Rabbit Feed Quantity Calculator
Pellets are a measured supplement to a rabbit's diet, not the main food: unlimited grass hay should make up the bulk, with a daily serving of leafy greens and constant fresh water. A common guideline for adult rabbits is about a quarter cup of pellets per 5 pounds of body weight a day (roughly 0.05 cup per pound). This calculator multiplies body weight by an editable cups-per-pound rate so you can adjust for size and life stage, and shows daily, weekly, and total pellet amounts. Enter weight, the pellet rate, and a planning period. Always keep hay freely available and change foods gradually.
About 0.05 cup/lb (a quarter cup per 5 lb) for adults.
Rabbit pellet formula
Daily pellets = body weight (lb) * pellet rate (cups/lb)
Weekly pellets = daily pellets * 7
Total pellets = daily pellets * days
All amounts are in cups of pellets. This sizes the pellet portion only; grass hay should be unlimited and is not counted here.
Rabbit diet context
- Unlimited grass hay should be the bulk of an adult rabbit's diet.
- Pellets are a measured supplement, not the main food.
- Young, pregnant, or nursing rabbits may need more pellets.
- Add a daily serving of leafy greens and constant fresh water.
- Change any food gradually to protect sensitive digestion.
Rabbit feed: frequently asked questions
How many pellets should a rabbit get per day?
A common guideline for adult rabbits is roughly a quarter cup of pellets per 5 pounds of body weight per day (about 0.05 cup per pound), alongside unlimited grass hay. This calculator multiplies body weight by an editable cups-per-pound rate so you can match the guidance for your rabbit's size and life stage.
Why should hay be unlimited?
Grass hay should make up the bulk of an adult rabbit's diet. It provides the fibre that keeps the digestive system moving and wears down continuously growing teeth. Pellets are a supplement, not the main food. This calculator sizes the pellet portion only; hay should always be freely available.
Why is the pellet rate editable?
Because needs vary. Young, growing, pregnant, or nursing rabbits may need more pellets, while overweight adults need fewer. Breed and pellet type also matter. An editable cups-per-pound rate lets you adjust from the common quarter-cup-per-5-pounds starting point.
What else should a rabbit's diet include?
Besides unlimited hay and a measured pellet portion, adult rabbits benefit from a daily serving of leafy greens. Fresh water must always be available. Sugary treats and high-starch foods should be very limited. Ask your veterinarian for diet specifics for your rabbit.
How should I change a rabbit's food?
Introduce any new food, including new pellets or greens, gradually over one to two weeks. Rabbits have sensitive digestive systems, and sudden changes can cause serious gut problems. Watch droppings and appetite when making changes.
Official sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Nutrition and feeding of rabbits.
- Penn State Extension: Rabbit care and management.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 17 June 2026. See our methodology.