Rabbit: pellets or hay? The truth about nutritional basics

Rabbit: pellets or hay?

The rabbit is a strict herbivore. Contrary to what the "complete" pellet label suggests, its basic diet cannot be an industrial mix. Here is the simple rule defended by exotic animal veterinarians and the RWAF (Rabbit Welfare Association).

The 80/15/5 rule

• 80% hay (unlimited, 24/7)
• 15% fresh vegetables varied
• 5% quality pellets (approximately 25 g per kg of body weight/day)

An adult 2 kg rabbit therefore eats maximum 50 g of pellets. Beyond that, it fills up too quickly, eats less hay, and its teeth no longer wear down correctly.

Why hay is non-negotiable

The rabbit's transit is cecotrophic: it depends on continuous fermentation in the cecum. Without long fiber (from hay), digestive motility slows and causes gastrointestinal stasis — a frequent veterinary emergency.

Hay also plays a critical dental role. Rabbit teeth grow for life (2 to 3 mm/week). Only long hay fibers chewed laterally wear them down correctly. Pellets, even "fibrous" ones, don't replace this movement.

Which pellets to choose

Look for on the label:

• Crude fiber ≥ 20% (ideal 22–25%)
• Protein 12–16% (not more — excess strains the kidneys)
• Calcium < 1% for an adult (excess = urinary sludge)
• No grains as first ingredient, no seeds or coloured pieces
• A short ingredient list, dominated by timothy, alfalfa (young animal) or herbs.

Vegetables: which and how much

Count 100 to 150 g of fresh vegetables per kg of rabbit per day, divided into two meals. Favour green leaves (endive, rocket, carrot tops, parsley in moderation) and limit carrots or fruit (lots of sugar).

Ban: potato, onion, garlic, avocado, rhubarb, chocolate — all toxic to rabbits.

Common mistakes

• Colored "complete" mix = piece by piece, the rabbit sorts and eats only what it prefers (often the least balanced).
• Pellets ad libitum in an adult = obesity and dental problems guaranteed.
• Soft / dusty hay: check that it smells good, is green, not brittle. Poor quality hay is rejected, and the rabbit compensates by eating more pellets.

Switching to better pellets

Transition in 7 to 10 days: each day, replace a quarter of the old ration with the new. A sudden change can trigger diarrhoea.

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On SokoScan, all rabbit pellets are rated out of 100 with a focus on fiber and absence of additives. Consult the rabbit pellet guide for references ranked by score.