How do you feed your pet bunny? Rabbits want more than carrots and lettuce, contrary to common opinion. They need a healthy diet of hay, fresh fruits and vegetables, and a few pellets. Rabbits’ digestive tracts are extremely sensitive, so switching to hay or pellets, or introducing new fruits and vegetables, should be done gradually to enable the rabbit’s system to adapt.

Hay Is The Staple Food

The long-stemmed fiber in the form of hay, which makes up 80 to 90 percent of a rabbit’s diet, can be found at the bottom of a rabbit food pyramid. Rabbits, as grazing animals, need an endless supply of fresh hay on a regular basis.

You should offer your rabbit grass hays to eat. Timothy, orchard grass, brome, and oat hay are all good grass hay for bunnies. You can feed your bunnies a single form of grass hay or a combination of grass hays. Purchase the freshest hay possible and inspect it for mold or dust, all of which can make your rabbit sick.

Alfalfa hay isn’t a good option for an adult rabbit because it’s a legume, not a grass, and thus too rich to be eaten on a regular basis. Alfalfa can be supplied to rabbits as a treat every now and then. Rabbits under the age of one year should be fed alfalfa hay, but as they grow older, they should be transferred to grass hay, particularly if they are also fed alfalfa pellets.

Pellets In Fewer Quantities

Tiny amounts of Timothy hay pellets may be supplied to bunnies. An adult rabbit of average size (6-10 pounds) needs just one-quarter cup of pellets per day. Feed just one-eighth of a cup if your rabbit is under five pounds. Since it is not a necessary part of a rabbit’s diet is greater than 10 pounds need little more than a quarter of a cup.

Alfalfa pellets can be fed to rabbits under the age of one year. If you’re feeding your young rabbit alfalfa pellets, make sure to feed grass hay instead. Look for pellets that have a high fiber content — the higher the fiber content, the better. Do not purchase rabbit pellets that contain dried corn, nuts, or seeds, as these foods can be extremely harmful to rabbits.

Vegetables Are Their Favorite

Vegetables and herbs are among rabbits’ favorite foods. With a few exceptions and restrictions, most supermarket greens are suitable for rabbits. (See below for a list of foods to avoid.)

Adult rabbits should be given no more than two cups of fresh vegetables per day. Dwarf rabbits and rabbits under the weight of five pounds should only be given one cup of fresh vegetables per day. It’s best to have a mix of two or three vegetables. Since bunnies’ digestive systems are delicate, add one new vegetable at a time and watch for signs of loose stool or diarrhea.

Certain vegetables should be eaten on a daily basis, while others can only be fed once or twice a week. Potatoes, rice, beans, seeds, and nuts should not be fed to your rabbit. These foods are difficult to digest for rabbits and can result in severe digestive issues.

Fruits Once Or Twice A Week

Your bunny should be fed fruit once or twice a week. One to two tablespoons of fruit (one kind or a mixture) per five pounds of body weight is the recommended serving. Fruit, like vegetables, should be added gradually and one at a time.

Water Bottle Or Bowl

Regardless of whether you use a bottle or a bowl, your rabbits must have regular access to fresh, clean water. If your pets don’t drink enough water, their digestive contents will become desiccated over time. This means that your rabbit’s intestines will be unable to operate properly, leading to a variety of health and digestive difficulties.

Please make sure that:
► The bowl is made of lead-free material.
► The bottle’s material is BPA-free.
► Even if you’re using a bottle, you should change the water every day.
► Wash the container thoroughly with hot water and detergent to avoid bacterial growth.
► If you have more than one pet, you should add several water sources.

Give Treats Sparingly

Many rabbits, like many humans, have a sweet tooth. Treats, like humans, are at the top of the food pyramid for bunnies and should be consumed in moderation. Tiny pieces of fresh or freeze-dried fruit; raw, unprocessed mixes that include hay and dried flowers; and Oxbow brand rabbit treats are all healthy treats for your bunny. 

Always read the ingredient list on store-bought treats before giving them to your bunny. Never offer your rabbit human treats or treats with added sugar, preservatives, or artificial coloring.

Foods Not To Feed A Rabbit

Some foods are never ideal for rabbits because they can make them extremely ill. Here are some foods to stop absolutely giving your bunny:

  • All human treats 
  • Beans 
  • Beet greens
  • Cabbage 
  • Cauliflower
  • Cereal 
  • Chocolate 
  • Corn or corn-cob treats 
  • Crackers 
  • Iceberg lettuce
  •  Legumes 
  • Mustard greens 
  • Nuts 
  • Pasta 
  • Peas 
  • Potatoes 
  • Rhubarb 
  • Seeds 
  • Sugar 
  • Turnip greens
  • Yogurt

If you are not sure whether your rabbit can eat the food or not, please always check with reliable sources before you feed your rabbits.

A Never-Ending Supply Of Fresh Water

Finally, rabbits need to remain hydrated, so they should have access to an endless supply of freshwater that is updated on a regular basis. Every few days, the water jar should be washed with soap and water. Water bottles are difficult to clean and for rabbits to use, so bowls are preferable. A heavy ceramic bowl is suitable because it does not easily tip over.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is important to do a deep dive into the research of what your rabbits can eat, what they can’t, what is good for them, and what could potentially be deadly for them. Doing the research can prevent a lot of problems and expensive trips to the vet if you are not careful and careless. With the right knowledge also, your rabbits will live long, happy, and healthy lives.

https://www.rabbitproducersassociation.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/What-do-rabbits-need-in-their-cage.jpghttps://www.rabbitproducersassociation.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/What-do-rabbits-need-in-their-cage-150x150.jpgNetherland Dwarf RabbitUncategorizedHow do you feed your pet bunny? Rabbits want more than carrots and lettuce, contrary to common opinion. They need a healthy diet of hay, fresh fruits and vegetables, and a few pellets. Rabbits' digestive tracts are extremely sensitive, so switching to hay or pellets, or introducing new fruits...All you need to know about Netherland Dwarf Rabbit