What Can Rabbits Eat? Hay, Safe Greens, Treats and Foods to Avoid
Most rabbit health problems trace back to diet. Here is what belongs in the bowl, what belongs in the treat jar and what should never be offered.
Rabbits should eat mostly hay, with unlimited access every day, plus a large handful of washed leafy greens and herbs and a small measured portion of plain pellets. Fruit and root vegetables like carrots are occasional treats only, and foods such as iceberg lettuce, chocolate, avocado, onions, garlic, bread and dairy should never be fed.
The guidance below follows the RSPCA’s rabbit diet advice. It is general information; ask your veterinarian before making major changes to your rabbit’s diet, especially for young, elderly or unwell rabbits.
The rabbit diet at a glance
| Food group | Approximate share | How to offer it |
|---|---|---|
| Hay and grass | About 85% | Unlimited; a bundle at least the size of the rabbit daily |
| Leafy greens and herbs | About 10% | A large handful daily, several different types |
| Pellets or nuggets | About 5% | A small measured amount; not a constantly full bowl |
| Treats (fruit, carrot) | Occasional | Small pieces, not every day |
| Water | Always available | Fresh and clean; bowls are often easier to drink from than bottles |
Hay: the most important food
Rabbit teeth grow continuously, and the long fibers in hay wear them down as rabbits chew. Hay also keeps the digestive system moving. Without enough of it, rabbits are at higher risk of dental disease and gut problems.
- Grass hays such as timothy, meadow or orchard grass are the usual choice for adult rabbits.
- Alfalfa (lucerne) hay is richer in protein and calcium; it is sometimes recommended for young rabbits, but ask your vet before feeding it to adults.
- Hay should smell sweet and look green or golden, not dusty, damp or moldy.
- Fresh grass is fine if it is from a safe, unsprayed area. Never feed lawnmower clippings, which ferment quickly and can upset digestion.
Safe leafy greens and herbs
Offer a variety each day, and introduce any new green slowly, one at a time, so you can spot anything that disagrees with your rabbit. Wash everything first.
The RSPCA lists examples such as:
- Romaine lettuce (not iceberg)
- Spring greens
- Watercress
- Arugula (rocket)
- Basil, mint, cilantro (coriander) and rosemary
- Dandelion leaves
Some greens are fine only occasionally, including spinach, cabbage and celery. Carrot tops make a better everyday choice than the carrot itself.
Pellets: a small supplement
Pellets (nuggets) fill nutritional gaps but should not replace hay. The RSPCA suggests around 25 g per kg of body weight daily for a healthy adult rabbit, with growing, pregnant, nursing or underweight rabbits possibly needing more; your vet can advise. Keeping the bowl topped up all day often leads rabbits to fill up on pellets and eat less hay.
Choose plain, uniform pellets rather than muesli-style mixes. Rabbits tend to pick out the tasty pieces from a mix and leave the rest, which has been linked to dental disease, digestive problems and obesity. If your rabbit currently eats muesli, the RSPCA advises switching gradually over 14 to 28 days by mixing in increasing amounts of pellets.
Treats: small and occasional
Treats are useful for bonding and training, but most are high in sugar. Keep portions small, think a thumbnail-sized piece, and don’t offer them every day.
| Treat | Notes |
|---|---|
| Apple | Remove all seeds and core |
| Banana | Very sugary; tiny pieces only |
| Strawberries | Small pieces |
| Carrot | High in sugar; tops are a better daily choice |
| Cucumber, celery, green beans | Occasional vegetable treats |
| Dried herbs or flowers | Rabbit-safe varieties |
Foods rabbits should never eat
These foods are toxic, unsafe or likely to upset digestion, according to RSPCA guidance:
- Human foods: chocolate, avocado, onions, garlic, leeks, bread, pasta, potatoes, crackers and other processed, salty or sugary foods, meat, eggs, dairy, caffeine and artificial sweeteners (especially xylitol).
- Vegetables and plant parts: iceberg lettuce, rhubarb, mushrooms, sweetcorn, chili peppers, tomato leaves and stems, and fruit seeds or pits.
- Plants: bluebells, foxgloves, holly, tulips and houseplants. For more, see our guide to toxic plants and check rabbit-specific lists.
- Other: lawnmower clippings and anything moldy.
If you think your rabbit has eaten something toxic, contact your vet or an emergency vet straight away. In the US, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is also available (a consultation fee may apply).
The RSPCA’s full rabbit diet page has more examples.
How to change a rabbit’s diet safely
- Go slowly. Introduce new greens one at a time in small amounts over several days.
- Watch the droppings. Normal droppings are round, plentiful and fairly dry. Fewer, smaller or soft droppings are a warning sign.
- Keep hay constant. Never reduce hay while making other changes.
- Stop and call your vet if your rabbit eats less or its droppings change and do not return to normal.
When diet problems become an emergency
A rabbit that stops eating or stops producing droppings needs a vet urgently, the same day. Reduced appetite can quickly lead to gut stasis, which can be fatal without treatment. Also seek prompt help for diarrhea, a bloated belly, drooling or difficulty chewing. Our rabbit care guide lists more warning signs.
Bottom line
Feed hay first and always, add a daily handful of varied leafy greens, keep pellets small and measured, and treat fruit and carrots as rare extras. Avoid the toxic foods listed above, change things gradually and call your vet if your rabbit’s appetite or droppings change.
FAQ
Can rabbits eat carrots every day?
No. Carrots are high in sugar and best kept as an occasional treat. Carrot tops are a better everyday green.
Is lettuce safe for rabbits?
Some types are. Romaine lettuce is commonly fed, but iceberg lettuce should be avoided.
Can rabbits eat bread or crackers?
No. Bread, pasta, crackers and other starchy or processed foods are unsuitable and can upset digestion.
Do rabbits need pellets at all?
A small measured portion of good-quality pellets helps provide a balanced diet, but hay should always be the main food. Ask your vet how much suits your rabbit.