A proper rabbit diet is essential for digestive health, dental care, and overall wellbeing. Rabbits require a diet high in fiber, primarily from hay, with supplemental pellets and fresh vegetables. The right rabbit food provides balanced nutrition, supports healthy digestion, and helps maintain proper dental wear through natural chewing behaviors.
In this comprehensive guide, we've researched and compared the best rabbit foods available on Amazon. We've evaluated each product based on fiber content, ingredient quality, protein levels, pellet formulation, and nutritional balance. All products reviewed here include direct Amazon purchase links with our affiliate tag.
Quick Answer: Our Top Picks
If you're in a hurry, here are our top recommendations:
- Best Overall: Oxbow Essentials Adult Rabbit Food - High-fiber timothy hay, balanced nutrition, vet recommended
- Best Timothy-Based: Small Pet Select Rabbit Food Pellets - High-quality timothy hay, no fillers, rich in fiber
- Best Natural: Kaytee Supreme Rabbit Food - Natural grains, no artificial colors, essential nutrients
- Best Premium: Supreme Petfoods Science Selective Rabbit Food - Nutritionally balanced, promotes healthy digestion
What to Look For in Rabbit Food
When choosing rabbit food, consider these important factors:
Fiber Content
Rabbits need high fiber content (minimum 18-20%) for healthy digestion. Fiber helps maintain gut motility and prevents gastrointestinal stasis. Timothy hay-based pellets typically provide the best fiber content for adult rabbits.
Hay-Based Formula
Adult rabbits should eat timothy hay-based pellets rather than alfalfa-based, which is too high in protein and calcium for adult rabbits. Alfalfa is appropriate for young rabbits under 6 months old.
Protein Levels
Adult rabbits need moderate protein levels (12-14%). Higher protein can lead to obesity and urinary issues. Young rabbits and pregnant/nursing does need higher protein (16-18%).
No Added Treats
Avoid pellets with added seeds, nuts, dried fruits, or colorful pieces. These encourage selective eating and can lead to nutritional imbalances. Plain, uniform pellets ensure your rabbit gets complete nutrition.
Ingredient Quality
Look for pellets made with high-quality ingredients, preferably timothy hay as the first ingredient. Avoid feeds with excessive fillers, artificial preservatives, or low-quality grains.
Product Comparison Table
| Product | Base | Fiber | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oxbow Essentials | Timothy Hay | 22% | Adult rabbits, digestive health | $$ |
| Small Pet Select | Timothy Hay | 20% | Quality, no fillers | $$ |
| Kaytee Supreme | Natural Grains | 18% | Natural ingredients | $ |
| Science Selective | Timothy Hay | 19% | Digestive health, weight management | $$ |
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Oxbow Essentials Adult Rabbit Food - Best Overall
Oxbow Essentials Adult Rabbit Food is our top choice for overall quality and nutrition. This timothy hay-based pellet is specifically formulated for adult rabbits and contains 22% fiber, which is excellent for digestive health and dental care.
The formula is made with high-quality timothy hay as the primary ingredient, providing the fiber rabbits need for healthy gut function. The pellets are uniform and don't contain added treats, seeds, or colorful pieces, preventing selective eating and ensuring complete nutrition.
Oxbow Essentials is veterinarian recommended and provides balanced nutrition with proper protein levels (14%) for adult rabbits. The pellets support dental health through natural chewing and help maintain healthy weight. This feed is also suitable for guinea pigs, making it versatile if you have multiple small pets.
Key Features: Timothy hay-based, 22% fiber, vet recommended, uniform pellets, balanced nutrition, dental support
2. Small Pet Select Rabbit Food Pellets - Best Timothy-Based
Small Pet Select Rabbit Food Pellets are made with high-quality timothy hay and contain 20% fiber, providing excellent nutrition for adult rabbits. These pellets are free from fillers and made with premium ingredients.
The formula is rich in fiber and provides balanced nutrition without artificial preservatives or low-quality fillers. The pellets are uniform in size and composition, ensuring your rabbit gets complete nutrition with every bite.
Small Pet Select focuses on quality ingredients and proper nutrition, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious rabbit owners. The timothy hay base provides the fiber rabbits need for healthy digestion and dental wear.
Key Features: High-quality timothy hay, 20% fiber, no fillers, premium ingredients, uniform pellets
3. Kaytee Supreme Rabbit Food - Best Natural
Kaytee Supreme Rabbit Food is a blend of natural grains and pellets that provides essential nutrients without artificial colors or flavors. This feed contains 18% fiber and offers good nutrition at an affordable price point.
The natural grain blend provides variety and nutrition, though it's important to note that this feed may contain some seeds or mixed components. The formula provides balanced nutrition with proper protein levels for adult rabbits.
This feed is a good option for owners looking for natural ingredients at a reasonable price. While it may not be as high in fiber as timothy hay-based feeds, it still provides adequate nutrition when supplemented with unlimited hay.
Key Features: Natural grains, no artificial colors, 18% fiber, affordable, balanced nutrition
4. Supreme Petfoods Science Selective Rabbit Food - Best Premium
Supreme Petfoods Science Selective Rabbit Food is a nutritionally balanced diet that promotes healthy digestion and weight management. This timothy hay-based feed contains 19% fiber and is formulated with high-quality ingredients.
The formula is designed to support digestive health and maintain healthy weight, making it ideal for rabbits prone to obesity or digestive issues. The pellets are uniform and don't contain added treats, ensuring complete nutrition.
Science Selective provides balanced nutrition with proper protein levels and essential vitamins and minerals. The formula supports overall health and wellbeing, making it an excellent premium choice for health-conscious rabbit owners.
Key Features: Timothy hay-based, 19% fiber, digestive health, weight management, premium quality, balanced nutrition
Final Verdict
Oxbow Essentials Adult Rabbit Food is our top choice for overall quality, providing high fiber content and balanced nutrition. Small Pet Select offers excellent timothy hay-based nutrition without fillers. Kaytee Supreme provides natural ingredients at an affordable price, while Science Selective offers premium nutrition for digestive health.
Remember that pellets should only make up about 5% of your rabbit's diet. The majority (85%) should be unlimited high-quality hay, with fresh vegetables making up about 10%. Feed approximately 1/8 to 1/4 cup of pellets per 5 pounds of body weight daily. Always provide unlimited fresh water and monitor your rabbit's weight and health regularly.