Rabbits are herbivores, meaning their diet consists entirely of plant material. Their diet should primarily include:
- Hay or fresh grass: This should make up about 85-90% of a rabbit’s daily intake. Hay is crucial because it helps wear down their continuously growing teeth and keeps their digestive system healthy. A rabbit typically needs about a body-sized amount of hay per day. Fresh grass should be carefully prepared (not freshly cut by lawn mowers) and fed immediately
- Fresh vegetables and leafy greens: These should account for around 10% of their diet. Suitable vegetables include spinach, kale, watercress, broccoli leaves, celery, dandelion leaves, and herbs like mint, parsley, dill, and thyme. Leafy greens provide essential nutrients and water. Carrots and root vegetables, while popular, should only be given as occasional treats due to their high sugar and starch content
- High-fiber pellets: These make up about 5% of their diet and provide necessary minerals. Pellets should be given in small amounts, such as an egg cup full twice a day
- Fruits: Fruits like apples, pears, bananas, mangoes, and berries are high in sugar and should only be offered sparingly as treats, forming about 5% of the diet at most
- Water: Fresh water must always be available and changed daily. Rabbits often prefer drinking from bowls but bottles can also be used if kept clean and functional
Foods to avoid include muesli-style mixes, which are high in sugar and low in fiber, and any animal-based products like meat or dairy. Freshly cut grass from lawn mowers is toxic and should not be fed
. In summary, a healthy rabbit diet closely mimics what wild rabbits eat: mostly hay or grass, supplemented with fresh greens, a small amount of pellets, and occasional treats of fruits or root vegetables. This balance supports their dental health, digestion, and overall well-being
