Rabbits have one of the most specific digestive systems of any companion animal. What they eat does not just affect their health — it is the engine of their entire body. Feed them right, and everything else gets easier: their coat shines, their energy is steady, and their risk of serious illness drops dramatically.
This guide covers every food category, what is safe, what to avoid, and exactly how much to feed. Bookmark it. You will come back to it.
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Hay — The Foundation of Everything
Hay should make up 80% of your rabbit's diet. Not 60%. Not half. Eighty percent. This is not an exaggeration — it is the biological reality of how a rabbit's digestive system works.
A rabbit's gut needs a constant flow of fiber to keep things moving. Without it, digestion slows, harmful bacteria build up, and GI stasis — a life-threatening condition — can set in within hours.
Types of Hay
How much: Unlimited. Refill the hay rack every single morning. A rabbit should have hay available at all times — if they run out, they run out of the most important food in their diet.
See our full hay comparison guide for brand recommendations and how to check quality. Shop Timothy Hay on Amazon ›
Pellets — A Supporting Role
Pellets are the most misunderstood part of rabbit feeding. They are convenient, rabbits love them, and they were historically overused. Here is the truth:
- Adult rabbits (over 7 months): 1/4 to 1/2 cup of pellets per day maximum
- Young rabbits (7 months and under): Unlimited pellets is fine — they are still growing
- Senior rabbits: Reduce pellets as needed to maintain healthy weight
What to Look for in a Good Pellet
- Timothy-hay based (not alfalfa-based for adult rabbits)
- High fiber: 18% or more
- No added sugars, colors, or dried fruit
- Plain pellets only — skip the "flavored" or "with honey" varieties
Shop Oxbow Adult Rabbit Pellets on Amazon ›
⚠️ Skip These Pellet Pitfalls
- Muesli-style mixes ( rabbits selectively eat the unhealthy bits and leave the rest)
- Pellets marketed for "all life stages" that contain alfalfa for adult rabbits
- Any pellet with added seeds, dried fruit, or colored pieces
Vegetables — Daily Variety
Vegetables are where rabbits get important vitamins and minerals that hay and pellets alone cannot provide. Think of vegetables as the supplement to an already complete diet.
Daily Vegetables (1–2 cups per 6 lbs body weight)
Leafy Greens
Feed 2–3 varieties per day. Rotate through the week.
- Romaine lettuce
- Butter lettuce
- Green leaf lettuce
- Red leaf lettuce
- Cilantro
- Parsley (flat or curly)
- Basil
- Mint
- Bok choy
- Kale (limited — high calcium)
- Collard greens
- Dandelion greens
- Radicchio
Non-Leafy Vegetables
Feed 1–2 tablespoons per day
- Bell peppers (any color)
- Broccoli (limited — gas-forming)
- Carrot (root — high sugar, treat only)
- Zucchini
- Cucumber
- Fennel
- Celery (cut into small pieces)
- Cabbage
💡 Feeding Vegetables for the First Time
Introduce one new vegetable at a time. Wait 24 hours to watch for loose stools. If everything looks normal, add another. This way you can quickly identify any sensitivities.
Fruits — The Occasional Treat
Fruits are high in natural sugars and should be treated accordingly. A little goes a long way — and rabbits will absolutely beg for more.
Limit to 1–2 tablespoons per 6 lbs body weight, 2–3 times per week maximum.
Shop fresh herbs for rabbits on Amazon ›
Safe Fruits (Occasional Only)
Remove seeds — toxic
Very sweet — tiny pieces
Antioxidants, safe in moderation
Safe including leaves and stems
Fresh only — enzyme support
Fresh only, remove pit and skin
Remove pit — toxic
Safe in small amounts
Rind is safest, flesh is a treat
Store-Bought Treats — Read the Label
Most rabbit treats sold in pet stores are not good for rabbits. They are designed to sell to humans, not to nourish rabbits.
Red Flags on Treat Labels
- Yogurt drops or dairy-based treats
- Seeds or nuts (rabbits cannot process them well)
- Dried fruit with added sugar
- "Honey" or "molasses" anywhere in the ingredients
- Anything marketed as "rabbit candy" or "rabbit chocolate"
Better Treat Options
Shop healthy rabbit treats on Amazon ›
- Fresh herbs: basil, cilantro, mint
- Dried apple sticks or willow sticks
- Rose hips (natural, high in vitamin C)
- Oat hay cubes
- Small pieces of fresh fruit (as above)
Toxic Foods — The Full List
These foods can make your rabbit seriously ill. Memorize this list and keep all of them out of reach.
🚨 What to Do If Your Rabbit Eats Something Toxic
Remove the food immediately. Call your vet or a 24-hour emergency rabbit vet right away. Do not induce vomiting unless your vet instructs you to. Time matters — do not wait for symptoms to appear.
See our GI stasis guide and sick rabbit signs for symptoms to watch.