Welcome to the ultimate rabbit owner’s guide to stocking up on all the essential supplies for your bunny! Getting a new rabbit is an exciting experience, but are you fully prepared to bring one home? Before adopting your fluffy friend, be sure you have everything needed to properly care for them. We’ve created the perfect rabbit supply checklist so your new pet can hop right into a safe, enriching habitat. From the best foods and treats to the ideal housing setup and toys, we’ll detail the must-have gear for happy, healthy rabbits. Read on to learn the trusted brands and products as well as what not to get. Let’s get started on stocking up for your new rabbit!
Food and nutrition supplies
Proper nutrition is extremely important for keeping pet rabbits healthy and happy. When it comes to food, there are a few essentials that every rabbit owner needs to have on hand. The main component of a rabbit's diet should be unlimited amounts of fresh hay. Hay provides fiber that facilitates good dental health and gastrointestinal function. The two best hays for rabbits are timothy and orchard grass. Buy these in bulk since your rabbit will go through a lot of hay. Good brands include Oxbow, Standlee, and Small Pet Select.
You'll also need to provide your bunny with fresh greens every day. Dark leafy greens like kale, spinach, and romaine lettuce are great choices. Vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli are also good to feed in moderation. Stay away from light-colored lettuces as these are lower in nutrients. Only introduce new veggies gradually to avoid digestive upset.
Pellets are another important part of your rabbit's diet. These provide concentrated nutrition to complement the hay and vegetables. Choose a pellet made specially for rabbits, preferably with a high fiber content and no artificial flavors or coloring. Popular pellet brands are Oxbow and Sherwood Pet Health. Feed approximately 1/4 cup per 4 lbs of body weight per day.
Some other food-related supplies that are must-haves include:
- A heavy ceramic food bowl that won't be tipped over easily
- A water bottle with a metal sipper tube to provide clean, fresh water at all times
- Treats like apples, banana slices, and commercially made treats to provide extra enrichment. Oxbow and Small Pet Select make healthy rabbit treats.
- A kitchen scale to weigh your rabbit and properly portion pellets
Having the right food is the foundation of keeping your rabbit healthy. Be prepared with a good stock of hay, veggies, pellets, and other essentials. Shop at pet stores or order online to get reputable rabbit products. With the proper diet, your bunny will live a long, happy life.
Trusted brands for rabbit food
When it comes to feeding your rabbit, not all food brands are created equal. There are some trusted companies that make top-quality diets and treats suitable for bunnies. Here are some of the best rabbit food brands to choose from:
Oxbow – One of the most popular and reliable rabbit food manufacturers. Oxbow makes high-fiber hays, natural pellets, and healthy treats. Their products are veterinarian recommended and many rabbit owners swear by the Oxbow brand. They offer formulas specially made for adult, baby, and senior rabbits.
Small Pet Select – This company specializes in products for small animals. Their timothy and orchard grass hays are fresh and green. They also make natural pellets and handmade treats. Products are directly shipped to consumers.
Standlee – For premium grass and meadow hays, Standlee is a top choice. They produce and package their hays to maximize freshness and nutrition. Rabbits love the taste and quality.
Sherwood Pet Health – This brand is known for its selective line of top-quality pellets. They use the best ingredients and have formulas for every rabbit's needs. Pellets are extruded to optimize digestion.
Supreme Petfoods – Supreme makes a variety of diets for small animals. Their Science Selective rabbit food comes in pellet and muesli mixes with premium natural ingredients.
Kaytee – For supplemental rabbit treats, Kaytee is a good option. They make a variety of fruited and seeded treats with no artificial flavors or colors.
Planet Pleasures – This company makes fun shaped compressed hay products that provide playtime enrichment along with fiber. Rabbits enjoy nibbling their grassy cookies and blocks.
These are some of the most trusted rabbit food brands recommended by rabbit owners and veterinary experts. Stick to these reputable companies and read labels to ensure you get high-quality foods. Good nutrition from trusted brands will help keep your bunny happy and healthy.
Housing and habitat supplies
The habitat you provide is key to your rabbit's wellbeing. Whether housed indoors or outdoors, you need to get the right supplies to create a safe, engaging home. Here are some must-have items for your rabbit's habitat:
An appropriately sized cage or enclosure – Get the largest possible habitat for your bunny to maximize living space. For cages, choose a minimum of 24" L x 24" W x 18" H for a small dwarf rabbit, or 30" x 36" x 18" for a medium rabbit. Add-on playpens can expand the space.
Litterbox and litter – Rabbits can be litter trained so you'll need a litterbox. Corner boxes work well as rabbits like to eliminate in corners. Use paper or wood-based litters made for rabbits. Avoid softwoods like cedar.
Hide house – Provide enclosed hideaways where your rabbit can safely retreat. Choose sturdy cardboard or wood houses with multiple exits.
Toys – Bunnies need mental stimulation. Wooden chew toys, tunnel tubes, and treat balls provide enriching playtime. Rotate toys to keep things interesting.
Water bottle – Attach a bottle with a metal ball tip to your cage to ensure a fresh water supply. Check it daily.
Food bowls – Use heavy ceramic bowls that attach to cage walls or sit securely on the cage floor.
Bedding – Line the floor with absorbent bedding to soak urine. Use paper-based products or aspen wood shavings.
Exercise pen – Let your rabbit play in a secure pen for added living space. Convertible exercise pens allow flexible sizing.
Grooming supplies – A slicker brush and nail clippers will help maintain your bunny's coat and nails.
The right habitat forms the foundation of your rabbit's home. Invest in a spacious cage or enclosure and outfit it properly for your pet's safety, comfort, and enrichment.
Miscellaneous supplies
In addition to the major items like housing, food, and litter, there are some miscellaneous supplies that are good to have on hand as a responsible rabbit owner:
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A pet first aid kit – Contains medical essentials for minor injuries like antibacterial ointment and bandages
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Grooming gloves – Help remove loose fur during shedding seasons
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Nail clippers – Trim nails to prevent scratches and overgrowth
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Enzymatic cleaner – Removes urine stains and odors from housing
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Baby gates – Block off unsafe areas and make a bunny-proof play area
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Electrical protectors – Protect cords and wires from chewing damage
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Waterproof pads – Place under litter box or enclosure to protect floors
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Emergency numbers – Keep your vet's and an emergency clinic's number handy
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Gas medicine – Have simethicone on hand to relieve gastrointestinal gas
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Evidence of ownership – Take photos of you with your rabbit and keep purchase/adoption records
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Carrier – Transport your rabbit safely and reduce stress
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Teething keys – Provide relief when molars are growing in
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Hay rack – Keep hay fresh and reduce waste
Having these extra supplies on hand will allow you to properly care for your pet rabbit and deal with any situation. Prepare for your rabbit's needs inside and outside the cage to keep them healthy.
What NOT to get for pet rabbits
While there are many essential items rabbit owners should get, there are also some things that are NOT recommended. Here are some products to avoid when shopping for your bunny:
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Oxbow Pure Comfort Bedding – Contains pine and cedar shavings which can cause respiratory issues
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Wire cage floors – Can lead to foot sores and pressure wounds on rabbits' feet
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Softwood shavings – Cedar and pine produce phenols that irritate rabbits' respiratory system
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Hamster exercise balls – Provides no ventilation and causes stress in rabbits
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Sand, clumping, or scented litters – Can be ingested and cause health problems if eaten
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Collars – Can get caught on things and pose a strangulation hazard
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Dog and cat toys – Not designed to stand up to rabbit chewing and can pose intestinal blockage risk
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Pellets with muesli style mixes – Bits and pieces can encourage selective feeding
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Soft treats – Stick to healthy crunchy treats to avoid digestive issues
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Iceberg lettuce – Has very poor nutritional value for rabbits
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Fresh vegetables high in oxalates like spinach – Can cause bladder stones over time
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Sugary yogurt drops and processed treats – High in calories and detrimental to rabbit health
Stick to reputable rabbit-safe brands and steer clear of known hazards. Providing proper products and avoiding known dangers will let your rabbit live safely and happily.