Rabbits are herbivores and unlike dogs or cats, rabbits have a sensitive GI tract (gastrointestinal tract) and cannot be simply fed a singular type of pet food from a bag, box, or can. Because of their sensitive digestive tract, it is important to introduce foods slowly so that they have time to process and adjust. This is why it can be tricky to know what to feed your rabbit, I like to think of the ratio 80/15/5. This means 80% hay, 15% vegetables, and 5% pellets and treats. This allows for a great balance that will keep your rabbit healthy and satisfied.
Hay – The Backbone of a Rabbit Diet
Rabbit teeth never stop growing, because of this they rely on chewing to trim their teeth. This is why they are called continuous grazers, they need unlimited access to hay throughout the day to graze on. Not only does hay help to keep rabbits’ teeth trimmed and sharp, but it also is necessary for the digestive system. Hay is extremely high in fiber, which is essential to encourage movement through the digestive tract and prevent GI stasis.
Hay also provides important nutrients that are digested in a special way to produce cecotropes. Cecotropes are unique fecal pellets that rabbits will eat to redigest those nutrients. It is also important to note that rabbits actually eat hay while they poop! So, if you see your rabbit spending a lot of time in the litter box, it is completely normal.
There are many different types of hay such as Timothy, Western, Orchard Grass, Oat, and Meadow. It is important to choose one your rabbit likes the most because even though rabbits might prefer to eat veggies and treats over hay, they still need hay to stay healthy. In my experience, my rabbit Leo has always enjoyed a blend of Western Timothy and Orchard Grass. Young rabbits can eat alfalfa hay because it is a much more calorie-dense hay that helps in the growing process. However, because of its caloric density, adult rabbits cannot graze on it all day.
Leafy Greens – The “Meal”
Leafy greens are considered the “meal” portion of a rabbit’s diet and are typically given two to three times a day depending on the size and age of your rabbit. On average, 1-3 cups is the recommended amount for an adult rabbit. Most store-bought spring mix packages are a simple and easy mix of leafy greens to give your rabbit but there are many more options out there.
Rabbits can enjoy many different types of dark leafy greens such as:
- Dark Romain Leaves
- Spinach
- Arugula
- Kale
- Cilantro
However, there are some vegetables to avoid such as:
- Potatoes
- Avocado
- Onions
- Corn
- Garlic
- Mushrooms
Light iceberg lettuce is another green to avoid because of the high water content there is little to no nutritious value contained in the lettuce. Since rabbits get all their vitamins and minerals from their diet it is important to provide them with dark colored greens because those are typically the most nutrient-rich. Overall, it is important to make sure your rabbit is getting sufficient amounts of vegetables that are safe to consume so that their digestive system will be healthy and happy!
Pellets
“Do rabbits actually need pellets?” Is a very common question among rabbit owners. The truth is, with a well nutrient balanced diet they are not necessary. Pellets are simply a compact form of nutrients and calories. You might be wondering, “If pellets are simply an easy form of nutrients why do I need to feed my rabbit anything else?”. Unfortunately, while pellets are definitely the quickest and easiest form of food to give a rabbit, high quantities will quickly lead to obesity. Due to the density of calories and nutrients, it is not wise to rely solely on pellets. Rabbits need a great variety of nutrients and fiber in their diet and relying only on pellets will only provide a portion of those vitamins. As stated above, hay is the most essential part of a rabbit’s diet and pellets cannot replicate that.
Pellets are actually the least essential portion of their diet. If a well-balanced diet with lots of hay and a variety of greens and vegetables is in place, rabbits can receive their vitamins and nutrients just fine. It is most important to prioritize a rotation of healthy and safe greens to ensure their gut is happy and satisfied.
If you do decide to include pellets in your rabbits’ diet, it is important to find one with simple ingredients, extra ingredients such as fruit and other processing chemicals are to be avoided. You want to look for pellets with high levels of fiber and protein content while having a low-fat content. Once you find a brand that works for you and your bunny, it is important to monitor the amount of pellets given which depends on the size and age of your rabbit. On average, 1-3 Tbsp is sufficient, I typically sprinkle a pinch on Leo’s spring mix in the morning and nighttime.
Pellets are also a very good form of training reward to enhance good behavior for rabbits. This is because rabbits typically enjoy pellets just as much as a treat and pellets are an easy small treat to give over and over again. Aim to stay within their daily amount, one at a time is very effective for rewarding and delighting your rabbit.
Treats
While hay, leafy greens, and pellets make up the majority of a rabbit’s diet, treats should not be left out. Pellets and treats are the most enriching portion of the diet being that they get the most enjoyment out of these two. Healthy treats consist of fruits or vegetables that are safe for rabbits to eat, just not in large quantities.
Leo’s favorite treats are:
- Banana!!
- Carrots!!
- Apple
- Strawberry
- Rasberry
- Oranges
While these are all good for rabbits to eat, it is important to keep them in small quantities because rabbits have such a sensitive digestive tract, and too much will easily make your rabbit sick. The easiest rule of thumb to follow for treats is to stick to fruits and vegetables but it is okay to find a brand of store-bought treats as long as it has clean and simple ingredients. However, most store-bought treats have extra processed sugar ingredients especially yogurt-based treats. It is also very important to avoid all “human food” which consists of any foods we eat except for fruits and vegetables.
Water
As we all know, all living creatures need water to survive, rabbits are no exception! Surprisingly, rabbits need about as much water as a 20-pound dog! Water is essential to keep their digestive system healthy and happy. Rabbits will typically drink enough water as long as they have proper access to it. However, they can be very picky and will not drink their water if it is dirty, so to encourage them to drink more it is important to provide them with fresh water daily.
If you have any questions regarding what to feed your rabbit feel free to leave a comment down below and I will be more than happy to help!