How to Introduce Healthy Treats to Your Rabbit

Many of our customers mention that their rabbits were hesitant about our healthy treats at first—but once they tried them, they were hooked! Some bunnies make the switch easily, while others need time to warm up to new, nutritious options. Just like us, rabbits can get used to certain flavors, especially the sweet, processed ones found in many store-bought treats.

But providing a balanced, natural diet is one of the most important things you can do for your rabbit’s health. In this guide, we’ll walk you through choosing and introducing healthy treats your rabbit will love—without the sugar, fillers, and additives.

Understanding Your Rabbit's Nutritional Needs

Rabbits are herbivores and need a high-fiber, plant-based diet:

• Hay should be available 24/7 and is the cornerstone of their diet for digestion and dental health.

• Pellets and fresh vegetables add variety and nutrients.

• Treats should make up no more than 2% of daily intake.

• Fresh water is a must at all times.

Why Most Store-Bought Treats Aren’t Great

Unfortunately, many commercial rabbit treats contain excessive sugar, dairy products, or corn-based fillers. These ingredients can cause obesity, GI issues, and dental disease.

If sugar is listed first, that’s a red flag.

The brand above is a typical example of treats you may come across at your local Petsmart. The second ingredient listed is corn syrup, a high-sugar additive that offers no nutritional value to your beloved pet. Moreover, the treat contains preservatives and artificial colors, which are unnecessary and potentially harmful to your rabbit's well-being.

Choosing Healthy Alternatives

Look for treats that are:

• Organic and natural – no added sugars or preservatives

• Made with whole food ingredients – like hay, herbs, or veggies

• Crafted for nutrition, not just flavor

Our popular seasonal Pumpkin Pie, made from simple, healthy ingredients including organic oat flour, organic barley flour, organic marshmallow root, pumpkin, apple, organic beet, organic flax seed meal, and organic turmeric.

At Well Kept Rabbit, we avoid “empty calories” and instead focus on functional ingredients that support health and enrichment.

Whole Foods as Treats

Fresh or dried fruits and vegetables are a great addition in small amounts:

• Fruits: apple, banana, papaya, blueberries (high in sugar—use sparingly)

• Veggies: carrot, bell pepper, zucchini

Whole foods are high in fiber, rich in nutrients, and help support hydration. You can find our selection of dried fruits and veggies here.

Portion Control

Treats are tempting—especially when your bunny begs—but moderation is key. Stick to around 2% of their daily intake, or a small piece once or twice a day.

Here's a handy chart from the Bunny Lady below (although we like to keep it simple and just recommend 1 teaspoon-1 tablespoon daily of healthy treats).

How to Transition to Healthier Treats

Rabbits, like humans, have different preferences, so it may take some trial and error to find treats your bunny truly enjoys. Introduce new treats gradually and observe their reaction. Not all rabbits will like the same treats, so be patient and willing to explore different options.

A Step-by-Step Approach

1. Start slow – Offer a healthy treat alongside their usual one. For example, if your rabbit enjoys a store-bought treat daily, offer a tiny piece of our healthy Happy Belly Biscuits in addition to their usual treat.

2. Leave it in their space – Rabbits often try new things when they feel safe. 99% of the time, the treat will be gone by the morning!

3. Increase gradually – Slowly phase out old treats.

4. Use positive reinforcement – Praise, petting, or bonding time helps.

5. Try different textures and flavors – Every rabbit is unique.

Keep an eye on their weight and health during the process and adjust as needed.

Making Healthy Treats Irresistible

Introducing healthy treats to your rabbit doesn't have to be a bland or unexciting experience. With a little creativity and some enticing techniques, you can make those wholesome treats absolutely irresistible to your furry friend. Here are some tips to make treat time enjoyable and engaging for your rabbit:

• Rotate options to keep them interested.

• Use treat toys or hide treats to encourage foraging like treat balls or puzzle toys that require interaction to access the treats.

• Offer treats at active times (morning or evening).

• “Eat” with your rabbit – it may sound silly, but they’re social and curious!

• Make homemade treats from safe, simple ingredients. Below is a recipe for your own DIY Herbal Crunchies made with our delicious Herbal Forages!

Troubleshooting Common Challenges

• Rabbit won’t try new treat? Leave it overnight with them or break it into smaller pieces.

• Suspicious of new shapes or textures? Break the treat apart to release smell and flavor.

• Used to sweet, store-bought treats? Slowly reduce and replace with healthier ones.

• Still uninterested? Try new options or mix treats with a favorite food.

Switching to healthier treats takes time, but the benefits to your rabbit’s health are worth it. With patience and creativity, your bunny will come to enjoy nutritious options that support their well-being and keep them happy for years to come.