Rabbit · Guide

What should I feed a rabbit?

Unlimited grass hay is the base — it should make up the majority of what a rabbit eats. Pellets are a measured supplement, not the main meal, and fresh leafy greens are offered daily. Feeding pellets as the primary food is one of the most common rabbit care mistakes.

Why hay must dominate

Rabbit teeth grow continuously — up to several millimetres a week. The grinding action of chewing hay is what keeps them worn down. Rabbits fed mainly pellets don't chew enough, and dental disease follows.

Their digestive system also requires constant fibre to keep moving. Gut stasis, where the digestive tract slows or stops, is a life-threatening emergency and is often triggered by a low-fibre diet.

Getting pellets right

A measured portion of plain, high-fibre pellets — roughly a quarter cup per 5 lb of body weight daily for an adult. Avoid muesli mixes: rabbits selectively eat the sweet pieces and leave the fibre, which is exactly the wrong outcome.

Young rabbits need more; adults need restriction. Overfeeding pellets is the usual route to both obesity and dental problems.

Greens and treats

Fresh leafy greens daily — romaine, herbs like coriander and basil, and dark leaf lettuces. Introduce anything new gradually.

Fruit and carrot are sugar-rich and belong in the treat category despite the cultural association. Avoid iceberg lettuce.

Check your own pet — freeSnap a few photos, get a wellness score in minutes

A wellness check, not a diagnosis — and never a replacement for your vet. If something seems wrong with your animal, see a veterinarian.

Common questions

How much hay should a rabbit eat?

Unlimited, and it should form the majority of the diet — roughly a body-sized pile daily is a useful visual guide.

Can rabbits eat carrots every day?

Carrots are high in sugar and should be an occasional treat rather than a daily food, despite the popular association.

Why is my rabbit not eating?

Treat it as an emergency. A rabbit that stops eating may be in gut stasis, which is life-threatening and needs same-day veterinary care.