Rabbits have complex digestive systems that evolved to process high-fiber, low-calorie vegetation. Despite their reputation as simple pets, their nutritional needs are quite specific—and getting them wrong can lead to serious health problems. Understanding the proper diet pyramid for rabbits is essential for every bunny parent.
The Rabbit Diet Pyramid
Think of rabbit nutrition as a pyramid with hay forming the broad base. A healthy adult rabbit's diet should consist of:
- 80%+ Hay: The foundation of the diet, available at all times
- 10-15% Fresh vegetables: Daily variety of leafy greens and vegetables
- 5% or less Pellets: Measured portions of high-quality pellets
- Occasional treats: Small amounts of fruit and healthy treats
Hay: The Non-Negotiable Foundation
Hay isn't just important for rabbits—it's essential for survival. A rabbit's digestive system requires constant movement of fibrous material, and their continuously growing teeth need the grinding action that hay provides. Without adequate hay, rabbits develop GI stasis (a life-threatening digestive shutdown) and dental problems.
Types of Hay
Timothy hay is the gold standard for adult rabbits. It has the ideal fiber-to-protein ratio and should be available in unlimited quantities. First-cut timothy is coarser with more stems; second-cut is softer with more leaves—most rabbits prefer second-cut, but both are nutritionally appropriate.
Orchard grass is an excellent alternative or supplement to timothy hay. It's softer, slightly sweeter, and some rabbits prefer it. It's also a good option for people with timothy hay allergies.
Meadow hay contains a mix of grasses and herbs, providing variety. Quality varies, so purchase from reputable sources.
Alfalfa hay is legume hay, higher in protein and calcium. It's appropriate only for young rabbits (under 6-7 months) and occasionally as a treat for adults. Adult rabbits fed alfalfa regularly can develop kidney problems from excess calcium.
How Much Hay?
A rabbit should eat a pile of hay roughly the size of their body every day. If your rabbit isn't eating this much hay, something is wrong—either the hay quality is poor, they're filling up on pellets or treats, or there may be a dental or health issue.
Signs of quality hay: Green color (not yellow or brown), sweet grassy smell, no dust or mold, stored in a dry location.
Fresh Vegetables: Daily Variety
Fresh vegetables provide essential nutrients, hydration, and mental enrichment. Offer a variety of vegetables daily, rotating through different options to ensure balanced nutrition.
Daily Vegetable Guidelines
Offer approximately 1 packed cup of vegetables per 2 pounds of body weight daily. Include at least 3 different vegetables, with leafy greens making up the majority.
🥬 Safe Vegetables for Daily Feeding
Leafy Greens (unlimited):
- • Romaine lettuce
- • Green/red leaf lettuce
- • Cilantro
- • Parsley
- • Basil
- • Mint
- • Bok choy
- • Watercress
Other Vegetables:
- • Bell peppers
- • Cucumber
- • Zucchini
- • Celery (cut small to prevent strings)
- • Fennel
- • Carrot tops (carrots sparingly)
- • Broccoli leaves
- • Brussels sprouts
Vegetables to Limit or Avoid
High-calcium vegetables like kale, spinach, and mustard greens should be fed in rotation, not daily, to prevent calcium buildup. High-sugar vegetables like carrots and beets should be limited to small amounts. Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower) can cause gas—introduce slowly and feed in moderation.
Pellets: Less Is More
Commercial pellets were originally designed for meat and fur rabbits, where rapid growth was the goal. Pet rabbits have very different needs, and many are overfed pellets at the expense of hay consumption.
Choosing Quality Pellets
Select plain timothy-based pellets without added treats, seeds, colored pieces, or yogurt drops—these "gourmet" mixes encourage selective eating and often contain unhealthy ingredients. Look for:
- • Fiber: 18-25% minimum (higher is better)
- • Protein: 12-14% for adults
- • Fat: 1-2%
- • Calcium: Under 1% for adults
- • Timothy hay as the first ingredient
How Much to Feed
Adult rabbits (over 1 year): 1/4 cup pellets per 5-6 pounds of body weight daily. Many healthy adults can thrive on even less or no pellets if receiving adequate hay and vegetables.
Young rabbits (under 6 months): Unlimited alfalfa-based pellets to support growth.
Adolescent rabbits (6-12 months): Gradually transition from alfalfa to timothy pellets and reduce quantity to adult portions.
Treats: Small and Occasional
Treats should make up no more than 5% of a rabbit's diet. The healthiest treats are small pieces of fruit—but even these should be limited due to sugar content.
Safe Fruit Treats
Offer 1-2 tablespoons of fruit per 5 pounds of body weight, 2-3 times per week maximum:
- • Apple (no seeds)
- • Banana (small amounts—very high sugar)
- • Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- • Melon
- • Papaya (aids digestion)
- • Pear
- • Peach
⚠️ Foods That Are Toxic or Dangerous
- • Iceberg lettuce: Contains lactucarium, can cause diarrhea
- • Potatoes: Toxic to rabbits, including peels
- • Onions, garlic, chives: Can cause blood abnormalities
- • Rhubarb: Highly toxic
- • Avocado: Toxic, including skin and pit
- • Chocolate: Toxic
- • Bread, crackers, cookies: Can cause fatal GI stasis
- • Seeds and nuts: Too high in fat, can cause blockages
- • Yogurt drops, commercial treats: Most contain harmful ingredients
Water: Always Available
Fresh, clean water must be available at all times. While some rabbits drink from bottles, studies suggest rabbits drink more—and more naturally—from bowls. Heavy ceramic bowls prevent tipping. Change water daily and clean containers regularly.
The Importance of Cecotropes
Rabbits produce two types of droppings: the hard, round fecal pellets you see, and soft, grape-like clusters called cecotropes. Rabbits eat cecotropes directly from their bottom, usually at night—this is normal and essential for obtaining B vitamins and other nutrients.
If you're seeing uneaten cecotropes regularly, the diet is likely too rich. Reduce pellets and treats while increasing hay. Obesity can also prevent rabbits from reaching to consume cecotropes.
Transitioning Diets Safely
Rabbit digestive systems are sensitive to sudden changes. When introducing new foods:
- • Introduce one new food at a time
- • Start with small amounts and wait 24-48 hours
- • Watch for soft droppings or digestive upset
- • If switching pellet brands, mix old and new over 7-10 days
- • When reducing pellets, do so gradually over several weeks
Age-Specific Considerations
Baby Rabbits (0-3 months)
Nursing rabbits get nutrition from mother's milk. Once weaned, offer unlimited alfalfa hay and alfalfa-based pellets. No vegetables until 12 weeks old, then introduce one at a time very slowly.
Young Rabbits (3-12 months)
Continue alfalfa hay and pellets until 6-7 months, then gradually transition to timothy-based products. Slowly introduce vegetables. This is a critical growth period—don't restrict food too early.
Senior Rabbits (5+ years)
Older rabbits may need adjustments. Some benefit from slightly more pellets if maintaining weight is difficult. Monitor teeth and digestion closely—dental problems often emerge in seniors. Continue prioritizing hay above all else.
Proper nutrition is one of the greatest gifts you can give your rabbit. By centering their diet around unlimited hay, supplementing with fresh vegetables, limiting pellets, and avoiding harmful treats, you'll support your bunny's digestive health, dental health, and overall wellbeing for years to come.