should receive a daily serving of fresh leafy greens — roughly a packed cup per 2 lbs (1 kg) of body weight. Aim for variety to provide a range of nutrients.
Safe Greens to Offer Regularly
- Romaine lettuce (avoid iceberg — low nutrition, high water content)
- Bok choy
- Cilantro (coriander)
- Flat-leaf parsley
- Basil
- Arugula (rocket)
- Endive
- Fennel (leaves and stalks)
High-Calcium Greens (Offer in Moderation)
Kale, spinach, collard greens, and dandelion greens are nutritious but high in calcium or oxalic acid. Rotate them in small amounts rather than feeding daily.
Pellets: Helpful but Not the Star
Many rabbit owners overfeed pellets. For adult rabbits, plain, high-fiber timothy-based pellets are a useful supplement — not the main event. Avoid "muesli mix" style foods with seeds, nuts, and dried fruit — they encourage selective eating and are nutritionally imbalanced.
A rough guideline: about ¼ cup of plain pellets per 5 lbs (2.3 kg) of body weight per day for adult rabbits.
Treats: Small and Infrequent
Treats should be genuinely occasional. Safe options include:
- Small slices of fresh fruit (apple, pear, strawberry, blueberry) — high in sugar, so limit to a few times per week
- Fresh herbs like mint or dill
- Small pieces of carrot or bell pepper
Foods to Avoid Completely
- Iceberg lettuce
- Onions, garlic, leeks
- Avocado
- Potatoes and starchy vegetables
- Rhubarb
- Chocolate and sweets
- Bread, crackers, or other processed grains
- Yogurt drops and commercial "rabbit treats" with sugar
Water
Fresh, clean water should always be available. A heavy ceramic or stainless steel bowl at ground level is easiest for rabbits to drink from naturally. Change water daily.
Introducing New Foods
Always introduce new vegetables slowly — one at a time — and watch for soft stools or digestive upset. Young rabbits (under 12 weeks) should stick to hay and a small amount of age-appropriate pellets before greens are gradually introduced.