What Do Pet Rabbits Eat? Complete Diet Guide

You might have asked what do pet rabbits eat after seeing your bunny nibble on everything in sight. It’s a common question, especially when most of us grew up thinking rabbits live on carrots and store-bought pellets. But rabbits have delicate digestive systems, and their meals need to do more than just fill them up. Feeding the wrong things, even with good intentions, can lead to problems most new owners aren’t prepared for.

Quick Daily Feeding Guide for Busy Rabbit Parents

Feeding your rabbit right doesn’t need to take all day. If you’re short on time but still want to keep your bunny happy and healthy, here’s a quick daily checklist to follow. These are the basic things your rabbit needs every single day to stay active and avoid tummy troubles.

Every Day Your Rabbit Needs:

Unlimited fresh timothy hay

This should be the biggest part of your rabbit’s diet. Keep a bunch available at all times, and top it up a few times a day. It helps with digestion and keeps their teeth in good shape. It’s a must-have in every rabbit diet hay pellets routine.

1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality pellets

Pick a pellet that’s plain (no colorful bits or seeds) and give the right amount based on your rabbit’s size. Too much can lead to weight gain. These pellets help meet basic rabbit nutrition requirements.

2 to 4 cups of fresh leafy vegetables

Give a mix of 2 to 3 types every day. Think of safe vegetables for rabbits like romaine lettuce, bok choy, or cilantro. Always wash them first and serve them fresh.

Fresh, clean water in a heavy bowl

Rabbits drink more than you’d expect. Change the water every morning and check again at night. Avoid water bottles if possible. A sturdy bowl feels more natural to them.

Weekly Treats (Optional):

A tiny piece of fruit, like apple or banana, just 2 to 3 times a week
Store-bought rabbit treats in small amounts — go for rabbit treats healthy options only
Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or mint as a tasty bonus

Never Give Your Rabbit:

Chocolate, cookies, or anything sweet made for humans
Iceberg lettuce or pale greens (they have almost no nutrients and may upset their tummy)
Seeds, pits, or fruit cores — they’re a choking hazard and not safe

This routine works well for adult bunnies, but younger ones need a slightly different plan. You can check our baby rabbit feeding guide for extra tips. It’s also good to remember that wild vs pet rabbit diet can be very different, so your indoor bunny relies completely on you for balanced food. Their small body needs the right balance to keep their rabbit digestive system needs in check. Once you’ve got this simple routine in place, daily feeding becomes quick, easy, and something your rabbit looks forward to.

Why Hay Matters More Than Anything Else in Your Rabbit’s Diet

Hay isn’t just part of your rabbit’s meal plan. It is the meal plan. Around 85 percent of what your bunny eats every day should be fresh, good-quality hay. The House Rabbit Society, a leading rabbit welfare organization, confirms that hay should be the foundation of every rabbit’s diet. It keeps things moving smoothly in their stomach and helps trim down their teeth, which never stop growing. This isn’t just about filling their belly. It’s about meeting real rabbit nutrition requirements in the simplest, most natural way.

Timothy hay is the best choice for adult rabbits. It has the right mix of fiber, protein, and calcium without being too heavy. Your rabbit’s digestive system needs that fiber every day to stay in balance. If hay is left untouched, check if it smells stale or if your rabbit is too full from pellets or snacks. Stick to rabbit diet hay pellets in the right portion so hay stays the main focus.

Hay also helps mimic the wild vs pet rabbit diet, offering that steady chewing they naturally crave. Even baby bunnies benefit once they reach the right stage (check the baby rabbit feeding guide). Alongside a few safe vegetables for rabbits and rabbit treats healthy options, fresh hay builds a strong daily routine. It’s what do pet rabbits eat more than anything else. Always make sure it’s clean, dry, and available around the clock.

Picking the Right Rabbit Pellets Without Getting Confused

Not all rabbit pellets are created equal, and it’s easy to grab the wrong kind without meaning to. The best pellets are made mostly from timothy hay, and they should look plain, dark green, and tightly packed. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, timothy-based pellets provide optimal nutrition for adult rabbits. Anything with colorful pieces, seeds, or bits of corn might look fun, but it’s basically junk food. These can upset your rabbit’s digestive system and make it harder for them to eat enough hay.

Pellets should only make up a small part of what do pet rabbits eat each day. Think of them more like a daily vitamin than a full meal. An egg cup amount is enough for most adult rabbits, especially when they’re already getting fresh hay and safe vegetables for rabbits. Giving too much can cause them to skip their hay and gain weight over time.

This balance supports their rabbit nutrition requirements without overfeeding. Even in a wild vs pet rabbit diet, pellets never show up naturally, which is why moderation matters. Baby bunnies may need a different plan early on, so check the baby rabbit feeding guide for that. A good pellet keeps things simple and adds just the right touch to support your rabbit’s health from the inside out.

Fresh Vegetables Your Rabbit Will Actually Love

Adding fresh vegetables to your rabbit’s meals gives them variety, flavor, and extra nutrients their body needs. Research from Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine shows that dietary variety supports optimal rabbit nutrition. It’s a simple way to support the rabbit digestive system needs without relying too much on pellets. But not every vegetable is safe, and it’s easy to go overboard. Here’s a simple guide to safe vegetables for rabbits and how to serve them.

Daily Green Vegetables (Safe for Regular Feeding):

These can be part of your rabbit’s everyday meals:

Spinach
Kale
Celery (cut into small pieces to avoid strings)
Cabbage
Romaine lettuce
Carrot tops
Broccoli leaves and stems
Mint, parsley, rosemary, and dandelion greens

Mix two to three types daily for variety. These support rabbit nutrition requirements and pair perfectly with their main hay diet.

Occasional Vegetables (1 to 2 Times Weekly):

These have more sugar or water, so offer them less often:

Carrots
Bell peppers
Zucchini
Cucumber

These work more like rabbit treats healthy options. Serve in small pieces and only a couple of times a week.

Introduce new veggies slowly to avoid stomach upsets. Adult rabbits can enjoy up to 2 cups a day. Smaller breeds or rabbits under 5 pounds should stick to 1 cup. Every rabbit reacts differently, so watch for soft poop or changes. This is especially true if you’re still following a baby rabbit feeding guide. A mix of fresh greens supports what do pet rabbits eat in a natural, balanced way, similar to a wild vs pet rabbit diet.

Dangerous Foods That Could Kill Your Rabbit

Some foods can seriously harm or even kill your rabbit, even in small amounts. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center maintains a comprehensive database of foods toxic to rabbits. This list highlights dangerous items you should never feed your pet. Keep your rabbit safe by avoiding these toxic foods at all costs

Absolutely Never Feed These (Can Be Fatal)

These foods can seriously harm or kill your rabbit, even in small amounts:

Rhubarb, avocado, and iceberg lettuce: They might look harmless, but they can be deadly.
Apple seeds, pear seeds, and fruit pits: These have small amounts of cyanide. The Pet Poison Helpline warns that even small amounts can be dangerous for rabbits.
Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes: Too acidic for their stomach.
Chocolate, candy, and anything sweet made for humans: Toxic and very risky.
Potato leaves and stems: Contain poisonous compounds for rabbits.

Common Household Items That Are Toxic

Some everyday foods are just as dangerous:

Onions, garlic, and chives: All forms, even powdered, can mess up a rabbit’s blood.
Beans and legumes: Cooked or raw, they can cause serious digestive issues.
Nuts and seeds: Too fatty and not made for rabbit digestion.
Bread, crackers, baked snacks: These fill them up but offer nothing their body needs.

A rabbit’s digestive system needs gentle, natural food. Stick to rabbit diet hay pellets and rotate in safe vegetables for rabbits like leafy greens. Skip all risky treats. If you’re raising a young bunny, follow a baby rabbit feeding guide and stick with rabbit treats healthy options. What do pet rabbits eat? Nothing from this list.

Baby Rabbit Feeding Secrets Every New Owner Needs

Baby rabbits need special care, especially when it comes to food. In the first few weeks, they should be nursing or taking formula. The American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners provides guidelines for proper baby rabbit nutrition. Around 3 to 4 weeks, you can slowly start giving them a little alfalfa hay and rabbit pellets. Their small bodies can’t handle much yet, so take it slow. Their rabbit digestive system needs time to adjust.

At this age, don’t give them leafy greens or fruit. Even small amounts can cause serious tummy problems. You can give unlimited pellets until they’re about 6 months old since they need extra calories to grow.

After 12 weeks, start with one safe vegetable at a time and watch closely. Look for changes in poop or if they stop eating. The rabbit diet hay pellets mix changes as they grow, so knowing what rabbits cannot eat is just as important. Keep treats healthy and light. Wild vs pet rabbit diet is not the same.

Healthy Rabbit Treats That Won’t Ruin Their Diet

You might want to spoil your bunny now and then, but it’s important to keep their meals in check. Most of what pet rabbits eat should be hay. It keeps their teeth in shape and supports their digestive system needs. Pellets can also be part of the mix, but not the main meal.

When it comes to treats, fresh herbs like basil, parsley, mint, oregano, and cilantro are great. You can offer a small bunch daily to switch things up. They’re light, tasty, and safe for rabbits.

For fruits, think very small. A fingernail-sized slice of apple, banana, strawberry, or pear just a couple of times per week is enough. Too much fruit can upset rabbit nutrition requirements and cause health problems. Dried fruit or even one raisin can feel like a feast to your bunny.

Steer clear of store-bought treats that are bright and sugary. These go against a proper rabbit diet hay pellets combo and can harm their system.

Stick to safe vegetables for rabbits like romaine lettuce, carrot tops, and bell peppers in small amounts. Never offer onions, avocado, chocolate, or iceberg lettuce, as they are on the list of what rabbits cannot eat.

How Wild Rabbits Eat vs Your House Bunny

Wild rabbits are always on the move, nibbling a little here and there. They eat fresh grass, weeds, twigs, and even tree bark. Their eating habits help keep their teeth trimmed and their tummy working the way it should.

Your house rabbit needs this same rhythm, even though they aren’t out in fields. Hay should be available all day. This matches the natural nibbling habit and supports the rabbit digestive system needs. Mix in safe vegetables for rabbits like romaine, basil, or carrot tops in small amounts.

Instead of just placing food in one bowl, spread hay in different spots. Offer leafy greens in a paper bag or hide bits around the room. This keeps your rabbit busy and happy.

For pellets, stick to a small amount daily to avoid overfeeding. Also, pick rabbit treats healthy options like dried herbs.

Stay away from sugary fruit and human snacks. What rabbits cannot eat includes avocado, chocolate, and iceberg lettuce.

Even baby rabbit feeding guide advice supports starting with hay before anything else. The wild vs pet rabbit diet is different, but the goal, which is to support rabbit nutrition requirements in a natural way is the same.

What Makes a Rabbit’s Digestive System So Different?

Your rabbit’s digestive system isn’t like a dog’s or cat’s, it’s built more like a little factory that never shuts down. Instead of just passing food through once, rabbits take a second go at it. Every early morning, they produce soft poop called cecotropes, which they eat directly from their bottom. This process, known as cecotrophy, is documented by veterinary nutritionists as essential for rabbit health. It may sound odd, but it’s how they absorb all the nutrients that didn’t sink in the first time. Skipping this process? That’s a serious health risk.

Because their tummy works nonstop, your rabbit needs a steady flow of the right food. That means lots of fresh hay, a set amount of rabbit diet hay pellets, and water every day. Tossing in too many snacks or changing things up too fast can make things go wrong inside, and that leads to painful, sometimes dangerous blockages. Stick to safe vegetables for rabbits like leafy greens and avoid anything sugary, starchy, or on the what rabbits cannot eat list.

Even young bunnies need special care. A baby rabbit feeding guide is worth checking out so you’re not guessing. Rabbit treats healthy options like small fruit pieces or herbs are better than biscuits or cereals. It’s also good to know the difference between wild vs pet rabbit diet as they’re not the same. All of this keeps your bunny’s belly running smooth and meets the basic rabbit nutrition requirements. When your rabbit’s gut is happy, you’ll see more energy, better mood, and less mess to clean up. A balanced tummy makes a balanced bun.

How Much Should a Rabbit Eat Based on Size? (Complete Feeding Chart)

Feeding the right amount makes a big difference in your rabbit’s health. Feeding guidelines established by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association help prevent obesity and malnutrition in pet rabbits. Here’s a simple guide based on size with easy measurements you can picture at home.

Small Rabbits (Under 5 pounds)

¼ cup of pellets daily
1 cup of fresh vegetables (mix of leafy greens)
Hay should always be available — timothy hay works best
Treats no bigger than your pinky nail

Medium Rabbits (5–8 pounds)

⅓ cup of pellets each day
1½ cups of mixed vegetables
Hay anytime, as much as they want
Treats about the size of your thumb nail

Large Rabbits (Over 8 pounds)

½ cup of pellets daily
2 cups of fresh veggies
Unlimited timothy hay
Treats the size of a coin

What do pet rabbits eat? Mostly hay, followed by a small amount of pellets and safe vegetables for rabbits. Avoid sugary snacks and learn what rabbits cannot eat. Meeting rabbit nutrition requirements supports their delicate rabbit digestive system needs. Don’t forget, rabbit treats healthy options are best, and wild vs pet rabbit diet needs are very different. For the little ones, follow a baby rabbit feeding guide for better growth.

How to Feed Your Rabbit Right in Every Season

Feeding your rabbit isn’t just about giving pellets and calling it a day. What your rabbit eats needs to shift a little through the year. In spring, fresh weeds like dandelion greens are a real treat. The National Wildlife Federation offers guides for identifying safe wild plants for rabbits. Just be sure they’re picked from places with no chemicals. You can also add more leafy greens slowly if your rabbit isn’t used to them yet.

Summer is all about staying cool. Cucumber, bell peppers, and romaine help with hydration. Always keep water fresh and clean, and avoid sugary treats even if they beg.

As the weather gets colder, your rabbit may need more hay. Older hay can lose nutrients, so check that it’s fresh and smells sweet. Indoor rabbits might need a few more pellets if it’s chilly inside, but don’t overdo it.

Stick to safe vegetables for rabbits, avoid foods like onions or bread, and know that rabbit diet hay pellets are just part of the whole picture.

Common Rabbit Feeding Mistakes Most Owners Make

Feeding rabbits might seem easy, but simple mistakes can lead to health issues. Studies published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice highlight common dietary errors in pet rabbit care. From giving the wrong treats to skipping hay, some habits do more harm than good. Let’s break down what to avoid to keep your rabbit healthy.

Treating Pellets as Main Food

Many owners fill bowls with pellets thinking that’s complete nutrition. Pellets should be a small portion, with hay making up most of the diet.

Only Feeding Carrots and Lettuce

This creates nutritional imbalances and often means too much sugar (carrots) and not enough nutrients (light lettuces).

Giving Too Many Commercial Treats

Those colorful yogurt drops and seed sticks are basically candy for rabbits and can cause serious digestive and dental problems.

Signs Your Rabbit’s Diet Needs Adjusting (Practical Observation Guide)

Rabbits aren’t dramatic when something’s off with their food. But their body shows signs when things aren’t quite right. Here’s what to watch for and what each sign might mean.

Signs Things Are Going Well

Eats hay every day

You’ll notice your rabbit going for hay first, not just the pellets. That’s a healthy sign. Hay keeps their teeth and tummy in shape. If your rabbit skips hay often, it may be time to look at what else is on the menu.

Droppings are dry and round

A healthy rabbit leaves behind lots of round, dry droppings. If they look soft, sticky, or clump together, something may need fixing in their meals.

Energy stays the same and weight is steady

Hopping around, curious, and alert? That’s a good sign. If your rabbit’s weight changes fast or they seem low on energy, something in their food might not be right.

Coat feels soft and looks clean

A rabbit eating well will have a soft, shiny coat. If the fur starts to look dull or feels rough, it could mean their nutrition is off.

Warning Signs to Watch Closely

Only eats pellets or treats, ignores hay

Rabbits can get picky. If they skip hay and only wait for pellets or snacks, their digestive system might suffer. Try cutting back on extras and keeping hay fresh and available all the time. Remember, hay is the biggest part of the diet and not just a part of it.

Droppings are soft or irregular

Occasional soft poop happens. But if it’s happening daily, the mix of food might be too rich. Cut back on sugary or starchy treats and check that you’re offering enough fiber.

Weight changes quickly

A rabbit gaining weight too fast may be eating too many pellets or treats. On the flip side, weight loss can point to stress or a deeper health issue. You’ll want to keep track by feeling around their hips and spine gently each week.

Coat looks dull or rabbit seems tired

Low energy or rough fur can come from missing nutrients. This might be a good time to check what’s being served, like are you offering safe vegetables for rabbits in the right amount? Is the balance between hay, pellets, and greens right?

When It’s Time to Call the Vet

No poop at all for half a day or more

This could be a sign their gut has slowed down. The Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians emphasizes that gastrointestinal stasis is a veterinary emergency. Rabbits need to poop often to stay healthy. A blocked gut can get serious very fast.

Soft poop for over 2 days

Occasional soft poop isn’t a red flag, but if it keeps happening, it might mean something is upsetting their belly or the balance of their food is off.

Refuses food entirely

If your rabbit turns down everything including hay, it’s time to act. Even skipping meals for one day can be dangerous because of how the rabbit digestive system needs constant movement.

Shows signs of pain or just lies around

No hopping, hiding in corners, or sitting strangely hunched? These can all mean they’re hurting. A vet visit can help figure out what’s going on.

While thinking about what do pet rabbits eat, it’s also worth learning what they shouldn’t. Some fresh foods may seem harmless but fall under what rabbits cannot eat, like onions or iceberg lettuce.

If you’ve got a young bunny, the baby rabbit feeding guide is different from an adult’s. And when offering snacks, go for rabbit treats healthy options, not sugary bits. The balance between rabbit diet hay pellets, and vegetables is different from what wild rabbits eat. That’s why understanding the wild vs pet rabbit diet difference helps keep your pet healthy at home.

Even small shifts can meet your rabbit’s nutrition requirements better. When in doubt, always go back to the basics: hay first, pellets in moderation, greens for variety, and clean water every day.

Weekly Rabbit Meal Plan That Actually Works (With Real Veggie Mixes)

Feeding your rabbit right isn’t hard when you have a plan. This weekly meal guide helps you mix things up so your bunny stays happy and healthy. Start each day with unlimited hay because that’s the biggest part of a rabbit’s diet. Then add leafy greens and a small amount of pellets.

Here’s what one week could look like:

Monday: Romaine, carrot tops, parsley
Tuesday: Spinach, celery, mint
Wednesday: Kale, dandelion greens, cilantro
Thursday: Collard greens, herbs, a small apple slice
Friday: Mixed greens, broccoli leaves, basil

Rabbits get bored eating the same thing all the time. So switch up the veggies every week. Go for organic when you can, and wash everything well to get rid of dirt or chemicals. The USDA Organic Program ensures produce is free from harmful pesticides that could affect rabbit health. Store greens in a sealed container lined with paper towels to keep them fresh longer.

Stick with safe vegetables for rabbits and avoid starchy or sugary stuff. Always check what rabbits cannot eat before trying something new.

Pellets should be given in small amounts as too much can mess with their tummy. Add a treat once in a while, like a small strawberry. Keep it simple, natural, and fresh to support your rabbit’s digestion and overall health.