Proper nutrition is crucial for the health and well-being of rabbits. A well-balanced diet ensures they receive all the necessary nutrients while maintaining their digestive and dental health. Here’s a guide to the ideal eating proportions for rabbits, including the recommended amounts of hay, vegetables, pellets, and treats.
- Hay (80-85% of Diet)
- Primary Food Source: Hay should make up the bulk of a rabbit’s diet, as it is essential for their digestive and dental health.
- Types of Hay: Timothy hay, orchard grass, and meadow hay are excellent choices for adult rabbits. Young rabbits (under six months) and pregnant/nursing does can benefit from alfalfa hay due to its higher protein and calcium content.
- Quantity: Provide unlimited access to fresh hay at all times. A rabbit should consume a pile of hay roughly equal to their body size each day.
Benefits:
- High in fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and prevents gastrointestinal issues.
- Helps wear down teeth, preventing overgrowth and dental problems. For further Read This Guide
- Fresh Vegetables (10-15% of Diet)
- Variety: Offer a variety of leafy greens and other vegetables to provide essential vitamins and minerals. Aim to feed 1-2 cups of fresh vegetables per 6 pounds of body weight daily.
- Leafy Greens: Include romaine lettuce, kale, bok choy, and dandelion greens.
- Non-Leafy Vegetables: Add bell peppers, carrot tops, and celery in smaller amounts.
Recommended Vegetables:
- Leafy Greens: Romaine lettuce, kale, spinach (in moderation), Swiss chard, and bok choy.
- Herbs: Parsley, cilantro, basil, mint, and dill.
- Other Vegetables: Bell peppers, carrot tops, celery (cut into small pieces to avoid choking), and zucchini.
- Pellets (5-10% of Diet)
- Quality: Choose high-quality, timothy-based pellets with no added seeds, nuts, or dried fruits.
- Quantity: Feed 1/4 to 1/2 cup of pellets per 6 pounds of body weight daily. Adjust based on your rabbit’s age, weight, and activity level.
- Young Rabbits: For rabbits under six months, alfalfa-based pellets can be provided due to their higher protein and calcium content.
Benefits:
- Provides essential nutrients that may not be fully covered by hay and vegetables.
- Easy to measure and feed consistently.
- Treats (5% or Less of Diet)
- Moderation: Treats should be given sparingly to avoid obesity and digestive issues. Limit treats to 1-2 tablespoons per 6 pounds of body weight per day.
- Healthy Options: Fresh fruits like apples (without seeds), strawberries, blueberries, and bananas. Use dried fruits and commercial rabbit treats sparingly.
Suitable Treats:
- Fruits: Apples (without seeds), blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and bananas.
- Commercial Treats: Only if they are specifically made for rabbits and given in moderation.
- Fresh Water (Always Available)
- Hydration: Fresh, clean water should be available at all times. Change the water daily and ensure that bowls or bottles are clean.
Delivery Methods:
- Water Bowl: Ensure it is heavy enough to prevent tipping and placed in a clean, accessible location.
- Water Bottle: Check regularly to ensure it is working properly and clean to prevent algae buildup.
Feeding Schedule and Tips
- Morning and Evening Feedings: Split the daily vegetable and pellet portions into morning and evening feedings to mimic natural foraging behaviors.
- Introduce New Foods Gradually: Introduce any new vegetables, herbs, or treats slowly to monitor for any adverse reactions.
- Monitor Weight and Health: Regularly check your rabbit’s weight and health, adjusting their diet as necessary to maintain a healthy weight.
- Avoid Toxic Foods: Be aware of foods that are toxic to rabbits, such as iceberg lettuce, potatoes, onions, garlic, and rhubarb.
A balanced diet for rabbits should be composed primarily of hay, supplemented with fresh vegetables, high-quality pellets, and occasional treats. Ensuring proper proportions and variety in their diet will help maintain your rabbit’s digestive health, dental health, and overall well-being. Always provide fresh water and regularly monitor your rabbit’s health to make necessary dietary adjustments.
Reference: Bunny Vault.com