Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My vet says rabbit pellets are unhealthy. What should I feed my bunny?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Rabbit | Female | unspayed | 3 months and 14 days old | 5.2 lbs

I recently took my 4mth mini Rex rabbit to the vet due to painful gas (and no other symptoms - still eating, pooping, drinking, running) and was told that rabbit pellets from the pet store are for fattening rabbits to eat. My childhood rabbit ate pellets for 11 years and nothing bad happened. I don’t mean to question a professional but everyone I know who has rabbits feeds them pellets. I can’t afford to feed her $5 in produce every day. Thoughts?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on April 20th, 2019

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.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Karly Macon, DVM, MS, CVA Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Veterinarian
Published on April 5th, 2017
You don't need to have commercial rabbit pellets as long as you feed a large variety of green, leafy vegetables and you give your bun constant access to grass hay. NOT alfalfa, as it is a legume and too rich. Sticks, twigs, and bark are also important for dental health. Hay, however, is a must.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Penelope Graben, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 24th, 2018
Hello there!

There is no real need to feed pellets to rabbits. We generally recommend that rabbits eat no more than a tablespoon of pellets per day. They are high in calories which makes for a good treat and training reward, but certainly not a vital part of nutrition.

A healthy rabbit's diet should consist of 80% hay (Oaten and Timothy are good choices), as much leafy greens as they would like in a day, and occasional fresh fruit.

I hope this helps! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Food & Nutrition

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

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

My bunny only eats lettuce and won't touch hay. What can I do?

If she will allow, check her teeth for overgrowth or misalignment. If necessary, you can your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating rabbits correct any dental issues. If she is less than 6 months old, offer alfalfa. This may get her to eat higher fiber and healthier diet. Lettuce has very little in the way of nutritional value. You can offer dark, leafy greens and vegetables as well as commercial pellets. Oxbow Critical Care for Herbivores can also be used to supplement her diet. Always have timothy hay, oat hay or similar grasses and fresh water in the cage or hutch at all times. If she stops eating, have her seen immediately by your veterinarian.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

Is feeding my rabbit just pellets and straw enough for good health?

No this is not enough, you must feed your bunny hay as well, which is different than straw and is essential for your rabbit's health. it is also recommended to feed her greens such as parsley, kale and spinach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My rabbit won't eat hay. What are the best healthy food alternatives?

You can feed your rabbit rabbit pellets, fresh greens, green veggies, carrots and a slice of apple or Tomato here and there for a treat. You can also feed cucumber. Always have good quality hay in his cage anyway, best is to go to a farmer near you or a horse stable and ask if you can buy a slice or small bale of hay (should not cost more than $10, but will last a long time). The commercial hay you can buy in the pet store is often old and dusty and I would not eat it either.....

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

Why is my bunny pooping mucous-coated pellets after a stressful bath?

The stress of the bath or whatever condition precipitated the vet last week may be responsible. Discontinue feeding pellets and vegetables and feed solely Timothy hay or similar grasses. Feed as much hay as Oliver wants to eat. Do not feed any alfalfa. Once his droppings return to normal, feed no more than 1/8 cup of pellets daily and gradually introduce small amounts of vegetables or dark, leafy greens. You can continue to offer as much timothy hay as he wants. Rabbits need a high fiber diet. If the symptoms persist or if he stops eating, have him rechecked by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating rabbits.

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

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share