Vegetables should make up a large portion of your rabbit
Rabbit
Rabbits are small mammals in the family Leporidae of the order Lagomorpha. Oryctolagus cuniculus includes the European rabbit species and its descendants, the world's 305 breeds of domestic rabbit. Sylvilagus includes 13 wild rabbit species, among them the 7 types of cottontail. T…
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…
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 is the best food for a bunny?
- 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 is the best hay for Bunnies?
Which is the best hay for your rabbit?
- Grass Hay for rabbits. Grass hay is basically different kinds of grass that dry naturally. Rabbit Hay has a very important role to play in your rabbit’s diet.
- Timothy hay for rabbits. Timothy hay is one of the best rabbit hay for adult rabbits. ...
- Dried Grass. This is hay which is dried faster compared to the naturally dried hay. ...
How often do you feed baby bunnies?
- Newborn – 1 week 4-5 cc formula
- 1-2 weeks 10-15 cc formula
- 2-3 weeks 15-30 cc formula
- 3-6 weeks, until weaned 30 cc formula
What do you feed rabbits and how often?
As grazing animals, rabbits need to have an unlimited supply of fresh hay daily. You'll want to feed your rabbit grass hays. Good types of grass hay for bunnies are timothy, orchard grass, brome and oat hay. You can feed your bunnies either one type or a mixture of different grass hays.
What vegetables 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 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.
Can rabbits eat broccoli everyday?
Do not give broccoli to rabbits. It will give them painful gas. Never give your rabbit kale or spinach. Kale and spinach can cause health problems over time, due to the high amount of oxalates and goitrogens.
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 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.
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 veggies do bunnies eat?
Some of the most rabbit-safe veggies include:Carrot tops.Watercress.Green leaf lettuce.Red leaf lettuce.Butter lettuce.Basil.Cilantro.Bell peppers.More items...
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 to feed a rabbit?
Feeding your rabbit greens from your garden or grass and clover from your lawn is a great idea. Using greens from your own garden is a great way to give a variety of greens to your rabbit and you’ll be able to save money on all those greens your rabbit keeps munching up.
What is the best food for rabbits?
Fiber is essential in a rabbit’s diet. Hay is very high in fiber, which is absolutely essential to a rabbit’s diet. Because of the rabbit’s foraging ancestors, their long digestive tract is set up to break down fibrous vegetation.
What is the best way to keep rabbits' guts moving?
The long fiber strands of hay work much better than the ground-up fiber in commercial rabbit pellets for keeping the rabbits gut moving. One of the most common and dangerous conditions for a rabbit is known as GI stasis. This happens when your rabbits digestion slows down or stops completely.
Why is hay good for rabbits?
Because of the rabbit’s foraging ancestors, their long digestive tract is set up to break down fibrous vegetation. The long fiber strands of hay work much better than the ground-up fiber in commercial rabbit pellets for keeping the rabbits gut moving.
What kind of hay do rabbits eat?
It is incredibly important that your rabbit has is a constant supply of grass-based hay. Grass hay just means that the type of hay in question is made from a process of drying certain types of grass. The fiber and protein content of these grass hays make them ideal for regulating a rabbit’s digestive system.
Why is grass hay important for rabbits?
The fiber and protein content of these grass hays make them ideal for regulating a rabbit’s digestive system. It makes sure your rabbit is absorbing nutrients and everything is running smoothly.
How much water should a rabbit drink?
Rabbits drink a surprisingly large amount of water. They should drink about as much water as a small dog would drink in a day. That comes out to around 1-2 cups of water per day. But, of course, the amount of water a rabbit drinks will vary depending on a number of factors.
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
What is the best diet for bunnies?
A balanced diet is essential to keep your bunny healthy, happy and live a longer life. Rabbits should be taken care of well just like any other animal. Therefore a proper and balanced diet is essential. A balance in fruits and vegetables is critical in ensuring healthy rabbits.
What to feed a 3 month old rabbit?
These foods give beneficial roughage and essential vitamins. Young rabbits of three months can be introduced to vegetables one by one at a time. This practice helps you to identify the cause of the problem in the case of a digestive issue. Vegetables of different colors are healthy. The ones with dark leaves and also those with roots should be preferred. When the rabbit gets used to vegetables, you may now feed them at least three different kinds on a daily basis so that you mix nutrients. Examples of vegetables rich in diet include; Kale, broccoli, mint, mustard greens, spinach, carrots and carrot tops, green papers, basil, clover among others.
What is the best food for rabbits?
Alfalfa Hay: It contributes a high percentage of a rabbit’s diet and should be available all the time. Those below seven months old may eat Alfalfa hay while the older rabbits may have grass hay or oat hay. This food is outstanding in a rabbit’s health because it helps in the reduction of the danger of hairballs and blockages.
How long does it take for a baby rabbit to eat?
Baby rabbits. It feeds on the mother’s milk for almost the first three weeks. After three weeks it starts feeding on some hay and pellets. By seven weeks, they are fed on lots of alfalfa hay, pellets plus the mother’s milk. Weaning is carried out at the age of eight weeks, and it also depends on the breed.
Why are pellets important for rabbits?
They are more important to young rabbits because they contain high levels of nutrients and thus appropriate in ensuring proper weight gain. They are high in fiber content and nutritionally balanced. Mature rabbits should feed on less of this food and more hay and vegetables. Feeding pellets to growing rabbits can cause obesity and other medical complications.
Why do rabbits need to be fed differently?
Rabbits at different stages need to be fed differently for better health improvement, proper digestion, and excellent weight management. Abrupt changes in diet are not advisable.
What do rabbits eat?
Examples of vegetables rich in diet include; Kale, broccoli, mint, mustard greens, spinach, carrots and carrot tops, green papers, basil, clover among others.
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 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.
Can you grow fresh produce for a bunny?
You might want to consider growing fresh produce for your rabbit. It can save you money on supplies, given that food alone makes up to one-third of the annual expenses of owning a bunny. You’ll know exactly how it was grown, so you can rest assured that you’re feeding your pet something safe for them to eat.
Can rabbits eat leafy food?
Since your pet is a herbivore, your rabbit can digest leafy foods relatively quickly. You can give them an unlimited amount of hay . However, you should limit commercial rabbit food diets to small amounts each day. Although these are nutritionally rich, they can lead to weight gain because they are also calorie-dense.
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 Should I Feed My Bunny?
Rabbits have a fragile digestive system. In that case, you can avoid most health problems by feeding your rabbit the proper diet. The following are the vital constituents of a rabbit’s diet.
What should I not feed my bunny?
In any case, you should not feed your bunny the items listed below because they can cause stomach upset, obesity, and other health problems. Whenever you are in doubt about what to feed your bunny, ask for advice from your vet.
What time should I feed my bunny?
The best time to feed your bunny is at dawn and dusk. Rabbits are naturally active before sunrise and after sunset (i. e they are crepuscular). When in the wild, rabbits feed during these periods because they face less risk of attack from predators.
Should I feed my bunny three times a day?
While you need to give your rabbit hay at all times, it is not always necessary that your rabbit eats pellets and greens three times a day. Ideally, you should feed two times daily. What is important is that you maintain a good feeding schedule.
Do you feed a bunny every day?
Yes. Like most other pet animals, rabbits need their feed daily. The longest a rabbit can go without food is 12hours. If a rabbit goes more than this time without eating, the pH in the gastrointestinal tract will change, and gas-producing bacteria will grow.
Do rabbits stop eating when they are full?
Rabbits do recognize when they are full. Some rabbits can self-regulate their food consumption and eat reasonable amounts of food. And others may eat too much and pay attention to low-quality foods that are high in calories. In most cases, rabbits get greedy when they see vegetables and treats.
Conclusions
You are what you eat. Not only you but your pet bunny too. A good diet in the right proportion and appropriate frequency will save you money, time, and the heartache of taking care of a sick bunny.
Main Diet
- It has already been stated that a rabbit needs good quality hay daily. Timothy hay is what is most often suggested. The rabbit’s daily diet should be 80% Timothy hay, 10% leafy greens, 5% fruits, and vegetables, and 5% rabbit kibble. There are sound reasons for this division the way it is. To begin with, Rabbits are wild creatures, they still have ...
Preferred and Best Foods
- Dark leafy greens are the best choice. These will include some such as but are not limited to just these. 1. Bok choy 2. Carrot tops 3. Kale 4. Romaine lettuce 5. Mustard Greens The dark leafy greens that should be given in very limited quantities include, but are not limited to: 1. Parsley 2. Collards 3. Dandelion Greens 4. Swiss Chard All of these are higher in calcium and could cause …
Fruits
- As stated, fruits can be given. However, it must be in limited quantities, every 1 to 2 days. The amount given to a rabbit every 1 to 2 days should be no more than 2 tablespoons of high fiber, fresh fruit such as pear, berries, or apples.
Other Treats
- I am sure you are wondering if it is okay to give other sorts of treats. Your rabbit may appear hungry and as though he is asking for food when you sit with him and are eating. There are certain foods that are not good to give to any rabbit at any time. These will include bread, grains, cookies, seeds, and nuts. One thing that a rabbit should have more than enough of daily is a freshwater s…
Disgusting Behavior
- If you happen to see your rabbit doing this, do not panic. It is normal for a rabbit. It does not mean that your rabbit is so hungry he is eating his own feces. The rabbit will do this only at night and the pellets they consume are different from those normally seen by the owners or human parents. These pellets are filled with Vitamins B and K and loaded with protein. Just remember if you hap…
Toys
- It is also extremely beneficial to find toys that your rabbit likes to chew on. Obviously, it must be ones that are safe to chew on also. The reason that rabbits chew on so many things is to keep their teeth from growing out of control. The gnawing on the hay and chewing toys help to wear down the teeth. If the rabbit does not do enough gnawing or chewing, his teeth will grow out an…
Social
- Your rabbit is a social creature. Normally rabbits will live in groups. If you have a solitary rabbit, they may become lonely and despondent. This can happen even if you sit with your rabbit for a short time each day. Do not get me wrong, playing or talking to your rabbit will help stave off the loneliness to an extent, but not entirely. Just as humans need other humans, rabbits also like to …
Things to Keep in Mind
- Your rabbit’s digestive system is delicate. In order to keep their digestive system at optimum health levels, they need to eat frequently. However, rabbits do not know or realize when it is time to stop eating. So, as the owner, they need you to limit the quantities each time you feed him or her. They can have Timothy hay throughout the entire day, which is beneficial to their digestive tr…