Here is a guide regarding bunny nutrition and what to feed your rabbits.
The two most important factors in rabbit nutrition are providing plenty of fibre—primarily in the form of hay—and maintaining consistency in their diet.
Bunny Physiology
Let’s begin with the importance of fibre. Rabbits are hindgut fermenters, meaning they digest much of their food in the caecum and colon (large intestine), which are located at the end of the digestive tract. The rabbit’s caecum (analogous to the human appendix) is a large, blind-ended sac at the junction of the small and large intestines. It is about 10 times the size of the stomach and makes up roughly 40% of the digestive system. Inside the caecum, bacteria and protozoa assist in breaking down food.
The Need for Fibre
Fibre is essential for maintaining the balance and function of the caecal bacteria and protozoa. It also stimulates gut motility, allowing food to pass properly through the digestive tract. Without adequate fibre, gut movement slows, leading to changes in caecal pH, fermentation patterns, and microbial populations.
Over time, these imbalances can cause indigestion or gastrointestinal (GI) stasis. A rabbit with GI stasis may stop eating or eat less, produce very small or no droppings, and exhibit signs of discomfort such as hunching due to gas build-up. Diarrhoea may also occur, but not always.
Hay in the Bunny's Daily Diet
Hay, the primary source of fibre, should be fed free-choice—meaning fresh, good-quality hay should always be available.
Hay is a dried, preserved plant product commonly fed to herbivores. The main types include grass hays (timothy, oaten, brome, and orchard) and legume hays (alfalfa/lucerne, clover, pea, and peanut). Nutritional value and quality vary based on soil conditions, weather during growth and harvest, and the maturity of the plant at harvest. These factors also affect the hay’s appearance, taste, and shelf life.
What Hay to Feed
For the average adult house rabbit, grass hay is generally recommended over legume hay. Timothy hay, for example, is lower in protein and calcium and higher in fibre than lucerne. High dietary calcium can lead to urinary crystals or bladder stones. The higher fibre content in timothy hay supports gut health, while the lower protein encourages consumption of nutrient-rich cecotrophs (also called night faeces).
When to Feed Lucerne
Lucerne (alfalfa) is suitable for young rabbits under six months old due to its higher calcium content, which supports growing bones. However, grass hay should also be introduced early to help young rabbits accept it later.
Lucerne may also be beneficial for underweight or recovering rabbits, as well as older rabbits with reduced appetite. It’s highly palatable, promotes weight gain, and can improve coat condition.
Rabbit Pellets
Pellets should be high in fibre (over 20%) and low in protein (under 16%). A general guideline is ¼ cup of pellets per 1.13 kg of body weight per day, though individual needs may vary. Obese rabbits or those with gut motility issues should receive fewer pellets, regardless of fibre content.
We recommend Oxbow Essentials – Adult Rabbit Food, a timothy-based pellet formulated for adult rabbits. It helps prevent obesity and urinary issues thanks to its lower calcium content. If your rabbit won’t give up lucerne hay, these pellets help balance out the excess calcium.
Consistency in the Bunny's Diet.
So much attention goes to fibre—and rightly so—but consistency in feeding is equally critical to maintaining digestive health.
A consistent diet helps keep the microbial population in the gut stable. If you supplement hay and pellets with greens, vegetables, or fruit, stick to the same types daily. Gut microbes thrive on routine and can be disrupted by frequent dietary changes.
For example, feeding carrots for several days will increase the bacteria that digest them. If carrots are then suddenly stopped, those microbes die off, sometimes producing gas that causes pain and appetite loss. Without fibre intake, gut motility slows, which can lead to indigestion or even GI stasis—a cycle that can worsen over time.
Greens & Vegetables
Be thoughtful and consistent in the types and amounts of vegetables you offer. Introduce them one at a time to monitor tolerance.
A good rule is about 1 cup of vegetables per 1.8 kg of body weight per day. Suitable options include Cos lettuce, Buttercrunch, Red leaf lettuce, coriander, parsley, carrot tops, dandelion greens, and kale. Carrots are high in sugar and carbohydrates, so feed them sparingly. Avoid gas-producing vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower.
Treats
Treats can be a fun way to bond with your rabbit, but should be given in moderation. Herbs (fresh or dried) and small pieces of fruit like banana or apple make good treats. Again, consistency is key to avoiding digestive upset.
Conclusion
Many rabbit health issues seen in veterinary practice are linked to poor diet or inconsistent feeding. By focusing on fibre, consistency, and the right balance of foods, you can keep your rabbit’s digestive system running smoothly and support their long-term health.