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🥕 Diet & Treats for Rabbits
Rabbits
have sensitive digestive systems, and feeding the right diet at the
right age is essential for long-term health, behavior, and happiness.
This guide breaks down what to feed, how much, and what to avoid for
each age group.A complete guide for every life stage — because a healthy bunny starts with a healthy plate.  ⸻ 🐰 Baby Rabbits (Under 6 Months) Hay ✔ Unlimited alfalfa hay (higher calcium + protein for growth) ✔ Transition slowly to timothy/orchard hay around 5–6 months Pellets ✔ Alfalfa-based baby rabbit pellets ✔ Free-choice for most babies — they’re growing fast ✔ Choose a plain pellet (no seeds, corn, colored bits) Fresh Greens ❌ No greens until 12 weeks ✔ Introduce one green at a time very slowly after 12 weeks Great starter greens: • romaine • green leaf lettuce • butter lettuce • cilantro • parsley (small amounts) Treats ❌ Avoid treats except tiny bits of: • plain rolled oats • a few strands of hay-based treats Baby tummies are sensitive! ⸻ 🐇 Junior Rabbits (6 Months – 1 Year) Hay ✔ Transition to unlimited grass hay: • timothy • orchard • meadow • oat (in moderation) Pellets ✔ Switch to timothy-based adult pellets ✔ Feed ¼–½ cup/day depending on size Fresh Greens ✔ 1–2 cups of mixed greens daily ✔ Rotate greens gradually for variety Treats ✔ Very small amounts ✔ Examples: • a thin slice of apple • 1–2 blueberries • a tiny carrot piece (carrots are high in sugar!) • dried herbs (safe and bunny-friendly) ⸻ 🐰 Adult Rabbits (1+ Years) Hay (MOST Important) ✔ 80–90% of diet ✔ Unlimited access Helps: • digestion • teeth health • prevents obesity • reduces GI stasis risk Pellets ✔ 1–2 tablespoons per 5 lbs of body weight ✔ Keep pellets limited — too much can cause obesity and soft stools Fresh Greens ✔ 2–4 cups daily, depending on size Best daily staples: • romaine • cilantro • parsley • dandelion greens • bok choy Occasional rotation: • kale • mint • basil • carrot tops • spinach (only 1–2x/week) Treats ✔ 1–2 small treats per day MAX Healthy options: • dried herbs • small fruit bite • hay-based treats • bunny-safe flowers (calendula, rose petals, chamomile) ❌ Avoid: • yogurt drops • seed sticks • anything with corn, honey, or molasses • high-sugar packaged treats ⸻ 🧓 Senior Rabbits (6+ Years) (Seniors vary — adjust as needed) Hay ✔ Unlimited, as always Pellets ✔ May need slightly more if losing weight ✔ Ask a vet before increasing Greens ✔ Same as adults, unless sensitive stomach develops Treats ✔ Keep minimal ✔ Focus on hydration and gentle digestion: • cucumber slices • herbs • small bits of apple or banana for appetite encouragement (rare) Consider ✔ Joint supplements ✔ Weight monitoring weekly ✔ Annual or semi-annual vet checks ⸻ 🍓 Safe Treats List Great everyday treats: • dried rose petals • dried calendula • chamomile • dandelion • fresh herbs (basil, cilantro, mint) Fruit treats (tiny portions): • apple slice • strawberry piece • banana sliver • blueberry Commercial treats only if: ✔ hay-based ✔ no sugar, molasses, corn, seeds ⸻ 🚫 Unsafe / Never Feed • avocados • onions/garlic • iceberg lettuce • rhubarb • potatoes • beans/peas • dairy • seeds/grains/corn • chocolate • any “trail mix style” rabbit food ⸻ 🧡 Final Notes Every rabbit is different — monitor their stools, appetite, and energy. Changes should be made slowly and thoughtfully, especially with greens and treats. A good rule of thumb: When in doubt, go with hay. Hay never lies. |
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