This is a specific conversation about Rabbit food and hay — getting the diet right — ask about yours and get one honest answer for your exact situation.
inparticular.ai
An active, lean English Spot at 3 years old is actually a good sign — these are naturally lively, athletic rabbits and lean isn't the same as underfed. Before we talk calories, it's worth knowing that hay should make up around 80% of your rabbit's diet regardless of activity level. It's not just food — it's what keeps the gut moving and the teeth worn down properly. Pellets are a small supplement on top, not the main event. So tell me: what are you currently feeding, and how much pellets is your rabbit getting each day?
He gets unlimited hay, which he eats loads of, and about a tablespoon of pellets in the morning. He's always zooming around and I just wonder if he needs more fuel. He looks healthy but feels quite light when I pick him up.
inparticular.ai
That actually sounds like a solid foundation — unlimited hay plus a measured amount of pellets is the right structure. The 'feels light' concern is worth unpacking though. English Spots are naturally fine-boned and lean by breed standard, so they often feel lighter than people expect compared to, say, a Nethie or a Rex. Can you tell me roughly how much he weighs? And what pellets are you currently using — are they a muesli mix or a uniform pellet?
I think he's about 2.5kg. He's on a muesli mix at the moment, one of the supermarket ones.
inparticular.ai
2.5kg is entirely normal for an English Spot — they typically run between 2.3kg and 3.6kg, so your rabbit is on the lighter but healthy end. The muesli mix is actually the thing I'd change, and it's relevant to your calorie question too. Rabbits selectively eat the sugary bits from muesli and leave the rest, so they end up with unbalanced nutrition despite eating plenty. Switching to a uniform nugget means he gets consistent nutrients in every bite. On calories specifically — because he's eating lots of hay and staying active, I wouldn't increase pellet volume. I'd improve quality instead.
That makes sense. So which pellets would you suggest?
inparticular.ai
Science Selective Adult Rabbit Food is what I'd go with here. It's a uniform nugget — no selective feeding possible — with a good fibre content (around 25%) that complements all the hay he's eating. It's formulated for adult rabbits, so the protein and energy levels are appropriate rather than growth-stage high. Keep the portion at roughly one tablespoon to an egg-cup per kg of body weight daily — so for a 2.5kg rabbit, that's a small, consistent amount. The hay stays unlimited and remains the actual engine of his diet. You won't need to add more calories; you'll just be using them more efficiently.
Perfect. And should I be giving him anything else — vegetables or treats?
inparticular.ai
A small daily portion of fresh leafy greens is great — think romaine lettuce, fresh herbs like parsley or basil, or dark leafy greens. Aim for around a large handful per day. Avoid iceberg lettuce, anything high in sugar, and go easy on fruit — a small piece once or twice a week as a treat is fine, not daily. If he's active and lean and eating loads of hay, he's likely doing very well. The muesli switch will be the meaningful upgrade here.
