Rabbit Nutrition & Feeding
A rabbit’s diet is the foundation of their health — everything from digestion to dental wear depends on what they eat. A natural, balanced diet keeps your bunny’s gut moving smoothly, their teeth in shape, and their energy steady all day long.
The journey begins on our waitlist. Join us for upcoming reservation opportunities.
The Foundation: Unlimited Hay
Hay should make up about 80–90% of your rabbit’s daily diet. It keeps their digestive system healthy and their teeth properly worn down.
Best Types of Hay
- Timothy Hay – the go-to for adult rabbits
- Orchard Grass – soft, fragrant, and great for picky eaters
- Meadow or Mixed Hay – adds variety and natural enrichment
- Alfalfa Hay – higher in calcium and protein; best for babies and nursing does
Tip: Always keep hay fresh and dry. Refill daily, and offer it in multiple spots (especially near the litter box).
Daily Greens
Fresh leafy greens provide essential vitamins, hydration, and variety.
Recommended Daily Serving
- Adult rabbits: 1–2 packed cups of fresh greens per 5 lbs of body weight
Great Choices
- Romaine, green or red leaf lettuce
- Cilantro, parsley, dill, or basil
- Dandelion greens, carrot tops, plantain, or clover
Rotate greens often to keep things exciting and support a diverse gut microbiome.
Avoid: iceberg lettuce or anything treated with pesticides.
Pellets
Pellets are a concentrated source of nutrients — not the main meal.
General Guideline
- 1/8–¼ cup per 5 lbs of body weight daily (adjust for age and activity)
Choose a plain, high-fiber pellet (no colored bits, seeds, or dried fruits). Look for 18%+ fiber and minimal added sugars.
Tip: Think of pellets as a supplement — not a substitute — for hay and fresh foods.
Water & Hydration
Fresh water is just as important as hay. Rabbits tend to drink more from bowls than bottles.
Best Practices
- Refresh water daily
- Avoid water bottles
- Keep bowls heavy and tip-proof
- For outdoor setups, check for freezing or debris
Tip: Encourage hydration with juicy greens like romaine or herbs, especially in warmer weather.
Treats & Forage
Treats should be fun, natural, and given sparingly. They can help with bonding, training, and enrichment.
Healthy Treat Ideas
- Small pieces of fruit (apple, banana, or berries)
- Homemade or dried forage mixes
- Fresh herbs, flowers, or dried greens
Tip: Keep treats under 5% of the daily diet. When possible, choose whole, plant-based treats over packaged snacks.
Gut Health and Overall Wellness
A healthy gut = a healthy rabbit. Constant access to hay and water is your best defense against GI stasis, the most common digestive issue in rabbits.
Support Gut Health With
- A consistent feeding schedule
- Fresh hay and greens every day
- Limited sugary treats or starches
- Probiotic herbs/forage (like plantain or chamomile)
Tip: If your rabbit ever stops eating or pooping for 8–12 hours, contact a rabbit-savvy vet right away — early action can save their life.
Feeding Setup
Keep feeding areas simple, clean, and inviting.
Essentials
- A heavy ceramic food bowl
- A hay rack or basket near the litter box
- A separate greens plate or hanging bundle
- A sturdy water bowl or bottle
Tip: Rabbits love routine — feed around the same times daily for a calm, predictable rhythm.
Bringing it all together
A natural, fiber-rich diet is the secret to a long, healthy, happy life. Focus on hay first, add fresh greens daily, and treat pellets and snacks as the small extras they are. Over time, you’ll learn your rabbit’s favorites — and feeding time will become one of the best ways to bond.
Next up: Behavior & Bonding — understanding your bunny and building a strong, trusting relationship
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Frequently asked questions
Should I get one or two bunnies?
Rabbits are naturally social animals and truly thrive with a bonded companion. In pairs, they groom one another, play together, and provide constant comfort and security. We consistently see how much happier, more confident, and emotionally balanced bunnies are when they have a friend. While a single bunny can do well with dedicated human interaction, a bonded pair allows them to express their natural behaviors and live a fuller, healthier life. Whenever possible, we encourage adopting an already bonded pair for the smoothest and happiest experience.
Male or female — which is better?
Both males and females make wonderful pets. Personality matters far more than gender. We focus on temperament and will help guide you toward the bunny that best fits your family and lifestyle.
How much does transport cost?
Transport fees depend on distance and travel arrangements. We work carefully with trusted transport options when needed. Once we know your location, we can provide an accurate estimate.
How much do your bunnies cost?
Our adoption fees vary depending on the bunny and pairing. Each bunny is hand-raised with intentional care, early socialization, and ongoing support. For current pricing, please fill out our waitlist form and we’ll happily share more details.
Can my bunnies live outside or inside?
Rabbits can live happily either indoors or outdoors, as long as they are provided with proper care and protection. The most important factors are safety, space, shelter, companionship, and daily interaction.
Indoor rabbits benefit from being closely integrated into family life and are protected from weather and predators. Outdoor rabbits can also thrive when they have secure, predator-proof housing, protection from extreme temperatures, clean bedding, and plenty of enrichment and attention.
Whichever setup you choose, the key is thoughtful preparation and consistent care. We’re always happy to help you determine what environment will work best for your home and climate. 🤍
Which breed is the most friendly?
This is one of the questions we hear most often. While certain breeds have general tendencies, true friendliness comes from intentional breeding and early socialization.
At Lilli’s Lops, we have spent years carefully refining our lines specifically for calm, affectionate, people-oriented temperaments. Our bunnies are not simply bred to meet traditional standards — they are bred to thrive in family homes. Personality is our priority, and it shows in the consistency of our lines.
When choosing a breed, size and coat type are usually the biggest differences — because friendliness is something we intentionally preserve across all of our bunnies.
Our Breeds
Mini Plush Lops
Our Mini Plush Lops are incredibly soft with a dense, velvety coat. They are typically 3–4.5 pounds fully grown. These bunnies tend to be calm, affectionate, and very people-focused, with a slightly more relaxed temperament.
Mini Netherland Dwarf Lops (Our Signature Line)
Our own carefully developed line, created from Holland Lop / Mini Plush Lop × Netherland Dwarf pairings. These bunnies are small, compact lops with the petite size influence of the Netherland Dwarf, typically around 2–3.5 pounds fully grown. They are expressive, sweet, and full of personality — combining compact size with refined, friendly temperaments we have worked generations to establish.
Holland Lops
Small and classic in appearance, usually 2–4 pounds fully grown. They are playful, affectionate, and well-known for their adorable compact build and lopped ears.
Mini Lops
The largest of our breeds, generally 4–6.5 pounds fully grown. Mini Lops are sturdy, confident, and often very easygoing. Many families appreciate their slightly larger size and balanced temperament.
Because we prioritize temperament across generations, you truly can’t go wrong. The “best” breed often comes down to size preference, coat type, and the overall look you love most. We are always happy to help guide you toward the perfect fit for your home. 🤍