Rabbits are the third most popular pet in the U.S. With the rise in popularity of “house-rabbits,” (bunnies who live in the home as pets rather than in hutches as livestock) experts began to focus on feeding rabbits for longevity rather than just to plump them up quickly. Imagine the ideal bunny diet as a pyramid: a good grass hay is the base, followed by low-calcium leafy greens, then high-calcium veggies, then a quality rabbit pellet, and, finally, healthy treats.
Grass Hay, The Base of the Pyramid
A rabbit should never be without palatable grass hay to graze upon. There are several acceptable varieties, including Timothy, Orchard, Brome, and Bermuda. Alfalfa is too caloric, but can be given to babies, nursing mothers, or rabbits who need to put on weight. Look for hay that is green with long strands. Oxbow is a company known to produce top-quality hay for pets (as well as excellent bunny pellets and healthy treats.)
Leafy, Low-Calcium Greens, Second Tier
Too much calcium has been proven to cause urinary tract issues. A rabbit’s daily salad should consist of a variety of low-calcium lettuces such as romaine and redleaf, plus endive, escarole, arugula, collards, and dandelion or mustard greens. Avoid iceberg, which is too watery and has no nutritional value.
High-Calcium Veggies, Center of the Pyramid
Despite the dangers of too much calcium, many high-calcium veggies have plenty of other important vitamins and nutrients and need not be left out of a rabbits diet entirely. Spinach, broccoli, and kale are often beloved by bunnies and can be given in moderation.
A Quality Rabbit Pellet: Second to Top on the Pyramid
Too many pellets can easily cause obesity in pet rabbits, and many rabbits enjoy pellets so much they will eat them to the exclusion of important hay and vegetables. Therefore, pellets live almost at the top of the rabbit food pyramid. Choose a pellet made from Timothy Hay rather than Alfalfa, unless your rabbit is underweight, a baby, or a nursing mother. Oxbow, Kaytee, and ZuPreem all make good Timothy-hay based rabbit pellets. Avoid “party mixes” containing seeds, nuts, and corn as these foods are not necessary to a rabbit’s diet and have been known to cause impaction in the gut. An average-sized bunny will only need about 1/4 of a cup of rabbit pellets daily.
Healthy Treats, The Small Point of the Pyramid
At the tip-top of the pyramid are treats. Do your rabbit a favor by avoiding store-bought bunny treats that contain yogurt, seeds, and nuts. These can be downright dangerous for a rabbit's delicate digestive system. Your bunny will be just as happy with healthy, natural treats given in moderation. A treat can be any of the following: a small slice of banana or apple, a raisin or grape, or a small piece of carrot. Despite common rabbit-lore, carrots are chock-full of calories and should only be offered as treats.
The House Rabbit Society's FAQ: Diet section offers more information on amounts to feed based on a rabbit's weight, plus a comprehensive list of acceptable veggies. Remember that not all rabbits are alike, and certain foods may affect one bunny negatively but not another. Some rabbits thrive on a pellet-free diet of hay and veggies, while others go into G.I. Stasis if given any vegetables at all and will need to eat more pellets. Always introduce new foods slowly to be sure they are tolerable to your rabbit.
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