If you have wild rabbits visiting your garden or you’re caring for rescued rabbits outdoors, you might wonder: what’s the best food for them? Wild rabbits have very different needs from pets. They rely on natural forage, and giving the wrong food can cause serious health issues. In this guide, we’ll explore what wild rabbits eat naturally, the best supplemental foods, and top products you can buy to safely feed them.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: Kaytee Timothy Hay – fresh, high-fiber hay, perfect supplement for wild and domestic rabbits.
- Best Budget: Oxbow Essentials Rabbit Food – affordable pellets made with timothy hay, suitable for limited supplemental feeding.
- Best Premium: Small Pet Select Orchard Grass Hay – high-quality, soft hay that many rabbits love, especially during molting or digestive sensitivity.
Buyer’s Guide – What Do Wild Rabbits Eat?
Wild rabbits are grazers. Their digestive systems are built for high-fiber, low-sugar diets. Before putting out food, here are the basics:
- Grasses: The core of a wild rabbit’s diet – fescue, rye, meadow grasses, and timothy are ideal.
- Leaves & Herbs: Clover, dandelion, plantain leaves, and wild herbs are natural staples.
- Hay: Timothy, meadow, and orchard hay can be offered as a supplement if natural forage is limited.
- Vegetables: Small amounts of leafy greens like kale, romaine, and parsley can be offered, but not iceberg lettuce (too watery).
- Safe Pellets: High-fiber timothy hay–based pellets can be offered in moderation.
- Fresh Water: Always provide access to clean, fresh water.
Important: Avoid giving wild rabbits bread, cereal, sugary fruits, or processed food. These can harm their digestion.
💡 To make sure your outdoor rabbits (wild or rescued) have enough space and shelter, check with the Rabbit Cage Size Calculator. This tool helps you plan the right environment for any rabbit, whether wild rescues or pets.
Full Product Reviews
Kaytee Timothy Hay
Who it’s for: Wild rabbits in your yard or rescues who need supplemental feeding.
- Key Benefits: Fresh, high in fiber, supports digestion, helps wear down teeth naturally.
- Pros: Affordable, widely available, good staple food.
- Cons: Some bales may be dusty or inconsistent in texture.
Final Verdict: The safest, most natural supplemental food. Buy on Amazon.
Oxbow Essentials Rabbit Food
Who it’s for: When you want to provide controlled portions of pellets for rescued or outdoor rabbits.
- Key Benefits: Timothy-based pellets, fortified with vitamins and minerals.
- Pros: Affordable, balanced nutrition, great for supplemental feeding.
- Cons: Should not be the main food source for wild rabbits; forage and hay should still dominate.
Final Verdict: Use sparingly alongside hay and forage. Check today’s price.
Small Pet Select Orchard Grass Hay
Who it’s for: Rabbits with sensitive digestion or when you want to vary hay types.
- Key Benefits: Soft orchard grass, great alternative to timothy, encourages variety in diet.
- Pros: High quality, well-packaged, reduces boredom by offering variety.
- Cons: More expensive than timothy hay, some rabbits prefer timothy’s texture.
Final Verdict: Excellent premium choice. See it here.
Oxbow Western Timothy Hay
Who it’s for: Anyone looking for a reliable, consistent hay source.
- Key Benefits: Pure timothy hay, hand-selected, high fiber.
- Pros: Consistent quality, trusted brand, bulk options available.
- Cons: Can be pricier than Kaytee in large volumes.
Final Verdict: A staple hay option. Buy now.
Manna Pro Small World Rabbit Pellets
Who it’s for: Backyard rescues and supplemental feeding for wild rabbits in limited amounts.
- Key Benefits: Fortified nutrition, timothy-based pellets, affordable bulk bags.
- Pros: Good value, easy to store, available in large bags.
- Cons: Not designed for free-ranging wild diets—must be limited.
Final Verdict: Best for budget-conscious supplemental feeding. Check on Amazon.
Kaytee Fiesta Rabbit Food
Who it’s for: Use sparingly as enrichment rather than a daily staple.
- Key Benefits: Mix of hay, vegetables, and safe treats for variety.
- Pros: Keeps rabbits engaged, adds diet variety.
- Cons: Can be too rich for wild rabbits; not suitable as a main diet.
Final Verdict: Good as a treat food, not as a staple. Order here.
Comparison Table
| Product | Main Ingredient | Best For | Price Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kaytee Timothy Hay | 100% Timothy Hay | Daily forage supplement | See Price |
| Oxbow Essentials Pellets | Timothy Hay Pellets | Supplemental feeding | See Price |
| Small Pet Select Orchard Grass | Orchard Grass Hay | Premium hay option | See Price |
| Oxbow Western Timothy Hay | Timothy Hay | Reliable bulk feeding | See Price |
| Manna Pro Pellets | Timothy Pellets | Budget-friendly supplement | See Price |
| Kaytee Fiesta | Mixed Hay + Treats | Occasional enrichment | See Price |
FAQ
What is the healthiest food for wild rabbits?
Grass, leafy plants, clover, and timothy hay are the healthiest. These match their natural diet and keep their digestion working properly.
Can I feed wild rabbits fruits and vegetables?
Only in small amounts. Safe veggies include kale, parsley, and romaine lettuce. Avoid iceberg lettuce and high-sugar fruits like bananas or apples—too much sugar can harm their digestion.
Are pellets safe for wild rabbits?
Pellets can be offered occasionally, especially timothy-based pellets. But forage and hay should always make up the majority of their diet.
How much food should I leave out for wild rabbits?
Provide a small pile of hay and a small handful of greens. Wild rabbits should mostly graze naturally, so avoid overfeeding.
Conclusion
Feeding wild rabbits responsibly means focusing on natural, high-fiber foods like grasses and hay. Safe supplements like timothy hay, orchard grass, and limited pellets can help when forage is scarce. Avoid sugary or processed foods to keep them healthy.
Before you set up feeding stations or housing for wild or rescued rabbits, use the Rabbit Cage Size Calculator. This free tool helps you ensure that any rabbits in your care have the right amount of space to stay active and stress-free.
Take action today: Stock up on safe rabbit food, create a safe space, and check your setup with the calculator. Your rabbits will thrive with the right diet and environment!