How many pellets should you feed a rabbit?
The actual role of pellets in a rabbit’s diet
Pellets are frequently overvalued by first-time rabbit owners. They represent only about 5% of an adult rabbit’s total ration. Their role is to deliver a concentrated supply of nutrients (vitamins, minerals, amino acids) that hay and vegetables alone don’t always cover optimally.
Hay remains the central pillar of the diet. If your rabbit eats little hay because it is full of pellets, that is a warning sign. The daily hay quantity must always take priority.
Recommended quantities by age
Kit (0–6 months)
Pellets ad libitum, alongside alfalfa hay or an alfalfa + Timothy mix. Rapid growth justifies a higher protein and calorie intake.
Young adult (6–12 months)
Gradual transition: halve the pellets over 4–6 weeks, then stabilize at around 30–50 g per day depending on the rabbit’s size.
Adult (1–6 years)
The most common guideline is 15–25 g per kg of body weight per day:
| Rabbit weight | Pellets per day |
|---|---|
| 1 kg | 15–25 g |
| 1.5 kg (typical dwarf) | 22–37 g |
| 2 kg | 30–50 g |
| 3 kg | 45–75 g |
Weigh your rabbit regularly and adjust if it gains weight (reduce) or loses weight (increase slightly, but check health first).
Senior (6+ years)
Needs vary with health status and weight. A senior rabbit losing weight despite a good appetite should be seen by a vet. In the absence of pathology, maintain the same ration or increase it slightly.
Minimum criteria for acceptable pellets
What to check on the label
| Criterion | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Crude fiber | ≥ 18% |
| Crude protein | 12–16% |
| Fat content | < 3% |
| Starch | < 14% |
| First ingredient | Hay or dried grasses |
What to avoid
- Seed mixes (allow selective eating)
- Colorful pellets or animal-shaped treats (marketing, no real value)
- Molasses, sugar or artificial flavors in the top 5 ingredients
- Corn flour, wheat or soy as the first ingredient
Switching brands
If you change pellets, transition over 10–14 days: gradually mix the old and new brand to avoid digestive shock.
Common mistakes
Giving too many pellets. This is the most widespread error. A rabbit well fed on hay and vegetables can go without pellets for a few days with no problem. The reverse is not true.
Compensating a hay refusal with more pellets. If the rabbit ignores its hay, the answer is not to increase pellets but to change the type or freshness of the hay. See why a rabbit might refuse its hay.
Ignoring the expiry date. Pellets lose their vitamins after opening, especially vitamin C. Buy small bags and use within 6–8 weeks of opening.
Storing in an open bag. Transfer to an airtight container away from light and moisture.
Summary
- Ad libitum pellets only for kits under 6 months.
- Adults: 15–25 g per kg of body weight, once a day.
- Choose pellets with ≥ 18% fiber, no cereals or sugars near the top of the ingredient list.
- Never compensate a lack of hay or vegetables with extra pellets.
For an overview of a complete rabbit diet, see our full feeding guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can you give pellets ad libitum to an adult rabbit?
No. Unlimited pellets for an adult rabbit promote obesity and reduce hay consumption, leading to dental and digestive problems. Only kits under 6 months can benefit from unrestricted pellet access.
What is the difference between pellets and seed mixes?
Pellets (uniform nuggets) contain the same nutrients in every bite. Seed mixes let the rabbit select the most palatable (and usually the most sugary) pieces, which unbalances the ration. Seed mixes are strongly discouraged.
Are grain-free pellets better?
Generally yes. Pellets formulated without cereals (wheat, corn, barley) and rich in dried herbs or hay are better tolerated. Look for at least 18% crude fiber and no more than 14–16% protein.
My rabbit refuses its pellets. Is that a problem?
If the rabbit is eating plenty of hay and fresh vegetables, a temporary disinterest in pellets is not worrying. If the refusal lasts more than 24 hours and is accompanied by a general drop in appetite, consult a veterinarian.