My vet says rabbit pellets are unhealthy. What should I feed my bunny?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Small Animal | Rabbit | Female | unspayed | 3 months and 14 days old | 5.2 lbs
I recently took my 4mth mini Rex rabbit to the vet due to painful gas (and no other symptoms - still eating, pooping, drinking, running) and was told that rabbit pellets from the pet store are for fattening rabbits to eat. My childhood rabbit ate pellets for 11 years and nothing bad happened. I don’t mean to question a professional but everyone I know who has rabbits feeds them pellets. I can’t afford to feed her $5 in produce every day. Thoughts?
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on April 20th, 2019
Pellets can predispose a rabbit to obesity. They may not provide the amount of fiber needed to maintain a healthy gut. You don't need to feed just produce. Ellie should be fed as much timothy hay, oat hay or similar grasses as she wants to eat. These grasses are relatively inexpensive. You can feed alfalfa until she is about 7 months old then discontinue feeding it. Supplement the diet with a cup or two of fresh, dark, leafy greens and vegetables daily. Up to 1/4 cup of commercial pellets can be offered daily.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on April 5th, 2017
You don't need to have commercial rabbit pellets as long as you feed a large variety of green, leafy vegetables and you give your bun constant access to grass hay. NOT alfalfa, as it is a legume and too rich. Sticks, twigs, and bark are also important for dental health. Hay, however, is a must.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on June 24th, 2018
Hello there! There is no real need to feed pellets to rabbits. We generally recommend that rabbits eat no more than a tablespoon of pellets per day. They are high in calories which makes for a good treat and training reward, but certainly not a vital part of nutrition. A healthy rabbit's diet should consist of 80% hay (Oaten and Timothy are good choices), as much leafy greens as they would like in a day, and occasional fresh fruit. I hope this helps! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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