How often to feed a rabbit
Hay should be available to a rabbit constantly, all day and night, rather than fed at set times, since it's the single most important part of their diet. Fresh leafy greens are given daily and a small, measured portion of pellets once or twice a day rounds out a sensible routine, with treats kept occasional.
Hay: available all the time, not just at mealtimes
Unlike pellets or greens, hay isn't something to portion out at set feeding times — a rabbit should have constant access to fresh hay throughout the day, since it makes up the majority of what a healthy rabbit eats and keeps their digestion moving properly as well as wearing down their continuously growing teeth.
Top up hay regularly rather than waiting for the rack or pile to run out completely, and offer more than you expect them to eat, since some will be used for bedding or simply picked over. A rabbit that's rarely without hay to browse is generally in a good routine.
Greens: a daily portion
Fresh leafy greens, given daily, add variety and moisture to a rabbit's diet alongside hay. A mix of two or three different safe greens rather than the same one every day gives a broader range of nutrients and keeps mealtimes a bit more interesting for your rabbit.
Introduce any new green gradually rather than several at once, watching for any change in droppings, since a rabbit's gut can be sensitive to sudden dietary changes even when the food itself is perfectly suitable.
Pellets: a small, measured amount
Pellets or nuggets are given once or twice a day in a modest, measured portion rather than left available all the time, since they're more calorie-dense than hay and free access can lead to a rabbit filling up on pellets instead of the hay they need most.
Choose a plain, uniform pellet rather than a muesli-style mixed food where a rabbit can pick out the tastiest bits and leave the rest, which is a well-recognised way rabbits end up with an unbalanced diet despite the bag looking nutritionally complete.
Keeping a consistent routine
Feeding pellets and greens at roughly the same times each day helps establish a predictable routine, which suits rabbits well and makes it easier to notice quickly if your rabbit is eating less than usual, since a drop in appetite is always worth taking seriously in this species.
If you're ever unsure how much to feed, or your rabbit's weight or appetite changes, your vet or the Rabbit Welfare Association can advise on a suitable routine for your individual rabbit's size, age and health.
Common questions
- Should hay be available to rabbits all the time?
- Yes, hay should be available constantly rather than given at set feeding times, since it makes up the majority of a healthy rabbit's diet and keeps their digestion and teeth in good condition. Top it up regularly rather than letting it run out.
- How many times a day should I feed pellets?
- Once or twice a day in a small, measured portion is generally sensible, since pellets are more calorie-dense than hay and shouldn't be left available all the time. Your vet can advise on the right amount for your individual rabbit's size and age.
- Can rabbits eat too many greens?
- A daily portion of two or three varieties is generally fine, but introduce anything new gradually and watch for any change in droppings, since a rabbit's digestion can be sensitive to sudden changes even with suitable foods.
- Why shouldn't rabbits have muesli-style food?
- Muesli-style mixes let a rabbit pick out the tastiest pieces and leave the rest, which can lead to an unbalanced diet even though the bag looks nutritionally complete overall. A plain, uniform pellet avoids this selective feeding problem.
Sources
Written against guidance published by UK veterinary and welfare organisations. Always confirm specifics with your own vet.
Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.