what to feed a rabit

Fresh vegetables keep your rabbit

’s intestines well hydrated, which helps with overall digestion. There are many vegetables that you can feed your rabbit, including celery, collard greens

Collard greens

Collard describes certain loose-leafed cultivars of Brassica oleracea, the same species as many common vegetables, including cabbage and broccoli. Collard is part of the Acephala Group of the species, which includes kale and spring greens. They are in the same cultivar group owin…

, green peppers, and radish tops.

Full Answer

What household foods can I feed a rabbit?

What Human Foods Can Rabbits Eat?

1. Carrots. We all know that rabbits love carrots, but entire carrots aren’t recommended because of their high sugar content.
2. Lettuce. Opt for darker, leafier and more fibrous varieties of lettuce, such as romaine lettuce. ...
3. Celery. ...
4. Cilantro. ...
5. Lemon Balm. ...
6. Broccoli Leaves. ...
7. Pineapple. ...
8. Kale. ...
9. Blueberries. ...
10. Bok Choy. ...

More items...

What will I need to buy before getting a rabbit?

What You Need to Prepare for a New Rabbit (With Checklist!)

• Dietary needs. One of the most important parts of rabbit care is making sure you provide a healthy diet. ...
• The home base. Most cages sold and marketed for rabbits are actually much too small. ...
• Rabbit proofing your home. Pet rabbits can be little troublemakers. ...
• Litter training your rabbit. ...
• Medical Information. ...
• Other important considerations. ...

What rabbit food is best for Your Rabbit?

The right proportion of best rabbit food in an average rabbit’s menu must look like this:

• Grass and Hay: 75-80%
• Fresh Vegetables: 10-15%
• Dry Food and Pellets: 5%
• Treats and Fruits: 5%
• Fresh Water: 24/7 Use a feeder like this to keep your rabbits hydrated 24/7.

What can you feed rabbits besides rabbit food?

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. Broccoli leaves and stems and dark leaf lettuces make more suitable rabbit snacks.

What human foods can rabbits 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 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.

What veggies 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.

What can rabbits not eat?

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...•

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.

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 do 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.

How many times a day 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.

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.

Can bunnies eat apples?

Pet rabbits like to eat fresh fruits as occasional treats. Apple is a safe and harmless fruit choice for rabbits, according to Dana Krempels of the University of Miami Department of Biology. Keep apples and other treats to a minimum, however, as the sugar content is high.

Can rabbits eat bread?

Bread is harmful to rabbits because it contains starch, which a rabbit struggles to digest. If a rabbit cannot digest a substance like starch, it will ferment and can cause serious health problems in your rabbit. Foods, such as starch, can cause diarrhea in rabbits as well as other rabbit stomach problems, like ulcers.

What kills rabbits fast?

The most commonly used rabbit poison of this type in the Bay of Plenty is Pindone, though a CSL is not required to purchase or use Pindone in a baitstation, a CSL is required if using bait-mats or hand broadcasting pindone onto the ground. These poisons are fast acting and will kill rabbits after a single dose.

What do rabbits eat and drink list?

Fresh, clean drinking water and good quality hay and grass should make up the majority of your rabbits' diet. A rabbit's digestive system needs hay or grass to function properly so a healthy supply is extremely important. You can supplement with leafy greens and a small amount of pellets.

What animal do rabbits eat?

Wild rabbits are herbivores....What Do Wild Rabbits Eat?Type of Wild RabbitDietRiverine RabbitRiparian vegetationVolcano RabbitZacaton grass, young herbs and barks.Pygmy RabbitSagebrush, new foliage, and grass.Eastern Cottontail RabbitGrasses, garden vegetables, wild strawberries, and woody plants.3 more rows•Oct 7, 2019

Can rabbits drink milk?

You should not give rabbits milk to drink. Adult rabbits are lactose intolerant and milk products are bad for the rabbit's digestive system. Baby rabbits should also not have cow's milk because it is very different from the milk they get from their mothers.

Do rabbits eat grass?

Rabbits love to eat grass, and will munch it all the way down to the crown. This puts a lot of stress on the plant. If areas of your lawn have been damaged, the best thing to do is to fence off the area and keep it well watered and fertilized to help it grow back.

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.

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.

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.

Vegetables

As mentioned earlier, rabbits are herbivorous animals, so they can benefit greatly from a diet that also includes leaves and vegetables that are healthy for them. In the appropriate amounts, vegetables provide new flavors and textures, as well as nutrients, to the rabbits’ diet.

Granulated Feed (Pellets)

Up to 6 months of age, the pelleted feed can be provided. But in adult rabbits, it should always be offered rationed. The recommended amount is 2-3% of the animal’s weight.

Fruits

You can also give fruits to rabbits but they should be in very small portions. Fruits are foods high in calories and sugars. In the wild, rabbits can only access them for certain periods in a year.

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 can I feed my rabbit?

There are many vegetables that you can feed your rabbit, including celery, collard greens, green peppers, and radish tops. Vegetables with high levels of vitamin A, such as broccoli, carrots, and mustard greens, are especially important to feed your rabbit.

What to feed a rabbit with a sweet tooth?

Include fresh fruits in your rabbit’s diet as occasional treats. Rabbits have a sweet tooth, and would probably love to eat a lot of fruit. However, because of the high sugar content, fruits should be fed only as treats.

What to feed a bunny?

Provide your rabbit with hay. Hay is the most important part of your rabbit’s diet. It has many benefits. For example, hay has fiber, which helps move waste through your rabbit’s intestines and prevent intestinal stasis (‘gut stasis’). Hay also gives your rabbit something to chew on, which helps him keep his teeth filed down.#N#In addition, hay can keep your rabbit entertained, since he can sift through it and move it around his enclosure.#N#Grass hay (e.g., timothy, oat) is higher in fiber than alfalfa or clover hays, and is thus the ideal type of hay to feed your rabbit. Alfalfa and clover hays are high in protein and calcium, which can lead to kidney and bladder problems in older rabbits.#N#Good quality hay is green and fragrant, and is free of mold and dust.#N#Consider buying your hay from your local feed store. Compared with the hay at a pet store, hay at a feed store will likely be fresher and contain more of the nutrients your rabbit needs.

What are the health problems of rabbits?

Rabbits have a very sensitive digestive system—nutritional imbalances can quickly lead to serious intestinal problems that can have fatal consequences. Knowing how to feed your rabbit properly will help you keep him in optimal health throughout his life. Steps.

What to do if your rabbit is addicted to pellets?

If your rabbit is addicted to pellets and won't eat hay, then make a gradual change over by cutting back on the pellets and making sure they have access to sweet, green hay. Pellets should be approximately 18% to 20% crude fiber, 14% to 16% protein, and 1% each of fat and calcium.

How to keep rabbits intestines hydrated?

Give your rabbit fresh, clean water. A constant supply of fresh, clean water is essential to keeping your rabbit’s intestines well hydrated. Without enough water, intestinal contents can become very dry and get stuck. This can lead to gut stasis, which could be life threatening if not treated immediately.

How to get rabbit water?

5. Provide your rabbit with water in a sturdy bowl and/or bottle. A heavy ceramic bowl is ideal for supplying water to your rabbit. Porcelain bowls are also suitable, as long as they are lead-free. Change out your rabbit’s water at least once a day.

What to feed a rabbit?

Apples are a good source of protein, carbs, and fiber. It is one of the best foods for rabbits. However, you have to be cautious that you give it in small amounts and just occasionally. Don’t add it to the daily rabbit diet. While feeding an apple to your rabbit, make sure that you peel off the skin as it might contain harmful pesticides. Also, remove the apple seed so that you don’t poison them unknowingly. Try not to give any fruit seed to the rabbits.

What do rabbits eat?

Peas are a rich source of antioxidants, sugar, protein, multivitamins, phosphorus, and more. Your pet rabbit would love to feed on the peas, pods, and leaves. You can comfortably add it to the rabbit diet plan. It is one of the best foods for rabbits.

What is the best food for a bunny?

15 Best Foods for Rabbit: Vegetables, Fruits, and Packaged Food. The cute rabbit is a ball of soft fur, and one can’t get enough of it. The cuddly rabbits are precious and delicate pets. If you own a bunny, you know the care they need to be super active.

How much water does a rabbit need?

The body of the rabbit contains 50% of water. So, they need a high intake of water. You can give a particular vegetable and fruit which has high moisture content. You can also keep a pot of water next to them that they drink water now and then.

Where do rabbits get their carbohydrates from?

Rabbits get the carbohydrates from the plants it consumes. Carbohydrates in plants primarily include sugar and fiber, which is essential for their digestion. You need to ensure a high intake of fiber to keep away from gastrointestinal disease, especially in adult rabbits.

Can rabbits eat dry food?

It is not easy to provide it through natural food, but you can easily do it with packaged food. You can feed dry foods for rabbits to balance the diet.

Is it safe to feed rabbits sugar?

It is low in sugar, rich in fiber and protein. You can feed your rabbit with this fantastic one-stop solution for the rabbit diet. It is best when you lack time to feed your rabbit regularly, and yet you wish to give the best to your pet. It is one of the best foods for rabbits.

What is the best food for a bunny?

Green Is Good. One of the best fresh foods you can give your bunny is green, leafy vegetables. It's important to use rot-free, thoroughly washed items. Offer three different types each day, around a cup of greens for every three pounds of rabbit. Here are some excellent suggestions.

How long should I feed my rabbit pellets?

1–3 months: Babies suckle until seven weeks old, but should have access to pellets from around four weeks, in small amounts. 4–7 months: Unlimited pellets.

Why is water important for rabbits?

In the case of rabbits, it's very important that they have fresh water available at all times. Without it, they die very quickly, especially during hot weather or when the rabbit is very active.

Is fruit good for pets?

Fruit is not food. View it as a snack that should be sparingly given. The sugars they contain are natural, but they're still not good for your pet. Don't give more than a tablespoon's worth and don't give it every day. Wash fruit thoroughly, remove all peels and seeds, especially from apples (apple seeds are toxic).

Do bunnies need fiber?

Fiber Is Essential. Rabbits are natural grazers that need a nutritious high-fiber diet. Both this natural behaviour and need can be whacked with one stone—grass hay. Your bunny should have access to this food at all times. There are several types available. Mixed orchid grass.

Can rabbits eat hay?

Hay, fresh foods and water are nutritionally sufficient. When a rabbit enjoys a balanced diet, it doesn't need supplements. Adding them could lead your pet to overdose on certain vitamins and minerals, leading to dangerous illness. You should also avoid these toxic foods. Anything high in carbohydrates, starch and fat.

Is rabbit a herbivore?

Your rabbit is an herbivore. Herbivores are animals that eat plant material. No chicken schnitzel for this customer! A correct diet has freshness and variety. Your favourite ball of fluff needs several items from the supermarket's fruit and vegetable section, minerals, vitamins, fiber and water.