What do rabbits eat?
Quick Answer
Rabbits are herbivores that eat mostly grass. Wild rabbits graze grasses, clover and weeds and gnaw bark and twigs in winter. Pet rabbits need unlimited hay or grass (it should make up most of their diet), a daily portion of fresh leafy greens, fresh water, and only small amounts of pellets and treats.
Key Takeaways
- Hay or grass should make up roughly 80 to 90% of a pet rabbit's diet
- Fiber keeps their gut moving and wears down their constantly growing teeth
- Leafy greens daily; carrots and fruit only as small treats
- Rabbits re-eat soft droppings (cecotropes) to absorb nutrients
- Never feed chocolate, avocado, onions, rhubarb or iceberg lettuce in quantity
- Wild rabbits switch to bark, twigs and buds in winter
What Wild Rabbits Eat
Wild rabbits and cottontails are grazers and browsers. Their diet shifts with the seasons:
- Spring and summer: grasses, clover, dandelions, plantain, wildflowers and garden plants such as lettuce, beans and peas
- Fall and winter: twigs, buds, bark of young trees and shrubs, conifer needles and any remaining green plants
This is why rabbits can damage young fruit trees and gardens; wire guards around trunks and fencing that extends below ground are the usual fixes.
What Pet Rabbits Should Eat
Veterinary and welfare organizations such as the RSPCA and the House Rabbit Society recommend a diet modeled on wild grazing:
| Food | How much | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hay or fresh grass | Unlimited, about their body size per day | Timothy, meadow or orchard grass for adults; alfalfa only for young rabbits |
| Leafy greens | Daily, at least an adult-sized handful, more for larger rabbits | Romaine, kale, cilantro, parsley, basil, bok choy, dandelion greens |
| Pellets | Small measured amount | Plain high-fiber pellets, not muesli-style mixes |
| Treats (fruit, carrot) | A tablespoon or two per day at most | Sugary, so keep portions tiny |
| Water | Always available | Bowls are often preferred over bottles |
Do Rabbits Really Eat Carrots?
They will happily eat them, but carrots are high in sugar and should be an occasional treat, not a staple. The image of rabbits living on carrots comes largely from cartoons. Carrot tops (the leafy greens) are a better everyday option in moderation.
Foods Rabbits Should Not Eat
- Chocolate, sweets, bread, crackers and cereals
- Avocado
- Onions, garlic, leeks and chives
- Rhubarb and potato leaves or green potatoes
- Large amounts of iceberg lettuce (little nutrition) or sudden diet changes
- Houseplants and many garden ornamentals (such as foxglove, lilies and yew)
Why Rabbits Eat Their Own Droppings
Rabbits produce two kinds of droppings: the familiar hard round pellets, and soft, shiny clusters called cecotropes. Cecotropes are made in the cecum, where gut microbes ferment fiber, and they are rich in protein and B vitamins. Rabbits eat them straight from the body, usually at night or early morning, so you rarely see it. It is normal and essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a rabbit's favorite food?
Most rabbits love fresh herbs and sweet treats like banana or apple, but their healthiest staple is hay or grass, which they should be able to eat all day.
Can rabbits eat lettuce?
Dark leafy lettuces like romaine are fine in sensible amounts. Iceberg lettuce has little nutrition and can upset digestion in large amounts.
What do baby wild rabbits eat?
Young cottontails drink their mother's milk (she visits the nest only briefly, around dawn and dusk) and start nibbling grass and plants at about two to three weeks old. If you find a nest, it is usually best to leave it alone.
Can rabbits eat fruit?
Yes, but only as small treats because of the sugar. Remove seeds and pits from apples, cherries and similar fruits.
Do rabbits drink water?
Yes. Pet rabbits need constant access to fresh water. Wild rabbits get much of their water from dew and moist plants, and drink when water is available.