- Provide a constant supply of good quality fresh grass and grass hay (this should comprise about 80% of the overall diet) – e.g. ...
- 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. ...
- Treats may be offered in small quantities (1-2 tablespoons per rabbit per day). Examples include most fruits, root vegetables (such as carrot and sweet potato) and capsicum. ...
- Give about 1 tablespoon/kg of pellets with a minimum crude fibre >18% (Indigestible fibre content >12.5%) (no more than 5% of overall diet) and ensure the pellets are formulated for ...
- 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. Examples include wooden chew blocks or old telephone books.
- Aim to keep feeds and feeding habits consistent. Any changes to the diet must be made gradually (over a 2-3 week period) to minimise digestive upsets.
- 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 ...
- Do NOT feed the following: cereals, grains, nuts, seeds, corn, beans, peas, breads, biscuits, sweets, sugar, breakfast cereals, chocolate or any garden plants that are toxic to rabbits (see links ...
What should I Feed my Pet rabbits?
To ensure your rabbits have a healthy balanced diet, you should: Provide a constant supply of good quality fresh grass and grass hay (this should comprise about 80% of the overall diet) – e.g. Timothy, Oaten, Wheaten, Pasture, Paddock, Meadow or Ryegrass hays.
How much hay should I Feed my Rabbit?
Large, unlimited amounts of fresh hay should be offered daily. Young bunnies should be introduced to hay as soon as they can eat on their own. Mixed grass hay or Timothy hay is preferred because it is lower in calories and calcium than alfalfa. Use a good quality, high fiber alfalfa or timothy based pellet as a small part of your rabbit’s diet.
How much should I Feed my Rabbit to gain weight?
Use a good quality, high fiber alfalfa or timothy based pellet as a small part of your rabbit’s diet. Feed a minimum of 1 cup vegetables for each 4 lbs. of body weight. Select at least three types of vegetables daily. A variety is necessary in order to obtain the necessary nutrients, with one each day...
Why can’t I Feed my rabbit just one food a day?
Another reason for limiting the amount is because some rabbits like these foods so well that they will eat them to the exclusion of all others, thereby creating a potential for health problems. Foods from this list can be fed daily and you may even wish to use them as part of a reward or training system.
What should I feed my rabbit every day?
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.
What vegetables should I feed my rabbit every day?
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.
Can rabbits eat weetbix?
Cereals that are acceptable for rabbit use do not contain any added sugar and are higher in fiber. These include Rolled Oats, Bran Flakes, Cornflakes, Rice Krispies, Shredded Wheat, and Weetabix.
What is the standard feed for rabbit?
In the wild, rabbits eat a variety of grains, greens, roots and roughages to obtain the nutrients they need. Most domestic rabbits are given a pelleted feed that provides essential nutrients. Rabbit pellets consist mostly of ingredients from plants, primarily alfalfa meal and wheat middlings.
What leafy greens can rabbits eat daily?
Benefits and OptionsLeafy green lettuce (Romaine, butterhead, Bibb)Red or green leaf lettuce.Arugula.Endive.Turnip Greens.Dandelion Greens.Chicory.Raspberry Leaves.More items...•
Can rabbits eat broccoli everyday?
If your pet handles the broccoli well, without any adverse reactions, you can give them a few pieces of broccoli once or twice per week. Rabbits get the nutrients and vitamins they need from a mix of sources. In a healthy diet, most of their intake should be hay.
Can rabbits eat cucumber?
Yes, it is safe for rabbits to eat cucumber! Most rabbits will love the fresh taste. Rabbits can also eat cucumber leaves.
Can rabbits eat banana?
Fruit. Pretty much any fruit will make a good sweet treat, though the high sugar content means it should only be given in moderation. It's also important to remove any pips or stones that could become choking hazards. Bananas, apples, strawberries and raspberries have all proven a hit.
Can rabbits have porridge oats?
Oats and oatmeal are non-toxic to rabbits. If you've been adding a few loose flakes to your rabbit's food, you don't have to worry about the long-term implications. Oats have been touted as heart-healthy with complex carbohydrates, plenty of nutrients, a source of protein, and as having a high fiber content.
What should I not feed my rabbit?
Do NOT feed the following: cereals, grains, nuts, seeds, corn, beans, peas, breads, biscuits, sweets, sugar, breakfast cereals, chocolate or any garden plants that are toxic to rabbits (see links below).
Do rabbits stop eating when they are full?
When Does a Rabbit Stop Eating? Your rabbit will stop eating when it's satiated or during rest. However, it's important to keep in mind that it's normal for rabbits to eat numerous times throughout the day.
What foods are poisonous to rabbits?
Avocados. Though an excellent, healthy snack for humans, avocados contain a compound called persin which can be dangerously toxic to rabbits. ... Chocolate. ... Fruit Seeds/Pits. ... Raw Onions, Leeks, Garlic. ... Meat, Eggs, Dairy. ... Broad Beans and Kidney Beans. ... Rhubarb. ... Iceberg Lettuce.More items...•
What are the best vegetables 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...•
What fresh vegetables are good for rabbits?
Beyond leafy greens you can feed other vegetables such as root vegetables or “flowers” such as broccoli and cauliflower. These foods are often higher in starch or sugars and should be fed in lesser amounts than the leafy greens.
Can rabbits eat carrot tops everyday?
Can rabbits eat carrot tops? Yes! Carrot tops are EXTREMELY healthy and really good for your rabbit. If you've got some carrot tops that don't have any greens on them, simply pop them in some soil and leave them for a few days and you'll find the top sprouts new greens!
What vegetables are high in fiber for rabbits?
Broccoli, cabbage, parsley, watercress, celery leaves and kale are suitable vegetables for rabbits. Safe wild plants include chickweed, bramble, raspberry, blackberry and strawberry leaves and dandelion.
What is the best food for rabbits?
Such as Timothy, Oaten, Teff, Wheaten, Pasture, Paddock, Meadow or Ryegrass. About 80% of your rabbits’ diet should be hay and always be available. How much hay? Studies tell us that hay won’t make rabbits fat even if you give them as much as they want. This will help keep them occupied as well as helping to wear down their teeth and prevent dental problems. A high fibre diet also aids in digestion and prevents gut stasis.
What happens if a rabbit doesn't eat?
If rabbits do not eat the same extremely high fibre diet they get in the wild, the contents of the caecum start to form a sludge which stops flowing in and out as it should. Gastric stasis develops and rabbits stop eating. The consequences can be fatal.
Which animal has the most harmful diet?
Of all the species we care for as pets, rabbits surely get the most harmful diets. The advice people get and the food available to buy is almost all very inappropriate and leads to shorter, unhealthier lives.
Do rabbits eat hay?
By limiting the veges and greens, your rabbit will stay hungry to eat enough hay to keep them healthy. Just like not giving kids treats around mealtimes!
What is a good diet for a rabbit?
A healthy rabbit should be slim and sleek. The house rabbit should have a diet high in fibre and fairly low in calories (especially fats and starches). Over time pellet diets have been sold as the mainstay of a rabbit's diet, but pellets were originally formulated for non household rabbits (i.e. laboratory or farmed rabbits).
What do bunnies eat?
This is the most important of a rabbit's diet. Young bunnies should be exposed to hay as soon as they can eat on their own. Mixed grass (timothy, meadow, oat, rye, barley or Bermuda grasses) hay is lower in calcium and calories. Alfalfa (and clover, peas, beans or peanut) is not recommended.
What is the best hay for bunnies?
Fresh Hay (or grass) 1 Should always to be available. This is the most important of a rabbit's diet. 2 Young bunnies should be exposed to hay as soon as they can eat on their own. 3 Mixed grass (timothy, meadow, oat, rye, barley or Bermuda grasses) hay is lower in calcium and calories. 4 Alfalfa (and clover, peas, beans or peanut) is not recommended. 5 Store hay in a cool, dry place in an open bag to allow circulation. Discard damp hay. 6 Prefer loose long strands of hay compared to pressed cubes or chopped hay
How long can you keep rabbit pellets?
For young growing rabbits, pellets can be given free choice until 6 to 8 months of age, then decrease to the maintenance amount as above. Store pellets in a closed container in a cool, dry place. Only buy enough for three months at a time. Please note not all commercially available rabbit food are good for rabbits.
Why won't my rabbit eat her treat food?
If your rabbit will not eat her treat food, then there may be other problems brewing and you need to keep a close eye on your pet for health problems . These treat foods are far healthier (and less expensive) than the commercial treat foods sold for rabbits.
How to store hay?
Store hay in a cool, dry place in an open bag to allow circulation. Discard damp hay.
What are some good foods to feed a dog?
A & C, minerals and carbohydrates as well as providing mental stimulation for your pet. Baby greens. Bok Choy. Borage basil. Broccoli (leaves and top) Brussel sprouts.
Leafy Green Vegetables
Hay or grass form the bulk of a rabbit’s natural diet but the addition of some fresh leafy greens adds extra nutritional value and variety.
What About Fruit?
Fruit likewise should only ever be given as special treats in very small quantities.
What About Some Clean Water?
Fresh water is essential for your rabbits. Check daily that they have plenty of clean fresh water.
What Do Rabbits Eat When They Are Just A Bunny?
Rabbits need a consistent diet. Sudden changes in their diet can cause fatal illnesses because their gut bacteria are not able to respond quickly enough.
What Not To Feed Your Rabbit
Feeding your rabbit the wrong kinds of food and in the wrong quantities will lead to serious health problems including dental problems and even fatal digestive problems.
Health Problems
If you notice that your rabbit is are not eating their hay it may indicate some underlying dental problems.
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 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.
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.
What Do Rabbits Eat?
It provides an ideal nutrient base, along with the necessary fiber to keep their GI tract healthy. Rabbits require up to 20% fiber and 45% carbs in their daily diet. These foodstuffs do an excellent job of satisfying those needs.
Why Is Water Essential to a Rabbit’s Diet?
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.
How to help a rabbit with a recurrence?
Your vet may also prescribe medications to make your rabbit more comfortable and take care of any underlying conditions. Feeding your pet the recommended diet will go a long way toward preventing a recurrence.
Why is my rabbit not eating?
One of the most common causes of food disinterest is overgrown teeth, hence the need for a hay-based diet. If your rabbit isn’t feeling well because of something else , they might not want 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.
Can you feed a bunny fresh food?
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 .
