Generally, you should feed your rabbit 1 tbsp of non-leafy green veggies per 2 pounds of body weight per day. For instance, a bunny weighing 3 pounds should eat an average of 1/8 cup (2 tablespoons) pellets, 1.5 cups leafy greens, and 1.5 tbsps of chopped veggies (non-leafy greens) per day.
Full Answer
How much food should a rabbit eat?
– for adults, an approximate amount to feed would be around 1 cup of greens for 2 lbs of rabbit body weight. You may need to test your buns individual limits. You may also see great results with 2-4 cups of fresh veggies per 6 lbs of rabbit body weight.
What to feed rabbits naturally?
Vegetables and plants to give sparingly (one or two times a week) to a bunny:
- Broccoli (stems and leaves only)
- Carrots
- Chard
- Clover
- Collard greens
- Dandelion greens (pesticide-free)
- Flowers: calendula, chamomile, daylily, dianthus, English daisy, hibiscus, honeysuckle, marigold, nasturtium, pansy, rose
- Kale
- Spinach
What is the best rabbit feed?
Vegetables that can be fed to a rabbit daily:
- Bell peppers
- Bok choy
- Brussels sprouts
- Carrot tops
- Cucumber
- Endive
- Escarole
- Fennel
- Herbs: basil, cilantro, dill, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, thyme
- Lettuces: romaine, green leaf, red leaf, Boston bibb, arugula, butter
What is the Diet of a rabbit?
The main part of a rabbit’s diet should be timothy hay. They should also receive 1-3 cups of fresh leafy green vegetables every day (depending on the size of the rabbit) and ¼-½ cups of fortified pellets. Treats (including carrots, bananas, berries, etc.) should only be given in very small amounts.
How much rabbit food should I feed my rabbit?
An average-sized (6-10 pounds) adult rabbit only needs one-quarter cup of pellets daily. If your rabbit is under five pounds, feed just one-eighth of a cup. Rabbits larger than 10 pounds do not need more than a quarter of a cup, since it's not a crucial part of a bunny's diet.
How much should I feed my rabbit calculator?
Rabbit Feeding ChartWeight of RabbitTotal Amount of Leafy Greens per DayServing of Pellets per Day2 lbs.1 cup2 tbsp3 lbs.1.5 cups3 tbsp4 lbs.2 cups¼ cup5 lbs.2.5 cups1 tbsp + ¼ cup5 more rows•Jan 12, 2022
How much should I feed my rabbit pellets?
Pellets. Feed your rabbits a small amount of good quality pellets or nuggets daily. Give them the right amount - measure 25g (an eggcup-full) of pellets per kg of your rabbit's body weight. For example, for a medium-sized rabbit (2kg), feed a maximum of two full egg cups.
How many times a day should I feed my rabbit pellets?
Don't overfeed pellets – one eighth of a cup for a small rabbit per day is more than adequate OR you could choose to not feed pellets at all! There are no pellets out there in the wild and rabbits do very well without them! Don't skimp on the hay – a ball about the same size as your bunny per day is a great guide.
What should my rabbit eat daily?
hayRabbits should have a daily diet of mostly hay, a smaller amount of fresh vegetables, and a limited number of pellets. Hay is the most important part of a rabbit's daily intake. Unlimited, high-quality grass hay, such as Timothy, orchard or brome, should make up the bulk of a rabbit's diet.
Can you overfeed rabbits?
Rabbits have sensitive digestive systems. Overeating can cause obesity and digestive problems which could lead to death. A rabbit's diet should consist of 85% grass hay, such as meadow, timothy, or orchard hay. The rest of the diet should be fresh vegetables, fruit, and pellets.
Should rabbits have pellets all day?
Pellets can be good for rabbits in small quantities, but they are not a necessary part of a rabbit's daily food intake. If pet rabbits are given a balanced diet with grass-based hay and a variety of leafy green vegetables, they can still be healthy on a pellet-free diet.
Should rabbits have unlimited pellets?
Many experienced rabbit veterinarians are now recommending no more than 1/8 cup of quality pellets per 5 lbs. of rabbit per day, and some even consider commercial pellets a "treat food" that can promote obesity in spayed/neutered adult rabbits.
How do I know if my rabbit is eating enough?
However, there is a good way to know if your rabbit is eating right. Take a look at your rabbit's fecal pellets. This can help you determine if its diet is healthy....It may contain:Too much sugar.Poor quality hay.Too many fresh veggies.Too much protein.Not enough fiber.
How much greens should I feed my rabbit?
A good rule of thumb is 1 tablespoon of non-leafy green veggies per 2 pounds of body weight per day. For example, a rabbit that weighs 3 pounds should get roughly 1/8 cup (2 Tbsp) pellets, 1.5 cups leafy greens, and 1.5 tablespoons of chopped veggies (non-leafy greens).
How often should I give my bunny hay?
How much hay should I feed my rabbit? Hay or grass should form the majority of your rabbit's diet around 80-90%, it should be clean and fresh, and always available. You should expect to see your furry friend munching hay for around six to eight hours a day according to the RSPCA.
How often should you clean a rabbit cage?
As a general rule, clean your rabbit's hutch or cage thoroughly at least once every two weeks. 1 However, your rabbit's cage might need deep cleaning more often, depending on the size of the cage and how well your rabbit is litter-trained.
How much veggies should a rabbit eat a day?
A good rule of thumb is 1 tablespoon of non-leafy green veggies per 2 pounds of body weight per day. For example, a rabbit that weighs 3 pounds should get roughly 1/8 cup (2 Tbsp) pellets, 1.5 cups leafy greens, and 1.5 tablespoons of chopped veggies (non-leafy greens).
Can rabbits eat pellets only?
Yes, pellets are part of a rabbit diet too. It's possible to feed a non-pelleted diet, but this requires a careful balance of nutrient sources from many types of veggies and hay. Most rabbit owners prefer to provide a pelleted food in addition to the hay and vegetables their rabbit eats. Pellets are made from hay.
Can rabbits see in the dark?
Rabbits are not nocturnal, so their eyes cannot see in the dark. Rabbits do not have a tapetum lucidum, which helps some animals to see in the dark. In extreme darkness, rabbits rely on their other senses. A rabbit will hear and smell what she cannot see.
When should you feed rabbits?
Providing pellets or fresh greens during the evening feeding is optimal. Rabbits are most likely to eat their pellets during the evening and overnight hours. Providing food during this time decreases the number of unwanted behaviors (chewing, playing with water bottle) that may occur in the overnight hours.
Why do rabbits eat pellets?
Over-feeding pellets to adult rabbits is a common cause of obesity and soft stool (caused by an overgrowth of abnormal bacteria in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract), as pellets are generally low in fiber and high in carbohydrates. In addition to hay, wild rabbits eat a lot of other fresh vegetation.
What do rabbits eat?
Rabbits should have a daily diet of mostly hay, a smaller amount of fresh vegetables, and a limited number of pellets. Hay is the most important part of a rabbit's daily intake. Unlimited, high-quality grass hay, such as Timothy, orchard or brome, should make up the bulk of a rabbit's diet. Grass hay is high in fiber, which is critical ...
What happens if you feed a rabbit too quickly?
If you introduce new foods too quickly, or feed inappropriate food choices, the rabbit's normal digestive flora (normal bacteria) will be disturbed, gas- and toxin-producing bacteria can overgrow, and the rabbit may become very sick and possibly die.
What are fecal pellets called?
They are called cecotropes, cecal droppings, nocturnal droppings, or night droppings. They are usually small, soft or pasty, darker, and have a strong fermented or sweet smell.
What vegetables should I eat to help with GI flora?
Other acceptable vegetables include broccoli, green peppers, Brussel sprouts, endive, wheat grass, radicchio, and squash. Iceberg or head lettuce should not be fed, as it is mainly water and contains few nutrients. Carrots should be fed sparingly, as they are very high in carbohydrate and may upset GI bacterial flora.
How often should I eat fruit?
Fruits can be fed in very limited quantities – no more than 1-2 tablespoons of high-fiber fresh fruit (such as apple, pear, or berries) every 1-2 days. The high sugar content in fruits (and even carrots) may upset the normal GI tract bacteria if given in excess.
Can rabbits eat grass hay?
Grass hay is high in fiber, which is critical to maintaining a rabbit’s healthy digestive tract. While young, growing rabbits can eat any type of grass hay , alfalfa hay is not recommended for adult rabbits, as it is too rich in protein and too high in calcium.
Why does my dog have a GI stasis?
It occurs from an unbalanced diet with too little hay and too many carbs. Digestive grinds to a halt as so-called bad bacteria builds up in the GI system. It is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires veterinary care.
What does a sailor love?
She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes (and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship) and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.
How much fiber does a rabbit need?
Rabbits require up to 20% fiber and 45% carbs in their daily diet. These foodstuffs do an excellent job of satisfying those needs. Rabbits can also eat other greens, albeit in limited quantities. These animals have sensitive digestive systems and can react adversely to sudden changes in their diet.
Why is it important to have fresh water for rabbits?
It’s especially vital given the amount of fiber that your pet is consuming. Ample water will ensure that their digestive system functions properly and reduces the risks of constipation or blockages .
What to do if your rabbit is not eating?
What to Do If Your Rabbit Isn’t Eating. Giving your pet occasional treats is an excellent way to gauge their appetite. If your pet is acting lethargic, you can try offering them one of their favorites. One of the most common causes of food disinterest is overgrown teeth, hence the need for a hay-based diet.
Why do rabbits gain weight?
Although these are nutritionally rich, they can lead to weight gain because they are also calorie-dense. Obesity is an issue with animals kept in confined quarters with limited exercise. While rabbits aren’t rodents, their teeth, i.e., incisors, continue to grow their entire lives.
What to feed a bunny?
Fruits and other foods are the best healthy treats for your rabbit. They will provide additional nutrients to ensure that they’re getting the full slate of vitamins and minerals that they need.
How long do rabbits live on pellets?
Pellets can make young rabbits eat little or no hay and that’s definitely not a good habit. Good eating habits are formed early in life. Pellets: – 4 to 7 weeks – still on mother’s milk; full access to alfalfa and pellets;
How long does it take for a rabbit to eat alfalfa?
Between 4 to 7 weeks besides his mother’s milk, the young rabbit gets full access to alfalfa and pellets. II. Then, you have fresh food that should be of around 10 – 15% of your pet rabbit’s diet. 3. high-fiber fruits (10% of the fresh part of the diet – none if dieting).
What is the majority of fresh food?
The majority of fresh food include: 1. leafy fresh food (about 75% of the fresh part of the diet); 2. non-leafy fresh food (15% of the fresh part of the diet); 3. high-fiber fruits (10% of the fresh part of the diet – none if dieting). Fruits:
Why do you mix spinach?
A mixture is necessary in order to get the essential nutrients. For example, if you feed spinach this week, then leave it out of the diet for next week and use something else that is low in oxalate.
Can rabbits eat pellets?
Rabbits can thrive on a pellet/hay only diet. It’s not that big of a deal. What you should check is that he drinks plenty of water. TIP: The quantity of fresh food should be twice the size of the rabbit’s head: chop the vegetables coarsely and gather them snuggly (but not squeezed tightly) into your hands.
Is hay good for bunnies?
You should give your bun unlimited access to these types of hay. Alfalfa (Lucerne) is not a healthy choice for your adult rabbit. Since it has a very high protein level, it’s suitable only for growing youngsters or as an alternative when it comes to putting weight on an underweight rabbit.
Rules to Avoid Rabbit Diarrhoea
Rabbits are herbivores. Think of your rabbit as a strict vegan, and never give your rabbit any meat or dairy products of any kind, they will make your rabbit ill. Diarrhoea can be very dangerous to rabbits, so it’s important to follow four simple rules that avoid upset tummies.
Change Rabbit Food Gradually
When you first bring your rabbit home, feeding is very easy. For the first 48 hours, just give your rabbit lots of nice fresh hay, and a little of whatever dry food they were being fed on previously. We’ll look at exactly how much dry food to give in a moment.
Feed Mainly Hay or Growing Grass to Rabbits
Hay should comprise the majority of your rabbit’s diet. The exception would be if you are able to graze your rabbits on pasture. As most people keep their rabbits indoors, it’s hay that they need. And hay needs to be at least 80% of an indoor or caged rabbit’s diet.
Feeding Vegetables To Rabbits
Introduce one safe veggie at a time. When you bring a new rabbit home, I suggest you give a piece of cabbage or bok choy leaf, not much bigger than your thumbnail, or at most 1 X 1 inch, on day 1. Increase the quantities each day, over the next week.
Safe Veggies for Rabbits
Some plants are toxic to rabbits and some, such as iceberg lettuce can cause diarrhoea. But you can share the following basic green veg that many of us have in our kitchens, with your rabbit
Root Vegetables for Rabbits
You can also feed small quantities of some root vegetables such as carrots and parsnips, as treats. They are very sweet and more of a treat than a necessity, so not too much of these unless your rabbit needs to put on weight.
The Importance of Hay for Rabbits
Did you know that rabbits can actually survive and thrive on good quality hay alone? Good hay contains everything a rabbit needs in terms of nutrients but also has two other important roles. Hay helps to keep your rabbits teeth and intestinal tract in good working order. Let’s take the teeth part first
How to help a rabbit with digestive issues?
Instead, give something that is not high in oxalate. Introduce new veggies to your pet’s diet to avoid digestive upset, though the animal is now familiar with different veggies. Some rabbits might not react positively when being fed with greens. Bunnies thrive on a hay/pellet diet.
Why are pellets important for dogs?
Pellets are mainly for breeders because they are high in protein, which is essential for faster growth. In spite of that, ensuring a longer lifespan is more important to your pet. Pellets make juveniles eat some or no hay, which is not good. Your pet should have proper eating habits right in the first few weeks of its life.
7 WEEKS TO 7 MONTHS
Starting at 7 weeks, rabbits can start eating solid foods like pellets and hay. But, you should wait until 12 weeks old before giving vegetables. Feed your rabbits high-quality alfalfa hay and pellets. You can let your rabbits decide how much pellets and hay they want to eat during this time period to maximize growth.
7 MONTHS TO 1 YEAR
Starting at 7 months, you can start changing your rabbit’s diet SLOWLY. Introduce grass hay while slowly decreasing alfalfa hay. Increase the amount of vegetables from 15 grams per day up to 128 grams per day GRADUALLY. Pellets should be decreased from unlimited amounts to ½ cup per 6 lbs (2.7 kg) of body weight.
1-5 YEARS
You can choose between grass, oat, or straw hay to feed your rabbits. Let them decide how much hay they want to eat during this time. Just make sure that it’s not alfalfa because it’s too high in calcium. Pellets should be controlled to ½ cup per 6 lbs (2.7 kg) of BW. While vegetables should be fed 1-2 cups per 6 lbs (2.7kg) of BW.
