So what should rabbits be eating and how much should you give them each day?
This handy guide gives an overview of a good diet for healthy adult rabbits:
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 as these can make your rabbits ill.
Leafy greens every day
Your rabbits must be fed an adult-sized handful of safe washed leafy greens 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.
Pellets
You can also 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 of pellets/nuggets.
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
- Take note of each of your rabbits’ weights and adjust their food to make sure they’re not overweight or underweight.
- Remember that young, pregnant, nursing or ill rabbits have different needs, so always ask your vet for advice on a suitable diet.
- 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.