The rabbit diet calculator uses veterinary feeding guidelines to calculate the correct daily amounts of hay, pellets, and fresh leafy greens for your rabbit based on body weight and life stage. Hay should make up ~80% of every rabbit's diet.
Your Rabbit's Details
How to Feed Your Rabbit the Right Portions
A 5-lb adult rabbit needs unlimited timothy hay available at all times, approximately 1/4 cup of pellets per day, and 1–2 cups of leafy greens. The most common rabbit feeding mistake is over-relying on pellets and neglecting hay — hay must be the foundation of every rabbit's diet.
Step 1: Prioritize Unlimited Hay
Timothy hay (or other grass hays like orchard grass or meadow hay) should be available 24/7. It keeps the digestive system moving, prevents GI stasis — a life-threatening condition — and continuously wears down rabbit teeth, which grow throughout their life. A rabbit who isn't eating hay is a rabbit in danger.
Step 2: Measure Pellets by Weight
Use plain timothy-based pellets without added seeds, dried fruit, or colored pieces. Give 1/4 cup per 5 lbs (2.3 kg) of body weight per day for adult rabbits. Pellets are a supplement, not a staple. Too many pellets cause obesity and reduce the motivation to eat fiber-rich hay.
Step 3: Introduce Greens Gradually
Start with one new green at a time and wait 24 hours to watch for soft cecotropes or diarrhea before adding another variety. Adult rabbits get 1–2 packed cups of leafy greens per 5 lbs per day. Good choices include romaine lettuce, cilantro, arugula, and bok choy. Avoid high-oxalate greens like spinach in large amounts.
Step 4: Treats Are Only 1–2 Teaspoons Per Day
Fresh fruit (not canned or dried) can be given as an occasional treat — no more than 1–2 teaspoons per day for a 5-lb rabbit. High-sugar fruits like bananas and grapes should be very limited. Never give candy, bread, crackers, or any processed human food.
FAQ
Is this rabbit diet calculator free?
Yes, completely free with no signup required.
How much hay should a rabbit eat per day?
Adult rabbits should have unlimited timothy hay (or other grass hay) available at all times — it should make up approximately 80% of their diet. Hay is critical for healthy digestion and dental wear. A rough guideline is a pile of hay the size of your rabbit's body each day.
How many pellets should I feed my rabbit daily?
For adult rabbits (7+ months), the general guideline is 1/4 cup of plain timothy-based pellets per 5 lbs (2.3 kg) of body weight per day. Baby rabbits and juveniles (up to 7 months) can have unlimited pellets. Senior rabbits (5+ years) may need slightly more pellets if they're losing weight.
How many leafy greens can I give my rabbit?
Adult rabbits can have 1–2 packed cups of leafy greens per 5 lbs (2.3 kg) of body weight daily. Introduce new greens slowly to avoid digestive upset. Good options include romaine lettuce, cilantro, parsley, and kale (in moderation). Avoid iceberg lettuce and spinach in large amounts.
What vegetables are toxic to rabbits?
Never feed rabbits: onions, garlic, leeks, chives (toxic), potatoes or potato tops, rhubarb, avocado, fruit seeds or pits, or any mushrooms. Iceberg lettuce should be avoided as it has almost no nutritional value and can cause loose stools. Sweet fruits should be treats only (1–2 tsp per day).
Do baby rabbits need a different diet?
Yes. Rabbits under 7 weeks should be nursing. From 7 weeks to 7 months, provide unlimited timothy hay and unlimited alfalfa pellets. Begin introducing leafy greens around 12 weeks, one at a time. Avoid high-sugar fruits and vegetables until the rabbit is at least 3–4 months old.