The Perfect Rabbit Diet

Keeping Your Bunny Healthy and Happy

A well-balanced diet is essential to your rabbit’s health, happiness, and longevity. Rabbits have specific dietary needs, and providing the right mix of hay, fresh vegetables, and pellets can prevent health issues and ensure your bunny thrives.

Hay

Hay is the most important part of a rabbit’s diet and should make up about 80-90% of their daily food intake. It provides the necessary fiber to keep their digestive system functioning properly and helps wear down their continuously growing teeth.

Timothy Hay: The most common and recommended hay for adult rabbits.
Orchard Grass Hay: A good alternative to Timothy hay, offering a softer texture.
Alfalfa Hay: Best suited for young, growing rabbits or those in need of weight gain, but not recommended for adults due to its higher protein and calcium content.

Make sure to provide fresh, clean hay at all times. It should be available 24/7 for your rabbit to munch on.

Fresh Vegetables

Fresh vegetables are an essential part of your rabbit’s diet, providing vitamins and minerals. Aim to offer a variety of leafy greens and vegetables daily.

Leafy Greens: Romaine lettuce, cilantro, parsley, kale, spinach (in moderation), and dandelion greens are all great options.
Other Vegetables: Carrots (in moderation due to sugar content), bell peppers, and broccoli (including leaves and stems).

Introduce new vegetables slowly to avoid upsetting your rabbit’s digestive system, and always wash them thoroughly to remove pesticides.

Pellets

High-quality rabbit pellets can complement a diet rich in hay and vegetables, providing essential nutrients that might be missing from other foods. However, pellets should be fed in moderation.

Adult Rabbits: 1/4 cup of pellets per 5 pounds of body weight daily.
Young Rabbits: Pellets can be fed more liberally to support growth, especially alfalfa-based pellets.

Choose pellets that are high in fiber (at least 18%) and free from added sugars, seeds, or dried fruits, which can contribute to obesity and other health issues.

Fresh Water

Always provide your rabbit with fresh, clean water. Use a heavy ceramic bowl that can’t be easily tipped over, or a water bottle designed for rabbits. Make sure to clean the bowl or bottle daily to prevent bacteria buildup.

Treats

Rabbits love treats, but they should only be given occasionally to prevent obesity and digestive issues.

Safe Treats: Small pieces of fruit (such as apple slices, strawberries, or banana) or commercial rabbit treats that are low in sugar.
Avoid: Sugary treats, processed foods, and anything high in carbohydrates like bread, pasta, or cereal.

Choose pellets that are high in fiber (at least 18%) and free from added sugars, seeds, or dried fruits, which can contribute to obesity and other health issues.

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