Rabbits as Pets

Daily Needs

Rabbits need a constant supply of hay and water. Alfalfa hay can be beneficial for young, pregnant, nursing or ill rabbits but should otherwise only be given as a treat on occasion. The digestive system of rabbits need to be constantly moving or they will go into medical stasis and die. Rabbits should also be given appropriate greens daily to provide hydration and vitamin and minerals. Pellets can also help to supplement a rabbit's diet but be careful that you choose an age-appropriate pellet and limit their intake, and avoid mixes with nuts, corn, seeds, and fruit because rabbits will pick out those unhealthy bits over the nutritional pellets in the mix. Of the amount of vegetables given daily, greens should make up 75% of a rabbit's veggie diet. Greens with an asterisk should be rotated and only given one kind daily as they have high acidity. Non-leafy veggies should not exceed 15% of veggie intake daily, and fruits should not exceed 10%. Bananas should be very limited. A list of appropriate veggies can be found here.

Treating Your Bunny

Giving treats are a great way for you to bond with your bunny, but make sure that you choose a healthy option for your rabbit. Oxbow is a great brand all-around for rabbit care and they have several flavor options for you to experiment with your rabbit. You should be careful not to over-indulge your rabbit and be sure that they are eating their required daily foods before you give them treats so that they don't refuse their dietary needs. Fruits and veggies can also be given as a good alternative to treats.

Your Rabbit's Health

While all the dietary needs we've gone through are a great start to giving your bunny the healthy lifestyle it deserves, you should take your bunny to an exotic animal vet every 6 months for a general checkup. You should also be very observant to your rabbit's behavior and note anything unordinary as rabbits do their best to hide any illness or weakness as a natural defense mechanism. You should contact your vet if you have any behavioral concerns as it could be something more severe than it seems. I also recommend speaking to your vet about the benefits to having your rabbit neutered or spayed, especially if you have multiple bunnies because they breed very quickly and can be pregnant with multiple litters at the same time.

Appropriate Fruits and Veggies


  • Parsley*
  • Spinach*
  • Mustard Greens*
  • Beet Greens*
  • Swiss Chard*
  • Radish Tops*
  • Sprouts*
  • Arugula
  • Carrot Tops
  • Radicchio
  • Endive
  • Kale
  • Cilantro
  • Basil
  • Frisee lettuce
  • Red lettuce
  • Green lettuce
  • Romaine Lettuce
  • Mache
  • Mint
  • Chicory
  • Spring Greens
  • Turnip Greens
  • Dandelion Greens
  • Watercress
  • Wheatgrass
  • Raspberry Leaves
  • Borage Leaves
  • Dill Leaves
  • Bok Choy
  • Yu Choy
  • Carrots
  • Broccoli
  • Edible Flowers
  • Celery
  • Bell Peppers
  • Chinese Pea Pods
  • Brussel Sprouts
  • Cabbage
  • Broccolini
  • Summer Squash
  • Zucchini Squash
  • Apples
  • Mangoes
  • Cherries
  • Plums
  • Pears
  • Peaches
  • Kiwis
  • Papayas
  • Berries
  • Bananas
  • Pineapples
  • Melons
  • Apricots
  • Currants
  • Star Fruits
  • Nectarines