🔄Last Updated: 12 March 2026•Originally published: 5 February 2020
The single most important thing to understand about rabbit nutrition is this: hay is not a supplement — it IS the diet. 80-85% of a rabbit’s daily intake should be unlimited, high-quality feeding hay. Everything else is secondary. Incorrect diet is the leading cause of dental disease, GI stasis, and obesity in pet rabbits — all potentially fatal conditions.
The Rabbit Diet Pyramid
| Component | % of Diet | Daily Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Hay (Timothy/Meadow) | 80-85% | Unlimited — body-size bundle daily |
| Fresh leafy greens | 10% | Adult handful of 5-6 varieties |
| Pellets/Nuggets | 5% | 1 egg cup per rabbit per day |
| Treats | <5% | Occasional — no sugary treats |
Best Rabbit Pellets UK 2026
| Brand | Fibre | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Science Selective | 25% | Vet-recommended / Overall best |
| Burgess Excel | High fibre / Mint variety | 92% UK vet recommended |
| Oxbow Essentials | 25-29% | Timothy hay-based / Adults |
⚠️ NEVER feed muesli-style mixes. Rabbits selectively eat the sugary, starchy pieces and leave the nutritious ones, leading to dental disease and obesity. The RWAF and all UK vets recommend pelleted/nugget food only.
For housing, see Best Rabbit Hutch and Best Indoor Rabbit Cage. Part of our Rabbit Care Guide.