What Do Rabbits Eat? Complete Food Guide for Pet Rabbits
What do rabbits eat? Learn the complete diet guide for pet rabbits — hay, vegetables, pellets, and foods to avoid for a healthy bunny.
Understanding what rabbits eat is essential for any pet owner who wants to keep their bunny healthy and thriving for years. A proper rabbit diet is built on three pillars: unlimited grass hay, fresh leafy greens, and a measured amount of high-quality pellets. Many new rabbit owners make the mistake of feeding too many pellets or sugary treats, which leads to obesity, digestive problems, and a shortened lifespan. Getting the diet right from day one will prevent the majority of health issues that send rabbits to the veterinarian.
Hay: The Foundation of Every Rabbit Diet
Hay must make up approximately 80 to 85 percent of a rabbit diet by volume. Timothy hay is the gold standard for adult rabbits over 7 months of age because it has the ideal calcium-to-phosphorus ratio and high fiber content that keeps the digestive system moving. Orchard grass and meadow grass are excellent alternatives for variety. Alfalfa hay, which is high in calcium and calories, is appropriate only for young rabbits under 7 months and pregnant or nursing does. An adult rabbit should consume a pile of hay roughly equal to its own body size every single day.
The fiber in hay is critical not just for digestion but also for dental health. Rabbit teeth grow continuously at a rate of approximately 2 to 3 millimeters per week, and the grinding action of chewing hay wears them down naturally. Without sufficient hay, teeth become overgrown and misaligned, a painful condition called malocclusion that requires veterinary dental work. Fresh hay also provides mental stimulation through foraging behavior, reducing boredom and destructive habits.
- Timothy hay — best for adult rabbits, low calcium, high fiber
- Orchard grass — softer texture, good for picky eaters
- Meadow hay — diverse plant mix, good for enrichment
- Alfalfa hay — high protein and calcium, for rabbits under 7 months only
- Oat hay — high fiber, good as a treat variety alongside main hay
Fresh Vegetables: Which Greens Are Safe for Rabbits
Fresh leafy greens should make up about 10 to 15 percent of the daily diet. The general guideline is 1 packed cup of greens per 2 pounds of body weight per day. Variety is important — rotating at least 3 to 5 different types of greens weekly ensures a broad range of vitamins and minerals. Always introduce new vegetables slowly over 7 to 10 days to allow gut bacteria to adjust. Sudden dietary changes can cause potentially fatal GI stasis, a condition where the digestive system slows or stops entirely.
- Romaine lettuce — high water content, good daily staple
- Cilantro — rich in vitamin K and antioxidants
- Flat-leaf parsley — calcium-rich, feed in moderation
- Arugula — peppery green with good nutritional profile
- Bok choy — excellent source of vitamins A and C
- Basil — aromatic herb that most rabbits enjoy
Pellets: How Much Is the Right Amount
Pellets should be treated as a supplement rather than a primary food source. For an adult rabbit weighing 5 to 7 pounds, the recommended amount is roughly 1/4 cup of plain, high-fiber pellets per day. Choose pellets with at least 18 percent crude fiber and avoid muesli-style mixes that contain seeds, corn, and dried fruit — rabbits will selectively eat the high-calorie components and leave the nutritious pieces behind. Timothy-based pellets are preferred over alfalfa-based ones for adult rabbits because of the lower calcium content.
If a rabbit stops eating hay but continues eating pellets, reduce the pellet portion by half immediately. Hay must always be the preferred food — pellets are only a supplement to fill nutritional gaps.
Foods That Are Dangerous for Rabbits
Several common household foods are toxic to rabbits and must never be offered. Onions and garlic contain compounds that damage red blood cells and cause anemia. Avocado contains persin, a fungicidal toxin that is harmful to many small animals. Iceberg lettuce contains lactucarium, which can cause diarrhea in large quantities and has almost no nutritional value. Processed human foods, bread, pasta, and sugary snacks all disrupt the delicate gut microbiome that rabbits depend on for survival.
- Onions and garlic — cause hemolytic anemia
- Avocado — contains toxic persin compound
- Rhubarb leaves — contain oxalic acid, highly toxic
- Iceberg lettuce — causes diarrhea, no nutritional value
- Chocolate — theobromine is fatal to small mammals
- Potatoes and starchy vegetables — cause dangerous gut fermentation
Water and Hydration for Pet Rabbits
Fresh water must be available at all times. A 5-pound rabbit needs approximately 150 to 300 milliliters of water per day, though this varies with diet and temperature. Both water bottles and heavy ceramic bowls are acceptable, but bowls are often preferred because they allow more natural drinking posture. Water bottles with metal sipper tubes can harbor bacteria and should be cleaned with bottle brushes at least twice weekly. In hot weather, placing a frozen water bottle in the enclosure helps rabbits regulate body temperature, as they are highly susceptible to heat stroke above 85 degrees Fahrenheit.