What Do You Feed Rabbits?
Ensuring your rabbit is fed the right diet is critical to ensuring your pet bunny is kept healthy and happy. Many people believe that rabbits are happy on a diet of carrots and lettuce. However, while rabbits are likely to enjoy these two foods, it is certainly not enough to give them the balanced diet they need and deserve. It’s important to be aware that the digestive system of a rabbit is very sensitive, so new items of food should be introduced slowly. This is to ensure their system can adapt to the new textures and tastes. In this article, we’ll give you everything you need to know to ensure your rabbit is kept happy, healthy, and bounding around.
H2: HAY, GLORIOUS HAY
The base of any rabbit’s diet should reflect that of their wild cousins. This should focus on long-stemmed fiber in the form of grass or hay and will make up 80 to 90 percent of their feeding. As natural grazers, it is important that they have an unlimited supply of hay each day. Feeding your rabbits a mixture of types will mimic the variety they would expect in the wild. Always ensure the hay is fresh and there are no signs of mold or dust; this is key to ensuring your rabbit does not become ill.
H2: WHY IS HAY SO IMPORTANT
The fiber in hay is an important nutrient that will help maintain a healthy gut and a happy digestive system. Hay will also improve their teeth, which, unlike humans, continue to develop indefinitely. The frequent chewing action and abrasiveness of the grass will help to keep their teeth naturally worn and avoid unnecessary and costly visits to the dentist. Do not be misled by “complete” food ranges as a substitute for hay. While they are usually nutritionally balanced, they are not a replacement for the chewing effort required by hay.
H2: WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING HAY
Hay is hay, right? No. Good hay should be dry, free of dust and mold, and have a pleasant aroma. It is commonly available online, but you can also visit your local farm or stables, who often have an abundant supply.
H2: CAN YOU GIVE YOUR RABBIT TOO MUCH HAY?
No. Whether they are nibbling on it, rolling around in it, or curling up to sleep in it, rabbits love hay. Keep them happy by ensuring an endless supply.
H2: SHOULD YOU FEED YOUR RABBIT COMMERCIAL PET FOOD
The modern approach is to lean towards a natural diet. However, there is still a role for good-quality pellet mix. When selecting which one to buy, aim for a type that is rich in fiber and is extruded; this will help their digestion. It is recommended that you avoid muesli mixes. As a general rule of thumb, a rabbit should be fed no more than one egg cup of commercial pellet food per day. It should also never be in place of that all-important hay or some greens and vegetables; more on that next!
H2: EATING THEIR GREENS
Adding some fresh, juicy greens to your rabbit’s diet is recommended. Whether you choose to purchase some fresh leaves from the supermarket or prefer to forage in the garden for some juicy dandelions is up to you. However, just remember to keep quantities small and try to offer variation.
H2: HOW ABOUT A SLICE OF FRUIT?
As per the advice to humans, fruits can be healthy, but again in moderation. Due to their high sugar content, they are classified as a treat. A slice of apple or a few grapes will most likely please your rabbit, but make this an occasional rather than daily treat.
H2: HOW TO DETERMINE WHETHER YOUR RABBIT’S DIET IS APPROPRIATE
The simple way is to keep an eye on their droppings. You are looking for droppings that are large and look like compressed hay. You will get more accustomed to spotting changes over time, but if you start to see small, dry, and dark droppings, it may be an indication they are lacking something in their diet. If you need some extra advice, always consult your local vet.
H2: WATCH OUT FOR SELECTIVE FEEDING
Ensuring a well-managed and balanced diet is key to ensuring your rabbits remain healthy. If presented with too many commercial foods or sweet treats, your rabbits are likely to ignore the healthy things. They, like humans, are all too easily tempted. If your rabbit starts to put on too much weight, it can pose several unwanted health risks as a consequence of not being able to clean and care for itself properly.
H2: ENSURE PLENTY OF WATER
It’s essential that your rabbits can access fresh water at any time. If your rabbit is predominantly eating fresh grass and greens, you can expect their water intake to decrease. If their diet is centered on hay, you will likely see an increase. We recommend that you provide both a bowl and a drinking bottle. Bowls are often preferred as they are more accessible and do not risk becoming blocked. However, they are easily knocked over, so having a backup bottle is essential. Cleaning your rabbit’s bowls and providing fresh water every day is a must.
H2: ARE THERE ANY FOODS THAT SHOULD BE AVOIDED?
Sticking to the above suggestions is recommended, as there are a number of foods that can cause your rabbit to become ill. Human treats should be avoided at all costs, but you should also stay clear of foods such as cabbage, cauliflower, crackers, nuts, and peas. This is not an exhaustive list, and if you are unsure, always consult a specialist first for advice.
H2: FEELING RABBIT READY?
If you follow the above advice, your rabbits will remain happy and healthy. But remember, your rabbits are solely dependent on you. They need love, affection, and care every single day. If you have that commitment, then we can assure you that they will make a wonderful pet. Adorable and bursting with personality, they can make a wonderful indoor or outdoor pet.