Rabbit Hay and Diet Guide

Why hay matters

Hay and grass should make up the majority of a healthy rabbit's diet. They provide fibre for the digestive system and help wear down continuously growing teeth. RSPCA and RWAF guidance both place forage at the centre of rabbit nutrition, so hay should be available continuously rather than offered as an occasional food. Fresh water should also be available and refreshed regularly.

Building a balanced diet

A balanced routine can include safe washed leafy greens, herbs and weeds alongside a small measured portion of suitable pellets. RSPCA advises that fruit and root vegetables such as carrots should be occasional treats rather than staple foods, and muesli-style food should be avoided. The exact diet should take account of the rabbit's health and circumstances. If a rabbit refuses hay, veterinary assessment is sensible because dental pain can make chewing difficult.

Diet changes and warning signs

Avoid sudden dietary changes. Introduce unfamiliar foods gradually and observe appetite and droppings. Lawn mower clippings should not be fed. Feeding can also support enrichment by encouraging grazing, foraging and searching rather than relying entirely on a bowl. A rabbit that eats less, stops eating or produces markedly fewer droppings can become seriously ill, so changes should be treated as a veterinary concern rather than simply a fussy eating phase.