7 Best Rabbit Foods | 2023 Buyer Guide

three rabbits eating

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There are so many different brand of rabbit food on the market today it’s easy to get a little confused and overwhelmed. Oxbow, Vitacraft, Kaytee all claim to be the perfect food for your rabbit.

But which one is really the best and is there actually a difference between them all?

In this review, we looked at the Top 7 most popular rabbit foods and narrowed the search down into plain English to make the decision easier for you.

At the end of the day you just want to know which one if best for your rabbit and where can you buy it right?

Let’s cut to the chase: Here is our recommendation on Amazon ↗️

At the end of this review we hope to clear a few myths and give you some solid facts that you can use to make the right purchase for your rabbit.

Less is more is our saying. So; we’ll try to keep it plain and simple and easy to follow.

Rabbits Must Be Fed Carefully

These gentle creatures have a very sensitive digestive system, which can easily be thrown out of whack. Knowing what rabbits eat and drink is paramount to their health, happiness, and longevity.

In the worst case scenario, a rabbit which ingests improper foods will develop what is called gastrointestinal stasis. This is a life-threatening condition which calls for veterinary attention immediately. 

Luckily, it is quite simple to eliminate the risk of food-related ailments and discomforts in rabbits. All you need is a bit of know-how. Or let us take all the risk out of choosing suitable food and go with our recommendation above.

Let’s see the 7 we tested

Your rabbit’s diet

As stated at the start, a balanced diet is the key to success when it comes to a rabbits diet.

Around 10 per cent of your bunnies’ meals should be made up of fresh and washed vegetables and leafy greens. The rest should be hay and pellet/Flake food.

How would you like to eat lettuce for the rest of your life and nothing else? Yuck!

A good diet should contain the following:

Fruit

Some great choices of rabbit treats are fruits, like apples, bananas, strawberries, and raspberries. Do not overdo treats! You can even give your rabbits too much fruit. Like everything in life, excess is harmful. Fruits contain high levels of natural sugar.

Our Rabbits love Bananas. Just feed them a piece no larger than a man’s thumb once or twice a day.

You must remove the seeds from apples before you feed them to your bunnies, as apple seeds contain a poisonous chemical called arsenic. Feed your rabbit no more than a couple of apple slices at any time. 

Strawberries, whilst not toxic to rabbits, when fed in large quantities can lead to weight gain or cause serious gastrointestinal problems. As with all treats, strawberries should be limited to two tablespoons, chopped. They should not be fed to your pet every day; twice a week is sufficient.

Raspberries are similar to strawberries regarding quantities and methods of feeding as a treat to your rabbit.

Vegetables

All rabbits eat vegetables, right? Well yes, It comes as no surprise that most if not all bunny rabbits love vegetables. Many vegetables can make a wonderful and tasty snack. However, a number of vegetables are toxic to rabbits and can make them sick, even fatally. Some vegetables will merely give your rabbit gas, for example, while others can cause breathing troubles and even heart failure. 

This means it is very important to identify which vegetables are poisonous or can upset a rabbit’s digestion system, and which vegetables are perfectly harmless for your rabbit to eat. To get you started, the following are some common vegetables (and fruits) in the list of what rabbits eat and drink. Learn which can prove dangerous to your fluffy friend, and which are healthy. 

Healthy Vegetables:

  • Bok choy
  • Rocket
  • Broccoli leaves
  • Celery
  • Collard greens
  • Cauliflower leaves and stalks
  • Coriander
  • Courgette
  • Cucumber
  • Lettuce – romaine or dark leaf
  • Mustard greens
  • Chicory
  • Radish
  • Red cabbage
  • Romaine lettuce
  • Rocket
  • Salad peppers
  • Savoy cabbage
  • Parsnip
  • Tomato
  • Asparagus
  • Turnips
  • Spinach
  • Brussel Sprouts
  • Watercress

For a list of ‘ What not to feed your rabbit ‘ click here

Pellets or Mix

This should form the basis of every rabbits diet with a high percentage of hay as well.

Then simply feed your rabbit a mixture of fruit and vegetables as a treat as you would give yourself. Again, in small portions.

Remember how sick you feel when you eat that whole bar of chocolate!

Pellet food is designed and made to have all the essential vitamins and minerals your rabbit will need to grow and live a healthy life. There are two main tyopes to look out for ‘ Flake and Pellet ‘ Both offer similar nutritional values which can differ from brand to brand.

The other point you need to look out for is Young rabbit food and adult rabbit food.

These foods contain different levels of vitamins and each one has been designed to work best for different aged rabbits.

Rabbit Treats

Because of the high sugar content and which is fed in large amounts can harm your rabbit or a least upset their stomach for a number of days. As with most pets, always remove the pips and seeds first.

The following are all suitable for rabbits but only in small portions and not every day. Once or twice a week as a treat is fine.

  • Apples (seeds removed): High in sugar
  • Blackberries
  • Blueberries
  • Carrot tops: Don’t believe the cartoons. Rabbits shouldn’t be fed a lot of carrots.
  • Dandelion: Too many Dandelions can upset their stomach and cause diarrhea
  • Grapes: Only in small quantities
  • Iceberg lettuce: Some lettuces are better than others. Read our guide here.
  • Kale: Feed sparingly as it has a high calcium content
  • Melon
  • Papaya
  • Peach
  • Pears
  • Pineapple
  • Plum
  • Raspberries
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Strawberries
  • Tomatoes

What should be included in a rabbit’s diet

A rabbits diet doe not have to be difficult and I’m sure you can read too much into all this infromation. A balanced diet is the key to their health.

Pellets, Hay, Fruit and vegetables and the odd treat are all part of a healthy rabbit diet.

If you’d like to dig deeper into your rabbits diet and the nutritional values to look out for then read this section.

If not…. Skip to the product reviews below!

  • Protein: Adult rabbits need a protein level of 12-14% to maintain a healthy diet. Young and juvenile rabbits (under Four – five months) Require a higher protein level in their food of around 15-16% to help them grow into aduldhood.
  • Calcium & Phosphorus: Look for foods that contain a Calcium level of around 0.6 – 1.0% and phosphorus 0.4-0.8%. The ideal food with have a ratio balance between the two ( 1.5-2:1 calcium to phosphorus) is perfect
  • Fat: 2.3-5% is a good level to look for on the packaging.
  • Vitamins: Vitamin D 1000 IU/kg, Vitamin E 50 IU/kg, Vitamin A 10,000 IU/kg
  • Ingredients: To give you an indicator on the levels included within a product. The different brands of rabbit food all list the ingredients in order of quantity added. IE: If Fiber is listed as the first nutrient. Then you can expect that to be the highest and decreasing as the list goes down. As grass is higher in fibre and lower in protein than cereals, foods that are grass-based generally also have a more suitable nutritional balance.
  • Fibre: The higher the fibre content (look for a minimum of 18%) generally the better the food will be for your rabbit’s digestion.

How much food does a rabbit need per day?

The size and age of your rabbit will reflect in the amount of food that you need to feed to your rabbit daily.

Let’s take a look at the difference between Adult rabbits and baby/Younger rabbits.

Adult rabbit

An adult rabbit between 6-10 pounds only needs one-quarter cup of pellets daily. Then ass a very small portion of fruit or vegetables to ensure they receive a balanced diet.

Fresh hay and water should be available on tap 24 hours a day.

Young Rabbit

Feed younger rabbits under five pounds, one-eighth of a cup. Again with a small among of fruit and vegetables. Fresh hay and water should be available on tap 24 hours a day.

Useful properties of grass

A variety of grass contains proteins, fibre, carbohydrates (fructose and glucose), flavonoids (camferol and quercetin), essential oils, and vitamins (A, B, C, E, K, PP). Also, it contains large quantities of minerals such as potassium, magnesium, sodium, calcium, phosphorus, chlorine, copper, iron, zinc, and selenium. 

Especially useful and nutritious are young shoots of grass before flowering. Some grass seeds contain fats and oils. Some grass has anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, and hemostatic properties, which help in normalizing digestion. It should, however, be given in small quantities mixed with other herbs. 


7 Best Rabbit Foods

7. Small Pet Select Rabbit Pellets

Small Pet Select Rabbit Food Pellets, 10-Pound

$29.99  in stock
Amazon.com
as of February 28, 2024 07:47

Features

Part Number RPEL-10
Model RPEL-10
Size 10 lb

An Ultra-Premium Timothy Hay Based Pellet Fortified With All Essential Vitamins And Minerals. These pellets are made in small batches with only the finest ingredients including hand-selected Small Pet Select timothy hay. Feed with Small Pet Select timothy hay, freshwater, and moderate amounts of fresh veggies.

There are no nuts in the Premium Rabbit Food Pellets and there are no nuts in the factory where they are made.

Small Pet Select Timothy Based Rabbit Food is a premium timothy hay based rabbit pellet fortified with all of the essential vitamins and minerals that rabbits need to stay healthy. Small Pet Select Rabbit Food should always be fed in conjunction with an unlimited supply of high-quality grass hay. In addition, you should always provide access to clean water.

✅ What we liked

  • This is a premium food and you can tell
  • Fortified With All Essential Vitamins And Minerals
  • Fresh foil bag
  • Made in the USA

6. Oxbow Animal Health

Essentials Adult Rabbit Food – 10 lb

$25.49
$21.69
 in stock
8 new from $21.69
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of February 28, 2024 07:47

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

Oxbow Animal Health is family-owned business who are passionately committed to helping rabbits and small animals lead longer lives. From the start, small mammal nutrition has been their specialty. Their Timothy Hay-based formulas and lifestaged diets have defined the way small animals are fed today.

Essentials rabbit food is their flagship line of fortified foods, providing all the essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients small pets need from a fortified food, with no unhealthy ingredients that can lead to problems such as obesity, GI issues, dental disease and more.

✅ What we liked

  • Uniformed pellets to prevent no picky eaters from picking out all the best parts
  • Contains prebiotic and Chelated minerals to help prevent GI
  • No refined sugar added
  • Good price point

5. Kaytee Fiesta Rabbit Food

Kaytee Fiesta Rabbit Food 6.5 pounds

 in stock
Amazon.com
as of February 28, 2024 07:47

Features

  • Nutritionally fortified gourmet food
  • Kaytee is a Veterinarian Recommended Brand
  • Guaranteed fresh
  • Provides more fun, variety, and nutrition for your pet

Kaytee Fiesta Rabbit food is a nutritionally fortified gourmet diet made of a premium blend of fruits, vegetables, seeds and grains offering maximum variety, fun for your rabbit. Fiesta contains prebiotics and probiotics to support digestive health and is formulated with rabbits at the forfront.

We did find this food is very sweet and not recommended as their only source of food at all. This should be provided as a small portion alongside vegetables and fruits.

✅ What we liked

  • Provides valuable prebiotics and antibiotics
  • Nutritionally fortified 
  • Vet recommended

4. Wild Harvest

Wild Harvest Wh-83544 Wild Harvest Advanced Nutrition Diet For Rabbits, 4.5-Pound

$12.23  in stock
3 new from $12.23
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of February 28, 2024 07:47

Features

  • ADULT RABBIT FOOD: Large variety of grasses and vegetables in every bowl to provide the balanced variety of nutrients that pet bunnies need, with great taste they’ll love.
  • ADVANCED NUTRITION: Contains fiber, vitamins and minerals to support a strong body and healthy skin and fur.
  • IMPORTANT VARIETY: Delicious mix of alfalfa, Timothy hay and vegetables creates an irresistible blend to replicate diets found in a natural habitat and encourage foraging behaviors.
  • DAILY DIET: Feed as directed based on your pet rabbit’s size and weight.
  • WILD HARVEST BRAND: Offers a full assortment of nutritional and interactive engagement products.

Wild Harvest is a top-of-the-line food brand, providing complete nutrition for rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, and more. This custom blend includes vegetables, seeds, nuts, fruit… all healthy foods that rabbits love! 

This is a naturally vitamin-rich mix. Wild Harvest fortifies its foods with vital vitamins and minerals as well. 

This well-packaged blend has a flip-lid, to make opening the container easier.

Wild Harvest is also made up of alfalfa and Timothy hay, which are chock-full of fiber. When feeding your rabbit Wild Harvest (or any meal), also provide fresh drinking water!

✅ What we liked

  • Opening the flip lid is conveniently easier
  • Fortified with essential vitamins like vitamin C
  • Lots of fiber

3. Brown’s Tropical Carnival Gourmet

F.M. Brown's Tropical Carnival Gourmet Pet Rabbit Food with High-Fiber Timothy and Alfalfa Hay Pellets, 5-lb Bag – Probiotics for Digestive Health, Vitamin-Nutrient Fortified Daily Diet

$23.40
$22.18
 in stock
3 new from $22.18
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of February 28, 2024 07:47

Features

  • Vitamin-Nutrient-Fortified: Specifically formulated for the daily dietary needs of rabbits
  • Support Good Digestion: Omega fatty acids and beneficial bacteria help stimulate good digestion so your pet can get the most out of our nutrient-rich ingredients
  • Over 30 Unique Gourmet Ingredients: Hay, fruits, veggies, seeds and more combine to ensure your rabbit receives the complex carbs, vitamins, minerals, and fiber they need
  • Immune System Support: Farm fresh veggies contain antioxidants that help maintain a healthy immune system
  • ZOO-VITAL Biscuits: Includes our specially formulated biscuits for healthy teeth and gums with nutrients required for the well-being of your rabbit

Launched 20 years ago, Tropical Carnival Orginal Gourmet Food quickly became a food that pets really love. The recipe was created with an emphasis on not just nutrients, but also color and flavor. Why? Because animals are naturally drawn to color. This encourages them to eat, as the food has more appeal. 

Brown’s Tropical Carnival Gourmet Food boasts over 30 unique ingredients, including pineapple, papaya, pine nuts, walnuts, carrots, peas, and much, much more. 

The fruits and veggies are nutrient-rich. The nuts are full of fatty-omegas, and there is even whole grain pasta, for a snack. The first ingredient is Timothy Hay, which provides the perfect amount of fiber. Zoo-Vital biscuits are included as well.

✅ What we liked

  • Fortified to meet the daily needs of your rabbit
  • The first ingredient is Timothy hay
  • Includes biscuits for teeth and gums (a nice touch)

2. Ecotrition Essential Blend

Ecotrition Essential Blend Food For Adult Rabbits, 5 Pounds, Resealable Bag

 out of stock
Amazon.com
as of February 28, 2024 07:47

Features

  • Scientifically Formulated: Contains A Fortified Mix Of Healthy Ingredients Designed To Help Adult Rabbits Flourish.
  • Rabbit Favorites: Combines Favorite Fruits, Grains, Hays And Vegetables.
  • Total Nutrition: Fortified With Vitamins For Growth And Maintenance And Minerals For Overall Health.
  • Provides Stimulation: Blended With A Variety Of Bright, Colorful Pellets To Provide The Daily Stimulation Pet Rabbits Require.
  • Resealable: Easy Storage For This 5-Pound Bag.

Ecotrition treats pets as part of the family. This means that they should also be eating well. Right? With this in mind, Ecotrition offers high quality, specially formulated and fortified mix.

This is made of your rabbit’s favorite grains, fruits, veggies, and of course, hay (a rabbit staple).

To entice your pets, the Ecotrition Essential Blend has plenty of variety and is nice and colorful. This rabbit is a great source of fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, fiber, and more!

✅ What we liked

  • Fully fortified to help adult rabbits flourish
  • The bag is conveniently resealable 

1. Sherwood Pet Health

Sherwood Pet Health Adult Rabbit Food – Timothy/Alfalfa Blend 4.5 lb.

$22.41  in stock
Amazon.com
as of February 28, 2024 07:47

Features

Part Number 5-46697
Model 741360387782
Color Fresh Green
Size 4.5 lb

Are you looking for natural rabbit food? Look no further than Sherwood Pet Health. This rabbit food is vet used and vet recommended. You see, in the wild, rabbits don’t eat much more than grass and greens. Sherwood Pet Health sticks to the natural diet, which some would argue is best. Rabbits tend to find the simplest foods the easiest to digest, after all. 

With Sherwood, you can depend on rabbit food that is certified gluten and grain-free, and free of soy as well. What does it have? Heaps of fiber, chelated minerals, and more.

✅ What we liked

  • 100% balanced nutrition
  • Vet used and recommended
  • Great for bladder health
  • Natural


Hay is a vital part of a rabbit’s diet

Do you know why hay is recommended for rabbits so highly? Because this grassy plant is made up almost entirely of fiber. 

Rabbits have a digestive system that is very unique and sensitive. They are not built to handle sugar. Instead, they must have plenty of fiber. The rabbit has an organ called a cecum, which is specially designed to digest fiber! 

Along with this, hay is low in fat, protein, and sugar. These are things that rabbits can all-too-easily consume excessive amounts of. 

Hay, on the other hand, rabbits can eat by the handful. It serves the double purpose of keeping ever-growing teeth in check. 

In fact, your rabbit should have as much hay as their heart desires, every day of the week!

PS . We use Timothy Hay which is a well know and proven great product to feed to your Rabbits. Click here for the latest prices on Amazon

What food do rabbits love most?

Rabbits love alfalfa, hay, fruits, and vegetables. These are all part of a well-balanced diet for rabbits. 

Should I give my rabbit hay?

Yes! Hay is one of the most important parts of a rabbit’s diet. They should also be given some fruits and vegetables, and some rabbit food pellets to supplement their diet.

Should rabbits eat pellets every day?

Rabbits don’t need to eat pellets every day, wild rabbits survive just fine without them. Pellets give rabbits the necessary vitamins they need without worrying about giving your rabbit the right vegetables.

Can you feed your rabbit too many pellets?

Yes, and it is easy to do. Rabbits don’t need a lot of pellets, and if they eat too many every day it can lead to an overweight bunny.

Editors Choice & Why

While all of these rabbit foods are wonderful, the best option is clear. Sherwood Pet Health is a close runner-up, but Small Pet Select Rabbit Pellets is the winner. 

Small Pet Select Rabbit Pellets stands out, not only for nutritious ingredients but for quality and freshness as well. This food is made in small batches, which are online exclusive. 

The main ingredient in Small Pet Select Rabbit Pellets is Timothy hay, which is the lowest in calories, and the highest in fiber. Small Pet Select Rabbit Pellets fortifies their pellets with vitamins and minerals, for an extraordinarily nutritious meal.

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