Rabbit Food Calculator
Calculate daily pellet, hay, and vegetable amounts for rabbits by weight and age. Enter values for instant results with step-by-step formulas.
Reviewed for accuracy by Daniel Agrici, Founder & Lead Developer
Rabbit Food Calculator
Calculator
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Formula: Daily Pellets (oz) = Weight (lbs) x Rate per lb x Activity x Modifiers
Worked example — Daily: 1.25 oz pellets, unlimited hay, 1 cup veggies, 10 oz water
Formula
Daily Pellets (oz) = Weight (lbs) x Rate per lb x Activity x Modifiers
Base pellet rate varies by age: 0.25 oz/lb for adults, 0.4 oz/lb for juveniles, 0.5 oz/lb for babies. Hay should be unlimited (body-size bundle daily). Vegetables: 0.2 cups/lb for adults. Adjust for activity level and pregnancy/nursing.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Single Adult Rabbit (5 lbs)
Problem:Calculate daily food amounts for a 5-pound adult rabbit with moderate activity level.
Solution:Pellets: 5 lbs x 0.25 oz/lb = 1.25 oz/day (~1/4 cup) Hay: Body-size bundle, approximately 5 oz/day (unlimited ideal) Vegetables: 5 lbs x 0.2 cups/lb = 1.0 cup/day of leafy greens Water: 5 lbs x 2 oz/lb = 10 oz/day minimum
Result:Daily: 1.25 oz pellets, unlimited hay, 1 cup veggies, 10 oz water
Example 2: Two Juvenile Rabbits (3 lbs each)
Problem:Calculate monthly food needs for two 3-pound juvenile rabbits (3-7 months old).
Solution:Per rabbit daily: Pellets 3 x 0.4 = 1.2 oz, Hay 3 x 1.2 = 3.6 oz, Veggies 3 x 0.1 = 0.3 cups Monthly per rabbit: Pellets 36 oz, Hay ~6.75 lbs, Veggies 9 cups Total for 2: Pellets 72 oz, Hay ~13.5 lbs, Veggies 18 cups Estimated monthly cost: ~$35
Result:Monthly for 2: 72 oz pellets, 13.5 lbs hay, 18 cups veggies (~$35/month)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much hay should a rabbit eat daily?
Hay should make up approximately 80 percent of a rabbit's diet and should be available unlimited at all times. A healthy adult rabbit typically eats a bundle of hay roughly equal to its own body size every day. Timothy hay is the most recommended variety for adult rabbits because of its high fiber content and balanced calcium levels. For young rabbits under 7 months, alfalfa hay can be offered as it provides extra protein and calcium needed for growth. Orchard grass, meadow hay, and oat hay are excellent alternatives or supplements to timothy. The constant chewing of hay is essential for proper dental health because rabbit teeth grow continuously at a rate of about 2 to 3 millimeters per week and need fibrous material to wear down naturally.
How many pellets should I feed my rabbit?
Adult rabbits should receive approximately one-quarter cup of high-quality timothy-based pellets per 5 pounds of body weight per day. Overfeeding pellets is one of the most common rabbit diet mistakes because it leads to obesity and reduces hay consumption. For baby rabbits under 12 weeks, pellets can be offered in unlimited quantities along with unlimited alfalfa hay to support rapid growth. From 12 weeks to 7 months, gradually reduce pellet portions while increasing hay availability. Choose pellets that are plain without added dried fruits, seeds, or colored pieces, as these additives are high in sugar and fat. Quality pellets should contain at least 18 percent fiber, no more than 14 percent protein, and less than 2 percent fat for adult maintenance.
What vegetables are safe for rabbits and how much should they eat?
Adult rabbits should receive about 1 cup of packed leafy greens per 2 pounds of body weight daily, offering at least 3 different varieties for nutritional balance. Safe daily greens include romaine lettuce, cilantro, parsley, basil, bok choy, carrot tops, and dandelion greens. Kale, spinach, and Swiss chard are nutritious but should be rotated and not fed daily due to high oxalate or calcium content. Introduce new vegetables one at a time over several days to monitor for digestive upset. Non-leafy vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli stems can be offered in smaller amounts. Carrots and fruits should be limited to 1 to 2 tablespoons per day as treats because their high sugar content can cause gastrointestinal problems if overfed.
How does a rabbit's age affect its dietary needs?
Rabbit dietary needs change significantly across their life stages. Baby rabbits from birth to 12 weeks should have unlimited access to their mother's milk, alfalfa hay, and alfalfa-based pellets. From 12 weeks to 7 months, continue alfalfa but begin introducing timothy hay and small amounts of vegetables one at a time. At 7 months, transition fully to timothy hay, reduce pellets to one-quarter cup per 5 pounds of body weight, and increase vegetable variety. Adult rabbits from 1 to 5 years maintain this balanced diet of mostly hay with measured pellets and fresh vegetables. Senior rabbits over 5 years may need calorie adjustments if they become less active, and some may benefit from slightly increased pellets if they have difficulty maintaining weight.
How much water does a rabbit need each day?
A rabbit typically drinks about 50 to 150 milliliters of water per kilogram of body weight daily, which translates to approximately 1 to 2 fluid ounces per pound. A 5-pound rabbit may drink 5 to 10 ounces of water daily, though consumption varies with temperature, activity level, and how much moisture is in their fresh vegetables. Fresh, clean water must be available at all times. Many rabbit owners debate between water bottles and bowls. Research suggests rabbits drink more readily from open bowls or crocks because the lapping motion is more natural than the sipper bottle mechanism. However, bowls can become contaminated with hay and droppings. A heavy ceramic crock that resists tipping is often the best compromise. In hot weather, water consumption can double, so check and refill water sources at least twice daily.
How do I calculate the right amount of food for my dog?
Start with the feeding guidelines on your dog food packaging (based on ideal body weight, not current weight). Adjust based on your dog's body condition score — ribs should be easily felt but not visible. Active, growing, pregnant, or nursing dogs need more calories; sedentary or older dogs need less. Measure food by weight (grams) rather than volume cups for accuracy.
References
Reviewed for accuracy by Daniel Agrici, Founder & Lead Developer · Editorial policy
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