What to feed rabbits: hay, greens, pellets and treats explained

Most health problems in pet rabbits, especially dental and digestive ones, trace back to diet. The good news is that the right diet is simple, and it is mostly hay.

Rabbits evolved to graze on grass for hours every day. Chewing tough, fibrous grass wears down their constantly growing teeth and keeps their gut moving. Hay does the same job indoors and in winter. The RSPCA's rule of thumb is at least one bundle of good-quality hay every day that is roughly as big as the rabbit itself, with hay available at all times. Fresh grass is also good if they have safe access to it. Never give lawnmower clippings: they ferment quickly and can make rabbits very ill. Good hay smells sweet and is not dusty, damp or mouldy. Put it where they like to sit, and many rabbits eat more when hay is next to their litter tray.

The RSPCA suggests an adult-sized handful of washed leafy greens, herbs or weeds daily, ideally a mix of several different types. Rabbit welfare guides often mention leafy greens and herbs such as:

Introduce anything new gradually, one item at a time, so you can tell what upsets a sensitive tummy. If you are not sure a plant is safe, leave it out and check with your vet or a trusted rabbit welfare source.

Pellets are a supplement, not the main meal. The RSPCA suggests about 25g per kilogram of body weight per day, roughly an eggcup per kilogram, so a 2kg rabbit would have no more than two eggcups. Choose plain, uniform pellets rather than muesli-style mixes, which let rabbits pick out the sugary bits and leave the rest. When rabbits fill up on pellets, they eat less hay, and that is when teeth and guts start to suffer.

The cartoon rabbit with a carrot has a lot to answer for. Carrots and fruit are high in sugar, so think of them as occasional treats in small pieces, not daily food. The same goes for shop-bought rabbit treats, many of which are not much better than sweets. Small pieces of fruit or carrot can be useful as rewards when training or checking your rabbit over.

Fresh, clean water should be available all the time. Many rabbits drink more from a heavy bowl than a bottle; offering both and keeping both clean is a common approach. Check that water has not frozen in cold weather.

If you have taken on a rabbit used to a muesli mix or too many treats, switch slowly over a few weeks, mixing the new food in while increasing hay. A sudden change can upset the gut.

A rabbit who stops eating or stops producing droppings needs a vet urgently; that is covered in the emergencies guide in this room. What do your rabbits refuse to eat, and which greens do they love? Share your tips or ask a feeding question in the comments.