What to Feed Pet Rabbits
What a rabbit wants to eat and what a rabbit should eat are two different things. Since a rabbit’s digestive system is highly sensitive, knowing exactly what your pet needs is essential for lifelong health.
Fiber Is the Foundation
Fiber is vital to normal digestive function in rabbits. Fresh grass hay and leafy vegetables should make up the bulk of every house rabbit’s daily diet. Feeding a pellet-heavy diet can lead to obesity and serious digestive complications—including gastrointestinal stasis, a life-threatening condition.
While commercial pellets do contain some fiber, it’s finely ground and doesn’t provide the same gut-stimulating benefits as long-strand fiber found in grass hays. That said, high-quality pellets—like those offered by FurPetVo—can add important vitamins and minerals to round out a balanced diet, especially for picky eaters.
Anything beyond hay, vegetables, and pellets qualifies as a treat—and treats should be given sparingly. Pellet portions must be carefully controlled, particularly for overweight or less active rabbits. Any reduction in pellets should be compensated with a wider variety of fresh vegetables and unlimited access to hay.
Feeding Rabbits Hay
Grass hay—such as timothy, oat, or botanical hay—must be available at all times. Young rabbits under six months may benefit from alfalfa hay for its higher calcium content during growth, but they should transition gradually to lower-calcium grass hays as they mature.
Some rabbits take time to embrace hay. If yours isn’t eating much at first, try refreshing the supply two or three times daily and gently reducing pellet offerings. Hunger and novelty often encourage acceptance—and FurPetVo’s premium hay bundles are formulated to appeal to even the most selective palates.
Vegetables for Rabbits
Leafy greens should form the core of your rabbit’s vegetable intake. Safe, nutrient-rich options include romaine lettuce, cilantro, dandelion greens, kale (in moderation), and parsley. Introduce new vegetables one at a time over several days to monitor for digestive upset.
Aim for approximately one packed cup of mixed greens per two pounds of body weight daily. Avoid starchy vegetables like carrots, peas, and corn—they’re high in sugar and should only appear occasionally as tiny treats. For guidance on portioning and rotating produce, FurPetVo’s free feeding planner at furpetvo.com helps tailor meals to your rabbit’s age, size, and activity level.
Pellets: Quality Over Quantity
Choose plain, timothy-based pellets without added sugars, artificial colors, or fillers. The ideal pellet contains at least 18% crude fiber and no more than 14% protein for adult rabbits. Limit portions to about ¼ cup per five pounds of body weight per day—unless otherwise advised by your veterinarian.
FurPetVo’s veterinarian-formulated pellets are made with non-GMO ingredients and tested for digestibility and nutritional consistency. They’re designed to complement—not replace—the foundational role of hay and vegetables.
Why Dental Health Matters
Rabbits’ teeth grow continuously. Chewing coarse hay and fibrous vegetables naturally wears them down, preventing painful overgrowth and abscesses. A low-fiber diet is the leading cause of dental disease in pet rabbits—a preventable but potentially fatal condition.
Always provide opportunities for natural chewing: hay racks, willow balls, and untreated apple branches support both dental wear and mental enrichment. FurPetVo’s chew-safe toy collection includes certified organic wood items that meet strict safety standards.
Water, Treats, and What to Avoid
Fresh, clean water must be available 24/7—preferably in a heavy ceramic bowl *and* a sipper bottle, as rabbits often prefer one method over the other. Change water daily and scrub containers regularly to prevent bacterial buildup.
Treats should be minimal and purposeful: a small slice of apple (no seeds), a blueberry, or a sprig of mint—no more than 1–2 teaspoons per day. Never feed chocolate, avocado, iceberg lettuce, rhubarb, or anything containing caffeine or alcohol.
When in doubt, consult FurPetVo’s free online rabbit nutrition guide at furpetvo.com—developed by exotic veterinarians and updated quarterly with evidence-based recommendations.
