Meal planner

So what should rabbits be eating and how much food should you give them?

Our handy guide gives an overview of a good daily diet for healthy adult rabbits:

 

Fresh clean water 24/7

Make sure your rabbits have constant access to fresh clean water.

• Provide water in the way they are used to (e.g. a heavy ceramic bowl or a drip-feed bottle). Rabbits prefer water bowls.
• Remember to ensure the water is free from algae in the summer and doesn't freeze in the winter. If you use a bottle, check daily that your rabbits can access the water and that the end is not blocked.

 
Hay and grass every day

Each of your rabbits needs at least one bundle of good quality hay that’s as big as they are every day!

• Good quality, fresh hay should be available at all times and, ideally, your rabbits should also have access to growing grass for grazing, or kiln-dried grass.
   
• Please don’t feed lawnmower clippings; these can make your rabbits ill.

Leafy greens every day

Your rabbits must be fed an adult-sized handful of safe washed leafy green vegetables, herbs and weeds each day.

• Try to feed a variety of greens every day, ideally five  to six different types, such as cabbage, kale, broccoli,  parsley and mint.
   
• Introduce new types of greens gradually and in small amounts to avoid potential stomach upsets.

You'll find a list of rabbit safe plants, vegetables, herbs and fruits on the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund website. Your vet can also advise you about rabbit-safe plants. Always remember, if in doubt leave it out!
 

Pellets

You can feed your rabbits a small amount of good quality pellets/nuggets each day.

• Measure out 25g (an eggcup-full) of pellets per kg of your rabbit’s body weight; so for a medium-sized rabbit (2kg) feed a maximum of two full eggcups.

Muesli-style foods are not recommended for rabbits - find out why muesli is unhealthy for rabbits and how to slowly transfer your rabbits onto a healthier diet.

Healthy treats

To keep your rabbits trim, feed part of their daily ration of greens, or pellets/nuggets (if you feed them), as treats and rewards during training.

• You can feed carrots and apples, in small amounts as an occasional treat.
   
• Don’t feed any other treats as these may harm your rabbits.

 

Top tips

1. Take note of each of your rabbits’ weights and adjust their food to make sure they’re not overweight or underweight.
    
2. Remember that young, pregnant, nursing or ill rabbits have different needs, so always ask your vet for advice on a suitable diet.
    
3. If you are unsure about how to provide the best diet for each of your individual rabbits, have a chat with your vet for tailored advice.