The Perfect Diet Breakdown

Hay (80% of diet) - UNLIMITED

Hay is not optional - it's essential for:

  • Wearing down constantly growing teeth
  • Keeping the digestive system moving
  • Providing fiber for gut health

Best hay types:

  • Timothy hay - The gold standard for adult rabbits
  • Orchard grass - Great alternative, slightly softer
  • Oat hay - Good variety option
  • Meadow hay - Mix of grasses

For young rabbits (under 6 months): Alfalfa hay is fine - it's higher in calcium and protein for growth. Transition to timothy around 6-7 months.

Fresh Vegetables (15% of diet)

About 2 packed cups per 6 lbs of body weight daily.

Daily safe greens:

  • Romaine lettuce (never iceberg!)
  • Cilantro
  • Parsley
  • Basil
  • Bok choy
  • Carrot tops
  • Dandelion greens
  • Kale (in moderation - high calcium)
  • Arugula

Introduce new veggies one at a time, waiting 24-48 hours between each to watch for digestive upset.

Pellets (5% of diet)

About 1/4 cup per 6 lbs of body weight daily.

Choose pellets that are:

  • Plain (no colorful bits or seeds)
  • Timothy-based for adults
  • High in fiber (18%+)
  • Low in protein (12-14%)

Good brands: Oxbow, Small Pet Select, Sherwood

Treats (sparingly!)

Treats should be rare and small:

  • Small piece of banana (1/2 inch)
  • A few blueberries
  • Slice of apple (no seeds!)
  • Strawberry top
  • Small piece of carrot

Rule of thumb: No more than 1-2 tablespoons of treats per day.

Foods to NEVER Feed

These are toxic or dangerous:

  • Iceberg lettuce - No nutrition, causes diarrhea
  • Potatoes - Toxic to rabbits
  • Onions & garlic - Toxic
  • Chocolate - Extremely toxic
  • Bread, pasta, crackers - Can cause fatal GI issues
  • Beans & legumes - Cause dangerous gas
  • Rhubarb - Toxic
  • Avocado - Toxic
  • Seeds & nuts - Choking hazard, too fatty

Water: The Forgotten Essential

  • Fresh water should always be available
  • Change daily, clean the bowl/bottle weekly
  • Some rabbits prefer bowls, others prefer bottles - try both
  • A rabbit that stops drinking is a medical emergency

Signs of Diet Problems

Watch for these warning signs:

  • Soft or mushy poops - Too many veggies or treats
  • Small, dry poops - Not enough hay or water
  • No poops - EMERGENCY - contact vet immediately
  • Weight loss - May need diet adjustment
  • Dental problems - Often from insufficient hay

Special Dietary Needs

Young Rabbits (under 6 months)

  • Unlimited alfalfa hay
  • Unlimited alfalfa pellets
  • Start veggies around 3-4 months, slowly

Senior Rabbits (7+ years)

  • May need extra calories if losing weight
  • Softer hay if dental issues develop
  • More frequent, smaller veggie portions

Overweight Rabbits

  • Reduce pellets
  • Limit treats completely
  • Increase hay (they'll eat more if pellets reduced)
  • More exercise time!