Rabbit

Rabbit food

Daily Diet Composition

• 80-90% Hay or Fresh Grass: This is the most important part of a rabbit’s diet and should be available at all times. The high fiber content is essential for proper gut motility and for wearing down their teeth. Good options include Timothy hay, orchard grass, and oat hay. Alfalfa hay is too rich in calcium and calories for most adult rabbits and should be reserved for young, growing, or lactating rabbits, or those who are underweight.
• 10% Leafy Green Vegetables and Herbs: Rabbits should be given a large handful of safe, washed leafy greens and herbs daily. A variety of 5-6 different types is ideal.
• 5% Pellets: A small, measured amount of high-quality, high-fiber pellets can supplement the diet, providing essential vitamins and minerals. The amount should be limited to prevent obesity and discourage “selective feeding” (where the rabbit only eats the tasty parts of a muesli mix, leading to an unbalanced diet).

Nutritional Requirements (for a standard adult rabbit)

While a balanced diet from hay and fresh greens is key, the nutritional content of any supplemental pellets should align with these specifications:

• Crude Protein: 12-15%
• Crude Fiber: 14-27% (the higher the better)
• Fat: 1.5-2%
• Calcium to Phosphorus Ratio: A ratio of 1.5:1 to 2:1 is recommended.
• Vitamins: The diet should provide sufficient levels of Vitamin A, D, and E. B vitamins and Vitamin K are typically synthesized by gut bacteria.

Acceptable Foods

Daily Staple:

• Unlimited: High-quality grass hay (e.g., Timothy, orchard grass, oat hay) and/or fresh grass.
• Daily Leafy Greens (a variety is best): Romaine lettuce, bok choy, bell peppers, celery leaves, cilantro, dandelion greens, endive, mint, parsley, watercress.

Occasional Treats (given in very small quantities, 1-2 times per week):

• Fruits: A small slice of apple (no seeds), a few blueberries, or a strawberry. Fruits are high in sugar and should be limited.
• Root Vegetables: Carrots and sweet potatoes are high in sugar and starch and should be given as a rare treat.

Foods to Avoid

• Muesli-style mixes: These encourage selective feeding, leading to an unbalanced diet.
• Lawnmower clippings: These ferment quickly and can cause serious digestive issues.
• Human processed foods: This includes bread, crackers, cereal, and sweets.
• High-sugar, high-fat foods: Nuts, seeds, and commercial “rabbit treats” with added sugar.
• Poisonous plants: Always ensure you are feeding rabbit-safe plants. Examples of poisonous plants include bluebells, foxglove, and holly.

Other Important Considerations

• Fresh Water: Rabbits must have unlimited access to fresh, clean water at all times.
• Gradual Changes: Any changes to a rabbit’s diet should be introduced gradually over a few weeks to prevent digestive upset.
• Life Stage: Dietary needs change throughout a rabbit’s life. Young, growing rabbits, and pregnant or nursing does require more protein and calcium, and can be fed alfalfa hay and pellets. Older rabbits may require adjustments to their diet if they are frail or underweight.