Rabbit pellets
Rabbit pellets are meant to be a measured, secondary part of a rabbit's diet, topping up what hay does not fully provide, rather than the main event — hay should still make up the bulk of what a rabbit eats every day. Below is how much pellet is sensible, what to check on the bag, and what we stock.
Why pellets are a supplement, not the main food
A rabbit's digestive system is built to process a near-continuous supply of fibre, which is exactly what unlimited hay or grass provides and what a bowl of pellets, however good the brand, cannot replicate on its own. Pellets are concentrated and easy to overfeed relative to how much fibre a rabbit actually needs.
This is why the general guidance from rabbit welfare organisations is hay first, in unlimited quantity, with a measured amount of pellets and a portion of fresh greens alongside it, rather than pellets as the largest part of the bowl.
What to check on a bag of pellets
A plain, high-fibre pellet without added seeds, dried fruit or brightly coloured pieces is generally the better choice, since muesli-style mixes with separate pieces allow rabbits to selectively pick out the tastiest bits and leave the rest, which can lead to an unbalanced diet even when the bag itself is nutritionally complete.
Check the fibre content on the label, since a good quality rabbit pellet should carry a meaningfully high fibre percentage, reflecting how much of a rabbit's digestive health depends on fibre intake generally.
How much to feed
A measured amount, roughly a small handful per kilogram of the rabbit's body weight each day, is a common general guide, though this can vary by brand and by individual rabbit, particularly one who is overweight or has specific health needs. Weighing out a consistent daily amount rather than free-feeding pellets helps avoid a rabbit filling up on pellets instead of hay.
If you are changing pellet brand, introduce the new one gradually over a week or two alongside the old, watching droppings and appetite, since a sudden full switch is more likely to cause a digestive upset than a gradual transition.
What we stock
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Adjustable Tortoise Harness and Lead
An adjustable harness and lead set sized for tortoises and turtles, for safe garden adventures.
£7.99
Four Flags Quick Ferret Muzzle — Grooming & Handling Aid
A temporary, reliable muzzle designed specifically for ferrets — useful for grooming, medicating, and routine handling.
£14.99
Hamster Exercise Ball
A clear rolling exercise ball that lets your hamster roam and stay active safely around the home, with ventilation slots and a secure lid. Supplied in a random colour.
£7.99
Rabbit No-Rinse Dry-Cleaning Foam
A no-rinse foam that gently cleans and freshens your rabbit's coat between full washes, no water needed.
£7.99
PawHut 12-Panel Small Animal Playpen for Guinea Pigs, 105cm, White
Twelve 45 x 35cm panels and multi-angle connectors that build a 105 x 105cm open pen at 45cm high, for evening floor time with guinea pigs or hedgehogs.
£35.99
Poultry Nappy Harness for Chickens, Ducks & Geese
A washable fabric nappy harness for house poultry, catching droppings to keep your home clean.
From£7.99
Hanging Cage Hammock for Small Pets
A soft sherpa-lined cage hammock that gives small pets a warm, lofted spot to curl up.
From£8.99
Selective Timothy Hay
UK-grown Timothy hay for rabbits and other small animals, for unlimited daily feeding
£9.99
Small Pet Carrier Shoulder Bag with Bubble Window
A ventilated travel carrier bag for hamsters, guinea pigs and other small pets, with a clear bubble window and breathable mesh panels. The adjustable shoulder strap makes outings and vet trips easy.
£13.99
Selective Naturals Woodland Loops
Dandelion and rosehip flavoured loop treats for rabbits, guinea pigs, degus and chinchillas
£3.99
Selective Naturals Orchard Loops
Apple-flavoured loop treats for rabbits, guinea pigs, degus and chinchillas
£3.99
Selective Naturals Meadow Loops
Pea-flavoured loop treats for rabbits, guinea pigs, degus and chinchillas
£3.99
Common questions
- Can rabbits eat only pellets without hay?
- No, hay should always make up the bulk of a rabbit's diet, with pellets as a measured supplement rather than a replacement. A rabbit fed mostly on pellets misses out on the continuous fibre intake their digestive system depends on.
- Are muesli-style rabbit mixes better than plain pellets?
- Generally, no. Muesli-style mixes let rabbits pick out the tastiest pieces and leave the rest, which can lead to an unbalanced diet even if the bag as a whole is nutritionally complete. A plain, uniform pellet avoids that selective feeding problem.
- How much pellet food should I give my rabbit?
- A measured amount is generally recommended, roughly scaled to the rabbit's body weight, rather than leaving pellets available at all times. Weighing a consistent daily portion helps make sure hay, not pellets, remains the largest part of the diet.
- Can I change my rabbit's pellet brand suddenly?
- It is better to introduce a new brand gradually over one to two weeks, mixing increasing amounts with the old pellets, since a sudden full switch is more likely to cause a digestive upset than a gradual transition.
Related
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.