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Give a tasty diet to rabbits

Provide fresh water and a variety of food to make rabbits’ diets more enjoyable.

Last edited: 21/10/2024

Before you get started

Why this is important

In the wild, rabbits spend about 70% of their time eating grass and plants. Hay and grass take a long time to eat, keeping them occupied, while chewing helps keep their teeth healthy and the right size. Regular eating is also vital for their digestion.

A healthy rabbit diet should include:

  • 85% grass or feeding hay
  • 10% greens
  • 5% high-quality nuggets
Several wild rabbits grazing grass in a field.

Instructions

A healthy, varied diet

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1

Constant access to water

Make sure you provide fresh water daily and check it twice a day for cleanliness.

Generally rabbits prefer bowls over water bottles, though make sure they are slop-proof.

Two rabbits drinking water from a large pot outdoors.
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2

Free access to grass/hay

Give your rabbits fresh hay every day – an amount that’s equal to their body size.

If you can provide access to grass for grazing that would be fantastic! But make sure you don’t feed them grass clippings as these can make rabbits ill.

Two white rabbits nibbling hay in a pen.
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3

Daily pellets

Measure 25g of pellets per 1kg of each of your rabbit’s body weight. For example, a medium-sized rabbit (2kg) should be given a maximum of 50g of pellets.

Avoid muesli-style foods. Learn why and how to transition your rabbit's diet here.

Two bowls of good and bad rabbit food next to a stuffed animal on a table.
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4

Herbs and greens

Feed a variety of herbs and greens daily,ideally five or six different types, such as cabbage, kale, broccoli, parsley and mint. Introduce new types of greens gradually, in small amounts, to avoid potential stomach upsets.

Could you grow your own herbs and vegetables? Try ‘cut and come again’ varieties.

Several rabbits nibbling on green leaves in a grassy field.

celebrate your achievement

Together, we can make a difference!

Show us what you’ve accomplished, and we’ll use it to inspire others to care for animals. You’ll receive an Animal Nutrition Certificate to mark and celebrate your achievement.