What to Feed Your Pet Rabbit
- Hay. Fresh hay should make up the bulk of your rabbit’s diet and needs to be readily available at all times.
- Vegetables. A varied assortment of vegetables should be a part of your rabbit’s daily diet. When choosing vegetables...
- Water. Fresh water must always be available to your rabbit. If you have a cage, a hanging water bottle is a fine...
How much food should I Feed my Pet Rabbit?
Feed your rabbits a small amount of good quality pellets/nuggets daily. Measure 25g (an eggcup-full) of pellets per kg of your rabbit's body weight; for a medium-sized rabbit (2kg) feed a maximum of two full eggcups. Muesli-style foods aren't recommended for rabbits. See: muesli is unhealthy for rabbits and how to slowly transfer rabbits onto a ...
What supplies do I need for a pet rabbit?
What supplies do pet rabbits need? The essential supplies pet rabbits need include a roomy cage or hutch, a water bottle and bowls for feeding and drinking, a hay rack, and at least one hideout for security. They also need lots of bedding for the bottom of the cage, healthy rabbit food, fresh veggies and a continual supply of hay for eating.
What is healthy food diet for pet rabbits?
- Apple (any variety, without stem and seeds)
- Cherries (any variety, without the pits)
- Pear
- Peach
- Plum (without the pits)
- Kiwi
- Papaya
- Mango
- Berries (any type)
- Berries (uncooked)
What can you feed rabbits besides rabbit food?
“Rabbits have evolved eating grasses and roots; there are no pellet dispensers in the wild.” You can also feed your pet rabbit fresh vegetables, but not the carrots we associate with Bugs Bunny. Carrots have more sugar than adult rabbits’ digestive tracts prefer. Small amounts are fine as treats, Helmer said, but dark leafy greens are preferred.
What human food can bunnies eat?
What human foods can rabbits eat?Fruit. Pretty much any fruit will make a good sweet treat, though the high sugar content means it should only be given in moderation. ... Vegetables. Similarly, most vegetables are safe for rabbits to eat. ... Herbs. ... Garden plants. ... Chocolate. ... Iceberg Lettuce. ... Avocado. ... Meat.
What fruits and vegetables can rabbits eat?
Contrary to popular belief, rabbits need to eat more than just carrots and lettuce. They require a balanced diet of hay, fresh veggies and fruit, and a few pellets....Vegetables: A rabbit's favorite foodsBell peppers.Bok choy.Brussels sprouts.Carrot tops.Cucumber.Endive.Escarole.Fennel.More items...•
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 veg can rabbits eat daily?
Leafy greens daily Rabbits must have an adult-sized handful of safe, washed leafy green vegetables, herbs and weeds daily.
What should I feed my rabbit daily?
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 can rabbits drink?
In short, water is vital. Rabbits must have access to plenty of fresh water at all times. Rabbits eating lots of fresh grass and greens will drink less, whilst those eating mostly hay will drink more. Bowls are better than bottles as lapping from a bowl is more natural to rabbits.
Is lettuce OK for rabbits?
Reality: a rabbit's diet shouldn't be based on lettuce. Rabbits shouldn't eat some lettuces (such as iceberg), as they contain lactucarium, which can be harmful in large quantities.
Is lettuce bad for rabbits?
Rabbits can eat lettuce. However, a rabbit's diet should never be primarily based around lettuce. Any lettuce given to your rabbit should be given in moderation as part of their vegetable intake. Large amounts of lettuce can cause digestive problems and overall health issues for your rabbit.
How often should I feed my rabbit?
The total amount of fresh food that you may give to your rabbit daily (once your bunny has been gradually introduced to it), is a minimum of 1 heaping cup (loosely packed), per 5 pound of body weight, given two times a day.
Are bananas good for rabbits?
Health Benefits of Bananas for Rabbits If your rabbit tolerates it, 2 tablespoons of fruit per 5 pounds of body weight, can add more vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to your pet's diet. Bananas are a rich source of nutrients that rabbits require for their growth and development. Some of them include: Potassium.
What is the best fresh food for rabbits?
Benefits and OptionsLeafy green lettuce (Romaine, butterhead, Bibb)Red or green leaf lettuce.Arugula.Endive.Turnip Greens.Dandelion Greens.Chicory.Raspberry Leaves.More items...•
Is rice good for rabbits?
Rabbits should never be fed rice, either cooked or uncooked. This is due to the lack of fiber, high starch content, and lack of nutritional value. While rice is a staple food in many countries, this is something you should leave on your plate.
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 are some good treats for bunnies?
Healthy treats for your bunny include small pieces of fresh or freeze-dried fruit (the approved fruits listed above); natural, unprocessed mixes that include hay and dried flowers (the approved flowers listed above); and Oxbow brand rabbit treats.
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 alfalfa hay?
Alfalfa hay is not a good choice for an adult rabbit, since it’s a legume, not a grass, and as such is too rich to be fed on a daily basis. Alfalfa can be given to rabbits once in awhile as a treat. Rabbits under one year of age can be fed alfalfa hay, but as they get older they should be switched to grass hay, especially if they are also being fed alfalfa pellets.
Can bunnies eat human treats?
Always read the ingredient list on store-bought treats because not all of them are safe for bunnies. Avoid treats that include added sugar, preservatives and artificial coloring, and never give your rabbit human treats.
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.)
Can rabbits eat corn?
Do not feed your rabbit potatoes, corn, beans, seeds or nuts. These foods are difficult for rabbits to digest and can cause serious digestive problems.
What to feed a bunny?
What to Feed Your Pet Rabbit. Just like people, bunnies enjoy a good meal. A nice mix of hay, vegetables, pellets, as well as fresh water will make your rabbit healthy and happy. Read on for more information about what to feed your pet rabbit.
What fruits do bunnies eat?
Some fruits that rabbits enjoy include: Strawberries. Raspberries. Bananas. Pineapple. Apples (no seeds) For more information about the types and amounts of food you should provide your bunny as he/she matures from birth into old age, see the House Rabbit Society’s article, FAQ: Diet.
Why do rabbits eat hay?
Hay is important for rabbits because it provides the essential fiber needed for good digestive health and it helps wear down a rabbit’s teeth (which continuously grow) for good dental health. Placing hay at one end of a litter box will also encourage the use of the litter box, as rabbits tend to eat hay and poop at the same time.
What to look for in rabbit pellets?
Look for pellets that are high in fiber and low in protein. You will need to limit your rabbit’s pellet intake as he/she ages. Pellets that are high in protein can lead to obesity and other health issues in rabbits. Do not give pellets that have “treats” mixed in (dried corn, etc.).
Can bunnies eat cereal?
Everybody loves a treat now and then, but to ensure your rabbits health they should be given only occasionally. Do not feed your rabbit items high in carbohydrates like breads, crackers, pasta, pretzels, cookies, chips, or cereal. Although branded for rabbits, many commercially-sold bunny treats are high in fat and sugar, such as yogurt chips, ...
Can rabbits drink water?
Rabbits will also drink from a water bowl. On a hot day you can drop an ice cube or two in your rabbits water dish. If your rabbit does not seem to be drinking enough water you can leave the vegetables fairly wet when you present them.
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 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.
How often should I feed my rabbit?
Rabbits should be fed and provided with fresh water daily ; hay should always be available. As nibblers, they should have food available at all times.
What are the water requirements of rabbits?
Fresh water should be available 24 hours a day. Some rabbits prefer water bowls, and others prefer sipper bottles. If you offer water in a sipper bottle, be sure to inspect it for clogs and fill it with clean water daily. If you offer your rabbit water in a bowl, make sure the rabbit does not spill it in its cage or soil it with feces.
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 is the best hay for rabbits?
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 to maintaining a rabbit’s healthy digestive tract.
What is the best diet for guinea pigs?
The preferred basic diet for guinea pigs is unlimited amounts of Timothy or other low-calcium hay, supplemented with smaller amounts of a commercial, high-fiber, Timothy-hay based guinea pig pellets. The diet should be supplemented with a variety of fresh, well-washed, leafy greens or colored vegetables; especially those high in vitamin C. Guinea pigs cannot manufacture their own vitamin C, therefore it is important that guinea pigs receive a vitamin C tablet or liquid vitamin C directly by mouth every day. Provide fresh clean water in a sipper bottle and check the tube for blockages each day.
Why do rabbits chew?
Rabbits need to chew to maintain the health of their continuously growing teeth. Chew toys should always be available; hard wooden chew toys (blocks and sticks) and cardboard are best.
What is the best way to keep rabbits healthy?
These two are so vitally important to your rabbit’s health that you should strive to keep both in multiple locations, making it as easy as possible for your rabbits to access them.
How to keep a bunny happy?
Once you understand the basic components of a rabbit’s diet, keeping them happy and healthy is as easy as providing plenty of water and hay, and giving them a daily serving of a variety of vegetables. Save treats for special occasions or training rewards, and be sure to keep everything you give them fresh and free of pesticides. Thank you for reading, and we hope that you and your rabbit can share many happy years together!
Can rabbits eat pellets?
High-fiber, low-protein pellets are recommended as a dietary supplement for your rabbit but should not constitute a majority of their food intake. Though nutritionally dense, pellets are not as effective as hay at grinding down a rabbit’s constantly growing teeth.
How long do rabbits eat grass?
In the wild, rabbits eat predominantly grass. They may graze for up to 6-8 hours a day. Their whole digestive tract from their teeth right down to the end of their gastrointestinal tract is adapted to this diet and eating pattern. Providing grass or grass hay to pet rabbits is critical to maintain health. Eating grass/grass hay encourages long ...
Why is grass hay good for rabbits?
The high fibre content of grass and grass hay is crucial for normal digestion. If the diet is too low in fibre, fatal digestive problems can occur – another common problem in pet rabbits. Foraging for and chewing on grass or grass hay also helps to increase activity levels and prevent boredom and behavioural problems [ 1 ].
Do rabbits drink water?
Always have unlimited fresh clean water available. Rabbits prefer open dishes (bowls) over bottled drinkers as lapping from a dish is more natural and encourages greater water intake [ 5 ].
Can rabbits eat 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 is the best food for bunnies?
But while rabbits require a special high-fiber diet—think high-quality Timothy hay, fresh vegetables, and herbs— hamster food will do little to nothing for your bunny’s nutrition. 8. Walnuts. Walnuts are high in fat, not fiber, which can cause your rabbit uncomfortable indigestion.
What to feed bunnies to help them digest?
According to Rabbit.org, research suggests that yogurt drops may contribute to lethal cases of enterotoxemia, “a toxic overgrowth of ‘bad’ bacteria in the intestinal tract.”. If you’re looking for a healthy treat to feed your bunny, try green peppers or Brussels sprouts. 2.
What foods can cause enterotoxemia in bunnies?
Avoid foods high in sugar or artificial ingredients, as—like yogurt drops—they could potentially lead to enterotoxemia. 3. Avocado.
Why are bunnies so adaptable?
Their distinctive ability to process fiber and nutrients makes them adaptable to many different environments, but their unique digestive systems mean that their guardians must be extra-cautious when feeding them. A number of foods can disrupt bunnies’ digestion and be harmful to their health.
What vegetables can be poisonous to rabbits?
Potatoes. Although potatoes won’t necessarily poison rabbits, this human-favorite vegetable isn’t ideal for them. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates and starch, both of which can cause issues for your bunny’s digestive system. 13. Rhubarb. This common garden plant can be poisonous to animals if eaten raw.
Can rabbits eat avocados?
Avocado. When you think of ideal rabbit snacks, fresh fruits and veggies probably come to mind. Avocados, however, should never be included in your bunny’s diet. According to Small Pet Select, this fatty fruit can be deadly if ingested by a rabbit. © iStock.com/Zelenenka.
Do wild bunnies eat meat?
Wild bunnies would not eat meat, and neither should your domesticated roommate.
