Grass hay
Offer fresh timothy, orchard, meadow or another appropriate grass hay continuously. Replace stale or soiled hay and offer it in multiple inviting locations.
RABBIT HEALTH · NUTRITION
What rabbits
should eat.
A fiber-first guide to hay, greens, pellets, treats, water, cecotrophs, and safe diet changes.
IN THIS GUIDEBuild the bowl around hay and waterPlain pellets are concentrated—not the whole dietSweet and starchy foods should stay exceptionalSoft cecotrophs are a normal part of rabbit nutritionTrusted sources
THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM NEEDS FIBER
Hay is food, dental care and enrichment.
Rabbits are hindgut-fermenting herbivores. Long-stem fiber supports intestinal movement, healthy microbial populations, normal chewing and natural foraging. Diet must be individualized for age, growth, pregnancy, illness, weight and dental function.
Unlimitedappropriate grass hayFreshwater every dayMeasuredpellets and treats
01 · THE FOUNDATION
Build the bowl around hay and water
Fresh water
Provide clean water at all times. Many rabbits drink well from a heavy bowl; bottles must be checked for blockage and cleanliness.
Leafy greens
Introduce rabbit-safe greens gradually and rotate varieties. Sudden large changes can upset digestion.
02 · PELLETS & LIFE STAGE
Plain pellets are concentrated—not the whole diet
Choose a uniform, high-fiber rabbit pellet rather than mixes containing seeds, nuts, dried fruit or colorful pieces. The correct amount depends on size, age and health.
- Young, growing rabbits and some pregnant or nursing rabbits have different needs from healthy adults.
- Alfalfa-based feeds may be appropriate in selected young or medically managed rabbits but are not the default for every adult.
- Reduce or change pellets gradually and only with veterinary guidance when illness or weight loss is present.
03 · TREATS
Sweet and starchy foods should stay exceptional
- Fruit and root vegetables are sugary; offer only tiny portions if appropriate.
- Avoid candy, chocolate, bread, crackers, cereal, yogurt drops, seeds and nuts.
- Do not feed lawn clippings, which can ferment rapidly and may contain chemicals.
- Never make a sudden diet change because the rabbit ignored hay for tastier food.
Important: A rabbit refusing hay may have dental pain or another illness. Do not assume pickiness.
04 · CECOTROPHS
Soft cecotrophs are a normal part of rabbit nutrition
Rabbits normally eat nutrient-rich cecotrophs directly. Uneaten sticky clusters around the rabbit are not the same as ordinary round fecal pellets and may signal obesity, pain, dental disease, an unbalanced diet or reduced mobility.
Important: True watery diarrhea is an emergency, especially in a young rabbit. Contact a veterinarian immediately.
TRUSTED SOURCES
Sources behind this guide
University of California, Davis School of Veterinary MedicineRabbit care, housing, dental and preventive guidance ↗Merck Veterinary ManualNutrition and the importance of dietary fiber ↗Merck Veterinary ManualCommon disorders and diseases of rabbits ↗House Rabbit SocietyCompanion-rabbit care and welfare resources ↗
Source links are provided so readers can review the underlying guidance. Publication dates and recommendations can change; confirm individual plans with the treating veterinary team.