The 80/10/5 pyramid, in one table
House Rabbit Society's model is simple to memorize: about 80% grass hay, 10–15% leafy greens, roughly 5% plain high-fiber pellets, and 0–5% treats. Hay is the foundation — "not processed pellets, no matter how high quality" — because it keeps cecal flora balanced, grinds continuously growing teeth, and provides the roughage that prevents deadly blockages.
| Component | Share | Rule of thumb |
|---|---|---|
| Grass hay (timothy, orchard, brome, oat) | ~80% | Unlimited — refill before the bowl empties |
| Leafy greens | 10–15% | About 1 packed cup per 2 lb of body weight |
| Plain pellets (20–25% fiber) | ~5% | Roughly 1/8–1/4 cup per 5 lb adult |
| Fruit & treats | 0–5% | Rare — sugar destabilizes gut flora |
Alfalfa hay is for growing kits, not adults — too rich in protein and calcium.
The do-not-feed list (memorize this)
HRS's explicit list: iceberg lettuce, nuts, legumes (beans), yogurt, bread, crackers, seeds, popcorn, onion, garlic, potatoes, chocolate and rhubarb. Avocado is additionally documented as toxic to rabbits by the Merck Veterinary Manual. Each food has its own page in our rabbit food safety A–Z with the reasoning.
The cabbage-family caution
Use caution with kale, cabbage, bok choy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and collard greens: for some rabbits they cause painful gas — and rabbits cannot pass gas easily, which makes bloat genuinely dangerous. Introduce one new food at a time and watch droppings and behavior for 24 hours.
Water and hygiene
Fresh water daily; HRS even recommends serving greens wet to boost hydration and keep the GI tract moving. Wash everything — pesticide residue is a real risk for small herbivores.