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 vegetables can Bunnies eat?
You can offer these vegetables daily:
- Hay (the base of their diet)
- Root leaves (carrot, radish, etc.)
- Endive
- Arugula
- Canon
- Watercress
- Lettuce (not iceberg or cabbage)
- Bell peppers
- Brussel sprouts
- Cucumber
What is the best hay for Bunnies?
What Type Of Hay Is Best For Rabbits?
- Timothy hay for rabbits. Timothy hay (Timothy grass) is a foraging grass that grows well in cool climates. ...
- Meadow grass hay for rabbits. Meadow grass is a longer, softer stemmed grass than Timothy hay. ...
- Oat grass hay for rabbits. ...
- Orchard grass hay for rabbits. ...
- Alfalfa hay for rabbits. ...
What foods are safe for rabbits?
What Human Foods Can Rabbits Eat?
- Carrots. We all know that rabbits love carrots, but entire carrots aren’t recommended because of their high sugar content.
- Lettuce. Opt for darker, leafier and more fibrous varieties of lettuce, such as romaine lettuce. ...
- Celery. ...
- Cilantro. ...
- Lemon Balm. ...
- Broccoli Leaves. ...
- Pineapple. ...
- Kale. ...
- Blueberries. ...
- Bok Choy. ...
What fruits and veggies 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 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 should I not feed my rabbit?
Cookies, nuts, seeds, grains, and bread should not be fed to rabbits. "Cookies, nuts, seeds, grains, and bread should not be fed to rabbits." 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.
What can Bunnies 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...•
Can you feed a rabbit human food?
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, carrots and carrot tops, apples and most dark leafy vegetables.
Can rabbits eat cheerios?
The occasional five pieces of Cheerios is fine, but serving your pet rabbit a bowlful of Cheerios can have unpleasant effects. When taking care of pet rabbits, it is important to remember that their diet should always consist of hay, green leafy vegetables and rabbit pellets.
Can rabbit eat cooked rice?
So, can rabbits eat rice? 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 rabbits 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 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 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 ...
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 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 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.
Do rabbits like water?
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.
Is a rabbit a herbivore?
Rabbits are herbivores (plant eaters) and are considered grazers, in that they eat continuously. They have complex digestive systems and are very efficient at processing food. They also have very specific dietary needs.
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.
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 ...
Can rabbits eat hay?
Rabbits should not be fed Lucerne (alfalfa) or Clover hays as they are too high in protein and calcium, which could lead to the formation of urinary stones [ 2 ]. Provide plenty of fresh leafy greens & vegetables (10-20% of overall diet). As a guide, feed around two packed cups of leafy greens per kg body weight per day.
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.
1. Cilantro
Cilantro is a fragrant herb that is generally very enticing to rabbits. In particular, many elderly rabbits who are losing their sense of taste and smell will end up gravitating toward these aromatic herbs.
2. Leafy lettuces
Leafy lettuces (including red, green, escarole, romaine and more) are a staple for your rabbit’s daily vegetables. I always include a lettuce leaf or two with my rabbits’ greens. They aren’t usually a favorite of rabbits, but most rabbits will have no complaints over eating the lettuce once they’ve finished with the tastier herbs.
3. Arugula
Arugula is another easily accessible and highly nutritious vegetable for rabbits. While many salad greens are only found in a mixed bag, I can find arugula on it’s own so I don’t need to worry about what else is mixed into the salad.
4. Basil
Basil is a common herb that you can find in just about any grocery store or farmers market. The intense smell and flavor can make it a favorite for many rabbits, giving them a yummy and healthy snack. Other related herbs, such as mint, oregano, and sage, are also excellent choices for pet rabbits.
6. Celery leaves
Celery is an excellent source of nutrients for rabbits. In fact, it contains some vitamins and minerals that are not commonly found in other sources of food. For example, celery is a source of phthalides, which has properties that can lower blood pressure and reduce stress.
7. Dandelion greens
Dandelion greens are some of the most nutritious weeds we can feed rabbits. They have a high mineral and vitamin content that helps to strengthen the immune system and prevent frequent infections and reduce pain and inflammation in rabbits. Dandelion greens may also provide some aid to a rabbit’s digestion and help prevent heart disease.
8. Kale
Some rabbits will turn their nose up at kale, since it has a unique scent and flavor, but it can be an absolute favorite to many other rabbits. For example, kale is my Teddy Bear’s favorite green. He will always search through his bowl of greens to eat the kale first.
