A Quick Guide to a Rabbit's Diet

We talk a lot about dogs and cats on this blog, so we want to show another furry creature some love: rabbits. Rabbits are a very common household pet and some Banfield Pet Hospitals see these little cuties as patients.

If you're new to rabbit ownership — congratulations! Get ready for cuteness overload. Rabbits make excellent pets, but they do require attention and care. They have specific needs for housing, socializing, and diet, and in this article, we'll go over what to feed your new bunny.

What kind of diet do rabbits have? 

The American Rabbit Breeders Association recognizes 51 breeds of rabbits as of 2022, but there may be more than 300 breeds worldwide. All rabbits are considered herbivores, meaning they eat a plant-based diet. Though there’s discussion of wild rabbits eating meat and domestic rabbits being interested in meat for an occasional treat, it is not recommended to feed your pet meat as it can have a negative effect on their digestive health.

So, what do rabbits eat?  

When compared to a human's healthy diet, a rabbit's healthy diet seems pretty boring. Their daily intake typically consists of pellets, hay, and water. Most pet food stores and many big box stores sell rabbit pellets, which consist of vitamins, hay, and grains, but it is recommended that these pellets make up a fraction of your rabbit’s daily diet. The general rule is 1/8—1/4 cup of pellets per 5 pounds of rabbit. Your furball should eat leafy green vegetables on the regular, but carrots and other fibrous vegetables and fruit should be eaten in moderation. And clean water on a daily basis is a must!

Rabbit teeth will continue to grow throughout their life, so it's important that they eat rabbit food to keep their teeth appropriately worn and healthy. Different types of hay include different nutrients and it's important that their food meets all their requirements for a balanced diet. Comparing the hay type with the pellet type is important – and something your veterinarian can help with.

How often do I need to feed my pet rabbit?  

When it comes to hay, it should be available to rabbits as a constant supply, as they will graze throughout the day. Fresh water should also be available 24/7 as well. As mentioned above, pellets and foods such as carrots are to be fed in moderation. Chewing is essential to rabbits’ mouth health, so ensuring your little bunny has the proper food is vital.

If you have a new bunny in your home, contact your local Banfield Pet Hospital for pet advice and to see if they see rabbits. If they don’t, they can recommend a veterinarian for you. Happy hopping!