Rabbits are cute, gentle animals, but they need the right food to stay healthy. Many people think rabbits only eat carrots, but that is not true. Proper rabbit food includes hay, vegetables, pellets, and clean water. In this guide, you will learn what rabbits should eat, what to avoid, and how to build a healthy diet.
Why Rabbit Food Matters
Rabbit food directly affects digestion, teeth health, and overall life span. Rabbits have sensitive stomachs and continuously growing teeth. If they eat the wrong food, they can suffer from stomach problems, tooth pain, or even serious illness. A balanced diet keeps their teeth worn down naturally and their digestion smooth.
Main Parts of Rabbit Food
A healthy rabbit diet has four main parts:
1. Hay The Most Important Rabbit Food
Hay should be about 80% of your rabbit’s daily food. It helps with digestion and keeps teeth healthy.
Best hay types for rabbits:
- Timothy hay
- Meadow hay
- Orchard grass
- Oat hay
Young rabbits under 6 months can eat alfalfa hay, but adult rabbits should avoid too much alfalfa because it is high in calcium.
2. Fresh Vegetables for Rabbits
Fresh vegetables give vitamins and keep rabbits active.
Safe vegetables for rabbit food:
- Carrot tops
- Lettuce (romaine, green leaf – not iceberg)
- Spinach (small amounts)
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Basil
- Cucumber
- Bell peppers
Give 1–2 cups of vegetables per day, depending on your rabbit’s size. Always wash vegetables before feeding.
3. Pellets Only a Small Part
Pellets should not be the main rabbit food. Too many pellets cause weight gain.
Choose pellets that:
- Are high in fiber
- Have no colorful bits
- Are made from hay
Adult rabbits only need about 1/4 cup pellets per day.
4. Clean Water
Fresh, clean water must always be available. Use a bowl or bottle and change water daily.
Fruits as Treats
Fruits are sweet and rabbits love them, but they should be treats only.
Safe fruits for rabbits:
- Apple (no seeds)
- Banana
- Strawberry
- Blueberry
- Papaya
- Mango
Give fruits 1–2 times a week in small pieces.
Foods Rabbits Should Never Eat
Some foods are dangerous for rabbits.
- Chocolate
- Bread
- Rice
- Chips or junk food
- Onions
- Garlic
- Avocado
- Iceberg lettuce
- Sugary snacks
These foods can cause serious stomach problems or even death.
Feeding Schedule for Rabbits
A simple daily rabbit food plan:
Morning:
- Fresh hay
- Fresh vegetables
- Clean water
Evening:
- Hay again
- Small amount of pellets
Treats:
- Small fruit piece once or twice a week
Always introduce new food slowly to avoid stomach issues.
Signs Your Rabbit Needs Better Food
Your rabbit may need diet changes if you see:
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss or gain
- Bad teeth
- Low energy
- Refusing food
If problems continue, visit a vet.
Homemade vs Store Rabbit Food
Homemade rabbit food using fresh hay, vegetables, and fruits is best. Store-bought pellets are okay in small amounts. Never depend only on pellets.
Final Thoughts
Rabbit food is not just carrots. The best diet includes lots of hay, fresh vegetables, clean water, and limited pellets and fruits. When you feed your rabbit the right food, you give them a longer, happier, and healthier life.
Always remember: good rabbit food means a healthy rabbit
