Rabbit Feeding Calculator
An estimated 80% of
Feeding Calculator
Understanding Your Rabbit's Dietary Needs
A rabbit's digestive system is specifically designed for high-fiber, low-energy foods. In the wild, rabbits eat primarily grasses, weeds, and leafy plants. Their gut relies on a constant flow of fiber to maintain healthy motility. When fiber intake drops — from too many pellets, treats, or starchy foods — the gut slows down, gas builds up, and the potentially fatal condition known as GI stasis can develop within hours.
The ideal domestic rabbit diet mirrors this natural pattern: 80% hay, 10-15% fresh vegetables, and only 5% pellets. Most rabbit owners drastically over-feed pellets and under-provide hay. This calculator helps you find the right balance.
Pellet Calculation Formula
Adult Pellets = (Weight in lbs ÷ 5) × ¼ cup per day
Greens = Weight in lbs ÷ 2 = cups of leafy greens per day
Growing rabbits (under 7 months) receive double the pellet amount plus alfalfa hay for the extra calcium and calories needed for growth. Senior rabbits (5+ years) often benefit from slightly reduced pellets if their activity decreases, but should maintain unlimited hay access.
Real-World Feeding Example
An adult Holland Lop weighing 4.5 lbs with moderate free-roam time:
- Hay: Unlimited timothy hay — refill hay rack twice daily
- Pellets: (4.5 ÷ 5) × 4 = 3.6 tablespoons (~3.5 tbsp) timothy pellets
- Greens: 4.5 ÷ 2 = 2.25 cups — mix of romaine, cilantro, and parsley
- Water: 3-8 oz fresh water in a ceramic bowl
- Treats: 1-2 tablespoons of banana or apple, maximum 3 times per week
Feeding Reference by Weight
| Rabbit Weight | Hay | Pellets | Greens | Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 lbs | Unlimited (body-sized pile) | ~2 tbsp | 1.5 cups | 3-6 oz |
| 5 lbs | Unlimited (body-sized pile) | 1/4 cup | 2.5 cups | 4-10 oz |
| 8 lbs | Unlimited (body-sized pile) | ~6 tbsp | 4 cups | 7-16 oz |
| 10 lbs | Unlimited (body-sized pile) | 1/2 cup | 5 cups | 9-20 oz |
| 12 lbs | Unlimited (body-sized pile) | ~10 tbsp | 6 cups | 11-24 oz |
Common Rabbit Feeding Mistakes
- Feeding muesli-style pellets. Rabbits pick out sugary pieces, causing malnutrition and dental disease. Use plain timothy pellets only.
- Limiting hay to save money. Hay should be 80% of the diet and always available. Buy in bulk from farm supply stores for better prices.
- Giving too many treats. Yogurt drops, seed sticks, and dried fruit marketed for rabbits are essentially junk food and can cause serious GI problems.
- Introducing vegetables too quickly. Add one new vegetable at a time, waiting 2 weeks to monitor for soft stool or diarrhea before adding another.
- Using water bottles instead of bowls. Studies show rabbits drink more (and stay better hydrated) from open bowls than sipper bottles.
For other pet nutrition tools, try our dog food calculator or cat food calculator. Estimate lifelong costs with the pet lifetime cost calculator or check how old your pet is in human years with the pet age calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much hay should a rabbit eat daily?
Rabbits should have unlimited access to grass hay (timothy, orchard grass, oat hay) — it should make up approximately 80% of their diet. A general guideline is a body-sized pile of hay per day, but many rabbits eat even more. Hay provides essential fiber for digestive health and helps wear down constantly growing teeth. Alfalfa hay is only appropriate for rabbits under 7 months or pregnant/nursing does due to its high calcium and calorie content.
How many pellets should I feed my rabbit?
Adult rabbits (over 7 months) need approximately 1/4 cup of timothy-based pellets per 5 lbs of body weight per day. Avoid muesli-style mixes with seeds and colorful pieces — rabbits selectively eat the sugary bits, leading to nutritional imbalances. Choose plain pellets with 18-20% fiber, 12-14% protein, and under 3% fat. Dwarf breeds under 5 lbs may get 1/8 cup daily.
What vegetables can rabbits eat daily?
Feed 1 packed cup of leafy greens per 2 lbs of body weight daily. Safe daily vegetables include romaine lettuce, cilantro, parsley, basil, bok choy, and dandelion greens. Introduce new vegetables one at a time over 2 weeks to monitor for digestive upset. Limit high-oxalate greens (spinach, Swiss chard) to 1-2 times per week. Avoid iceberg lettuce — it has no nutritional value and can cause diarrhea.
How much water does a rabbit need?
Are fruits safe for rabbits?
Fruits are safe as occasional treats only — maximum 1-2 tablespoons per 5 lbs of body weight, 2-3 times per week. Safe fruits include apple (no seeds), banana, blueberries, strawberries, and papaya. Fruits are high in sugar and can cause GI stasis, obesity, and dental problems if overfed. Never feed dried fruit — the concentrated sugar content is far too high.
What foods are toxic to rabbits?
Toxic
How do I know if my rabbit is overweight?
Feel your rabbit's ribs — you should be able to feel them with light pressure but not see them. An overweight rabbit has a visible dewlap (fat roll under the chin) even in non-dewlap breeds, difficulty grooming their backend (leading to messy bottoms), and reduced activity. The ideal body condition shows a smooth, slightly rounded body shape without protruding hip bones or excessive fat deposits.