Rabbits’ digestive systems are perfectly suited for the mainstays of their diet in the wild. With the right balance of leafy greens and hay, these hop-happy herbivores have all the ingredients they need to stay healthy and lean.

But as bunnies became pets, easy-to-use prepared diets began to pose problems. Substituting carbohydrates for much of the necessary fiber resulted in digestive woes and obesity.

Help your adult rabbit stay in tip-top shape by following these dietary dictums. To start, offer your bunny as much grass hay daily as he can eat. Next, give a five-pound bunny at least two cups of green and leafy veggies every day. Pelleted diets are not a must for most rabbits. Use small amounts of fruit or root veggies as treats, but cut out high-carb foods like bread, seeds or cereals that do more harm than good.