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 foods do your pet rabbits prefer?
- Carrots
- Broccoli (leaves and stems)
- Edible flowers (roses, nasturtiums, pansies, hibiscus)
- Celery
- Bell peppers (any color)
- Chinese pea pods (the flat kind without large peas)
- Brussel sprouts
- Cabbage (any type)
- Broccolini
- Summer squash
What are the best vegetables to feed a pet rabbit?
Your rabbit may enjoy some of the following vegetables:
- Basil
- Bok choy
- Broccoli leaves (stems or tops can make rabbits gassy)
- Carrot tops (carrots are high in calcium and should be given sparingly)
- Celery
- Cilantro
- Clover
- Collard greens
- Dandelion leaves
- Dill
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 to feed bunnies?
Alfalfa hay is higher in calcium and protein than grass hay, which is ideal for growing rabbits but too rich for adults. If you are feeding alfalfa it's a good idea to feed it mixed with grass hay. This stops your rabbits getting so hooked on alfalfa that it's difficult to make the transition to grass hay when they reach adulthood. You should phase out alfalfa at around four to five months old.
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 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 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.
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 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 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 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 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.
How to clean fruit before feeding rabbit?
Rinse the fruit thoroughly before feeding it to your rabbit .
What is the best food for a rabbit?
Provide your rabbit with food that is specifically made for the health of a rabbit. I recommend getting Oxbow rabbit food. Oxbow is a trusted brand with an excellent reputation among rabbit caretakers and veterinarians.
What to feed a baby rabbit?
If it’s ever necessary for you to hand feed a baby rabbit, choose puppy formula or goat’s milk as a better alternative. 9. Toxic plants: Lilies, Ivy, and more. Even though rabbits are herbivores, there are still a number of plants that are toxic when eaten.
How to keep a rabbit healthy?
Over time this could result in some severe health issues. To help your rabbit stay healthy, restrict treats to just a couple tablespoons per day. Weight of rabbit. Amount of treats daily.
What are some good treats for bunnies?
Baked hay treats have a high fiber content with only a little bit of sweet flavoring, making them much healthier for rabbits. You can also give your rabbit small portions of fresh or dried fruits and vegetables as treats instead of getting store-bought treats from a pet store. 5. Iceberg lettuce.
What do bunnies eat?
After they are weaned off of their mother when they are babies, rabbits lose the ability to digest any kind of dairy product. This includes any kind of cheese, milk, and even yogurt (including pet-store yogurt treats). Even though it’s common to see characters in movies and books offering milk to a stray rabbit, this is not a correct or healthy way to feed rabbits. Instead, rabbits should be given water to drink. Daily fresh water is very important for keeping rabbits healthy and hydrated.
How do you know if a rabbit is active?
It’s easy to tell when a rabbit is active when they zoom and binky around the room , but that’s not the only way to know your rabbit is happy and content in your home. You can watch your rabbit's...
What is a rabbit's diet?
A healthy rabbit diet is made up of mainly grass based hay with some leafy greens and a small amount of pellets. Treats should only be given in very small amount.
