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Rabbit Diet Basics: How Much Hay Should a Rabbit Eat Per Day?
Quick answer: how much hay per day?
A rabbit should have unlimited access to fresh, good-quality hay—aim for a pile at least the size of your rabbit every day. Most rabbits will eat their own body size in hay every 24 hours.
Why hay is so important (teeth + digestion)
Hay keeps teeth worn down and digestion healthy. Without enough hay, rabbits are at risk of dental problems and gut stasis (a life-threatening emergency).
Pellets: how much is appropriate?
- Adult rabbits: about an egg-cupful (25g) of pellets per day.
- Avoid overfeeding pellets—too many can cause obesity and reduce hay intake.
Fresh greens: what’s safe and how to introduce
- Offer a handful of rabbit-safe greens daily (e.g. romaine lettuce, parsley, dandelion).
- Introduce new greens slowly to avoid digestive upset.
Water: bowl vs bottle
- Fresh water should always be available—bowls are often preferred, but bottles are fine if cleaned daily.
Common rabbit feeding mistakes
- Too many pellets or treats, not enough hay.
- Sudden changes in diet.
- Not providing fresh water or clean bowls/bottles.
Signs your rabbit’s diet needs adjusting
- Not eating hay or reduced appetite.
- Soft droppings or digestive upset.
- Overgrown teeth or weight gain/loss.
FAQs
Should rabbits have unlimited hay?
Yes—hay should always be available.
Yes—hay should always be available.
What’s the best hay for rabbits?
Timothy, meadow, or orchard grass hay—avoid dusty or mouldy hay.
Timothy, meadow, or orchard grass hay—avoid dusty or mouldy hay.
How much pellets should I feed my rabbit?
About 25g per day for an average adult rabbit.
About 25g per day for an average adult rabbit.
Can rabbits eat too many pellets?
Yes—too many can cause obesity and reduce hay intake.
Yes—too many can cause obesity and reduce hay intake.
How do I get my rabbit to eat more hay?
Reduce pellets, offer fresh hay daily, and try different types.
Reduce pellets, offer fresh hay daily, and try different types.
Can rabbits eat grass instead of hay?
Grass is good, but hay should still be the main food, especially in winter.
Grass is good, but hay should still be the main food, especially in winter.
What vegetables can rabbits eat daily?
Leafy greens like romaine lettuce, parsley, and coriander.
Leafy greens like romaine lettuce, parsley, and coriander.
Why has my rabbit stopped eating?
This is an emergency—contact your vet urgently as it could be gut stasis.
This is an emergency—contact your vet urgently as it could be gut stasis.
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