Diets for Rabbits

At different ages, rabbits need different diets. The basic diet of hay, pellets, vegetables and occasional treats is much the same for all rabbits more than a few weeks old, but quantities vary depending on the age group. If you are ever in doubt, consult your vet.

  1. Kittens

    • Rabbits up to 6 weeks old feed on their mother's milk, starting to sample other foods at about 3 weeks. You can raise orphaned rabbits on kitten formula, but their chances of survival are quite slim. Do not feed them cows' milk, which is not rich enough.

    6 Weeks to 3 Months

    • At this age, growing rabbits should get as much alfalfa hay and pellets as they like. They need the calories for activity and healthy growth. Alfalfa hay has more nutrients and calories than most types of hay.

    3 Months to 7 Months

    • Continue providing unlimited hay and pellets for the young rabbits. You can start introducing fresh vegetables to their diet. Introduce one new type of vegetable a week and observe what happens. If the vegetable causes runny stools, which often happens with brassicas in particular, don't feed your rabbit that vegetable again.

    7 Months to 1 Year

    • Young adult rabbits are unlikely to become obese, but this is the time to introduce portions and replace most of the alfalfa hay with timothy hay, grass hay and oat hay. The rabbits should still get unlimited hay, because the roughage is essential. Because rabbits vary widely in size, estimate portion size by weighing your rabbit. A young adult rabbit needs about one-half cup of pellets for each 6 pounds it weighs. Provide plenty of vegetables and the occasional piece of fruit as a treat.

    Adults

    • Don't feed adult rabbits much, if any, alfalfa hay, but continue to provide unlimited amounts of other kinds. Some owners don't feed this age group any pellets, while others recommend about one-quarter cup of pellets per 6 pounds of rabbit. Continue providing a variety of vegetables. Weigh your rabbit every few months, and if it starts gaining weight, consult your vet. Obesity in rabbits reduces their quality of life and can lead to serious health problems.

    Elderly Rabbits

    • Elderly rabbits, those more than 6 or 7 years, may have the opposite problem. If your rabbit starts to lose weight, consult your vet and feed extra pellets. Alfalfa hay is another option, but only on the advice of your vet. If your rabbit is still active and healthy, continue to provide the standard adult diet. At this age, if your rabbit is not overweight, limiting the quantities of pellets and fruit is not so important.

    Nursing Does

    • Mother rabbits need more food while pregnant and nursing. Discontinue portion control for this time and let the doe have as much pellet mix as she wants. Unlimited pellets are also necessary for the kittens during the first couple of months.