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How much hay, pellets, and fresh food should I feed my bunny?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Rabbit | Female | unspayed | 2 years and 2 months old | 10 lbs

How often are you supposed to feed bunnies? I am feeding Plain pellet brand I forgot name mixed with a brand that’s high quality (not a junk filler fake veggies n fruits) fruit n veggie pellet blend. I feed at night and it recommended on the veggie one two cups for large breed and 1 cup for small(other bunny is small) how much hay should they have? On the bag for the pellets say unnecessary but I read bunnies ex angoras need the fiber n for their fur. Anything on nutrition bunny would be great

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Kevin Sanada, DVM

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 6th, 2018

It's correct that fiber is very important for rabbits. This is because they have a digestive system that is made for a high-fiber diet and can get a great deal of nutrients from fiber. For this reason, it's actually best to feed a pelleted diet that is high in fiber like Oxbow. Fruits and vegetables should be considered treats and limited and no more than 10% of their diet.

High quality hay (timothy or brome are good choices) should be offered all the time. Grass and dark leafy greens should also be offered regularly.

There is a lot of information about how to feed a rabbit out there and it can be difficult to know what's correct and what's not. Below is a link to a some good information that should answer all of your questions.

I hope that helps and all is well with your bunnies.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on October 19th, 2017

    There is likely no cause for concern. Rabbits can eat as much timothy hay or similar grasses as they want to eat. A high fiber diet is essential for gut health. You can supplement with alfalfa until he is 7 months old. Pellets should be limited to about 1/8 cup daily.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on May 23rd, 2017

    Timothy hay or similar grasses should make up a majority of her diet. She can eat as much as she wants. The high fiber is essential to gut health and motility. Decrease her pellets to 1/8 cup daily and decrease the carrot portion as well. She can have it after she eats hay.

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    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on January 24th, 2019

    Feeding commercial pellets may predispose a rabbit to becoming obese. She should get no more than about 1/8 to 1/4 cup of pellets daily.
    She can have as much timothy hay, oat hay and similar grasses as she wants. Always have this available to her. If she is over 7 months of age, do not feed any alfalfa. You can round out the diet with about 2 cups of fresh greens and vegetables daily.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Health & Wellness
My vet says rabbit pellets are unhealthy. What should I feed my bunny?
Pellets can predispose a rabbit to obesity. They may not provide the amount of fiber needed to maintain a healthy gut. You don't need to feed just produce. Ellie should be fed as much timothy hay, oat hay or similar grasses as she wants to eat. These grasses are relatively inexpensive. You can feed alfalfa until she is about 7 months old then discontinue feeding it. Supplement the diet with a cup or two of fresh, dark, leafy greens and vegetables daily. Up to 1/4 cup of commercial pellets can be offered daily.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Food & Nutrition
How much hay, pellets, and veggies should my adult rabbit eat?
For an adult rabbit the percentages should be 85-90% hay ( timothy, grass hay, oat hay and so on) up to 10% veggies and up to 5% fruits (no more than 1 oz. per 3 lbs. body weight). The rest can be given in pellets.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Food & Nutrition
New rabbit owner: What food, hay, cage, and nail/teeth care?
Oxbow has pellets and timothy hay in their product line. The majority of the diet should be timothy hay or similar grasses. Pellets should be limited to no more than a 1/2 cup daily. Alfalfa should not be offered after 7 months of age. Trim nails every 3-4 weeks if necessary. Your veterinarian can show you how initially. Teeth should be checked monthly. A yearly exam should include a dental exam and teeth trimming if indicated. Symptoms of overgrown teeth include decreased appetite, drooling, pawing at the mouth, swelling or discharge.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Food & Nutrition
When should I limit my rabbit's pellets and how much should they eat?
I think this article will answer most of your nutrition questions. http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=18+1803&aid=1638 The only thing you need to limit as a rabbit reaches maturity is the pellets. They should make up less of the diet. She should be eating mostly hay and vegetables. Overfeeding pellets in mature rabbits can lead to obesity and other medical conditions. Hope this helps. After you read the article if you still have questions feel free to post again. Best wishes.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Food & Nutrition
Are cheap commercial rabbit pellets bad for my bunny's health?
The main portion of a rabbit’s diet should be hay. Pellets make up a very small portion of their diet. I personally like and recommend Oxbow products. ( https://www.petshopdirect.com.au/shop/category/oxbow-rabbit-and-guinea-pig-food ) ( https://www.oxbowanimalhealth.com/uploads/files/Rabbit-Care-Guide.pdf )
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Food & Nutrition
How much and how often to feed my dwarf bunny pellets and veggies?
Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! For the most part, pelleted feeds should have feeding directions on the bag according to your pets weight. It is impossible to say exactly how much should be fed without seeing the food. However, most pelleted diets can be fed freely to rabbits that are young and active. In terms of treats, I recommend one fruit or veggie treat per day, about 1/8-1/4 cup total depending on the food. For example, berries and more dense foods should be given as smaller servings while leafy greens can be given in larger amounts. Your bunny should always have plenty of fresh hay and water available as well. I hope this helps and am happy to answer any other questions you have!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Food & Nutrition
How should I feed my young male bunny for optimal health and growth?
His diet should be made by 85-90% of good quality hay, 5-10 % of greens and 5 % of pellets. Hay should be timothy, oat hay or other grass hays. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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