Baby Bunny Diet: The Complete Guide to Feeding Young Rabbits
Introduction
When you bring home a baby bunny (also called a kit), one of the biggest questions is “What should my baby rabbit eat?” A proper baby bunny diet is crucial for healthy growth, digestive stability, and preventing life-threatening conditions like GI stasis. Unlike adult rabbits, baby rabbits have delicate digestive systems and unique nutritional needs.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything about feeding baby bunnies—from the milk they need at birth to the hay, pellets, and vegetables they transition to as they grow. We’ll also answer FAQs, share vet-approved tips, and outline what foods to avoid.
Why Baby Bunny Diet Matters
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Healthy development: Baby bunnies grow quickly and need the right balance of nutrients.
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Gut health: Rabbits rely on beneficial gut bacteria. The wrong foods can upset this balance.
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Longevity: Rabbits fed properly from a young age often live longer, healthier lives.
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Baby Bunny Diet by Age (Stage-Wise Guide)
0–3 Weeks: Mother’s Milk or Kitten Milk Replacement
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Newborn kits are completely dependent on their mother’s milk.
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If the mother is not available, you must feed them kitten milk replacer (KMR) or goat’s milk, never cow’s milk.
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Feedings: 2x per day.
Important: Hand-raising newborn rabbits is very challenging. Always consult a rabbit-savvy vet if you find an orphaned kit.
3–4 Weeks: Introducing Solid Foods
At around 3 weeks, baby bunnies start nibbling at their mother’s food. This is when you can offer:
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Alfalfa hay – rich in calcium and protein for growth.
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High-quality alfalfa-based pellets – small amounts.
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Still nursing from mother (or KMR if orphaned).
4–7 Weeks: Weaning Stage
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Gradually reduce milk feedings.
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Offer unlimited alfalfa hay and pellets.
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Fresh water should be available at all times.
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Avoid fruits and vegetables at this age—too harsh for their stomachs.
8–12 Weeks: Fully Weaned
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Babies are now independent eaters.
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Unlimited alfalfa hay + unlimited alfalfa pellets.
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No sugary treats yet.
12 Weeks–6 Months: Growth Phase
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Continue alfalfa hay and pellets.
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Slowly introduce vegetables one at a time:
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Romaine lettuce
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Cilantro
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Parsley
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Basil
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Avoid iceberg lettuce (contains lactucarium, which causes diarrhea).
6 Months–1 Year: Transition to Adult Diet
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Switch from alfalfa hay to timothy hay.
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Limit alfalfa pellets; introduce timothy-based pellets.
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Add more leafy greens to the diet.
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Introduce small pieces of carrot or fruit as occasional treats.
What Baby Bunnies Should Eat (Checklist)
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Alfalfa hay (until 6 months).
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Fresh timothy hay (gradually from 6 months onward).
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Pellets: plain, no added seeds or colored bits.
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Fresh greens: after 12 weeks, one new veggie at a time.
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Clean water daily.
Foods to Avoid for Baby Bunnies
Some foods are dangerous for rabbits, especially babies:
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Iceberg lettuce
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Potatoes
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Bread, crackers, cereals
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Nuts and seeds
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Chocolate or sugary foods
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Onion, garlic, chives
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Cabbage and beans (gas-producing)
Keyword tip: what not to feed baby rabbits.
Signs of a Healthy Baby Bunny Diet
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Steady weight gain
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Bright, alert eyes
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Firm, round droppings
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Active and curious behavior
Common Feeding Mistakes
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Too many treats: Fruits should be avoided until 6 months old.
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Switching diet too fast: Always transition foods gradually.
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Not enough hay: Hay should make up 80% of a rabbit’s diet.
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Wrong pellets: Avoid “muesli-style” mixes.
Importance of Hay in Baby Bunny Diet
Hay is the cornerstone of a rabbit’s digestive health. For baby bunnies:
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Alfalfa hay: provides extra calcium and protein.
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Timothy hay: introduced around 6 months to avoid obesity.
Pellet Guide for Baby Rabbits
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Choose pellets with at least 18% fiber.
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Avoid artificial colors and corn fillers.
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Feed unlimited pellets until 6 months, then restrict portions.
Fresh Vegetables: When & How to Introduce
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Start at 12 weeks, introduce one at a time.
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Begin with small amounts (e.g., one leaf of romaine).
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Wait 24 hours before introducing another veggie to check for digestive issues.
Treats for Baby Bunnies
Treats should be avoided until at least 6 months. After that, occasional:
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Apple slices (no seeds)
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Banana slices
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Carrot chunks
Rule: No more than 1 teaspoon per 2 lbs of body weight.
Hydration and Water Needs
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Provide fresh, clean water at all times.
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Use a water bottle or heavy bowl that won’t tip.
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Check daily to ensure water is not contaminated with hay or droppings.
Baby Bunny Diet and Digestive Health
Bunnies have sensitive digestive tracts:
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They rely on cecotropes (special nutrient-rich droppings) for essential vitamins.
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A poor diet can cause GI stasis, a deadly condition where the digestive system shuts down.
Transitioning Baby Bunnies to Adult Food
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At 6 months, gradually reduce alfalfa hay and increase timothy hay.
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Change pellets from alfalfa-based to timothy-based.
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Increase fresh vegetables and leafy greens.
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Keep treats minimal.
Hand-Feeding Orphaned Baby Bunnies
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Use a syringe or eyedropper with KMR or goat’s milk.
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Feed 2x per day; do not overfeed.
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Stimulate urination/defecation with a warm cloth (mother normally does this).
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Very high risk—consult a vet immediately.
FAQs About Baby Bunny Diet
Q1: Can baby bunnies eat carrots?
Not until 12 weeks, and only small amounts.
Q2: How long do baby bunnies drink milk?
They nurse for 6–8 weeks but start nibbling solids at 3 weeks.
Q3: Do baby rabbits need salt licks?
No. A proper diet provides all necessary minerals.
Q4: Why is my baby bunny not eating?
Loss of appetite is serious—see a vet immediately.
Q5: Can baby bunnies eat grass from the yard?
Only if pesticide-free and introduced after 12 weeks.
Conclusion
Feeding a baby bunny properly is one of the most important parts of rabbit care. Their diet changes quickly from milk to alfalfa hay and pellets, and later to timothy hay, vegetables, and small treats. Following the right baby bunny diet guidelines helps prevent digestive issues and sets your rabbit up for a long, healthy life.https://dailyfithabit.com/2025/09/09/the-carnivar-diet-recipies/
