Diet for Rabbits

Rabbits are plant eaters (herbivores) with a specialized digestive system. They typically choose to eat nutrient-rich plant parts and have a fast metabolism. Most of their droppings are small, dry pellets, but they also produce soft droppings called cecotropes, usually early in the morning, which they eat. Cecotropes provide important protein, vitamins, and other nutrients to the rabbit's diet.

A healthy rabbit diet should be high in fiber. In general, rabbits need about 85–90% grass hay, plus a smaller amount of pellets containing 15–20% crude fiber. High fiber supports digestion and lowers the risk of developing intestinal disease. Low-fiber diets raise the chance of severe digestive illness, especially in young rabbits.

Rabbits need vitamins A, D, and E in their diet. B vitamins and vitamin K are usually made by normal bacteria in the intestines, so supplements of these vitamins are generally unnecessary. Good-quality commercial rabbit pellets, stored in cool, dry, airtight conditions, without added ingredients (such as dried fruit or nuts, which rabbits will eat selectively, ignoring the pellets) usually provide rabbits with needed nutrients.

Nutritional needs vary by age, growth stage, breed, and activity level. Their needs also change when rabbits are nursing or are pregnant.

In general, rabbits should receive:

• unlimited high-quality grass hay

• timothy-based pellets, about 1/4 cup per 5 pounds of body weight per day

• fresh vegetables, about 1 cup per 2 pounds of body weight per day

• fruit only as an occasional treat

Fresh water must always be available. Adult rabbits should have unlimited timothy hay or other lower-calcium grass hays, such as oat, orchard grass, or meadow grass hays.

Adult rabbits that are not pregnant or nursing generally should not be fed alfalfa hay or alfalfa-based pellets because these pellets contain too much calcium. Too much calcium over time can contribute to kidney damage or the development of bladder and kidney stones.

Young growing rabbits can be fed alfalfa hay and alfalfa-based pellets, then gradually switched to timothy-based foods as they approach 1 year old.

Some plants and foods (such as high-salt or high-fat treats or those containing caffeine) are unsafe for rabbits. Be sure to check with your veterinarian before you introduce your rabbit to any new foods.