Happy Rabbit Diet and Nutrition Guide Overview
So, what is a Rabbit Diet and Nutrition Guide? Essentially, it is your go-to plan for keeping your bunny healthy and hopping with joy. Getting their diet right is the single most important thing you can do for them. Thankfully, it is not as complicated as it seems. This guide will walk you through everything, from daily veggies to a simple feeding schedule. We will also cover dangerous foods you must avoid. Soon, you will feel like a confident rabbit care expert!
Rabbits are delicate creatures. They need a diet rich in fibre and nutrients to stay healthy. Providing hay daily is essential, as it supports digestion and keeps their teeth strong. Fresh water must always be available. Alongside hay, fresh vegetables provide vitamins and minerals that your bunny needs to thrive. With patience and observation, you can ensure your rabbit enjoys a variety of foods safely.
Why a Proper Rabbit Diet is a Big Deal
A proper rabbit diet is essential for keeping your bunny healthy, energetic, and free from digestive or dental problems. Since rabbits have a very sensitive digestive system, the right balance of hay, vegetables, and pellets ensures their long-term well-being and happiness.
Feeding your rabbit the right foods isn’t just about keeping them full — Some safe daily options include:
- Hay First: Fresh hay should make up around 80% of a rabbit’s diet—it keeps their digestion smooth and teeth healthy.
- Fresh Greens: Leafy vegetables like romaine lettuce, kale, and parsley provide essential vitamins.
- Limited Pellets: High-quality pellets are fine in small portions for added nutrients.
- Avoid Sugary Foods: Fruits and treats should be minimal to prevent obesity and dental issues.
- Clean Water: Fresh, clean water should always be available.
- Gradual Changes: Any dietary adjustments must be made slowly to avoid upsetting the rabbit’s digestive balance.
What Vegetables Can Rabbits Eat Daily
Vegetables like spinach or spring greens are healthy but should be given in moderation. Avoid iceberg lettuce or any harmful plants that upset digestion. Introducing vegetables slowly helps your rabbit adjust comfortably, keeping meals stress-free and enjoyable.
Choosing safe vegetables is vital for your rabbit’s health. Some safe daily options include:
- Romaine lettuce (not iceberg)
- Spring Greens
- Celery (chopped small)
- Parsley
- Bell Peppers (seeds removed)
- Cilantro
- Carrot tops
- Mint leaves
- Dandelion greens
- Coriander
Give These 2-3 Times a Week:
- Carrot Tops (carrots themselves are high in sugar)
- Broccoli (small amounts to avoid gas)
- Kale (in moderation)
- Spinach (in moderation)
Remember, variety is the spice of life. Try to rotate a few different types each week.
The Role of Pellets in Your Rabbit’s Diet
Pellets can be a healthy part of a rabbit’s diet when given in moderation. They provide concentrated nutrients that support growth, energy, and a shiny coat — but overfeeding can lead to obesity and digestive issues.
Pellets are a concentrated food source. Think of them as a vitamin supplement, not the main course. Too many pellets can make your rabbit overweight. They might also stop eating their all-important hay.
For an average-sized adult rabbit, a small tablespoon of high-fibre pellets per day is plenty. Look for pellets that are high in fibre (over 18%) and low in protein and calcium. Moreover, avoid muesli-style mixes. These encourage selective eating, which leads to an unbalanced diet.
Some of Pellets in Your Rabbit’s Diet:
- Pellets should be a small part of the diet along with hay and fresh vegetables
- Choose high-fiber pellets without seeds, nuts, or artificial colors
- Adult rabbits need about ¼ cup of pellets per 2–3 lbs of body weight daily
- Too many pellets can cause weight gain and reduce hay intake
- Store pellets in a cool, dry place to keep them fresh and nutritious
Toxic Foods for Rabbits UK
Even small amounts can harm or be fatal. Always check new foods before giving them to your bunny and consult a vet if unsure.
To keep your rabbit safe, avoid the following:
- Chocolate and sweets
- Onions, garlic, and leeks
- Potato and tomato leaves
- Rhubarb leaves
Maintaining a Balanced Diet
Observing your rabbit’s eating habits, droppings, and behaviour helps spot health issues early. Variety and consistency keep them happy, energetic, and healthy.
A healthy rabbit diet combines:
- Unlimited hay
- Fresh vegetables (safe daily greens)
- Measured pellets
- Occasional fruit treats
- Clean water daily
Tips for a Happy Bunny
A balanced diet not only supports your rabbit’s body but also strengthens your emotional connection. Happy, healthy rabbits are playful, friendly, and affectionate.
- Introduce new foods gradually
- Stick to a feeding routine
- Monitor your rabbit’s weight
- Keep food fresh and clean
- Provide chew toys for teeth health
A Simple Rabbit Feeding Schedule By Age
A rabbit feeding schedule by age helps you give the right food at the right time. Bunnies have different nutritional needs as they grow. Here is a simple, easy-to-follow plan.
Baby Bunnies (Under 12 Weeks)
- Unlimited alfalfa hay and alfalfa pellets.
- They need this rich food for rapid growth and development.
Young Rabbits (3-6 Months):
- Unlimited alfalfa hay.
- Start to slowly reduce pellet amount.
- You can begin introducing tiny amounts of one type of leafy green.
Teenage Rabbits (7 Months – 1 Year)
- Gradually switch from alfalfa to grass hay (like Timothy).
- Also, switch to adult grass-based pellets.
- Slowly increase the variety and amount of daily vegetables.
Adult Rabbits (1-5 Years):
- Unlimited grass hay.
- A small tablespoon of pellets daily.
- About one cup of fresh greens per kg of body weight.
Senior Rabbits (6+ Years)
- Continue with the adult diet.
- If they are losing weight, you can slightly increase their pellets. Always consult your vet for advice.
Tasty Treats: What is Safe?
Everyone loves a treat, including your bunny. However, the best treats are healthy and natural. Fruit is very high in sugar. Therefore, you should only give it occasionally and in tiny amounts.
A piece of treat should be no bigger than your thumbnail. Offer fruit only once or twice a week.
Safe Treat Ideas:
- A small slice of apple (no seeds)
- A quarter of a strawberry
- A small chunk of banana (their favourite!)
- A sprig of fragrant rosemary
Final Thoughts for Rabbit Diet and Nutrition Guide
The Rabbit Diet and Nutrition Guide helps you feed your bunny safely and healthily. Learn what vegetables rabbits can eat daily, follow a rabbit feeding schedule by age, and avoid toxic foods in the UK. Hay, fresh vegetables, measured pellets, and occasional fruits keep rabbits happy and active. Proper feeding routines prevent health issues and promote strong digestion. This guide ensures your rabbit stays energetic, playful, and well-nourished.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is 80% of a rabbit’s diet?
- Hay should be 80% of your rabbit’s diet. Rabbits are designed to eat large amounts of high fibrous food. A proper diet consists of 80% grass hay, 10% veggies, 5% healthy pellets, and 0 to 5% healthy treats.
2. What is the percentage of a rabbit’s diet?
- Rabbits need three different food types for a healthy diet: A constant supply of hay or fresh grass to nibble on (85-90 per cent) A variety of fresh veg and leafy greens (10 per cent) Small quantity of high-fibre pellets (5 per cent)
3. What is good for rabbits to eat daily?
- Most of their diet should be fresh hay and grass, with some leafy greens and a few pellets. They should only be given fruit and root vegetables, like carrots, as an occasional treat and shouldn’t eat muesli at all. Make sure they have water available to drink at all times.
4. How much food should a rabbit eat per day?
- The total amount of fresh food that you may give to your rabbit daily (once your bunny has been gradually introduced to it), is a minimum of 1 heaping cup (loosely packed), per 5 pound of body weight, given two times a day.
5. What are good snacks for rabbits?
- Once or twice a week, a rabbit can be fed a small treat. Good options are a few thin apple slices, a few banana slices, a strawberry, grape stems, dried rose petals, or small carror slices. You should only feed a few slices of a treat per week. Rabbits can NOT be fed gluten/wheat products like bread.
