Maybe you’ve seen cartoons where bunnies munch on huge carrots, or perhaps you’ve heard whispers about giving them lettuce. It can be super confusing, right? You want to do what’s best for your little friend, but figuring out the perfect rabbit food can feel like a puzzle!
Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many new bunny parents feel exactly the same way. The truth is, giving your rabbit the right food is one of the biggest secrets to a long, happy, and healthy life for them. A good diet prevents tummy troubles, keeps their teeth healthy, and gives them lots of energy for binkies and zoomies!
It turns out that most of us start with the wrong information. We treat rabbits like cats or dogs, but they’re so different. Their stomachs are fragile, their teeth grow nonstop, and their mood. Pure drama when food is wrong.
This guide is everything I wish someone had told me
Why Rabbit Food Isn’t Just “Food”—It’s Their Life Support
Think of rabbit food like your daily diet.
Imagine eating only chips and cake. Tastes good? Yes. Healthy? Nope.
It’s the same for rabbits. Feeding the wrong things—even if your bunny likes it—can lead to serious tummy problems, tooth pain, or worse.
Let’s fix that. Together.
The Ultimate Daily Rabbit Food Checklist
1. Hay – The Real Hero of Your Bunny’s Life
80–90% of your rabbit’s food must be hay. It’s like your rice or roti—basic, daily, and essential.
Why hay?
- It keeps their digestion smooth.
- It files their teeth (which never stop growing!)
- It gives them mental joy—many bunnies play with hay like toys.
Best types of hay:
- Timothy hay (best for adults)
- Orchard grass (softer, great for picky eaters)
- Meadow hay (a nice mix)
Real-life tip: If your bunny avoids hay, try stuffing it into toilet paper rolls or mixing it with tiny bits of dried herbs. Make it a game!
2. Leafy Greens – Your Bunny’s Daily Salad Bar
Just like we eat vegetables every day to stay healthy, your bunny also needs fresh leafy greens every single day. This is like their daily salad – full of vitamins and taste!
How much to feed?
If your rabbit weighs about 2 kg, give around 1 cup (a small katori) of greens every day. For smaller rabbits, give less.
Bunny-safe leafy greens (that are easily available in India):
- Coriander (Dhaniya) – super common and healthy!
- Basil (Tulsi) – smells strong, but bunnies often love it
- Dill (Sowa bhaji) – give in small amounts
- Spinach (Palak) – only a little, once or twice a week
- Kale – rare in India, but good in small quantity
- Romaine Lettuce – best option if you can find it (avoid iceberg!)
What not to feed:
- Iceberg lettuce – has no nutrition, only water
- Wet greens – always pat the leaves dry before feeding, or it can upset their tummy
Important Tip:
Wash all veggies well and let them dry before giving them. Wet leaves can cause gas or diarrhea in rabbits
3. Pellets – The Supplement, Not the Main Dish
Think of pellets like your multivitamin. Needed—but only in small doses.
Choose plain, Timothy-based pellets—no seeds, no corn, no colorful junk.
Ideal serving:
About ¼ cup per day for every 4–5 lbs. of rabbit.
My friend gave her bunny a whole bowl of mixed pellets daily. A month later? Vet bills for gas, bloating, and dental issues.
4. Fresh Water – Never Forget It
Always provide fresh, clean water. Use a ceramic bowl or a bottle—whichever your bun prefers.
Change it daily—even if they didn’t drink much. Rabbits are clean freaks.
5. Fruits & Treats – Small, Rare, and Special
Yes, they’re adorable eating a banana. But too much sugar = stomach issues, obesity, and mood swings.
Safe fruits (only 1-2 times a week in tiny amounts):
- Apple (no seeds!)
- Banana (1 thin slice)
- Strawberry
- Watermelon (seedless)
- Papaya
🚫 Never give: Chocolates, human biscuits, chips, dairy, or sugar drops.
What NOT to Feed Your Rabbit (Seriously—No Exceptions!)
Please avoid these, even if your bunny begs with cute eyes:
| ❌ Food | Why it’s dangerous |
|---|---|
| Bread / biscuits | No fiber, too much starch |
| Nuts / seeds | Can cause choking & digestion issues |
| Avocado | Toxic to rabbits |
| Onion, garlic | Damages red blood cells |
| Cabbage / broccoli | Causes gas |
| Iceberg lettuce | No nutrients, can cause diarrhea |
| Chips / chocolate | Just… no. |
Real-Life Bunny Behavior That’s Food-Related
- Bunny hides suddenly. It could be stomach discomfort.
- Chews everything around? May not be getting enough hay or chewing options.
- Not pooping regularly? Their gut needs more fiber—check the hay intake.
- Gets angry when touched? Stomach pain often = mood swings.
It’s not that they’re moody for no reason. Food affects how they feel!
Pro Tips for New Bunny Parents (from One to Another)
- Feed at the same times every day. Bunnies love routines.
- Make food look fun – try scatter feeding or hanging veggies like toys.
- Introduce new foods slowly – one at a time to avoid tummy shock.
- Observe their poop – weird shapes or mush = food issue.
- Keep hay EVERYWHERE – they eat more when it’s around often.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can my rabbit just eat carrots all day, like in cartoons?
A: Nope! This is one of the biggest myths about rabbit food! While bunnies can have a tiny piece of carrot as a treat (think thumbnail size, a few times a week), carrots are high in sugar. Their main diet should be hay, hay, and more hay!
Q2: My bunny doesn’t seem to eat much hay. What should I do?
A: This is a common worry! First, make sure you’re offering fresh hay in fun ways (hay racks, stuffed toilet paper rolls). Second, check their pellet intake – if they’re getting too many pellets, they might not be hungry for hay. Try cutting back on pellets slightly to encourage more hay eating. If they still refuse hay or aren’t pooping much, see a rabbit-savvy vet right away! Hay is crucial for their health.
Q3: How do I know if I’m feeding too much?
A: Watch their poop. Too small or too soft = imbalance. Also, if they skip hay for pellets, cut down on pellets.
Q4: Can rabbits eat human food leftovers?
A: No. Never give cooked or processed food. Their bodies are built for raw, natural fiber-rich food only. Most human foods, especially processed ones like bread, crackers, cookies, or sugary snacks, are very harmful to rabbits. They can cause serious digestive problems. Stick to healthy rabbit food like hay, greens, and very small amounts of safe fruits or veggies as treats.
Q5: My bunny eats cardboard. Is that okay?
A: Yep—as long as it’s plain, ink-free cardboard. It helps with teeth, but it’s not a food replacement. They still need hay.
Q6: How often should I feed my rabbit?
A: Your bunny should have fresh hay available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – it’s their main food! Fresh greens should be offered once or twice a day, and a small, measured number of plain pellets, usually once or twice a day, too. Treats are just that – treats – so give them rarely and in tiny amounts.
You’re Doing Better Than You Think
Feeding your rabbit the right food isn’t just about health. It’s about love, safety, and making your bunny’s world joyful.
You’re not just their feeder. You’re their home. Their peace. Their person.
And every time you swap a bad snack for healthy hay, or learn something new—you’re showing love in the truest form.
So take a breath. Hug your bunny (if they allow it!). You’re doing great.
And if you ever feel stuck, confused, or just need someone to talk bunny stuff with—I’m always here.
Quick Actions for Bunny Beginners:
- 📥 Download my FREE Bunny Care Checklist [Coming soon!]
- 📖 Read Bunny Beginner Guide: New Bunny Owner’s Guide – Rabitz
- 📸 Follow me on Instagram @rabitz.in for bunny memes, tips, and real stories
