How often should you feed a rabbit?
Feeding a rabbit is mostly a question of getting two things right: how often, and how much. Unlimited hay always, fresh greens daily, a small measured pellet portion once or twice a day. That rhythm changes with age, so treat the sections below as your starting point and then adjust to the individual animal in front of you.
How often to feed a rabbit
Unlimited hay always, fresh greens daily, a small measured pellet portion once or twice a day.
Short answer: Unlimited hay always, fresh greens daily, a small measured pellet portion once or twice a day.
How much to feed
Hay should be about 80% of what they eat; pellets roughly 1/4 cup per 5 lb of body weight per day; about a cup of greens per 2 lb.
Getting it right in practice
- Timothy, orchard or meadow hay is the staple. Alfalfa is for young rabbits only — it is too rich for adults.
- Introduce new greens one at a time to avoid digestive upset.
- Avoid iceberg lettuce, and never feed avocado, rhubarb or chocolate.
- Fresh water daily, in a bowl or bottle — many rabbits drink more from a bowl.
How feeding changes with age
Young (0–6 months)
Alfalfa hay, higher pellet allowance, litter training, neutering discussion with a rabbit-savvy vet around 4–6 months.
Adult (6 months–6 years)
Timothy hay base, stable weight, daily exercise, regular nail care.
Senior (6+ years)
Softer bedding, easier access, more frequent weight checks, watch for arthritis and dental problems.
Common feeding mistakes
- Eyeballing portions. Measure with a cup or a scale for the first month at least — most owners underestimate how much a rabbit actually eats.
- Switching food too fast. Change over 7–10 days, increasing the new food gradually.
- Reading the wrong life stage. Feed unlimited hay always, fresh greens daily, a small measured pellet portion once or twice a day. for the age your animal is now, not the age it was when you got it.
- Ignoring body condition. Weight is the clearest signal you have. Weigh monthly and adjust portions before the weight becomes a problem.
Related questions
How much hay does a rabbit need?
Effectively unlimited — hay should be around 80% of everything they eat. It keeps their continuously growing teeth worn down and their gut moving.
Can rabbits be litter trained?
Yes, most train themselves once you put a box where they already toilet. Put hay in the box, keep it clean, and leave a little soiled litter in it at first.
How hot is too hot for a rabbit?
Above roughly 80°F (27°C) rabbits are at real risk of heatstroke — they cannot sweat and do not pant efficiently. Provide shade, airflow, cool tiles and frozen water bottles; treat overheating as an emergency.
Not veterinary advice. This guide covers husbandry. If your rabbit is injured, off food unusually long, or behaving abnormally, contact a veterinarian.