A healthy diet is one of the most important factors in keeping your rabbit happy and healthy. Good nutrition supports healthy teeth, a healthy digestive system and helps prevent many common health problems seen in pet rabbits.
Although rabbits are often associated with carrots and lettuce, these foods should make up only a small part of their diet. In reality, the vast majority of what a rabbit eats should be high-quality hay.
Understanding what your rabbit needs to eat each day can help them live a longer, healthier life.
Hay Should Be the Main Part of Your Rabbit’s Diet
Hay is the single most important food for rabbits and should make up around 80–90% of their daily diet.
Rabbits have teeth that grow continuously throughout their lives. Chewing fibrous hay helps wear their teeth down naturally, reducing the risk of painful dental problems.
Hay is also essential for keeping the digestive system moving properly. A diet that is too low in fibre can lead to serious digestive issues, including gastrointestinal (GI) stasis, which is a potentially life-threatening condition.
Fresh, good-quality hay should always be available so your rabbit can eat as much as they like throughout the day.
Fresh Vegetables Every Day
Fresh leafy vegetables provide important vitamins, minerals and variety in your rabbit’s diet.
Around 10% of your rabbit’s daily food can consist of a selection of fresh vegetables.
Suitable vegetables include:
- Romaine lettuce
- Cos lettuce
- Spring greens
- Kale (in moderation)
- Pak choi
- Coriander
- Parsley
- Basil
- Mint
- Rocket
- Watercress
Introduce any new vegetables gradually and monitor your rabbit for any signs of digestive upset.
Wash vegetables thoroughly before feeding and always provide a variety rather than relying on just one type.
Choose Good-Quality Rabbit Nuggets
A small portion of high-quality rabbit nuggets should make up the remaining 10% of your rabbit’s diet.
Choose nuggets specifically formulated for rabbits and follow the feeding guidelines on the packaging based on your rabbit’s age and weight.
Avoid overfeeding pellets, as rabbits that fill up on nuggets may eat less hay, reducing the fibre they need to stay healthy.
Avoid Muesli-Style Rabbit Food
Many people still buy colourful muesli-style rabbit mixes, but these are not recommended.
Rabbits naturally pick out their favourite pieces first, usually the sugary or starchy ingredients, leaving behind the more nutritious parts. This is known as selective feeding and can result in an unbalanced diet.
Muesli-style foods are also associated with poor dental health and digestive problems.
Uniform rabbit nuggets ensure your rabbit receives balanced nutrition with every mouthful.
Fresh Water Is Just as Important
Fresh, clean drinking water should always be available.
Although water bottles are commonly sold for rabbits, a sturdy water bowl is often a better choice. Rabbits naturally drink by lowering their heads to lap water, making bowls a more comfortable and natural way to stay hydrated.
Water bottles can sometimes become blocked, leak or develop algae if they are not cleaned regularly, making it harder for rabbits to drink enough.
Choose a heavy ceramic bowl that won’t tip over and refresh the water daily.
What About Carrots?
Carrots are often associated with rabbits, but they should be treated as an occasional treat rather than a staple food.
While rabbits usually enjoy carrots, they contain natural sugars and too much can contribute to weight gain and digestive problems.
Small pieces offered occasionally are perfectly fine as part of a balanced diet, but hay should always remain the main focus.
Foods to Avoid
Some foods are unsuitable for rabbits and should never be fed.
These include:
- Chocolate
- Sweets
- Bread
- Biscuits
- Cakes
- Onions
- Garlic
- Avocado
- Rhubarb
- Processed human foods
Iceberg lettuce should also be avoided, as it contains very little nutritional value and may cause digestive upset in some rabbits.
If you’re ever unsure whether a food is safe, it’s best to seek veterinary advice before offering it to your rabbit.
Feeding Young and Older Rabbits
Rabbits’ nutritional needs can change throughout their lives.
Young, growing rabbits may require additional calories and specific feeding advice from your veterinary practice, while older rabbits may need adjustments to their diet if they develop dental disease or other age-related health conditions.
Regular veterinary health checks can help ensure your rabbit continues to receive the right nutrition at every stage of life.
A Healthy Diet Starts with Hay
A rabbit’s diet doesn’t need to be complicated.
Providing unlimited hay, a small amount of fresh leafy vegetables, a measured portion of high-quality rabbit nuggets and constant access to fresh water will give your rabbit everything they need to thrive.
At the NSPCA, we frequently see rabbits suffering from preventable health problems caused by poor nutrition. Feeding a balanced, fibre-rich diet is one of the simplest and most effective ways to support your rabbit’s health and wellbeing throughout their life.
NSPCA Small Animal & Exotics Manager
