Diet Of A Rabbit

The Ultimate Guide to the Diet of a Rabbit

Hey guys, hope you all are doing great, and in today’s article, I’m going to be talking all about a rabbit’s diet. We’re going to cover everything you need to know about the diet of a rabbit. Ensuring your bunny has the right nutrition is crucial for their overall well-being.

1. Unlimited Water: The Most Important Part of a Rabbit’s Diet

So, obviously, the most important thing in a rabbit’s diet, as in any animal’s diet, is unlimited water. Water should be given to rabbits out of a dish, as this is most natural for them to drink from. It’s easier for them to stay hydrated when drinking from a dish, and there’s no chance of malfunctioning, like with a water bottle. Water bottles are just not natural for rabbits to drink from, and that’s why water dishes are preferred.

Tips for Using Water Dishes:

• Use straight-edged, heavy water dishes to prevent your bunny from tipping them over. You can easily find these in stores like Walmart or Target.
• If your rabbit’s water dish tends to get messy, place it away from hay and litter boxes. This will help reduce contamination from hay or debris.
• Clean the water dish and refill it at least twice a day to prevent bacteria buildup.
• Filtered water is preferable. You can use water from a fridge filter, a PUR water filter, or attach a filter directly to your sink.
• Avoid adding any supplements to your rabbit’s water unless specifically recommended by a vet.

2. Unlimited Grass Hay: The Foundation of a Rabbit’s Diet

The next most important thing in your rabbit’s diet is unlimited grass hay. Grass hay should be provided to your rabbit 24/7. This is because a rabbit’s digestive system must always be moving, meaning they need food in their digestive system at all times to survive. Otherwise, their digestive system will shut down, causing GI stasis. That’s why hay must always be available.

Why Grass Hay is Essential:

Hay also helps wear down your rabbit’s teeth. I’ve had a lot of people ask if they can use hay cubes or hay pellets instead of hay because they are allergic to hay, but no, rabbits must have grass hay. The fibers in hay are what help wear down a rabbit’s teeth. If your rabbit only eats hay cubes, they’re using different parts of their teeth, and the fibers from the grass hay aren’t wearing down their molars properly. It might be hard to explain, but it must be grass hay.

Hay is best provided above or inside a litter box because rabbits like to eat and poop at the same time, which helps with litter training. I recommend using a hay box or a hay rack above the litter box. This setup helps cut down on hay waste because the rabbit isn’t pooping and peeing on it. However, some rabbits don’t like using hay racks or hay boxes. For example, my rabbit has arthritis and can’t eat from a hay rack or hay box, so I put a pile of hay directly in the litter box. You will have more hay waste, but you should prioritize what works best for your rabbit. If you use a litter box, make sure you change out the hay at least twice a day to keep it fresh and unsoiled.

• Read more: Hay for rabbits to eat

Types of Grass Hay:

• Timothy Hay and Orchard Grass are the most common varieties. Ensure hay is green and free from excessive yellowing or browning.
• Avoid alfalfa or clover hay for adult rabbits, as these are too high in calcium and can cause urinary issues.
• To minimize hay waste, try a hay rack or box. If your rabbit has arthritis or dislikes hay racks, simply place hay directly in the litter box.

3. Leafy Greens: Essential Nutrients for Rabbits

Leafy greens are a vital part of the diet of a rabbit. They supply nutrients not found in hay and should be fed daily.

• Read more: What vegetables can rabbit eat?

How Much to Feed:

• The general recommendation is one cup of leafy greens per two pounds of your rabbit’s body weight. Always check with your vet to tailor this amount to your rabbit’s specific needs.
• Provide at least three different types of greens each week to ensure a variety of nutrients. Rotate vegetables weekly based on what’s fresh and in season.

Safe Leafy Greens:

• Visit the House Rabbit Society’s list for a complete guide to safe vegetables.
• Some greens, like parsley and spinach, are high in oxalic acid and should be given in moderation.

Other Non-Leafy Vegetables:

• These should be fed sparingly, about one tablespoon per two pounds of body weight. They are optional treats, not staples in the diet of a rabbit.

When to Start Feeding Vegetables:

• Begin at 12 weeks of age, ensuring your rabbit has been on grass hay for at least two weeks first. Introduce vegetables slowly and monitor for any digestive issues.

4. Healthy Treats:

Treats are another part of a rabbit’s diet, although they aren’t necessary. Treats are great for bonding, training, and enrichment. Fruit is the best treat option; keep portions to one teaspoon per two pounds of body weight. You can give fresh or freeze-dried fruit, as long as it’s 100% fruit with no added ingredients. I avoid processed treats entirely, even high-quality ones, as they often cause issues. Dried herbs are also excellent treats.

5. Chew Toys and Sticks: Natural Enrichment

Rabbits in the wild chew on bark and sticks, and including these in the diet of a rabbit can be beneficial. While hay is crucial for dental health, chewing on willow sticks or other safe wooden toys provides enrichment.

Note: Only use safe, pesticide-free sticks. Willow is a great choice and is often available in pet stores.

6. Pellets: Are They Necessary?

Lastly, let’s discuss pellets. I haven’t mentioned them yet because I don’t recommend them. All my rabbits’ vets, who are experienced and up-to-date on rabbit research, have advised against pellets if a rabbit is getting enough hay and veggies. Pellets are often unnecessary and can cause issues like,

• GI stasis,
• urinary problems,
• and excess nutrients that lead to abandoned cecotropes.

Some rabbits tolerate pellets fine, but many develop problems. Remember, companies that sell pellets profit from you buying them, so be skeptical of their claims.

Conclusion

That’s it for today’s article! I hope you learned something new about rabbit diets. If you have questions, leave them below. And one last thing, always consult your exotic vet about your rabbit’s diet.