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!
5 Things to do With Your Pet at Christmas
The holiday season is a time for spending quality moments with loved ones, but don’t forget about the furry members of your family! Pets can sometimes feel overwhelmed by all the guests, new smells, and tempting (but dangerous) decorations. However, Christmas is the perfect opportunity to bond with your pet and include them in the festive fun. Here are five things to do with your pet this holiday season:
- Take a Holiday Lights Walk with Your Dog
Like us, dogs are often fascinated by the twinkling lights and colourful displays during the holiday season. Take your dog for a stroll around your neighbourhood to enjoy the decorations together. Remember that it might be too cold for a long walk, so try to keep it local or invest in some protective gear like booties and a jacket for your dog, which are available at your local Feeds’n Needs. - Create Festive Games for Your Pet
Every pet is different, so take some time to find indoor activities that will engage your furry friend. Here are a few festive game ideas for both dogs and cats:
Indoor Games for Dogs:
Tug-of-War: A classic game, just make sure to use a toy that’s gentle on your dog’s teeth!
Toy Naming: Teach your dog the names of their toys, and reward them with a dog-friendly Christmas treat when they fetch the right one.
Hide and Seek: After teaching your dog to stay, hide somewhere in the house and call them to find you. Be ready to shower them with praise when they succeed!
Indoor Games for Cats:
Christmas Puzzle: Turn a cardboard box into a fun puzzle by cutting holes and filling it with treats, catnip, or toys. Watch your cat’s excitement as they figure out how to get the goodies!
Fetch: Believe it or not, many cats love playing fetch! Toss a catnip-filled toy and encourage them to bring it back. It may take some time, but most cats will eventually learn that the game only continues if they bring it back. - Play in the Snow
Many pets love to play in the snow. Dogs, in particular, enjoy frolicking in the winter wonderland. Whether it’s your backyard, a local park, or a walking trail, let your dog experience the joy of running in the snow. Not all pets, however, enjoy the cold, and that’s perfectly fine.
Indoor cats and rabbits should be on a harness and leash to prevent them from running away if they get too scared. Keep an eye on their behaviour, and if the outdoors is too cold and scary for them, take them back inside immediately, where it’s warm and cozy. - Try a Festive Costume
Some pets love getting dressed up for the holidays, while others may be a little more skeptical. If your pet is open to it, dress them in a festive outfit like a sweater, bandana, or holiday-themed hat. Start with something simple, and if they’re comfortable, work your way up to more elaborate costumes. Just remember to be patient and keep an eye on how they’re reacting to ensure they’re happy. - Snap Holiday Photos with Santa
Capture your pet’s festive spirit by taking a photo with Santa! Here are some tips to help you get the perfect shot:- Introduce them to Santa slowly and calmly.
- Be part of the picture or have one person directing your pet.
- Treats will help!
- Have patience.
- Exercise before the photo to tire them out.
- Squeaky toys are great to get them to look at the camera.
- If all else fails, capture your pet behaving naturally.
We hope these activities bring some extra joy to your holiday season and help you bond with your pet. Wishing you and your furry friends a safe, happy, and paw-some Christmas!
Basic Guide to Gerbil Care
Gerbils are playful and curious little animals that are easy to care for and make great pets for children. In this blog, we will provide a basic guide to gerbil care, so you have all the information you need before bringing home your tiny new companion!
Things to Consider Before Getting a Pet Gerbil
- Gerbils are very social animals and should live in pairs of 2 or more. It’s best to get littermates or adopt young gerbils of similar ages so that they can grow up together. If you already have a gerbil or pair of adult gerbils, it can be challenging to introduce a new one as they are very territorial creatures and may fight each other.
- Gerbils can reproduce quickly, so it’s best to keep only same-sex pairs together in an enclosure.
- The lifespan of a gerbil is 2 – 4 years on average.
- Adult gerbils grow to 4 inches long, with their long hairy tails adding an additional 4 inches.
Housing
Gerbils are known for their love of digging and burrowing, and a great way to nurture these natural instincts is to house your gerbils in a large glass tank or aquarium with a secure wire lid. It is recommended that 5 gallons of space be provided per gerbil. An enclosure that is 16″ wide by 30″ long and 12″ tall is the minimum size needed for a pair of gerbils.
Wire cages will also work to house gerbils. However, because of their digging habits, they may end up kicking bedding through the metal bars, making a mess. Make sure to choose a wire cage with bars narrow enough that your gerbils can’t escape through them but not so close together that they could get body parts stuck between them.
Plastic cages are not recommended for gerbils as they are easily chewed and destroyed and don’t provide adequate ventilation.
Gerbils should also have a nest box in their enclosure where they can hide out and sleep. Nest boxes should be made of sturdy materials like wood or ceramic.
Bedding
Since they love to dig and burrow, fill your gerbil’s enclosure ¾ of the way full with bedding like small animal paper bedding or aspen shavings. Avoid using pine or cedar shavings, as well as bedding that has been chemically dyed, as these can be harmful to your gerbils.
You can also add additional nesting materials like dye and scent-free toilet paper, paper towels and tissues that your gerbils can shred and build nests with. Spot-clean any soiled bedding daily, and thoroughly clean the enclosure with mild soap and hot water once weekly. Pick up some Boxo comfort paper bedding and gerbil-safe aspen shavings at Feeds’n Needs!
Food & Water
The best way to provide your gerbils with a healthy, balanced diet is to offer them quality dry food formulated for gerbils. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended feeding guide to feed your gerbils a daily portion of food. Place their daily food allowance in a ceramic or metal bowl or scatter it around their enclosure to encourage their natural foraging instincts! Fresh fruits, veggies and seeds like peas, broccoli, apples and sunflower seeds can be given as treats in limited quantities. Remove any uneaten treats after a few hours to prevent spoilage.
Your gerbils should always have access to fresh water in a sipper bottle that attaches to the side of their enclosure. Refresh their water daily, and thoroughly clean their water bottle once weekly when you clean their enclosure.
Pick up a bag of quality gerbil food, like Sunburst hamster and gerbil food, at Feeds’n Needs. While you’re there, don’t forget to grab some gerbil treats and a drinking bottle, too!
Exercise & Enrichment
Gerbils are playful and active little animals, and they need lots of enriching toys and climbing materials to keep them happy and healthy. Since their teeth never stop growing, they should always have access to things to chew on, like wooden toys, toilet paper tubes and other safe materials to wear them down. Include lots of things for them to climb and play on in their enclosure, like ramps, ladders and platforms to keep them active. Exercise wheels are another great way to keep them active and fit; choose a wheel with a solid surface in which your gerbils won’t get their tail or other body parts stuck.
Visit your local Feeds’ n Needs and check out our small animal toys and enrichment accessories selection!
Grooming
Gerbils spend a great deal of time grooming themselves and often groom their cage mates. They do not need baths; however, if your gerbil gets something in its fur and needs to be cleaned, you can use a damp cloth to gently rub the area clean.
Health Concerns
Gerbils are generally healthy animals. However, there are a few common health issues that you should be aware of:
- Injuries like broken bones or injured tail
- Digestive diseases
- Skin issues
- Seizures
- Kidney disease in adult gerbils
- Inner ear mass in adult / elderly gerbils
If you suspect your gerbil may be in poor health, please get in touch with your small animal veterinarian.
Training
Gerbils are usually quite gentle, only biting on the rare occasion that they may feel threatened. Gerbils can be easily hand-tamed using positive reinforcement techniques, often involving many treats! When you first bring your gerbil home, allow them a couple of days to settle in before you begin training them.
Now that you’ve learned all the basics of owning and caring for pet gerbils, you should be ready to bring home your new furry friend! Make Feeds’n Needs your go-to stop for all your small animal needs, and be sure to ask one of our experts any questions you may have!
If you love to learn, check out our blog. We are always adding more helpful advice, such as how-tos and DIYs: feedsnneeds.ca/experts-advice/
Why Guinea Pigs Need Vitamin C
Guinea pigs are wonderful pets that are a joy to observe and interact with, and they have something in common with us humans that no other companion pet does! Did you know that guinea pigs can’t make their own vitamin C in their bodies like most other animals do? Just like humans, they have to get it through their food. As a responsible piggie parent, it’s your job to ensure that your guinea pig’s diet meets their unique nutritional requirements, and we’re here to teach you all about it!
Why is Vitamin C so Important?
The body needs vitamin C to make collagen, a building block for all kinds of different issues. This means that vitamin C plays an important role in keeping skin, joints, gums, and the whole immune system healthy and helping wounds heal.
What Happens if Guinea Pigs Don’t Get Enough Vitamin C?
Most guinea pigs need between 10 and 30mg of vitamin C per day to maintain good health. Any excess that is not required will be excreted through the urine and will not be absorbed through the body. Piggies who are still growing, pregnant, nursing, or sick may require extra vitamin C in their diet as recommended by your veterinarian.
Deficiency in vitamin C is generally referred to as ‘scurvy’ and in guinea pigs, will typically present itself as the following symptoms:
- Poor coat
- Swelling and ulcers on the skin or gums/mouth area
- Diarrhea
- Poor appetite
- Swollen joints and difficulty moving
- Lethargy
- Issues with wound healing
How do you Supplement Vitamin C in the Diet?
While a guinea pig’s diet should include around 80% hay, a portion of formulated guinea pig food, as well as fresh vegetables and fruit, must be fed daily to supplement them with the required vitamin C.
- Packaged Food: Guinea pig food you buy at the store should be of good quality and contain high amounts of vitamin C in a stabilized form. Vitamin C is considered a relatively “unstable” vitamin, meaning it will break down over time, especially if exposed to light, heat, and moisture. Because of this, your guinea pig may not receive the amount of vitamin C listed on the bag. It is always recommended to follow the manufacturer’s “best before” recommendation and try to feed the entire bag of food within 90 days after opening to ensure that your guinea pig does not become deficient. It is also important to monitor whether or not your piggie is eating all the food given to them. Many mixed guinea pig foods contain “extras” such as dried fruit, seeds and nuts alongside the fortified pellets containing added vitamin C. However, these pellets are typically the least appealing to guinea pigs, and they will often pick out the “extras,” leaving the nutritionally balanced pellets behind. Our experts recommend feeding your guinea pigs a purely pelleted formulation to ensure that they consume the required vitamins and nutrients. Check out our selection of quality guinea pig food options in store!
- Vegetables & Fruit: Besides pellets, the other primary source of vitamin C for guinea pigs is fresh vegetables and occasionally fruit. Feed a portion of veggies that are high in vitamin C each day, such as leafy greens, but be cautious not to overfeed veggies or fruits that are high in sugar (leads to obesity or intestinal issues) or high in calcium (guinea pigs are predisposed to bladder stones). Check this detailed chart to help you decide which fruits and veggies are safe for your guinea pigs: https://guineadad.com/blogs/news/guineadad-veggie-masterlist-what-kinds-of-vegetables-can-your-guinea-pig-eat
At Feeds ‘n Needs, we think your animals deserve the best, and that’s why we are proud to offer top-quality nutrition solutions for pets of all sizes! Stop by your local Feeds ‘n Needs, and one of our experts can show you our selection of guinea pig foods your piggie will be sure to love! We are always happy to answer any questions you may have!
Are you interested in learning more about small animals? Check out our related blog posts!
Small Animal Dental Health
Small Animal Dental Health
As responsible small animal owners, it’s our job to educate ourselves on the proper care needed to ensure our pets’ health and well-being, including taking care of their dental health.
Did you know many small mammals, such as rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas, have open-rooted teeth? Meaning that throughout their entire lives, their teeth never stop growing! Because of this, these animals are more at risk of acquiring painful dental issues such as tooth overgrowth, abscesses in the mouth, and malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth).
Early Detection is Key
Because they are prey animals, it’s in the nature of our small pets to hide any signs of pain or illness they may be experiencing. This can make early detection difficult, so taking your small pets to be examined by a veterinarian at least once per year is recommended. A vet specializing in exotic pets will be able to thoroughly examine your pet and identify any issues that should be treated immediately to ensure your pet’s good health.
Between checkups, it is important to familiarize yourself with the normal appearance of your pet’s teeth and know what symptoms or behaviours could indicate possible dental issues.
Symptoms to Watch For:
- Noticeably overgrown teeth
- Difficulty chewing or dropping food from the mouth
- Watery eyes, nasal discharge or drooling from the mouth
- Weight loss
- Reluctance or refusal to eat
- Reduced grooming and/or bald patches of fur
- Visible signs of pain (i.e., hunching in a corner, grinding teeth, etc.)
Prevention
Thankfully, most forms of acquired dental disease in small animals are preventable with proper diet and care. For small herbivores like rabbits and guinea pigs, a diet that lacks free-choice hay is arguably the most common cause of these dental issues.
- Hay vs. Pellets – Because hay is high in fibre and stimulates natural chewing and dental wear patterns, various grass hay options should always be available to your herbivorous animals. While many pet parents still consider hay more of a treat for their small pets, at least 75% of their diet should be made up of it, with fortified pelleted food being fed daily in a measured amount (following the manufacturer’s direction.) We offer a variety of grass hay and pelleted foods to provide your small pets with the proper diet they require.
- Leafy Greens and Vegetables – Supplementary foods such as dark leafy greens and vegetables have a coarse consistency, which will help your small animals keep their teeth worn down and should be offered to them in a limited amount daily. Ensure that the vegetables or greens you give your pet are safe for their particular species.
- Chew Toys – Besides providing a proper diet, species-appropriate chew toys should also be available to your small pets. Toys and chews made from woven hay, untreated wood, dried sticks, or cardboard provide excellent opportunities for your pet to wear down their incisors while offering them enrichment and mental stimulation. We have a great selection of safe, natural chews to keep your pet busy while keeping their teeth healthy!
Visit one of our Experts at your local Feeds ‘n Needs store to see our great selection of small animal essentials and ask any questions you may have about proper dental care. We are always eager to help!
Livestock Bedding Options
When it comes to providing your livestock with bedding, making sure it’s clean, absorbent and comfortable is a must. There are several options for materials that you can use to place under your animals in their enclosure to ensure overall well-being. Organic materials are usually best, as they contain lower levels of bacteria counts, resulting in better air quality and less discomfort (and will consequently result in less sores and other harmful ailments). While the type of flooring, animal breed and population density of animals in the enclosure matter when choosing the right bedding, here are a few good organic options to consider when making an informed decision for your furry friends.
Vegetable Litter for bedding
Plant litter is arguable the least harmful option for the environment, as it’s ecological and biodegradable and can be a great solution for your poultry flock! It’s mainly composed of natural elements, like wood chips, hay or pellets and is mainly used for animal enclosures.
Ripe wood
If you opt for a wood-based litter, it’s recommended to use soft wood that’s specially treated for composting purposes if you want better absorption quality. Like wood shavings, which are both absorbent and comfortable for farm animals. An interesting aspect of plant litter is that it doesn’t produce much dust, which benefits the respiratory health of the animals.
Hay and straw
Hay or straw are also materials used to create bedding for farm animals. Hay is cut and dried legumes and or grasses and is commonly used for feed, but lower qualities of hay are great for bedding purposes. Ensuring the quality of the hay is not palatable so animals don’t consume it.
If you’re considering using hay or straw, it’s important to know that there’s a bit more upkeep required due to the lower levels of absorbency than some other litter options. Another thing to consider is to ensure the quality of the hay or straw is older and dry when you are spreading it, as old hay may give off dust, resulting in potential respiratory damage in animals. When they have a high level of humidity, the risk of mold increases which rapidly grows bacteria that can be harmful to your animals.
Peat moss
Within the vegetable little category, you can also find peat moss as an option. This type of litter is becoming increasingly popular, as it tends to be more absorbent than wood or hay and it helps eliminate the amount of flies in facilities. Peat moss has a controlled PH, which helps to reduce odors and the amount of ammonia in the litter. This bedding has even been known to help improve areas of animal health, including udders, legs and airways.
Sources:
https://monvet.com/fr/fiche-informative/85/differentes-sortes-de-litieres
https://www.zoomalia.com/blog/article/quelle-litiere-choisir-pour-mon-chat.html
https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liti%C3%A8re
https://ag.umass.edu/sites/ag.umass.edu/files/fact-sheets/pdf/Bedding%2008-05.pdf
https://www.meunerievicto.com/fr/
https://www.meunerieacadienne.com/quoi-mettre-dans-les-enclos/
Animal Welfare During a Heat Wave
On hot days, it’s important to think about our four legged friends because chances are, they are probably hotter than you are. This article offers a few tips and solutions to help you keep your animals comfortable and cool during hot weather. Be sure to think about animal welfare during a heat wave!
Keep your pet well hydrated
No surprise here! Like their owner, animals must stay hydrated at all times and even more during hot periods. Make sure to give your pets water as often as possible during the day. The same goes for animals on farm. Think, for example, of cows, pigs or even horses, who drink large amounts of water on a normal day. Add a heat wave or drought in there and their water needs significantly amplify. Offer several areas on your property that allow for animals to have easy access to water, either on the ground, around the building or in your home.
Place ice cubes in the water to keep it cool. One trick to encourage your pet to drink more frequently: put bowls of water throughout your house, instead of having one spot they can go to drink. When going out with your pet, bring more water than you think is enough for yourself and your companion. Also, try to avoid going out in peak heat times (afternoon) and aim instead to go in the morning or the evening when the weather cools down.
If the pavement is too hot, consider putting booties on your pet so they don’t injure or burn their pads. If the weather is too hot, indoor activities are best. Consider playing games to develop the animal’s mental faculties, to allow them to burn energy while avoiding the hot sun.
Avoiding the sun
Close curtains and blinds to prevent the sun’s rays from entering and heating the house. For bird owners, try as much as possible to keep them away from the windows. If allowed, installing a small shaded kiddie pool can prove to be the perfect refreshment tool for dogs who love the water and swimming.
If you are on a farm, try to have a few places on land where animals can shade, like a shelter.
Identifying heatstroke in your pet
It is crucial to know how to recognize heat stroke in a pet! In case of heatstroke, the animal should see a veterinarian without delay. Here are some important symptoms to watch out for:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Bright red gums
- Disorientation
- Body temperature exceeding 40 degrees Celsius
When transporting your animal to the vet, cool it with a cold towel over their body. Do not use ice cubes.
Also, watch out for dogs with flat noses, older animals and young people. They are more at risk of having difficulty breathing during heat waves!
Other tips and tricks
Here are some additional hips to keep your pets cool at all times:
- Freeze a bottle of water and wrap it in a kitchen towel. Then place the cold bottle near the places where you pet is resting. Your animal should stay near it to cool down.
- Brush your pet often. A tangle free coat will be more comfortable for your pet, especially on a really hot day.
- Leave a cold water base in the bath so that your companions can soak their paws from time to time.
During periods of extreme heat, get in the habit of observing the behavior of your animals and make sure they don’t lack any water or shade. Thanks to these tips, you now have some handy tools up your sleeve to make the hot days more pleasant and much safer for your animals!
