Healthy Bellies, Happy Binkies

Diet & Nutrition

  • Hay

    80%

    Essential for digestion and dental health.

    Learn more

  • Vegetables

    10%

    Packed with nutrients and hydration.

    Learn More

  • Pellets

    5%

    Good quality and fully nutritional

    Learn More

  • Treats

    5%

    Give rarely and in small amounts

    Learn More

Hay

Hay should make up 80–90% of your rabbit’s daily intake. It promotes healthy digestion and dental wear.

Types of Hay:

  • Timothy Hay – Best for adult rabbits; high in fiber

  • Orchard Grass – Softer texture; good for allergies

  • Meadow Hay – Mixed grasses; good variety

  • Oat Hay – Crunchier texture with seed heads

  • Alfalfa – High in calcium/protein; only for young, pregnant, or underweight rabbits

What to Feed & When:

  • Under 6 months: Alfalfa & Timothy mix

  • 6 months and older: Timothy, Orchard, Meadow, Oat

  • Pregnant/Nursing: Alfalfa

  • Senior/Underweight: Timothy with added Alfalfa as needed

How to Feed:

  • Offer unlimited fresh hay at all times

  • Use a hay rack, bin, or place in/next to the litter box

  • Refresh daily to maintain cleanliness and appeal

Pellets

Pellets provide key nutrients but should be limited to about 5% of the diet to prevent weight gain and digestive problems.

What to Look For:

  • Timothy-based pellets for adult rabbits

  • Avoid mixes with seeds, colored bits, or added sugars

  • Trusted brands: Oxbow, Sherwood, Small Pet Select

What to Feed & When:

  • Under 6 months: Alfalfa based

  • 6 months to 12 months: Transition to Timothy based

  • Over 1 year: Timothy based. Feed about 1/8 -1/4 cup per 5 to 6 lbs. of body weight

Adjust based on your rabbit’s weight and vet recommendations.

Vegetables

Fresh greens provide hydration, enrichment, and important nutrients.

  • Feed 1–2 cups of leafy greens per 5 lbs. of body weight. Rotate greens for balanced nutrition, and introduce new ones gradually. Watch for digestive issues like soft stool or gas. Limit high-calcium and high-oxalate greens, as they can affect calcium balance.

* = high in calcium

    • Parsley

    • Mustard Greens

    • Spinach*

    • Swiss Chard

    • Radish Tops

    • Romaine Lettuce

    • Green/Red Leaf Lettuce

    • Arugula

    • Bok Choy

    • Endive

    • Escarole

    • Carrot Tops

    • Kale*

    • Turnip Greens

    • Dandelion Greens

    • Basil

    • Cilantro

    • Dill

    • Mint

  • Should be no more than 15% of their diet, feed in moderation

    • Bell peppers (remove seeds & cap)

    • Carrots (high in sugar, feed as a treat only)

    • Cucumber

    • Summer Squash

    • Zucchini

    • Brussels Sprouts (may cause bloating or gas)

Treats

Treats should make up less than 5% of a rabbit’s diet.

  • When buying treats, always check the ingredients—avoid sugar, yogurt, seeds, and nuts. Choose reputable brands like Oxbow. Look for hay as one of the first ingredients. Treats should be limited.

Safe Options (in very small quantities)

  • Apple Slices (no seeds)

  • Banana

  • Strawberries

  • Blueberries

  • Unsweetened Dried Herbs

Avoid/Do not feed

  • Yogurt Drops

  • Seed or Nuts

  • Bread, Cereal, Crackers

  • Sugary or Processed food