Read this page and become an expert on all things rabbit diet.
The number one most important piece of a rabbits diet is hay, hay should take up around 80-85% whilst 10% should be leafy greens and the remaining 5% should be made up of high in fibre pellets with limited treats.
Hay
There are many different types of hay you can feed your adult bunny, these include;
Timothy hay
Timothy hay is one of the more popular hays for rabbits, it is good for adult rabbits as it contain lots of protein and fibre but not too much calcium which is great for preventing urinary stones. It is also very affordable but it is usually unsuitable for young rabbits.
Meadow hay
It is very affordable and comes in many textures and varieties, but it can often contain other plants and debris as well as the fact that it wavers in nutritional value.
Orchard grass/hay
Orchard grass has a very soft texture and is high in fibre and a very healthy addition to blends. The negatives about it are that it can be expensive and it is high in sugar.
Alfalfa Hay
Alfalfa hay is used for bunnies under six months because it is very high in calcium, minerals and protein which are essential for a growing bunny. It is unsuitable for adult rabbits.
Oat hay
It is rich in minerals, vitamins and fibre whilst also being low in protein. It contains crunchy seed heads and is great to blend with other hays. Oat hay can be quite expensive.
Herbal hay
Herbal hay introduces foraging variety whilst also being full of vitamins and minerals. It adds flavour and texture to the hay making it more appealing to your bun, but it can often include herbs that are unsuitable for rabbits.
Leafy greens
Leafy greens are a vital part of a rabbit’s diet as they offer a lot of fibre as well as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Leafy greens help prevent the risk of gut stasis and dental diseases. These are the best veggies for your rabbit;
| Arugula | Cucumber | Spring greens |
Asparagus  | Dandelion greens | Squash  |
| Bell peppers | Endive | Turnip greens |
| Bok Choi | Escarole | Watercress |
| Broccoli leaves | Fennel | Basil – herb |
Brussels sprouts  | Kale | Cilantro – herb |
| Cabbage | Pea pods | Dill – herb |
| Carrot | Radicchio | Mint – herb |
| Cauliflower | Red leaf lettuce | Oregano – herb |
| Celery | Romain lettuce | Parsley – herb |
| Chard | Spinach | Thyme – herb |
Cone means feed occasionally but not everyday.
Pellets
Pellets are not a necessity in a rabbits diet but they are recommended because of the nutritional value they hold, especially for picky eaters to help supplement any missed diet. It is important to make sure your pellets are the right pellets for your breed and age of rabbit. For example, my rabbits eat the Burgess mint pellets for young and dwarf rabbits as my two rabbits are only young and are both dwarf breeds, this will obviously differ depending on your rabbit. Make sure that the pellets you use are not high in sugar and do not have many added ingredients as this can contribute towards obesity. Another factor of obesity is the portion of pellets you administer daily. Here are the recommended serving amounts;
| Weight of rabbit | Amount of daily pellets |
|---|---|
| 2lbs/ 1kg | 2 tbsp |
| 3lbs | 3 tbsp |
| 4lbs/ 2kg | 4 tbsp/ 0.25 cup |
| 5lbs | 5 tbsp |
| 6lbs/ 3kg | 6 tbsp |
| 7lbs | 7 tbsp |
| 8lbs/ 4kg | 8 tbsp/ 0.5 cup |
| 9lbs | 9 tbsp |
| 10lbs/ 5kg | 10 tbsp |
Young rabbits should be offered more, or given unlimited pellets whilst they are still growing.
Treats
Treats should be given occasionally, not everyday! Treats contain a lot of sugar which is unhealthy for a bunny and can cause obesity if overfed. The best treats to give your bunnies are fruit, sugary veggies and rabbit safe florals or forage. Here are the best fruit treats for your rabbit;
- Apple – be sure to remove all seeds and stem.
- Banana – remove skin and any really stringy bits.
- Berries – Rabbits can enjoy blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cranberries, gooseberries, loganberries, mulberries, raspberries and strawberries.
- Melons – Rabbits can eat cantaloupe, honeydew and watermelon.
- Currants
- Apricots – make sure to remove the pit and stem.
- Papaya – remove the black seeds and the outer skin.
- Kiwi – rabbits can safely eat the inside as well as the outside.
- Mango – they can eat the skin but not the hard core.
- Pears – these are full of fibre.
- Peaches – remove the pit.
- Pineapple – don’t let your bunny eat the outer layer.
- Plums – remove the pit first.
- Nectarines – remove the pips first.
Florals and Forage
Florals and forage are really good options as treats or as a form of encouragement to eat more hay. Rabbits can eat many different flowers and blends, these are all safe for a bunny;
| Marigold | Rose petals |
| Hibiscus | Dandelions |
| Chamomile | Daisies |
| Sunflower | Lavender |
| Pansies | Carnations |
Avoid Lilies and Rhododendrons – this is not a complete list of plants that may be harmful to your bunny, but if its not on the table above, I would probably steer clear.
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