Healthy Rabbit Food and Diet Guide

Rabbits are herbivores, meaning that they consume only plant matter – vegetables, grains and occasionally fruit. A ‘proper’ diet will depend entirely on the individual rabbit.

A rabbit’s digestive system is quite sensitive and they are unable to expel food that disagrees with them by vomiting. It’s therefore essential that they are given the correct food in the right proportions. They require a high amount of grassy fiber along with a high intake of vegetable protein.

Commercial rabbit food is one option available. A rabbit is easily able to eat and digest the dry pellet form. On average the pellets contain 20-25% fiber and 14% protein which constitutes a healthy balance. Some brands will also include small amounts of calcium and other minerals, and may contain some vitamin supplements. The pellets are composed of compounds such as processed timothy or oat hay and alfalfa amongst others, considered to be of nutritional benefit for a rabbit.

A rabbit whose diet consists entirely of pellets will need occasional monitoring to ensure that its nutritional needs are being fully met. A young rabbit (4 months and below) can free feed with a very low incidence of problems.

As they are growing quickly during this time, unless they are suffering from a medical condition, they will self-regulate even if they are consuming large amounts.

As they age, there is the potential for them to over eat, particularly if they do not undertake much exercise outside of their cage. While they have a high metabolism, if they are sedentary they can become obese, and you need to consider that pellets have a high calorie count. As with any mammal, obesity can lead to a number of health complaints.

A general rule is to feed your rabbit 1 ounce per pound of weight, though directions for each brand will be on the bag and should be followed. Ensure that you have a small scale available to weigh your rabbit.

A diet supplemented or made up wholly of fresh hay and vegetables is a method favored by some rabbit owners. Assuming it’s carried out properly, a rabbit will thrive. This method involves more knowledge and effort and is usually a bit more costly.

As long as it is slowly introduced if a rabbit has previously been feed pellets exclusively, fresh timothy or oat hay can be given. Alfalfa is another great source of food for rabbits, but it's richer in calcium and protein, lower in fiber. You will need to monitor your pets’ behavior and feces carefully when new food sources are introduced to ensure that they don’t have any difficulties. Things to look for include diarrhea, lethargy and other signs of intestinal problems.

Beneficial options regarding vegetables include carrots, broccoli and dandelion greens. Rabbits should be fed a no more than 2 cups per day, and each vegetable should be introduced singly as you change or completely transition the diet. Vegetables can be introduced when the rabbit reaches about 12 weeks, starting with a small amount and slowing increasing to the full quantity.

As with most animals, rabbits enjoy indulging occasionally, with fruits like apple, strawberry, cherry or a blueberry. These treats should only be given in small amounts as fruit has large quantities of natural sugar and can lead to obesity if too much is consumed.

         

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