Feeding
Rabbit Diets: The Basics
By Chandra Moira Beal
Feeding your rabbit a proper diet is the most essential thing you can do to maintain their health, avoid illness, and enhance their mental and emotional well being. A balanced diet should consist of a good quality pellet, a constant supply of hay, a variety of fresh vegetables, and clean water. Treats and supplements can be included in limited amounts.
Rabbits are crepuscular, which means that they are most active at dawn and dusk. Many caregivers find that feeding their rabbit at these times fits well with their work schedule, but all rabbits, and people, are different. Some rabbits eat only pellets in the morning and vegetables in the evening; others graze throughout the day. Your rabbit's individual needs and your lifestyle will dictate their feeding schedule. However, rabbits should never go more than 24 hours without eating. (If you rabbit stops eating, consider it a medical emergency and seek professional veterinary assistance immediately.)
Pellets
Almost all rabbits require a high quality extruded pellet unless they are elderly or cannot tolerate alfalfa. Most pellets are alfalfa-based, but there are also timothy-based pellets that are a good alternative for rabbits that are trying to cut back on calcium and/or calories. Choose a major brand to ensure consistency in ingredients and portions, and because they are more stringently and regularly tested for quality control. Avoid buying pellets from pet stores and grocery stores because their bags may sit longer in the warehouse and become stale. Pellets should contain 16-20% crude fiber and 14-16% protein. Commercial pellets were originally intended for breeding rabbits or those raised for meat or fur, so they are loaded with calcium and calories. House rabbits are generally living longer and just don't have the same nutritional requirements as breeding rabbits, so care must be taken to feed them for longevity.
Bunnies should be able to eat all the pellets they want up to eight months of age, then pellets should be rationed. How much you feed your rabbit daily depends on their size and ideal 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
Rabbits who are trying to lose weight or who have special needs may require different amounts. For example, rabbits that get regular exercise may tolerate extra calories; a rabbit with a disability that cannot burn off the calories as quickly would need fewer pellets.
If you change brands, mix the new pellets with the old for a gradual change over 3-4 weeks. Avoid the so-called "gourmet" pellets containing dried fruits, nuts or vegetables. This is nothing but junk food and can cause fatty liver and kidney disease. Never feed pellets with antibiotics added; your rabbit may become desensitized to the medication and be unable to combat disease. If pellets become moldy, bug infested or stale, discard them. Most people recommend buying no more than a six-week supply at a time, but they can be stored in the freezer to extend their shelf life.
Hay
The importance of eating hay cannot be emphasized enough. Rabbits have long digestive tracts that slowly break down and process cellulose in the form of tough, woody stems and fibrous vegetation. Their systems function best when they have something with which to work. Therefore, the key to keeping rabbits alive and happy longer is to make sure their digestive tracts stay viable and motile, while balancing between indigestible fiber and nutrition.
Coastal and timothy hay (meadow hay in the UK) can be fed in unlimited quantities. Alfalfa is high in calcium and calories and should be fed sparingly. Some people liken the taste difference between alfalfa and timothy as chocolate versus lettuce. Most rabbits love alfalfa. Hay is cheap and readily available at most feed stores or farms, or can be ordered online. Other types of hay such as brome or orchard grass can be fed for variety.
Water
Rabbits should always have access to a supply of fresh, clean water. Some prefer to drink from bottles; others like to lap it up from a bowl. Either utensil should be washed with hot, soapy water at least once a week. Bottles should hold no less than 16 ounces of water per rabbit. Any less and they may run dry while you're at work, and any more will sit stagnant before it is consumed. It is a good idea to find out what's in your city water supply and how much calcium it contains. If you are concerned that your rabbit is getting too much calcium, provide bottled water instead of tap water.
Vegetables and Fruits
Daily vegetables are a vital source of nutrition for bunnies. Amounts fed will vary by the rabbit's size, weight and preference. The average six-pound house rabbit probably consumes about four cups daily. Some people feed veggies both in the morning and evening; others alternate meals of pellets and vegetables. Some caregivers mix a variety of veggies together like a salad; some feed one vegetable at a time. Rabbits have taste preferences as unique as their personalities. You will quickly learn what and how often to provide vegetables to your bunny.
Vegetables should be introduced one at a time if your rabbit is young. Monitor their droppings to make sure that they can tolerate what they are eating. If you notice any changes, discontinue feeding that vegetable.
Make sure bunny's vegetables are always fresh. If it smells "off" or if you wouldn't eat it yourself, throw it out. Organic vegetables are ideal for rabbits since they are so sensitive to pesticides and chemicals used on commercial produce. Whatever you choose, be sure to wash it thoroughly and pick it over for bugs. A great variety of vegetables exist and most can be found in your local grocery store.
Dark, leafy greens should be fed at least once a day. Carrot tops, watercress, radish leaves, collard greens, beet and turnip tops, romaine lettuce, red and green leaf lettuce, endive, chard, and dandelions are some of the most popular (avoid dandelions picked from roadsides or unfamiliar yards). Other veggies such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, tomatoes (without stems), sugar peas and fennel will be welcomed by your pet. Rabbits especially like fragrant and tasty herbs like parsley, cilantro, basil, dill, arugula (rocket), and mint. Kale, spinach and mustard greens contain oxalates that can be toxic over time. These vegetables should be fed only occasionally. Finally, carrots are a nice, occasional treat for your rabbit. Although considered health food to humans, carrots have high sugar content and are like candy for rabbits. Despite the popular myth, carrots are not appropriate to feed every day.
Never feed rabbits iceberg lettuce, rhubarb, raw beans, apple seeds, peach pits, potatoes or corn. These items can cause illness and even death. Likewise, never feed anything that you are uncertain about.
Most rabbits love fruit, but it must be offered in small amounts due to the high sugar content. Peaches, nectarines, papaya, pineapple, apple, grapes (and raisins), pear, banana, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, apricots and strawberries are some of the most popular fruits. A one-inch slice of banana, or two blackberries, is plenty (although the rabbit will try to convince you otherwise). Be sure to remove any pits or seeds as they may be poisonous.
For a list of recommended fruits and vegetables for rabbits, click HERE (file: veg_list).
Supplements
Supplements, such as papaya tablets containing bromelain and papain enzymes, are an optional item. Many rabbits enjoy the taste and consider them treats. The jury is out on whether papaya tablets are truly beneficial. Some people believe the enzymes help to break down mucous that binds ingested hair together. Others think papaya tablets are nothing but a sugary treat. Dosages will vary greatly. A dwarf rabbit that is not shedding might get 1-2 tablets daily; a large rabbit in full molt could have six or more tablets.
Prozyme is a powdered, pineapple flavored enzyme product. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon on the rabbit's pellets or veggies. It is activated by moisture and has the same effect as papaya tablets.
Petroleum-based products such as Laxatone or Petromalt can be helpful in preventing or treating hairballs. Feed your rabbit a one-inch ribbon once or twice per week between meals during heavy shedding. Don't mix these products with Prozyme or food as they inhibit the absorption of nutrients.
Treats
Rabbits adore treats and they are fun to hand out, but be very conservative in what and how much you feed. Rabbits can and do "pig out", so it is up to you as their caregiver to limit their intake of treats. An overload of starch or sugar can be very harmful for rabbits.
Oats are a popular treat. Choose rolled oats, not instant, and give only 1/2 teaspoon per pound of body weight. Cheerios, crackers and shredded wheat are other starchy favorites. Raisins, or a small amount of any fruit, is also considered a treat. Avoid the packaged "honey sticks" and other treats that contain dried fruits, seeds or nuts. These are void of nutrition and extremely fattening.
Feed your rabbit a wide variety of healthy vegetables for longevity and happiness. Choose only the freshest, highest quality pellets and hay. Make sure they have access to clean water at all times. And provide an occasional treat with extra petting. A well-rounded, nutritious and high-fiber diet will ensure your rabbit's health and happiness.
© Copyright by Chandra Moira Beal. All rights reserved.
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