Rabbit Diet Basics: A Simple Beginner’s Guide to Feeding Your Rabbit [2025 Guide]

This post may contain affiliate links, including Amazon links. That means I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase through one of these links. I only recommend products I genuinely use or believe in!

Feeding your rabbit isn’t just about hay and water, it shapes their mood, energy, and even their lifespan. A balanced rabbit diet gives your bunny the nutrients they need to stay active, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid common issues like tummy troubles or dental disease.

For new rabbit owners, knowing what “balance” means will help you make smarter choices at mealtime. You’ll see your rabbit health and happiness shine when you get the basics right from the start.

Core Foods to Feed Your Rabbit

Fine-tuning your rabbit’s meals starts with understanding what foods should fill their bowl daily. Just like you, rabbits need variety and balance, but some things are more important than others.

A well-planned rabbit diet focuses on a few key foods—hay, vegetables, pellets, and water. Each plays a unique role in keeping your bunny nibbling, hopping, and thriving.

Here’s how these basics work together and what you need to know as the main chef for your bunny.

Why Hay Should Be the Main Course

Think of hay as the foundation of every healthy rabbit diet. It’s not just filler—it’s essential for strong digestion and healthy teeth.

You have a few main types to choose from:

• Timothy Hay: The top pick for most adult rabbits. It’s high in fiber and not too rich.
• Meadow Hay: Offers some variety with different grasses, which adds interest for picky eaters.
• Orchard Grass: Softer and sweet-smelling, good for rabbits who turn up their nose at timothy.

Hay keeps your rabbit’s gut moving and helps prevent blockages that can turn serious fast. It also grinds down those ever-growing teeth, reducing the risk of dental trouble.

How much hay does your rabbit really need? Picture a pile of hay as big as your bunny—yes, every single day. Make it available at all times, letting your rabbit munch whenever they like. Fresh, dry hay should be a non-stop buffet in their space.

How Feeding Your Rabbit Fresh Veggies Supports Nutrition

Hay is the foundation, but feeding your rabbit leafy greens and veggies adds nutritional variety. Safe vegetables give natural vitamins and minerals you won’t get from pellets alone.

Some safe veggie choices include:

• Romaine lettuce
• Cilantro and parsley
• Dandelion greens
• Bok choy
• Carrot tops
• Bell pepper (in moderation)
• Small amounts of kale or spinach (rotate these, as they can be high in calcium or oxalates)

Aim to feed about 1-2 cups of fresh, bunny-safe veggies for every 5 pounds your rabbit weighs, once a day. Wash produce well, and never use veggies that look wilted or old.

Start with just one new vegetable at a time. Keep portions small to watch for any soft stools or upset tummies. Slowly increase variety and amount as your rabbit adjusts, always steering clear of iceberg lettuce, onions, or anything starchy like potatoes.

Choosing and Using Pellets Wisely

Pellets can sound like an easy fix, but they should be a minor part of a balanced rabbit diet. Think of them as a supplement, not the whole meal.

Pick a plain, high-fiber pellet (around 18% fiber or more) with no added seeds, nuts, or colored bits. Many commercial mixes are too fatty and low in fiber, which can cause problems down the line.

A good serving size is:

• About 1/8 to 1/4 cup of pellets per 5 pounds of body weight, given once a day

This keeps your rabbit’s weight steady and encourages them to eat more hay and greens.

Skip the fancy blends that look like trail mix. Rabbits will often pick out only the tastiest (but least healthy) bits, just like a kid with cereal.

Stick to simple, bunny-specific pellets when feeding your rabbit and use them as a treat, not the star of their menu.

Clean Water: The Overlooked Essential

Fresh water might seem obvious, but it’s easy to overlook in a busy routine. Rabbits need constant access to clean drinking water for digestion, kidney health, and body cooling.

Set up a sturdy bowl, a drip-style water bottle, or a fountain in your rabbit’s area.

• Check it at least once a day
• Refill and clean to prevent slime and bacteria
• In hot weather, refresh more often to stop water from getting warm or stale

Some rabbits prefer bowls, as bottles can drip too slow or get clogged. If possible, offer both to see which your bunny likes best.

We have had great success with a water fountain. It has a replaceable filter keeping the water fresh and clean.

No matter the method, clean water is non-negotiable for a healthy rabbit diet.

Together, these core foods create the steady routine your rabbit depends on for wellness and comfort. Stick to these basics, and you’ll see brighter eyes, more energy, and better health in your bunny.

What to Avoid in Your Rabbit Diet

Keeping your rabbit safe and healthy isn’t just about what you feed—it’s also about what you don’t feed. Many well-meaning owners accidentally give foods or treats that can cause belly aches, digestive problems, or even emergencies.

Get familiar with what belongs far away from your bunny’s bowl so you can skip the risks and focus on safe, healthy options.

Dangerous Foods and Household Hazards

Not everything with leaves or color is good for feeding your rabbit. In fact, some common foods and items in your home are flat-out dangerous if nibbled.

Keep these away from your rabbit at all times:

• Iceberg Lettuce: This watery lettuce contains very little nutrition and can upset your rabbit’s stomach. Stick with darker, leafy greens instead.
• Chocolate: Never let your rabbit near chocolate, as it’s toxic and can cause serious health issues, including seizures.
• Avocado: Even a small bite can be deadly, as avocados contain a compound that’s poisonous to rabbits.
• Onions, Leeks, and Garlic: These can hurt your rabbit’s blood cells and should be avoided entirely.
• Potatoes and Tomato Leaves: Green parts of potatoes or tomatoes and unripe tomatoes carry harmful compounds that can trigger tummy upset or worse.
• Houseplants: Many popular houseplants like philodendrons, lilies, aloe vera, and pothos are toxic to rabbits. Block off areas where your bunny could sample something unsafe.
• Rhubarb: Both leaves and stalks are harmful, causing weakness and digestive distress.

It’s easy to overlook certain foods or plants when you’re new to rabbit care. Always check if something is bunny-safe before sharing, and do a quick sweep for stray leaves or stems around your home. Prevention is much easier (and cheaper) than a vet visit.

Treats: Less is More

Treats can lead to happy binkies and strong bonds, but you need to be picky about what and how much you are feeding your rabbit. Many treats, even those marketed for rabbits, do more harm than good.

To keep your rabbit diet on track, remember these points about treats:

• Sugary Fruits: Apples, bananas, grapes, and carrots are favorites, but they should only be offered sparingly (think a thin slice or small piece, once or twice a week).
• Store-Bought Treats: Many commercial rabbit treats are packed with sugar, seeds, yogurt drops, or baked ingredients your rabbit’s tummy can’t handle. Forget colorful, crunchy treats from the pet aisle.
• Processed or Human Foods: Cookies, chips, crackers, and cereals belong at your table, not your rabbit’s dish. Even a bite can throw off their delicate gut balance.

Stick to natural and simple: small bits of bunny-safe veggies are the best reward.

Treats are like the cherry on top, not the whole sundae. Feeding your rabbit too many unhealthy extras often leads to digestive problems, obesity, and can cause a rabbit to ignore their hay.

When in doubt, skip the sweet stuff.

Feeding Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Every rabbit owner wants to do right by their pet, but common feeding mistakes can sneak in—especially when you’re still learning.

Here are some mistakes to watch out for, and ways to avoid them in your rabbit diet:

1. Overfeeding Pellets: Pellets are easy to pour, but too many crowd out hay and fresh veggies. Too many pellets lead to weight problems and fewer nutrients from natural foods. Stick with a small suggested amount and resist refilling if your bunny begs.
2. Irregular Feeding Schedules: Rabbits thrive on routine. Feeding at different times day to day can stress their digestive system and leave them anxious. Create set mealtimes for veggies and pellets, and keep hay available all day.
3. Changing Diets Too Quickly: Rabbits have sensitive stomachs. If you switch their hay, pellets, or veggies all at once, you might end up with diarrhea or a rabbit that stops eating. Always introduce new foods over a week, starting with tiny portions and watching for any changes in their droppings or energy.
4. Ignoring Water: Skipping daily water checks can lead to dehydration, especially if bottles clog or bowls tip over. Make checking and refilling water part of your daily routine.

Avoiding these pitfalls goes a long way toward steady health. When you understand what not to do—and what foods to keep away—you make your rabbit’s diet much safer and more balanced.

This peace of mind lets you focus on the fun parts of bunny companionship and less on emergency vet runs.

Building a Lasting Feeding Routine

Once you know the basics of feeding your rabbit, it’s time to bring it all together in a daily routine. Rabbits thrive with steady habits and clear meal plans.

By following a simple schedule, you not only make your rabbit’s life easier, but you also avoid most diet-related problems. Even if you’ve never had a bunny before, a good feeding routine helps you feel confident and keeps your pet healthy.

A Simple Rabbit Diet Plan Sample

A routine you can repeat makes feeding your rabbit smooth for both you and your rabbit. Start with these basics, adjusting as needed for your rabbit’s size and age.

Here’s a simple daily menu to follow:

• MORNING
  • Refill fresh hay (timothy, meadow, or orchard). Make sure the pile is as big as your bunny.
  • Check drinking water in a bowl, fountain, or bottle. Rinse and refill with clean, cool water.
  • Give fresh leafy greens: About 1 cup of mixed greens per 2-2.5 pounds of body weight (examples: romaine, parsley, cilantro, dandelion, bok choy).
• AFTERNOON
  • Top up hay if needed.
  • Give a bunny-safe treat or a thin slice of apple, bell pepper, or carrot (no more than 1-2 tablespoons).
• EVENING
  • Offer plain pellets: 1/8 to 1/4 cup per 5 pounds of body weight.
  • Refresh water again and check hay supply.

Keep pellets and treats small so they don’t crowd out hay and veggies. The main goal is unlimited hay, varied greens, and just a sprinkle of extras.

If your rabbit has a favorite mealtime, stick to it. Rabbits love routine and learn quickly when to expect food. This can even make bonding and handling much easier.

Tips for Picky Eaters and Changing Diets

Rabbits can be fussy. Some will snub anything green, while others may turn picky suddenly when you switch brands or introduce a new vegetable.

Here’s how to get around picky eating and handle changes smoothly:

• Change one thing at a time. Don’t swap all food at once. Start with a new veggie every 2-3 days in a small portion, and watch for any soft poops or upset stomach.
• Mix new foods with old favorites. Hide a few unfamiliar greens under a small pile of their usual go-to. Rabbits often get curious and nibble.
• Repeat offers. Don’t give up after one try. It can take a rabbit several exposures to accept a new taste or texture.
• Serve veggies at room temperature. Cold produce can put rabbits off. Let new greens sit out a few minutes first.
• Stick to a set schedule. Routine helps your rabbit get hungry at the right time and look forward to new foods.
• Limit treats and pellets. Too many rich foods make rabbits ignore hay and fresh greens. Offer treats only after they’ve nibbled their veggies.

Moving slowly protects your rabbit’s delicate stomach and builds trust. If a rabbit refuses to eat entirely or looks uncomfortable, contact a vet. Sudden changes in appetite can be serious for rabbits.

Supporting Your Rabbit’s Long-Term Health

A healthy rabbit diet is the key to a rabbit that’s playful, curious, and social. But food does more than just fill their belly—it keeps their teeth, tummy, and mood in tiptop shape.

• Dental care happens in the food bowl. Rabbits’ teeth grow nonstop. If they miss out on hay, teeth won’t wear down naturally, and painful dental problems build up. Hay munching helps grind down their teeth every day.
• Fiber equals happy guts. Hay isn’t just about the teeth. The long fibers keep a rabbit’s tummy moving, which prevents dangerous blockages and keeps droppings regular.
• Balanced diets lead to balanced moods. When rabbits eat the right foods, they’re more active, playful, and easy to handle. Unbalanced meals can make a rabbit grumpy, shy, or even aggressive.
• Good nutrition brings rabbits and people closer. When your bunny feels good, they want to hop, explore, and even cuddle. A poor diet, on the other hand, leads to expensive vet bills and a sad, withdrawn bunny.

Healthy rabbit food choices show up in how your rabbit looks and acts each day. Look for:

• Regular, round droppings
• Bright eyes and a shiny coat
• Steady, playful energy
• Willingness to eat hay and greens, not just “treat” foods

Building these habits early sets you and your rabbit up for years of fun together.

Stick to a reliable feeding routine, watch for changes, and always prioritize hay and veggies above everything else. When feeding time feels easy, happy bunny moments follow you everywhere!

As you watch your rabbit thrive, you’ll pick up on their unique likes and quirks. Stick to the basics, trust what you see, and let your rabbit’s health guide you. The best rabbit diet is one that fits your pet and your daily life.

Feeding your rabbit well is one of the simplest, most powerful ways to care for their health and happiness. From crunchy greens to nourishing hay, every bite matters—and now you know where to start!

🌿 Want to go deeper into rabbit nutrition?
Be sure to check out our other post here on fresh food ideas, balanced diets, and the best ways to keep your bunny thriving—inside and out.