Feeding Tips for a Healthy Rabbit

Feeding your rabbit the right diet is one of the most important parts of keeping them healthy and happy. Rabbits are strict herbivores—they eat only plant-based foods—and their digestive system is perfectly designed for a high-fibre, grass-based diet. In the wild, rabbits spend 6–8 hours a day grazing, mainly on grass. Their teeth, stomach, and intestines have all evolved for this constant nibbling. Mimicking this natural diet is the best way to support your rabbit’s long-term health.

​

1. Provide Unlimited Grass and Hay (≈ 80% of Diet)

A constant supply of fresh grass and high-quality grass hay is essential. Choose varieties such as Timothy, Oaten, Wheaten, Pasture, Paddock, Meadow, or Ryegrass hay.
Avoid feeding large amounts of Lucerne (alfalfa) or Clover hay, which are too rich in protein and calcium.

Grass and hay provide the fibre needed for healthy digestion and encourage long chewing, which naturally wears down teeth and prevents dental problems.

​

2. Add Fresh Leafy Greens and Vegetables

Offer around two packed cups of leafy greens per kilogram of body weight per day.
Good options include:

• Broccoli, celery, endive, beet tops, carrot tops, Brussels sprouts

• Spinach leaves, bok choy, and other Asian greens

• Dark-leaf lettuce varieties (avoid iceberg lettuce)

• Fresh herbs such as parsley, dandelion, coriander, basil, dill, and mint

Rotate greens regularly to add variety and nutrients.

​

3. Offer Treats in Small Amounts

Treats should make up only a small part of the diet—about 1–2 tablespoons per rabbit per day.
Healthy treats include small pieces of fruit, root vegetables (like carrot or sweet potato), or capsicum.

​

4. Include Quality Pellets (in Moderation)

Choose high-fibre commercial rabbit (Green Valley Rabbit Pellets (25% CF) pellets with at least:

• Crude fibre: >18%

• Indigestible fibre: >12.5%

Feed only small quantities to supplement, not replace, hay and greens.
Avoid high inclusions of cereal or grain mixes—they’re low in fibre and can upset digestion. 30g per day. 

​

5. Encourage Natural Chewing Behaviour

Provide safe items to chew, such as wooden blocks or old telephone books (with the covers removed). Chewing helps keep teeth healthy and prevents boredom.

​

6. Keep Feeding Habits Consistent

Avoid sudden changes in diet. When introducing new foods, do so gradually over 2–3 weeks to prevent digestive upsets.

​

7. Always Provide Fresh Water

Ensure your rabbit has unlimited access to clean, fresh water at all times—whether from a bowl or a sipper bottle.

​