Rabbit Diet

Rabbits have very sensitive digestive tracts and very specific dietary needs. Rabbits do not have the ability to vomit, so they must have a continuous supply of food to keep things moving through. Their primary food source should be an unlimited amount of hay, preferably timothy hay, orchard hay, or some other sort of grass hay. Alfalfa hay is acceptable for baby bunnies (< 7 months old) or when there is a need for an adult rabbit to gain weight.

​

Here are some more tips:

• Rabbit food pellets are the primary source of unhealthy weight gain in rabbits. Only babies should have unlimited access to food pellets. An adult rabbit (> 6 months old) that weighs 3 pounds or more should get a maximum of 1/4 cup per day. The healthiest pet store brand of pellets is Oxbow.

• Rabbits can be given up to 1 cup of greens daily (see list below).

• Rabbits should never be given foods with seeds in it.

• Grains, such as corn and oats, should be avoided unless the rabbit is underweight. Thoroughly check pet store treat ingredients prior to purchase. Just because there is a picture of a rabbit on the packaging does not mean that it is suitable for rabbits.