The Foundation of a Healthy Rabbit Diet
Feeding a rabbit correctly is one of the most important things you can do for their long-term health. Despite common assumptions, rabbits are not primarily vegetable eaters — their digestive system is built around fibrous grass, and getting this wrong can lead to serious, life-threatening health issues.
A healthy adult rabbit's diet should look roughly like this:
- ~80% hay (unlimited, always available)
- ~15% fresh leafy greens (daily variety)
- ~5% high-quality pellets (measured portion)
- Treats: occasional and fruit-based only (small amounts)
Hay: The Most Important Part of the Diet
Hay is not optional — it is the cornerstone of rabbit nutrition. It provides essential fibre to keep the digestive system moving, wears down continuously growing teeth, and keeps rabbits occupied throughout the day. A rabbit should eat roughly their body size in hay each day.
Best hay types for adult rabbits:
- Timothy hay: The gold standard — ideal balance of fibre and nutrients.
- Meadow hay: A popular alternative with a variety of grasses and dried flowers.
- Orchard grass hay: Good option for rabbits who don't take well to timothy.
Note: Alfalfa hay is high in calcium and protein — suitable for young rabbits under 6 months, but not for adults.
Fresh Leafy Greens
Adult rabbits should receive a varied mix of fresh greens daily. Aim for 2–3 different types each day and rotate regularly. A good serving is approximately 1–2 cups per 2 kg of body weight.
Safe greens to feed regularly:
- Romaine lettuce (not iceberg — it has very little nutritional value)
- Kale (in moderation — high in calcium)
- Bok choy
- Cilantro (coriander)
- Parsley
- Basil
- Watercress
- Carrot tops (the green leafy part, not the carrot itself)
Pellets: Supplement, Not Staple
Good quality pellets can fill nutritional gaps, but should be used as a supplement to hay — not a replacement. Choose plain, grass-based pellets with no added seeds, dried fruit, or colourful "mixes." These extras are high in sugar and lead to selective eating.
A typical adult rabbit (around 2 kg) needs no more than 1/4 cup of pellets per day. Overfeeding pellets is a leading cause of obesity and dental disease in domestic rabbits.
Treats: What's Safe and What Isn't
Treats should be occasional — think once or twice a week in small amounts. The best natural treats include:
- Small pieces of apple (no seeds — these contain cyanide compounds)
- A few blueberries or raspberries
- A small slice of strawberry
- A thin slice of banana (very sugary — limit strictly)
Foods to Avoid Completely
The following are dangerous and should never be fed to rabbits:
- Chocolate, sweets, or any processed human food
- Onions, garlic, leeks, or chives
- Avocado
- Rhubarb
- Iceberg lettuce (causes digestive issues)
- Potatoes or other starchy vegetables
- Muesli-style rabbit mixes (selective eating leads to imbalanced nutrition)
Water: Essential and Often Overlooked
Fresh, clean water must be available at all times. Most rabbits drink more readily from a heavy ceramic bowl than a bottle. Change the water daily and wash the bowl regularly to prevent bacterial build-up.
Quick Reference: Rabbit Diet Summary
| Food Type | Frequency | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Hay (Timothy/Meadow) | Always available | Unlimited |
| Fresh leafy greens | Daily | 1–2 cups per 2 kg body weight |
| Pellets | Daily | ~1/4 cup per 2 kg body weight |
| Fruit/treats | 1–2x per week | 1–2 teaspoons maximum |