Small Pets
What Can Rabbits Eat? Safe Foods List (and Foods to Avoid)
A clear list of safe vegetables, herbs, fruits and treats for pet rabbits, plus the foods that can make rabbits sick and how to introduce new foods.
Rabbit Care for Beginners: Housing, Diet and Daily Routine
Thinking about a pet rabbit? Learn what rabbits really need, from space and diet to litter training, handling and vet care, before you bring one home.
Rabbits are intelligent, social and full of personality. They can learn their names, use a litter box and even do little "binkies," joyful jumps and twists in the air. But rabbits are often misunderstood as low-maintenance starter pets for kids. In reality, they live 8 to 12 years, need plenty of space and have specialized diets and health needs. With the right setup, they make wonderful companions.
Key takeaways
- Rabbits need much more space than a typical pet store hutch.
- Unlimited hay should make up most of a rabbit's diet.
- Rabbits are social and usually happiest in bonded pairs.
- Spaying or neutering helps with behavior, litter habits and health.
Is a rabbit right for you?
Before adopting, consider:
- Lifespan: 8 to 12 years is a long commitment.
- Daily time: rabbits need several hours outside an enclosure every day, plus social interaction.
- Vet care: rabbits need a veterinarian experienced with exotic pets, who may cost more than a typical dog and cat vet.
- Handling: most rabbits dislike being picked up, which can make them a poor match for very young children.
Housing: think pen, not cage
Many commercial rabbit cages are far too small. A rabbit should be able to hop several times in a row, stand up fully on its hind legs and stretch out completely. Many rabbit welfare organizations recommend an enclosure of at least 4 by 8 feet for one or two rabbits, connected to more space for daily exercise.
Popular setups include an exercise pen indoors or a rabbit-proofed room. Indoor rabbits are safer from predators, extreme weather and parasites, and they become more social when they live as part of the family.
Rabbit-proofing your home
- Cover or hide electrical cords, a serious chewing hazard.
- Protect baseboards, furniture legs and rugs.
- Remove toxic houseplants and anything you do not want chewed.
- Provide safe chew toys made from untreated wood, cardboard or woven grass.
What do rabbits eat?
A rabbit's digestive system is designed to process lots of fiber. The right diet keeps the gut moving and wears down teeth, which grow continuously throughout life.
| Food | How much |
|---|---|
| Grass hay (timothy, orchard, meadow) | Unlimited, about 80 to 90% of the diet |
| Fresh leafy greens | Roughly 1 packed cup per 2 lb of body weight daily |
| Plain, high-fiber pellets | Small, measured amount (often about 1/4 cup per 5 lb) |
| Fruit and treats | Tiny amounts, a couple of times a week |
| Fresh water | Always available |
Young rabbits can have alfalfa hay, but adults usually switch to grass hays because alfalfa is high in calcium and calories. For a full list of safe and unsafe foods, see our guide on what rabbits can eat.
Avoid muesli-style mixes with seeds, corn and colorful pieces. Rabbits pick out the sugary bits and miss the fiber they need.
Litter training
Rabbits naturally choose one or two bathroom spots, which makes litter training easier than many people expect. Use a large litter box filled with paper-based or aspen pellet litter, and place a generous pile of hay at one end, since rabbits like to eat while they go. Avoid clay and clumping cat litter, and avoid pine or cedar shavings, whose oils may irritate airways and affect liver function.
Spayed or neutered rabbits are much easier to litter train because they mark territory less.
Companionship and handling
Rabbits are social animals. Many thrive with a bonded partner of the opposite sex, both spayed or neutered. Bonding should be done gradually and on neutral ground.
Rabbits are prey animals and often feel unsafe when lifted. Spend time on the floor at their level and let them approach you. When you do need to pick up a rabbit, support its back and hindquarters fully. Never lift a rabbit by its ears or the scruff.
Health basics
- Find an exotic pet vet before you need one, and schedule yearly checkups.
- Gastrointestinal stasis is a dangerous slowdown of the gut. If your rabbit stops eating or producing droppings for 12 hours, call a vet immediately.
- Dental disease can cause drooling, weight loss and changes in eating.
- Heat stress: rabbits overheat easily. Keep them cool and shaded, ideally below about 80°F.
- Vaccination: ask your vet about Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHDV2) vaccination, which is available in the U.S.
Frequently asked questions
Do rabbits make good pets for kids?
Rabbits can be great family pets with adult supervision, but they are fragile and usually do not enjoy being held. See our guide to the best small pets for kids.
Can rabbits live outside?
Indoor housing is generally safer and keeps rabbits more social. Outdoor rabbits face predators, heat, cold and isolation.
How do I know my rabbit is happy?
Happy rabbits explore, flop onto their sides to rest, do binkies and approach you for attention.
Friendly reminder: This guide is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet seems unwell, contact a licensed veterinarian.
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