A wise German philosopher once said that ‘Man is what he eats.’
He was right, but he forgot a small detail:
Man AND BUNNY are what they eat. 🍽️ We both deserve the Best Food.
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This is why it’s so important to get nutrition right and feed both yourself and your bunnies a hearty, healthy diet with the best food.
And since we trust you to take care of yourself, this post will only focus on your bunny’s diet! 😃
We know that feeding a bunny sounds complicated, especially if you’re new to rabbits…
But the truth is that it’s made out to be way harder than it is — you don’t need to be a nutritionist or scientist to figure out the best foods to give your fluffballs!
If you honor us with 10 minutes of your time, we’ll help you cut through the misinformation, the colorful marketing, and the myths.
You’ll learn everything a responsible owner needs to know about rabbit nutrition. Stuff like:
- The kind of foods rabbits need to eat
- The nine best products you can buy online
- A ton of helpful rabbit nutrition tips and tricks
Sound good?
Awesome, let’s chew right through this article!
Foods we cover in this article, at a quick glance.
- Small Pet Select 2nd Cutting Perfect Blend Timothy Hay
- Standlee Hay Company Premium Timothy Grass
- Oxbow Essentials Rabbit Food - All Natural Rabbit Pellets
- Sherwood Pet Health Adult Rabbit Food
- Small Pet Select Rabbit Food Pellets
- Oxbow Animal Health Alfalfa Hay
- Kaytee Wild Meadow Grown Hay Blend
- Oxbow Essentials Rabbit Food
- SCIENCE Selective Supreme Junior Rabbit Food
Note: Clicking the above links will take you to further information, current prices and customer reviews on Amazon.
What Should a Rabbit Eat?
Before you skip this section and scroll straight down to the reviews, think about this:
Learning more about your rabbit’s diet now will save you from a lot of future headaches, uneaten bags of rabbit food, and expensive trips to the vet.
Convincing enough?
Great, we promise to make it quick and get straight to the products you’re itching to see!
This is what the diet of a healthy pet rabbit looks like:
- 70-80% grass hay (timothy, orchard, or oat for adults & alfalfa for youngsters)
- 10-15% fresh vegetables (like leafy greens)
- 5-10% rabbit pellets
- 5% healthy treats (like fruit)
- Unlimited water
You surely noticed the huge imbalance towards grass/hay — it isn’t a typo; house bunnies need that much!
It’s critical for their dental and digestive health.
Why?
Because our pets descend from wild rabbits that spend all day grazing on fields…
And despite learning how to live on sofas, they haven’t changed in terms of biology and diet.
So give those fluffy munchkins tons of yummy hay! (ps, if you need a rabbit hay feeder, check out our reviews!)
With that said, you’re ready to deep dive into the best rabbit food.
So here are our reviews of the best food products money can buy, broken down by age and food type.
Note that we haven’t included any veggies, herbs, and fruits — just get them fresh!
If you aren’t sure which ones to feed to your fluffy pets, check the FAQ section for a list of safe (and unsafe) fresh rabbit foods.
The Best Rabbit Food of 2021
The Best Hay For Adult Rabbits
Small Pet Select 2nd Cutting Perfect Blend Timothy Hay
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Small Pet Select offers one of the very best boxes of timothy grass hay around!
Small Pet Select offers one of the very best boxes of timothy grass hay around!
All to ensure it arrives fresh, fragrant, and soft to your door — your bunny rabbit will be impressed!
Manufacturers Specs and Features
- Hand-Selected Timothy Hay - We hand-pack each box in small batches to ensure only the highest quality 100% US-grown 2nd cut Timothy hay arrives at your door. 2nd cut Timothy hay is a perfect balance of stem, seed head , and leaf to provide the rough fiber needed for normal wear to healthy teeth and yummy features with a fresh smell to keep them coming back for more.
- Earth-Friendly Packaging - As small animal owners, we know the importance of packing delicious snacks in safe ways for our small animal companions. No compression packing here that damages stem and leaf integrity, each package is shipped in a high-strength corrugated box for easy storage (and fun digging!).
- Minimally Handled & Delivered Fresh - Make it easy to provide exactly what your little friend needs with regular shipments of fresh from the farm hay to wear down growing teeth and protect digestive health. Each delivery of premium Timothy hay for rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas includes a great mix of protein, fiber and fat to keep them healthy. Your small pet may not thank you with words, but happy oinks and binkies will make you feel like the pet owner of the year.
- Great for Bedding - In addition to being a crucial part of many small pet diets, Timothy hay also makes cozy bedding for hamsters, gerbils, mice, rats, ferrets and more. Since most of us aren’t up for doing laundry with tiny duvets, hay makes a wonderful, fresh smelling alternative that they will love to snuggle into.
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee! - For you and your pets. We know pets can be picky. If your bunny (or piggy or chinny) stomps and turns up her nose, you can still rest easy.
Pros
- Fresh, delicious timothy hay
- Hand-selected and packaged in small batches
- High in fiber
- Low in calcium
- Second cutting only (soft but not too soft)
- Good for picky eaters
Cons
- Slight risk of inconsistent quality
Standlee Hay Company Premium Timothy Grass
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Competing with Small Pet Select’s timothy hay is hard enough… but doing it AND providing a better price to your customers is seriously impressive!
Hats off, Standlee! 🎩👒🧢
This timothy hay is right up there with the very best — fresh, fragrant, and delicious.
There’s only one catch:
Its quality isn’t as consistent.
Manufacturers Specs and Features
- Feeding Instructions: Standlee recommends selecting a commercial fiber-based, vitamin and mineral fortified food, like PremiYum fortified food, and pair it with high-quality, hand-selected long-stem forage. Timothy Grass is NOT intended to be the only component of the diet. Place forages in a hopper or bin to prevent spoilage. Remove any uneaten forage if it becomes wet, damp, or soiled.
- Storage and Shelf Life: Proper storage includes keeping the product dry and unexposed to the elements. Simply reclosing our specially designed box helps keep our forages dry and free from contamination. Instructions on how to reclose the box are printed on the top flap.
- Healthy Digestive System: Feeding a small amount of fresh forage stimulates chewing, which aids in proper teeth wear and promotes a healthy digestive system.
- Recommended For: Small companion animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, chinchillas, prairie dogs and other herbivores
- Ingredients: Naturally Sun-Cured Premium Western Timothy Grass Forage
Pros
- Fantastic value for money
- Great for digestive and dental health
- Encourages natural foraging instincts
- Excellent source of fiber
- Grown in Idaho, USA
Cons
- Occasional bad batch
The Best Rabbit Food For Adult Rabbits
Oxbow Essentials Rabbit Food – All Natural Rabbit Pellets
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You say adult rabbit food; we say Oxbow Essentials!
This product has it all:
Timothy hay, excellent ingredients, balanced nutrition, fair pricing, and the approval of veterinarians.
What more could you want for your adult rabbit?
Well, you might want to dodge soybean and wheat as ingredients.
Understandable.
Simply upgrade to the ultra-premium Oxbow Animal Health Garden Select rabbit food, and you’re set!
Manufacturers Specs and Features
- ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS FOR A HEALTHY, ACTIVE LIFESTYLE: Made with high fiber Oxbow Timothy Hay to support healthy digestion
- SUPPORTS IMMUNE SYSTEM HEALTH: Made with antioxidants & prebiotics to support the immune system health of your adult rabbit
- PERFECT FOR PICKY EATERS: Uniform pellets prevent selective feeding
- FORTIFIED FOOD: Fortified with vitamins and minerals for optimum health
- VETERINARIAN RECOMMENDED: Formulated with the guidance of top veterinarians and nutritionists
Pros
- Complete pellet food
- Excellent blend of minerals, vitamins, protein, and healthy fat
- Competitively priced
- Prevents selective feeding
- Rich in antioxidants and prebiotics
- Free from artificial ingredients
Cons
- Contains wheat and soybean meal
- Not the tastiest option
Sherwood Pet Health Adult Rabbit Food
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There are two main reasons to pick these Sherwood Pet Health pellets:
- 1.Your picky rabbits don’t eat enough grass hay.
- 2.You want to avoid foods that contain soybean or wheat-derived ingredients.
If either rings true, this is the adult rabbit food for your cuddly bunnies thanks to its unique formula.
Sherwood manages to deliver excellent nutritional value to hay-snubbing rabbits and still be completely free from fillers, sweeteners, and artificial ingredients. Well done!
Manufacturers Specs and Features
- This formula uses whole natural ingredients and supplements to provide complete and balanced nutrition that covers all of your rabbits needs for a healthy and active lifestyle in every bite - no selective feeding of colorful treats.. This includes:
- Natural vitamins and phytonutrients (so you don't have to feed synthetic or animal sourced versions). Minerals and micronutrients (so you can know they aren't missing any). This is necessary for dental health too.
- Antioxidants and essential omega 3 and 6 fatty acids (important for heart, brain, and cell membrane health). Balanced amino acids (quality plant based protein that every aspect of your rabbits health depends upon).
- High fiber prebiotics, including: short and long-strand fibers for optimal digestive health and immune health. Switching brands doesn't have to be hard on your rabbits digestion with Sherwood's real hay-based formula for natural great taste and nutrition that is grain and soy-free. No cheap fillers or by-products that take the place of hay (like soybean hulls or rice hulls)
- 100% money back guarantee. You can return any Sherwood products for a full refund. We’ll even take it a step further… because we care about you and your pet the Sherwood team is here to help them be as healthy as they can be. Even if you don’t use Sherwood products contact us so we can talk about your pet and how to help them with their unique health needs.
Pros
- All-natural ingredients
- Recreates a rabbit’s natural diet
- Soybean and grain-free
- Ideal pellet size
- Improves digestive and urinary health
- Proudly made in the USA
Cons
- Contains alfalfa meal
- High in fat
- Expensive
Small Pet Select Rabbit Food Pellets
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Small Pet Select Rabbit Food is the last adult rabbit food to make the cut…
And despite coming in ‘last,’ it thoroughly deserves a place amongst the best pellets.
It’s a complete bunny feed made by a small family business in Ellensburg, Washington.
Our favorite thing about this product is that it’s milled in small batches for extra freshness — your bunny will taste the difference, guaranteed!
Manufacturers Specs and Features
- Top Rabbit Food Of Choice By Local Veterinarians And Caring Rabbit Owners Across The Country
- High Fiber, Timothy Hay Based Rabbit Food That Is Fortified With All Essential Vitamins And Minerals Your Rabbit Needs To Thrive
- Not Sold In Stores - Milled In Small Batches And Shipped Online Exclusively Through Amazon To Ensure Freshness For Your Rabbits
- Delivered Fresh Guarantee - All Rabbit Food Is Not Created Equal; Quality Of Ingredients And Freshness Really Matter To The Rabbits And Help To Ensure Long Term Health And Vitality
- Made With Love In The Usa And 100% Money Back Guarantee - We Are A Small Family Owned Business And Pride Ourselves In Delivering A Better And Fresher Food For Rabbits Than Any Of The Nationally Distributed Brands
Pros
- Timothy hay-based
- Tasty formula rabbits love
- Good nutritional balance
- Ideal pellet size
- Uniform pellets
- Rich in fiber
Cons
- Contains wheat, molasses, and soybean meal
- Fairly expensive
The Best Hay For Younger (or Pregnant/Nursing) Rabbits
Oxbow Animal Health Alfalfa Hay
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Nursing does and younger rabbits require diets with higher protein, calorie, and calcium levels.
These extra nutrients are pivotal for supporting their growth and development.
And that’s why they need some alfalfa hay!
And when it comes to premium alfalfa, Oxbow Animal Healthis the product of choice — sweet, soft, and delicious.
Yum!
Manufacturers Specs and Features
- Convenient Mess-Free Bag
- Necessary Small Animal Supplement
Pros
- Perfect for rabbits less than one year of age
- Great for blending with your choice of timothy or oat hay
- High in protein and fiber
- Ideal pellet size
- Conveniently packaged
- Grown in the USA
Cons
- Risk of dusty residue
Kaytee Wild Meadow Grown Hay Blend
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Then get Kaytee to do the hard work:
Buy a bag of Kaytee Wild Meadow Blend, and you’ll receive a mix of three different grass hays that have been grown and harvested together.
No hassle for you, and a natural grazing experience for your bunny — now that’s a win-win!
Manufacturers Specs and Features
- A naturally grown blend of timothy, orchard, and alfalfa hay provides a variety of textures and flavors for added enrichment
- Varieties of hay grown and harvested together to replicate what a small animal would find and forage in their natural environment
- Naturally grown without pesticides
- Grown specifically for small animals
- High fiber to support digestive health
Pros
- Made with timothy, orchard, and alfalfa grass
- Enriching fusion of textures, nutrients, and flavors
- Free from GMOs, pesticides, and artificial preservatives
- High in fiber
- Made by Kaytee, America’s #1 hay brand
Cons
- Sold in small packages
The Best Rabbit Food For Younger (or Pregnant/Nursing) Rabbits
Oxbow Essentials Rabbit Food
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Yet another Oxbow product…
What have these people been eating?
A wild guess — their own amazing rabbit food!
This Oxbow Young Rabbit Food is nearly the same fantastic product as the one for adults, but there’s one slight difference:
The pellets contain alfalfa meal instead of timothy grass.
Perfect for youngsters!
Manufacturers Specs and Features
- ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS FOR YOUNG, PREGNANT, OR NURSING RABBITS: Made with protein-rich Oxbow Alfalfa for optimal energy and fiber essential to support healthy digestion
- SUPPORTS MUSCLE & BONE DEVELOPMENT: Made with balanced protein and calcium sources to support the muscle and bone development of young and growing rabbits
- PERFECT FOR PICKY EATERS: Uniform pellets prevent selective feeding
- FORTIFIED FOOD: Fortified with vitamins and minerals for optimum health
- VETERINARIAN RECOMMENDED: Formulated with the guidance of top veterinarians and nutritionists
Pros
- Ideal blend of protein, calcium, and healthy fat
- Fortified with vitamins, chelated minerals, and prebiotics
- Supports muscle and bone growth
- Vet recommended
- A soybean and wheat-free variation also available — Oxbow Animal Health Garden Select Young Rabbit Food
Cons
- Some rabbits don’t like the flavor
- Made with wheat and soybean meal
SCIENCE Selective Supreme Junior Rabbit Food
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Another solid option for juvenile rabbits is Science Selective Supreme Junior Rabbit Food.
Bunnies simply love it!
They never stop raving about how great it tastes and how they can’t wait for more.
But Science Selective Supreme isn’t just delicious; it’s also nutritionally sound and primarily made from alfalfa meal.
Owners can rest easy if they pick this pellet food — it’ll give their rabbits a headstart in life!
Manufacturers Specs and Features
- High fiber – 19%
- Zero added sugar
- Rich in natural ingredients
- Prevents selective feeding
- Balanced diet
Pros
- Complete, balanced nutrition makeup
- Yummy recipe bunnies love
- Fortified with amino acids, herbs, and vitamins
- Prevents selective feeding
- No added sugar or artificial colors
Cons
- Pricey
- Contains wheat and soybean meal
Buyer’s Guide to the Best Rabbit Foods
Wowee, that was a lot of rabbit food!
Is your head still spinning?
We get it; it’s a lot to take in all.
That’s why it’s a terrific idea to cool down by learning a bit of ‘soft information’ about rabbit food.
And what better way to do it than by running through the eight most common FAQs we hear from knowledge-hungry rabbit owners?
None at all.
Sit back and enjoy! 😃🐰
Are Rabbit Pellets Really Necessary?
No, rabbits don’t need pellet-based food as long as they’re eating tons of grass hay and a varied mix of vegetables. This diet delivers more than enough nutrients and chewing opportunities for your average bunny.
However, feeding them high-quality pellets is a smart idea.
Pellets encourage foraging, enrich your pet’s dining experience with new tastes and textures, and provide extra nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and protein.
Just never use them to replace hay — pellets should only make up 5-10% of a healthy rabbit diet!
What Should I Look For in Quality Rabbit Pellets?
Check the product for the following key information:
- All-natural ingredients
- A nutritional makeup of around 12-14% protein, 2% fat, and 20-25% fiber
- Adequate calcium levels (adult bunnies need less)
- Low sugar content
- Value for money (bunnies can get expensive)
- Probiotics/prebiotics
What About Mixed Foods? Why Aren’t These on Your List?
Mixed food, or muesli-style mixes, are widely available because they appeal to owners. They’re colorful, varied, and look way better than boring pellets. But that’s just the human in you!
They aren’t ideal for rabbits because they encourage selective feeding and an imbalanced diet.
However, if you’re still keen on them, think of them as special treats and not a meal!
How Much Should I Feed My House Rabbit per Day?
Your rabbit should eat the following amounts of food each day:
- A bundle of grass hay that’s as large as them (timothy if adults, alfalfa mix if young or pregnant)
- A handful of three different types of fresh greens (fed at different points of the day)
- A small amount of pellet food (30-80g per day with a maximum of 25g per kg of bunny weight)
- One small piece of fruit
- Unlimited water
Is Alfalfa Hay Bad For My Bunny?
It depends on their age.
Alfalfa meal is very healthy for growing bunnies or older bunnies with calcium deficiencies.
However, it’s not recommended for an adult rabbit’s diet because it can cause digestive issues and/or weight gain. So stick with timothy grass hay for them!
What Are the Best Brands of Rabbit Food?
This is a subjective (and rabbit specific) question, but here’s what we think:
- Oxbow
- Sherwood Pet
- Small Pet Select
- Kaytee
Your rabbits may think otherwise, so stay flexible and try out all of the best brands until you find a good quality product that both you and your rabbit can agree on!
What Fresh Foods Are Good For My Pet Rabbits?
Here’s a list that’ll help you get started with fresh foods:
Vegetables and herbs
- Leafy greens (like romaine lettuce, bok choy, kale, carrot tops, wheatgrass, and watercress)
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Basil
- Mint
- Parsley
- Carrot
- Turnips
- Dandelions
- Carrots
- Bell peppers
- Zucchini
Fruits
- Apples
- Berries
- Banana
- Apricot
- Peach
- Grapes
What Foods Should I NEVER Feed My Rabbits?
Never feed your rabbit any of these foods:
- Dog food
- Cat food
- Avocados
- Rhubarb
- Chocolate
- Iceberg lettuce
- Processed (or sugary) food
- Dairy
- Potatoes
Wrapping Things Up
It’s time to feed your rabbits.
They’re hungry (and probably hangry), so you need to fill those hay racks and food bowls fast!
But the good news is that by this point, you’re a rabbit nutrition ninja. 🐰🥷
You know exactly what to do.
If you have adult rabbits, you’ll get them:
- High-quality timothy grass hay Small Pet Select 2nd Cutting Perfect Blend Timothy Hay
- Veggies and herbs
- Nutritious rabbit pellets Sherwood Pet Health Adult Rabbit Food
- Fruit (only as treats)
But if you have younger or pregnant bunnies, you’ll:
- Switch to an alfalfa grass-based blend Kaytee Wild Meadow Grown Hay Blend , and
- Order alfalfa meal heavy pellets Oxbow Essentials Rabbit Food .
Happy feeding and bon appetit! 🌿🥬😋
