Based on Veterinary Guidelines · Privacy First · Updated for 2026

Rabbit Feeding Calculator

Estimate how much hay, pellets, fresh vegetables, and water your rabbit needs daily based on their weight and age.

Rabbit's Weight

Rabbit's Age

Activity Level

Results are estimates only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Individual needs may vary.

How It Works

Based on body weight and life stage
Provides strict pellet portion control
Calculates fresh vegetable requirements
Estimates daily water intake

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Nutrition Basics

Why Hay is Critical for Rabbits

Hay isn't just bedding - it's the foundation of a healthy rabbit's diet. It should make up roughly 80% of their daily intake.

Dental Health

A rabbit's teeth never stop growing. The constant grinding motion of chewing long, fibrous hay acts as a natural file, preventing overgrown teeth and painful dental spurs.

Digestive Motility

Rabbits have highly specialized digestive systems that require constant fiber to keep moving. Without enough hay, they can develop fatal conditions like GI stasis.

Hay Types

Adult rabbits should have unlimited access to Timothy, Orchard, or Meadow hay. Alfalfa hay is rich in calcium and protein, and should only be fed to growing babies or nursing mothers.

Common Mistakes

The Dangers of Pellet Overfeeding

Many new rabbit owners treat pellets as the primary food source. This is the leading cause of obesity and digestive issues in house rabbits. Pellets are highly concentrated calories and should be viewed more as a daily vitamin supplement.

● Obesity: Overweight rabbits cannot properly clean themselves or reach their cecotropes, leading to flystrike and poor hygiene.
● Sludge/Stones: Pellets are often higher in calcium. Overfeeding can lead to bladder sludge or stones.
● Hay Refusal: If a rabbit is full of tasty pellets, they will refuse to eat enough hay, rapidly leading to dental and GI problems.

🥬 Daily Portion Reference

🌾

Hay - Unlimited
80% of diet. Available 24/7, replenished daily.

🟤

Pellets - ¼ cup per 5 lbs
Adult only. Plain Timothy pellets. No seeds or fruit pieces.

🥬

Greens - 1–2 cups per 5 lbs
Mix of 3 different safe greens daily. Romaine, parsley, cilantro.

💧

Water - 50–150ml per kg
Always fresh in a heavy ceramic bowl. Change daily.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about rabbit feeding and nutrition.

Yes, absolutely! Hay should make up 80% of a rabbit's diet and be available 24/7 in unlimited quantities. The constant chewing wears down their continuously growing teeth, and the long-strand fiber keeps their complex digestive system moving correctly. Timothy, Orchard, or Meadow hay are best for adults; Alfalfa is only for growing babies or pregnant/nursing mothers.

Adult rabbits should have strictly portion-controlled pellets - typically 1/4 cup per 5 lbs of body weight per day. Pellets are concentrated and highly calorific. Overfeeding pellets is the leading cause of rabbit obesity, soft stools (uneaten cecotropes), and reluctance to eat enough hay. Baby rabbits (under 6 months) can have unlimited alfalfa pellets to fuel growth.

Safe daily vegetables include Romaine lettuce, spring greens, cilantro (coriander), parsley, basil, dill, and celery leaves. Serve a mix of at least 3 different greens daily. High-calcium greens (like kale and spinach) should be fed sparingly. Always introduce new vegetables one at a time and in small amounts to monitor for digestive upset.

Rabbits drink surprisingly large amounts of water - roughly 50 to 150 ml per kilogram of body weight per day. This is roughly the same amount as a dog of the same weight! A heavy ceramic water bowl is highly recommended over a drip bottle, as rabbits drink much more naturally and comfortably from bowls, ensuring better hydration.

Never feed rabbits iceberg lettuce (causes digestive issues), avocado, chocolate, meat, dairy, seeds, nuts, or human junk food (bread, crackers, cereal). Muesli-style rabbit mixes with seeds and colorful pieces should also be avoided, as rabbits will selectively eat the high-sugar pieces and ignore the healthy pellets.

Timothy hay is the gold standard for adult rabbits aged 6 months and over. It has the right calcium-to-phosphorus ratio and long-strand fiber content for healthy gut motility. Orchard grass and meadow hay are excellent alternatives and can add variety. Avoid alfalfa hay for healthy adult rabbits, as it is too high in calcium and calories, leading to bladder sludge and obesity over time.

Begin introducing fresh vegetables gradually from around 12 weeks of age, one vegetable at a time in small amounts. Monitor for any signs of loose stools or stomach upset, and wait 48 hours before introducing the next new food. Starting too early or too abruptly with vegetables can trigger dangerous GI upset in young rabbits whose digestive systems are still maturing.

A rabbit eating sufficient hay should produce round, firm, dry droppings the size of a pea in large quantities throughout the day. Their hay rack or pile should need refilling at least once a day. If droppings are small, malformed, or infrequent, they may not be consuming enough hay - which is a warning sign for GI slowdown. Hay consumption should look relentless; a rabbit grazing on hay almost constantly is perfectly normal and healthy.

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Educational Use Notice

Last updated: May 2026

The information provided by this tool is for general educational and informational purposes only. Results are estimates and may vary based on your pet's breed, age, health conditions, activity level, diet, and individual factors.

PetNurture does not provide veterinary, medical, or emergency care advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian or qualified pet care professional regarding your pet's specific health, nutrition, or medical needs.

While we strive to keep calculations accurate and up to date, PetNurture makes no guarantees regarding completeness, reliability, or accuracy. Use this tool at your own discretion.

How we calculate results: This tool uses commonly referenced veterinary formulas, feeding guidelines, and breed-size estimates to provide general educational guidance. Individual pets may have different nutritional, behavioral, or medical needs that are not captured by any generalized formula.

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