How Much to Feed a Rabbit: Portion Guide by Size & Age

A healthy rabbit diet is built around fiber first. For most pet rabbits, that means unlimited grass hay should make up the bulk of the diet, with pellets and fresh greens used in smaller, measured amounts. Hay supports normal gut movement and helps wear down continuously growing teeth. When rabbits fill up on pellets instead, they are more likely to gain weight and develop soft stool.

Age matters as much as size. Young, growing rabbits usually need more calories, protein, and calcium than adults, so many vets recommend free-choice alfalfa hay and alfalfa-based pellets until about 7 months of age. After that, most rabbits do best on unlimited grass hay such as timothy, orchard, or brome, plus a timothy-based pellet fed in a measured portion.

For adult rabbits, a practical starting point is unlimited grass hay, about 1/8 to 1/4 cup of pellets per 5 pounds of body weight daily, and 1/4 to 1/2 cup of mixed leafy greens each day. Smaller rabbits often stay near the lower end of pellet portions, while larger rabbits may need more total food but still benefit from careful pellet measurement. Your vet may adjust this plan if your rabbit is underweight, overweight, elderly, pregnant, or dealing with dental or digestive disease.

Think of pellets as a supplement, not the main meal. Fresh water should always be available, and any diet change should happen gradually over at least several days. Sudden changes can upset the delicate balance of bacteria in the rabbit gut.

For adult rabbits, the safest general feeding pattern is: unlimited grass hay at all times, timothy-based pellets measured at about 1/8 to 1/4 cup per 5 pounds of body weight per day, and 1/4 to 1/2 cup of mixed leafy greens daily. Good greens may include romaine, bok choy, cilantro, basil, carrot tops, mustard greens, or beet greens. Variety is helpful, and large servings of high-carbohydrate vegetables are not.

For baby and juvenile rabbits under about 7 months, many veterinary sources recommend free-choice alfalfa hay and alfalfa pellets to support growth. Greens can be introduced in small amounts and increased slowly if stool stays normal. Around 7 months, many rabbits are transitioned gradually to an adult plan with grass hay and more limited pellets.

Treats need tighter limits. Carrots, fruit, and commercial snack mixes should be small and occasional, not daily staples. Seed mixes, yogurt drops, and muesli-style diets are poor choices for most rabbits because they encourage selective eating and reduce fiber intake. If you are unsure how much your individual rabbit should eat, ask your vet for a body-condition-based feeding plan rather than relying only on the bag label.

A simple size guide for adult rabbits is a starting point, not a rule: rabbits under 5 pounds often do well with 1/8 cup pellets daily; rabbits around 5 to 10 pounds may need 1/8 to 1/4 cup per 5 pounds; and giant breeds may need careful adjustment based on weight trend, muscle condition, and activity. If your rabbit leaves hay untouched but eagerly eats pellets, that usually means the pellet portion is too generous.

Watch your rabbit’s litter box and appetite closely. Soft stool, mushy cecotropes stuck to the fur, weight gain, reduced hay intake, and selective eating can all suggest the diet is too rich in pellets or treats. On the other hand, weight loss, poor muscle condition, dull coat, or constant hunger may mean your rabbit is not getting enough calories or is having trouble chewing or absorbing food.

Dental and digestive problems can look like feeding problems at first. A rabbit that suddenly eats less hay, drops food, drools, produces fewer fecal pellets, or seems quieter than usual may have pain, GI slowdown, or tooth disease rather than being "picky." Rabbits can decline fast when they stop eating, so appetite changes matter.

See your vet immediately if your rabbit stops eating, stops passing stool, has a bloated belly, seems painful, becomes weak, or has diarrhea. Those are not wait-and-see signs. Even a short period without eating can become an emergency in rabbits.

If the concern is slower and milder, such as gradual weight gain or recurring soft stool, schedule a visit with your vet to review diet, body condition, teeth, and stool quality. Small feeding adjustments often help, but they should be matched to the rabbit in front of you.

If your rabbit seems overly focused on pellets or treats, the safest alternative is usually more hay access, not more snack foods. Offer fresh grass hay in several spots, stuff it into cardboard tubes or hay racks, and replace stale hay often. Many rabbits eat more when hay smells fresh and is easy to reach.

For variety, choose leafy greens instead of sugary treats. Romaine, cilantro, basil, bok choy, watercress, and carrot tops are often better routine options than fruit, banana chips, or large carrot pieces. Introduce one new green at a time and watch stool quality for a few days before adding more.

If your rabbit needs enrichment, try food-based activities that still support fiber intake. Hay stuffed into paper bags, forage boxes with safe herbs, or small portions of greens hidden around the enclosure can encourage movement and natural grazing behavior. These options usually fit rabbit digestion better than commercial treat mixes.

If your rabbit is underweight, elderly, or has trouble chewing hay, do not guess. Ask your vet about options such as softer hay types, adjusted pellet portions, or recovery-support feeding plans. The right alternative depends on age, body condition, dental health, and any medical issues.