What Is the Best Thing for a Rabbit to Eat?

The best thing for rabbits to eat between the ages of one day and three weeks is its mother's milk or a veterinarian approved milk supplement. At three weeks, rabbits natural herbivore instincts guide them to forage on hay and grass. While rabbits will naturally forage, dig and chew on roots, nuts and veggies, domestic rabbits have both commercial and fresh foods as food sources.

  1. Hay and Water

    • A clean high quality hay should be available to companion or captive rabbits at all times, to prevent digestive problems. Pet food supply stores sell bagged timothy, oat and grass hay in mini-bails and compressed cubes for easy feeding. Local organic farmers may also have fresh bales available for sale as well, that are guaranteed to be free from pesticides and harmful chemicals. Fresh, clean water should be available to rabbits at all times as well. There are several options in water containers from open glass crocks to non-drip water bottles. Water and containers should be clean and free from bacteria or organisms.

    Fruits and Veggies

    • Fruits and veggies are a necessary part of all captive rabbit diets. Fruits, such as apples provide a natural source of vitamin C, but they should be provided in moderation for the first year of the rabbit's life. Dark leafy greens, such as kale provide iron and vitamin A and dark orange veggies, such as carrots provide additional Vitamin A. Rabbits can eat a variety of veggies that are available at the local grocery store or farmer's market. Before feeding your rabbit any fresh fruits or veggies, wash them in cold water and dry them

    Chewing Needs

    • Habitat enrichment foods provide food and entertainment that stimulates domesticated rabbit's natural instinct to forage, chew and dig. Wooden chew toys and pumice stones are not consumed, but they provide necessary daily dental care that prevents a rabbit's teeth from growing so long they can no longer eat. Foraging baskets offer treats that stimulate digging instincts, and alfalfa cubes are a sweet edible treat that can be offered on occasion, as well.

    Treats

    • Because rabbits enjoy treats too, natural and organic grain foods can be offered as a treats. All foods should be free from artificial ingredients, such as sweeteners and energy supplements. Cereals, cereal and granola bars, nut flavored cookies, made with all natural and organic ingredients are optional treats rabbits can share with their owners. Commercial treats include fruit flavored puffs, yogurt flavored nibbles and fruit flavored chew sticks to encourage natural behaviors. Foods that are harmful to rabbits include caffeine, alcohol and chocolate.