nutrition
What Do Rabbits Eat? NZ Rabbit Diet Guide (Hay, Veg & Pellets)
4 June 2026
What do pet rabbits eat in NZ? The right diet is mostly hay, plus leafy greens and a little pellet — here's what to feed, what to avoid, and why hay matters.
The quick answer: a pet rabbit's diet should be roughly 80% good-quality hay, with a daily handful of leafy greens, a small measured amount of pellets, and fresh water always available. Unlimited grass hay (not just pellets) is the single most important thing — it keeps a rabbit's continuously-growing teeth worn down and its gut moving. Getting this wrong is one of the most common causes of serious rabbit health problems.
The rabbit diet, in proportion
| Part of diet | How much | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Grass hay (timothy, meadow, oaten) | Unlimited — ~80% of intake | Wears down teeth, keeps the gut moving, prevents boredom |
| Leafy greens | A packed handful daily, a few types | Variety, hydration, micronutrients |
| Pellets | A small measured amount (not a full bowl) | Top-up nutrients — too many cause obesity and skip the hay |
| Treats (fruit, carrot) | Tiny, occasional | High sugar — a treat, not a staple |
| Fresh water | Always available | Bowl or bottle, kept clean |
Hay is the foundation (not pellets)
Many people think rabbits live on pellets and carrots — that's a myth that causes dental disease, obesity and dangerous gut slowdown. Unlimited grass hay must be the bulk of the diet: it's essential for wearing down teeth (which grow for life) and keeping the digestive system moving. Keep fresh hay available at all times.
Safe leafy greens
Offer a daily handful of a few different leafy greens — for example a mix of leafy lettuces (not iceberg), herbs like coriander and parsley, and other rabbit-safe greens. Introduce any new green slowly and in small amounts to avoid upsetting the gut, and wash everything first.
What to limit or avoid
- Limit: carrot and fruit (high sugar — tiny treats only), and too many pellets.
- Avoid: iceberg lettuce, anything mouldy, lawn clippings (they ferment), and human treats/processed food.
- Sudden diet changes can be dangerous — change foods gradually.
If your rabbit stops eating or passing droppings, that is an emergency — contact a vet straight away (this guide is general diet info, not a medical guide).
NZ context
Source good-quality grass hay (timothy/meadow/oaten) and store it dry — NZ humidity can make hay go mouldy. For setting up housing and the rest of basic care, see first guinea pig / rabbit setup NZ. Rabbits also need company, space and exercise — diet is one part of good welfare.
Quick takeaways
- ~80% unlimited grass hay is the core of a healthy rabbit diet.
- Add a daily handful of varied leafy greens.
- Pellets are a small measured top-up, not the main meal.
- Carrot and fruit are tiny treats only (high sugar).
- A rabbit that stops eating or pooing is a vet emergency.
Shop related categories at PetMall
Looking for rabbit hay, food and supplies in New Zealand? Browse the PetMall small pet range for current options and nationwide delivery.
Related reading
References
- SPCA New Zealand, rabbit care and diet, checked 2026-06-04: https://www.spca.nz/advice-and-welfare/
- MPI New Zealand, animal welfare codes, checked 2026-06-04: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/animals/animal-welfare/codes/
Important notice
*General diet information for NZ pet owners. For a rabbit that is unwell, not eating, or losing weight, contact a registered New Zealand vet immediately.*
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