How to Properly Feed Your Rabbits

A rabbit’s digestive system is delicate, and their nutritional needs require careful attention. By understanding the basics of rabbit nutrition, you can avoid common health problems and help your bunny thrive. Here’s our guide on how to properly feed your rabbits so you can enjoy many years of companionship.

Key Components of a Rabbit’s Diet
A healthy rabbit diet primarily consists of three main components: hay, fresh greens, and limited pellets. Anything beyond that—such as fruits and other treats—should be offered sparingly. A balanced diet helps keep your rabbit’s digestive system running smoothly.

Hay (80% of Diet)
Hay is the most essential part of a rabbit’s diet and should make up about 80%. It provides the necessary fibre to promote healthy digestion and prevent common issues like hairballs. Hay is also a source of essential proteins and nutrients. It should be offered daily in unlimited amounts and available to your rabbit at all times.
Types of Hay:
Timothy Hay: Ideal for adult rabbits, it’s rich in fibre but low in calories and calcium.
Alfalfa Hay: Suitable for baby rabbits, pregnant or nursing mothers, and elderly or injured rabbits. However, it’s too high in calcium for adult rabbits and should not be used for long-term feeding.
Other Grass Hays: Adult bunnies do best on a mix of timothy hay and other grass hays because they are lower in calories and calcium than alfalfa hay.
Store hay in a cool, dry place with good ventilation to prevent mold. Ensure the hay smells fresh, and discard any wet or stale hay. Offer it in a hay rack or basket to prevent waste; remember, rabbits love to nibble all day long.

Fresh Greens (10% of Diet)
Fresh greens provide important vitamins and minerals, and they help keep your rabbit’s digestive system healthy. Aim to give your rabbit a variety of fresh, fibrous vegetables daily, especially leafy greens. Fresh greens should make up about 10% of your rabbit’s diet. Avoid feeding your rabbit iceberg lettuce, as it lacks nutritional value.
Recommended Vegetables:
– Carrot tops
– Beet tops
– Dandelion greens and flowers
– Kale
– Collard Greens
– Dark Leafy Green Lettuce
– Romain Lettuce
– Parsley
– Clover
– Broccoli and its leaves
– Green Peppers
– Snow Pea Pods
– Basil
– Peppermint Leaves
– Raspberry Leaves
– Bok Choy
– Spinach
For a full list of recommended vegetables for rabbits, visit: Best Vegetables for Rabbits: A Healthy Diet Guide – Rabbit.org
Start with small amounts of one type of green to avoid your rabbit having an upset stomach, and gradually add more variety over time. Aim for at least 1 cup of fresh veggies for every 5 pounds of body weight, given twice a day.

Pellets (5% of Diet)
Rabbit pellets are a convenient way to supplement your bunny’s nutrition, but they should only make up a small part of their overall diet at 5%. Overfeeding pellets can lead to obesity, heart disease, liver disease, and other health issues due to their high carbohydrate and low fibre content.
How to Feed Pellets:
Young Rabbits (under 8 months): Pellets can be offered free choice as they are growing quickly.
Adult Rabbits (over 8 months): Follow the recommended daily amounts based on their weight:
– 2-4 pounds: 1/8 cup
– 5-7 pounds: 1/4 cup
– 8-10 pounds: 1/2 cup
– 11-15 pounds: 3/4 cup
Pregnant or Nursing Rabbits: Can be offered unlimited pellets until the babies are weaned.

Fruits & Treats(<5% of Diet)
While rabbits love their fruits, they should only be given as treats due to their high sugar content. Treats should make up to no more than 5% of your rabbit’s diet and only occasionally. Feeds’n Needs carries delicious Sunburst treats made specifically for rabbits. Here are some other good options for rabbit treats:
–  Strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries
– Apples, pears, peaches, and melon
– Papaya and pineapple (but only in small amounts)
Carrots also fall into the “treat” category dur o their sugar content, and should only be given sparingly.

Fresh Water
Fresh water should always be available to your rabbit in a water bottle or heavy, spill-proof bowl. Change the water daily to ensure it stays clean and free from bacteria. A dirty water dish can lead to health problems, so be diligent about cleanliness.

Special Dietary Needs
Some rabbits have special dietary requirements due to age, health conditions, or specific life stages. For example:
Long-Haired Rabbits like Angoras, Lion Heads, or Jersey Woolies may require more protein to support the growth of their long fur.
Overweight Rabbits may need fewer pellets and more hay to help them shed excess pounds.
Older or Sick Rabbits may require a higher calorie intake to regain strength or support healing.
Mother Rabbits nursing babies will need extra pellets and hay to keep up with the demands of milk production.
For any specific concerns, it’s always a good idea to consult a veterinarian who can recommend the best diet for your rabbit’s unique needs.

By providing your rabbit with a balanced, fiber-rich diet primarily consisting of hay, supplemented with fresh vegetables and limited pellets, you’ll set the foundation for a long healthy life. Always monitor your rabbit’s weight, adjust portions as necessary, and consult your vet if any dietary issues arise.
Taking the time to feed your rabbit properly helps ensure their health and strengthens the bond you share as a pet and caregiver. Happy feeding!

Sources:
Feeding Your Rabbit | The Rabbit Haven
Food & Diet – Rabbit.org