What to Feed Your Pet Rabbit: A Guide to a Healthy, Happy Bunny

Rabbits are adorable, gentle pets — but did you know their diet plays a huge role in their health and happiness? Whether you’re a first-time bunny owner or just looking to brush up on best practices, here’s your go-to guide for feeding your furry friend right.

Hay: The Foundation of Every Bunny Diet

Hay isn’t just a snack — it’s the cornerstone of a rabbit’s nutrition. Fresh, high-quality hay should make up about 80% of your rabbit’s daily food intake. It’s essential for good digestion and healthy teeth.

Best options: Timothy hay, orchard grass, or meadow hay.

Avoid: Alfalfa hay for adult rabbits — it’s too high in calcium and can cause health problems.

Keep hay fresh, clean, and available at all times.

Fresh Vegetables: Daily Greens for a Happy Bunny

Rabbits love leafy greens, and they provide important vitamins and hydration. Introduce new veggies slowly to avoid stomach upset.

Bunny-safe veggies:

• Romaine lettuce (not iceberg)

• Kale (in moderation)

• Cilantro and parsley

• Carrot tops

• Spinach (sparingly — high in oxalates)

Avoid: Onions, garlic, potatoes, and rhubarb — they’re toxic to rabbits.

Pellets: Quality Over Quantity

Pellets can supplement your rabbit’s diet but should not be the main course. Look for high-fiber, timothy-based pellets with no added seeds, nuts, or colorful bits.

Recommended amount: About ¼ cup per 5 pounds of body weight daily.

Treats: In Moderation, Please

Rabbits have a sweet tooth, but too many treats can cause health issues. Keep sugary fruits and store-bought treats to a minimum.

Occasional treats:

• A small slice of banana or apple (without seeds)

• A single baby carrot

• A few blueberries

  
  

Don’t Forget Water

Fresh, clean water should always be available — refill their bottle or bowl daily.

Final Tips for a Healthy Bunny

• Check their droppings — round, firm pellets mean good digestion.

• Avoid sudden changes in diet.

• Visit your vet regularly to ensure your rabbit stays in tip-top shape.

By sticking to a diet of hay, fresh greens, limited pellets, and occasional treats, you’ll help your bunny live a long, happy life.

Stop by Manning’s Feed and Seed for fresh hay, quality rabbit pellets, and advice on keeping your bunny healthy.