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
- Okra leaves
- Radicchio
- Radish tops
- Sprouts: alfalfa, radish, clover
- Watercress
- Wheatgrass
- Zucchini
What are the best things to feed your Bunny?
- Arugula
- Carrot tops
- Cucumber leaves
- Endive
- Ecarole
- Frisee Lettuce
- Kale (all types)
- Mache
- Red or green lettuce
- Romaine lettuce
What should I Not Feed my Rabbit?
What NOT to Feed Your Pet Rabbit (List Included)
- Unhealthy pellet mixes. Unfortunately, there are a lot of rabbit food mixes found in pet stores that are not actually healthy for rabbits.
- Bad vegetables: potatoes, onions, and more. Because rabbits have a sensitive digestive system, all fruits and vegetables should be limited. ...
- Cereal and processed grains. ...
- Store-bought rabbit treats. ...
- Iceberg lettuce. ...
How much do you feed a bunny?
A rabbit should eat a day a: minimum of150 g of hay, 100 g of vegetables, and 30 g of rabbit feed per rabbit. If your pet does like to eat feed, you can increase the amount of vegetables and hay. These amounts are a reference, each rabbit is different, so it is essential to control its weight by weighing it on a scale weekly.
Why do Rabbits eat their own poop?
The fiber in hay for rabbits makes intestinal transit efficient, but in some ways, too inefficient. It is for this reason lagomorphs, a category of mammal including rabbits, hares and pikas, eat their own poop. In doing so, they are able to fully digest their food and reduce waste.
What do adults rabbits eat?
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.
What are good foods to feed a bunny?
Green, leafy vegetables are good for bunnies. You can include arugula, basil, bok choy, broccoli leaves, carrot tops, celery, clover, collard greens, dandelion leaves, dill, endive, kale in small quantities, romaine and dark leaf lettuce, mint, mustard greens, parsley, and watercress.
What are 3 things rabbits eat?
They require a balanced diet of hay, fresh veggies and fruit, and a few pellets. Rabbits have very sensitive digestive tracts, so the transition to hay or pellets, or the introduction of new fruits and vegetables, must be done gradually to allow the rabbit's system to adjust.
How much pellets should a adult rabbit eat?
Mature adults: Mature adult rabbits should be fed unlimited timothy hay, grass hay, and oat hay. Once again, you should reduce the pellet portion of the diet. A standard guideline is 1/4 cup of pellets per 6 pounds of body weight per day.
What is a bunny's favorite treat?
Some of their favorites are radishes and their green tops, bell peppers, leafy greens (basil, cilantro, romaine, frisee, watercress, dandelion greens), pumpkin, and more. For more information, check out The House Rabbit Society's rabbit food ideas on their site.
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.
Are carrots bad for rabbits?
Reality: carrots shouldn't be a main source of food. Rabbits don't naturally eat root vegetables or fruit. Carrots and fruit are high in sugar and should only be fed in small amounts as occasional treats. Rabbits need mainly hay and/or grass, some leafy greens and a small, measured amount of pellets.
What greens can rabbits eat daily?
Rabbits must have an adult-sized handful of safe, washed leafy green vegetables, herbs and weeds daily.Feed a variety of greens daily - ideally 5-6 different types, such as cabbage, kale, broccoli, parsley and mint.Introduce new types of greens gradually, in small amounts, to avoid potential stomach upsets.
How many carrots should a rabbit eat a day?
They hay should make up the vast majority. So can you feed rabbits carrots too? Yes. But no more than a quarter of a carrot every other day is a good rule of thumb.
Can I feed my rabbit just pellets?
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.
Should rabbits eat pellets everyday?
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.
What can I feed my rabbit instead of pellets?
Rabbits can get by without pellets as long as hay and fresh green vegetables are given every day. Avoid cereal/grain mixes (such as rabbit mix muesli) as these can encourage selective feeding, nutritional imbalance and obesity [1, 4]. Providing other objects to chew on is also a good idea.
What should I not feed my rabbit?
Check out our list of 15 foods that you should never feed your rabbit:Yogurt Drops. ... Bread, Pasta, Cookies, and Crackers. ... Avocado. ... Cereal. ... Iceberg Lettuce. ... Silverbeet. ... Hamster Food. ... Walnuts.More items...•
What foods are toxic to rabbits?
Avocados. Though an excellent, healthy snack for humans, avocados contain a compound called persin which can be dangerously toxic to rabbits. ... Chocolate. ... Fruit Seeds/Pits. ... Raw Onions, Leeks, Garlic. ... Meat, Eggs, Dairy. ... Broad Beans and Kidney Beans. ... Rhubarb. ... Iceberg Lettuce.More items...•
Can bunnies eat bananas?
Fresh, raw bananas can be consumed safely, but only in moderation. While bananas are rich in water, potassium, vitamin B6 and antioxidants, they're also packed with starch and sugar. Too much sugar and starch in a rabbit's diet can lead to digestive problems, an upset stomach, gas and diarrhea.
What fruit can I feed my bunny?
Foods to feed your rabbit as a treatApples (seeds removed) High in sugar, apples should only be fed to rabbits as a treat.Banana. Also high in sugar, it's safe for rabbits to eat bananas occasionally.Blackberries.Blueberries.Carrot tops. ... Dandelion. ... Grapes.
What do bunnies eat?
They require a balanced diet of hay, fresh veggies and fruit, and a few pellets. Rabbits have very sensitive digestive tracts, so the transition to hay or pellets, or the introduction of new fruits and vegetables, must be done gradually to allow the rabbit’s system to adjust.
What percentage of rabbits eat hay?
The bottom of a rabbit food pyramid would contain long-stemmed fiber, in the form of hay, which makes up 80 to 90 percent of a rabbit’s diet. As grazing animals, rabbits need to have an unlimited supply of fresh hay daily.
Can rabbits eat vegetables?
Rabbits count vegetables and herbs among their favorite foods. Most greens found in a supermarket are safe for rabbits, with a few limitations and exceptions. (See the list of foods to avoid below.)
What should a baby bunny eat?
For the first seven weeks of life, a baby rabbit’s diet should consist of mostly its mother’s milk, according to the House Rabbit Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing abandoned rabbits and educating the public on rabbit care.
What do rabbits eat?
The answer is simple. Rabbits thrive on high-fiber diets rich in grass hays including timothy, brome and orchardgrass hay. Those new to rabbit ownership may think the big bags of pellets for sale at the local pet store are all a rabbit should eat.
How old should rabbits be to eat alfalfa?
You should phase out alfalfa at around four to five months old. Around six months, slowly start swapping out alfalfa in favor of grass hays and ease up on the pellets. Adult rabbits should eat around 1/4 cup of pellets per day for every five pounds of weight they have, according to Helmer.
How much fiber is in hay pellets?
For pellets, the House Rabbit Society advises you look for brands that contain at least 18 percent fiber.
What are the most dangerous foods for rabbits?
The most problematic foods for rabbits, according to Helmer, include foods that have a high amount of sugar and foods that have a high amount of carbohydrates, as these items throw off the balance of the bacteria in their gastrointestinal tracts.
Do rabbit pellets have fiber?
Instead, the pellets are more like a rabbit multivitamin, providing supplement al minerals, protein and fiber. “Pellets are far too rich to make up the bulk of [a rabbit’s] diet,” said Dr. Peter Helmer, a specialist in small mammals at BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Clearwater, FL.
Can rabbits eat alfalfa hay?
While baby rabbits (which are called kits) thrive on the protein and calcium-rich alfalfa hays, adult rabbits need something a bit more substantial. “It’s like feeding a dog puppy food,” Helmer said. Alfalfa hay is higher in calcium and protein than grass hay, which is ideal for growing rabbits but too rich for adults.
What to feed elderly rabbits?
Generally, senior rabbits can be fed the same as adult rabbits, but if they have weight loss problems you may need to give them more pellets. Sometimes, vets even recommend giving sugary foods such as sweet potatoes and carrots to help with the problem. In other cases, bunnies who have low, or even normal calcium levels, may be given alfalfa hay to help with the weight issue. We recommend consulting a vet about this before making a decision.
What to feed buns?
You can give them leafy greens like watercress, parsley, collard greens and spinach (in small quantities, spinach has high oxalates which aren’t good for buns in large quantities), veggies like broccoli leaves and stems, beet tops (not the root, but the stems/leaves), mint leaves, edible pea pods and watercress.
How to care for a baby bunny?
Baby bunnies, also known as kits, are between 0-8 weeks old. Once their eyes open, kits should be given chewing toys. Their teeth will start to grow soon, so they’ll need some time to get accustomed to the toys. Chewing toys are important because like rats and squirrels, rabbits’ teeth grow throughout their lifetime. If they don’t chew on hard surfaces to wear them down, their teeth will eventually grow too long, making the rabbit unable to chew. Make sure they have chewing toys all the time, even as adults. You can pet baby buns once they start moving around. They especially enjoy head and ear pets, because they think you’re grooming them. You can also brush them occasionally if you see any loose fur. Be very gentle with them, especially when picking them up
Why do rabbits chew toys?
Chewing toys are important because like rats and squirrels, rabbits’ teeth grow throughout their lifetime. If they don’t chew on hard surfaces to wear them down, their teeth will eventually grow too long, making the rabbit unable to chew. Make sure they have chewing toys all the time, even as adults.
How old are rabbits when they are picked up?
Be very gentle with them, especially when picking them up. 2. Juveniles. Rabbits between 8 weeks to 7 months of age are called juveniles. In human terms, they’re kids aged 3-12. Like young children, they’ll be full of energy and will want lots of space for running around in.
How old are rabbits when they are adults?
4. Adult rabbits. Rabbits between 1 and 6 years of age are considered adults. At this age, they’re fully developed and hopefully trained as well.
How old are rabbits?
Young adults are rabbits aged between 7 months to 1 year. They’re basicly effectively teenagers. They’re still growing, but they won’t grow much bigger, so their nutritional needs are less compared to juveniles. Rabbits are social animals and will appreciate the company of other rabbits.
What do bunnies eat?
Bunnies love a good meal! The right combination of hay, vegetables, pellets, and treat s will make pet bunnies very happy and healthy, control the growth of their teeth, and keep them satisfied. Remember, rabbits are herbivores, which means they should only be fed plants, never meat.
What are some good treats for bunnies?
Good treats are small amounts of fruit such as strawberries, bananas, raspberries, pineapple pieces, apples without seeds, and melons. Veggie treats include a small amount of fresh carrot, ...
What are some bad foods for rabbits?
High-carbohydrate sugary foods like bread, pasta, crackers, cookies, cereal (like muesli), and potatoes are on the “bad food” list. They add calories and can cause digestive problems.
Where to put hay in a bunny litter box?
Place hay in one end of the bunny’s litter box because bunnies like to munch on it when they are using the box. It is cheaper to buy hay from a farm than at a pet store, but whatever you buy should be stored in a dry place where circulating air can keep it from becoming moldy.
Is Timothy grass hay safe for bunnies?
A constant supply of Timothy grass hay or oat grass hay should be available. Alfalfa hay is fine for young bunnies, but is only safe in limited supply for adults because of its higher sugar content and calorie count. Make sure the hay looks and smells fresh.
Can rabbits eat carrots?
Thankfully, it doesn’t require a lot of work to feed them. Keep these facts in mind and you’ll find it is easy to keep your rabbit healthy and happy with the right diet. Here is the lowdown on the “good, the bad, and the never, ever” foods for rabbits.
Is yogurt safe for bunnies?
The downright dangerous foods should be kept out of bunny’s reach and never, ever offered: Both raw rhubarb and avocado are poisonous to bunnies. Yogurt drops can lead to enterotoxemia, a bad bacteria growing in the intestines, which can be poisonous. These drops are not an appropriate “treat” for bunnies.
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).
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;
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.
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.
What are some good foods for rabbits?
Rabbits enjoy fresh fruits and veggies, such as blueberries, arugula, basil, cilantro, endives, carrots and carrot tops, apples and most dark leafy vegetables. Fresh foods that are safe for rabbits are rich in fiber, minerals, and vitamins while being relatively low in sugar and acid. Fresh foods should always be rotated ...
What do rabbits eat?
Rabbits are voracious eaters and enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables as part of a balanced diet. While a rabbit’s diet should be predominantly fresh hay and water, 10 to 20% of its diet can include fresh foods that humans eat, such as fruits and veggies. Rabbits enjoy fresh fruits and veggies, such as blueberries, arugula, basil, cilantro, endives, ...
How old should rabbits be before eating bok choy?
10) Bok Choy. Bok choy has low levels of oxalic acid and is, therefore, more suitable for adult rabbits after they reach six months of age. Before 6 months, rabbits should never be given fresh foods. Bok choy can have harmful pesticides and chemicals.
What are the nutrients in rabbits?
17) Endives. Endives are an excellent source of beta carotene, vitamin E, riboflavin, folate, and potassium. They also contain decent amounts of iron, calcium, and magnesium, which support growth and bone health in rabbits. Endives are rich in B vitamins, which make them excellent for liver health for rabbits.
Why don't rabbits eat carrots?
We all know that rabbits love carrots, but entire carrots aren’t recommended because of their high sugar content. Rabbits often gravitate towards sweeter foods, such as carrots but it’s crucial to offer them only in moderation or as a treat. Too much carrot can contribute to obesity and digestive issues in rabbits.
Is celery good for rabbits?
Celery stalks are a great source of folic acid, potassium, calcium and vitamins B1, B2 and B6. They are safe for rabbits and can be offered as part of their daily fresh food intake.
Can rabbits eat bell peppers?
Although they’re sweet, they’re pretty low in sugar and excess calories. Always remove the seeds and core before feeding your rabbit bell pepper.
What to feed bunnies?
Dark leafy options such as kale, spinach, parsley, cilantro, basil, carrots, dandelion greens, mustard greens and romaine lettuce are all safe to feed. You should feed your bunny fruits sparingly as the high sugar content can give them an upset stomach. Favorite fruits are bananas and strawberries.
What to feed a 3 month old bunny?
From 3 weeks to 6 months old, you can feed bunnies either Timothy (1st, 2nd or 3rd cut, but young and healthy bunnies typically eat 2nd cut), Orchard, Oat and Alfalfa hay.
What is a small pet select rabbit pellet?
Small Pet Select’s rabbit pellets are our pellets of choice. There is only one type, so no need to choose between varieties. Again, like the hay, their pellets are much greener and fresher compared to the dry or crumbly, brown and older looking pellets you often find in pet stores.
How much water does a Holland Lop bunny drink?
A four pound bunny (a full size Holland Lop) usually drinks about a cup of water per day, although sometimes more if the weather is hot. Drinking less than a cup can be normal too, it’s any drastic change in your bunny’s water consumption that matters and can signal sickness.
What are some good treats for bunnies?
Other treats. Other foods that bunnies enjoy which are healthy treats include old fashioned oats. They also enjoy pumpkin seeds which also have the added benefit of being a natural dewormer. Small Pet Select has a wonderful selection of natural and healthy treats.
How long does it take for a rabbit to die from diarrhea?
Diarrhea in rabbits signals a serious problem which can be fatal in babies in a matter of 12-24 hours. You should seek medical help from your rabbit savvy vet as soon as possible.
Is alfalfa hay good for bunnies?
Alfalfa hay is much higher in protein and calcium than other species of hay. While it was perfect for when your bunny was working hard to grow into an adult and needed the extra nutrients, it’s not necessary when fully grown and can be harmful if they consume too much of it.
1. Newborn Stage
Baby rabbits are called “Kits” and are considered newborns from their birth day until 3 months of age.
2. Adolescent Stage
I call this “rabbit puberty”. The Adolescent Stage occurs when a rabbit is three to six months of age. This is the time where they also become fully sexually mature.
3. Teenage Stage
This period stage is from six months of age to the rabbit is one year old.
4. Young Adulthood
This phase lasts for years, usually from 1 to 3 years. Rabbits are most active during this stage of their lifecycle.
5. Middle Age Stage
Middle age in rabbits starts when they’re 4 years of age up to 5 years of age.
6. Late Middle Age Stage
This is the phase in a rabbit’s life that starts when they reach 5 years old up to their 7th year. This is where they tend to begin to exhibit problems related to old age such as arthritis.
7. Old Age Stage
Rabbits are considered senior rabbits when they live past seven years.
