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Yes, plain complete rabbit nuggets (pellets) are a healthy part of the diet, but only a small, measured part. The RSPCA suggests about 25 g per kg of body weight a day, roughly an egg cup. PDSA suggests one tablespoon a day, or two for rabbits over 3.5 kg. Avoid muesli-style mixes and pellets with fruit, seeds or sweets mixed in.
| Safe? | Yes, plain complete nuggets |
|---|---|
| How much | About 25 g per kg (0.4 oz per 2.2 lb) a day, roughly an egg cup |
| How often | Daily, measured |
| Best served | Plain, single-type nuggets alongside unlimited hay |
| Watch out for | Muesli mixes; overfeeding; sudden food changes |
Are pellets good for rabbits?
Yes, as a small top-up. Nuggets (pellets in the US) give vitamins and minerals that hay alone may not, but they are only about 5% of a healthy rabbit's diet, according to the RSPCA, Woodgreen and Medivet. The rest is hay and grass, with leafy greens.
How many pellets should a rabbit eat a day?
The charities give slightly different measures, so here they are side by side. They all mean the same thing: a small amount.
| Source | Daily amount |
|---|---|
| RSPCA | About 25 g per kg of body weight (0.4 oz per 2.2 lb), roughly an egg cup |
| PDSA | One tablespoon once a day, or twice a day for rabbits over 3.5 kg (7.7 lb) |
| House Rabbit Society | 1/4 cup per 6 lb (2.7 kg) of body weight for adults |
| Medivet | About 60 g (2 oz) for an average 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) rabbit |
Where they differ, we would start from the RSPCA's 25 g per kg, weigh your rabbit, and adjust with your vet if they gain or lose weight. Growing, pregnant, nursing or underweight rabbits may need more, the RSPCA says.
Pellets vs muesli
Muesli-style mixes are not recommended by PDSA, the RSPCA or Woodgreen. Rabbits pick out the tasty, sugary bits and leave the rest, so they miss nutrients. Choose plain nuggets where every piece is the same. House Rabbit Society adds that a good pellet has at least 18% fibre, and that adults should not have pellets with fruit, seeds, nuts, corn or yoghurt drops mixed in.
How to switch to pellets
- Weigh your rabbit. Work out the daily amount from the table above.
- Mix old and new. Add a little of the new nuggets to the old food.
- Go slowly. PDSA says change over 2 to 4 weeks; the RSPCA says 14 to 28 days.
- Keep hay unlimited. Hay stays the main food throughout.
Scatter the daily nuggets through the hay rather than tipping them in a bowl. Your rabbit forages for them, and the small portion lasts longer.
Young rabbits
House Rabbit Society feeds alfalfa-based pellets to rabbits under 7 months, then moves adults to timothy-based pellets. Ask your vet when to switch.
See our best rabbit food guide, hay, grass, the rabbit diet guide, the rabbit food list and the rabbit care hub.
Questions owners ask
Can rabbits eat pellets only?
No. Pellets are only about 5% of a healthy diet. A rabbit fed mostly pellets misses the hay and grass its gut needs. Keep hay unlimited and give pellets as a small measured portion.
Can rabbits eat guinea pig pellets?
They are made for a different animal, with added vitamin C and a different balance. Use pellets made for rabbits, and if you have both, feed each their own food.
Can rabbits eat unlimited pellets?
No. Unlimited pellets lead to weight gain and less hay eaten. Weigh out the daily amount, about 25 g per kg of rabbit according to the RSPCA.
Are rabbit nuggets and pellets the same thing?
Yes. Nuggets is the usual UK word and pellets the usual US word for the same kind of plain, complete rabbit food where every piece is the same.
