If you’re a dedicated pet owner or considering getting a domestic rabbit, you might be interested to learn, what do rabbits eat? It’s important to make sure that your rabbit has a healthy diet which includes all the vitamins and minerals they need to thrive. Rabbits have very sensitive digestive systems so it’s essential to balance their diet for optimum rabbit nutrition.

80% of a rabbit’s diet should be made up of hay and grasses. Rabbits can feed on small amounts of fresh grass, as long as it has not been treated by chemicals, including fertilisers and pesticides. It’s important not to feed your rabbit grass cuttings from lawnmowers as these can ferment and upset their digestive system.

Rabbit hay can be purchased at any pet shop and comes in a variety of different types depending on the needs of your rabbit. It’s recommended that your bunny consumes about as much hay as their body size daily.

Types of Rabbit Hay:

• Timothy Hay: Suitable for most types of rabbits, it’s high in fibre and protein
• Orchard Grass: A much softer hay which is good for rabbits with dental issues
• Oat Hay: High in fibre and includes seed heads which give it a crunchy texture
• Alfalfa Hay: Very vitamin dense and should only be fed to pregnant and baby rabbits or adult rabbits as an occasional treat

What Do Rabbits Eat? Can Rabbits Eat Pellets?

Yes, rabbits can eat small amounts of pellets as part of their regular diet. Pellets should make up a very small proportion of the rabbit diet, ideally 10% or less. Always follow the packet instructions on how much to feed your rabbit, the exact amount will depend on their body weight.

Do Rabbits Eat Lettuce or Carrots?

Yes, rabbits can eat romaine and other dark lettuces such as butterhead and red leaf. They should not be fed iceberg lettuce because it can upset their stomach. Carrots are rich in vitamins but high in sugar and starch, they can be eaten in small quantities but not as a diet staple. Too many carrots are not recommended for overweight or obese rabbits.

Can Bunnies Eat Cucumbers?

Cucumbers are made from 95% water and are relatively low in nutrients. They can be fed sparingly to rabbits but overconsumption could lead to diarrhoea.

What Vegetables Do Rabbits Eat?

What do rabbits eat in terms of vegetables? Rabbits can eat both fresh vegetables and leafy greens as part of their daily diet. It is recommended to feed them approximately one handful per day of fresh, plant-based food.

Leafy Greens for Rabbits

• Romaine and other dark lettuces (such as butterhead and red leaf)
• Peppery salad greens like rocket
• Chicory family greens including endive and escarole
• Mustard greens
• Spring greens
• Kale (in small portions)
• Spinach (occasionally)
• Watercress
• Dandelion-type greens
• Bok choy leaves
• Radish leaves
• Carrot top leaves
• Broccoli leaves
• Cauliflower leaves
• Wheatgrass

Vegetables for Rabbits

• Peppers (red, yellow or green)
• Courgette
• Cucumber
• Celery stalks (chop into small pieces)
• Fennel bulb
• Asparagus spears
• Brussels sprouts (small amounts)
• Broccoli florets (limited quantities)
• Cabbage varieties (dark green types in moderation)
• Cauliflower florets and stems
• Parsnip
• Jerusalem artichoke
• Mange tout
• Radishes

What Are Rabbits Not Allowed to Eat?

It is not recommended to feed your rabbit a muesli-based diet and it is considered unhealthy. Although not toxic to rabbits, muesli is a highly processed food which is high in sugar and provides little fibre. This can lead to obesity, digestive issues and dental problems in rabbits. A diet of 80% hay allows rabbits to grind down their teeth, promoting dental health and provides the essential fibre and nutrients needed for optimal digestion and weight control.

There are a variety of foods which are toxic to rabbits and could cause harm if ingested. If you think your rabbit has consumed any of these foods, it is recommended to consult a vet immediately.

Unsafe Foods for Rabbits:

• Chocolate or products containing cocoa and caffeine
• Avocado
• Fruit stones and cores
• Rhubarb
• Tomatoes
• Onions and related plants (including garlic, leeks, chives)
• Raw white or sweet potatoes
• Corn and products that contain corn
• Beans and legumes
• Meat or poultry
• Eggs
• Dairy products
• Pet foods made for other pets
• Bread
• Cakes
• Breakfast cereals
• Pasta
• Crisps
• Peanut butter
• Dried Fruit

What Do Rabbits Eat? What Are Rabbits’ Actual Favourite Food?

Your rabbit’s favourite food will depend on their personal tastes but their diet should be 80% hay in the first instance. Treats that can be given occasionally to rabbits include fruits like bananas, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, apples and pears (without seeds), mangoes and grapes.

Other nutritionally dense treats include edible dried flowers and dried herbs. Processed treats from pet shops should be given occasionally to avoid obesity.

What Do Wild Rabbits Eat?

What do rabbits eat? Wild rabbits have a different diet to domesticated rabbits and have been adapted to consume various different types of plant material in order to survive. Wild rabbits eat large amounts of fresh grass (much more than domesticated rabbits are able to handle). They also consume a wide range of fresh plants including weeds, edible flowers, herbs and shrubs.

The Importance of Water for Domesticated Rabbits

It’s important to keep your rabbit’s water topped up, especially during the summer months. Rabbits require 50-150 ml of water per kg of body weight per day. Water can be dispensed in a simple ceramic bowl which is easy to access or in feeding bottles. Make sure to change your rabbit’s water regularly and watch out for the formation of mould and fungus which can accumulate in plastic feeding bottles over time. Make sure to clean your water containers regularly to ensure they are in good condition and don’t transmit bacteria or fungus to your rabbit.

Conclusion: What Do Rabbits Eat?

Domesticated rabbits require a varied diet which is 80% hay and includes a handful of fresh vegetables or leafy greens per day. Rabbits can also consume pellets sparingly, making up less than 10% of their diet. Treats such as fruits, edible flowers, dried herbs or pet shop snacks can be fed sparingly. It’s important to keep your rabbit’s water topped up regularly to ensure they are adequately hydrated and promote a balanced diet.

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