Rabbit Food Amount Calculator

About the Rabbit Food Amount Calculator

A rabbit's diet should consist primarily of unlimited grass hay (80%+), supplemented with measured portions of pellets and fresh leafy greens. The correct amount of pellets is approximately 1/4 cup per 5 pounds of body weight, while fresh greens should be offered at about 1 packed cup per 2 pounds of body weight daily.

Timothy hay (or orchard grass, meadow hay) is the foundation of a healthy rabbit diet, providing essential fiber for proper gut motility and dental wear. Without sufficient hay, rabbits develop GI stasis — a potentially fatal condition where the digestive system slows or stops. Pellets provide concentrated nutrition but should be limited to prevent obesity.

This calculator takes your rabbit's weight and provides specific daily amounts for pellets and fresh greens. Hay should always be available in unlimited quantities — a rabbit should eat a body-sized pile of hay every day.

When This Page Helps

Improper feeding is the leading cause of health problems in pet rabbits. Too many pellets lead to obesity and dental disease, while insufficient greens cause nutrient deficiencies. It gives vet-recommended portions so you can confidently build a balanced rabbit diet.

How to Use the Inputs

1. Weigh your rabbit in pounds.
2. Enter the weight into the calculator.
3. Review the recommended pellet and greens amounts.
4. Provide unlimited timothy hay at all times.
5. Divide greens into 2-3 varieties per day.
6. Adjust amounts based on your rabbit's body condition.

Example Calculation

Tips & Best Practices

• Timothy hay should make up 80%+ of the diet — keep it always available.
• Introduce new greens one at a time to avoid digestive upset.
• Safe greens: romaine, cilantro, parsley, basil, dill, bok choy, carrot tops.
• Limit fruits to 1-2 tablespoons per 5 lbs as occasional treats.
• Young rabbits (under 7 months) can have unlimited alfalfa-based pellets.
• Fresh, clean water should always be available via a bowl or bottle.
• Avoid iceberg lettuce, beans, rhubarb, and onions — these are harmful.

Why Hay Is the Most Important Food

Rabbits' teeth grow continuously throughout their lives. Chewing fibrous hay wears teeth down at the proper rate, preventing painful dental spurs. Hay's long fiber strands also keep the gut moving — without constant fiber intake, rabbits develop GI stasis, which can be fatal within 24-48 hours.

Transitioning Diet

If your rabbit is currently on a seed-and-pellet mix, transition slowly over 2-3 weeks. Gradually increase hay availability while reducing pellet portions. Introduce one new green vegetable every few days and watch for soft stools, which indicate the vegetable doesn't agree with your rabbit.

Pellet Quality Matters

Not all pellets are equal. Choose plain timothy-based pellets without colorful bits, seeds, or dried fruit. These added ingredients are high in sugar and fat. Look for pellets with 18-20% fiber, 14-16% protein, and less than 2% fat. Oxbow and Science Selective are commonly recommended brands.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much hay does a rabbit need?

  Unlimited. A rabbit should eat approximately a pile of hay equal to its own body size every day. Hay provides the fiber essential for proper digestion and dental health. If your rabbit isn't eating enough hay, reduce pellets to increase hay consumption.

• Can rabbits eat too many pellets?

  Yes. Excessive pellets cause obesity, reduce hay consumption, and lead to dental problems because the rabbit doesn't chew enough fibrous material. Limit pellets to 1/4 cup per 5 lbs of body weight for adult rabbits.

• What greens are safe for rabbits?

  Safe daily greens include romaine lettuce, cilantro, parsley, dill, basil, mint, bok choy, and carrot tops. Kale and spinach are safe in moderation but high in calcium. Avoid iceberg lettuce, which has minimal nutrition and can cause diarrhea.

• Should baby rabbits eat differently?

  Yes. Rabbits under 7 months can have unlimited alfalfa hay and alfalfa-based pellets for extra calcium and calories needed for growth. Transition to timothy hay and limited pellets gradually between 7-12 months of age.

• Can rabbits eat fruit?

  Fruit should be a rare treat — no more than 1-2 tablespoons per 5 lbs of body weight, 2-3 times per week. Safe fruits include apple (no seeds), banana, blueberries, strawberries, and pear. The high sugar content can cause cecal dysbiosis if overfed.

• What if my rabbit won't eat hay?

  Reduce pellets first — a hungry rabbit will eat hay. Try different hay types (timothy, orchard, meadow). Ensure hay is fresh and fragrant. Mix in small amounts of dried herbs for flavor. Hay is non-negotiable for rabbit health, so persistence is key.