What is the best rabbit diet?
Rabbit Diet
An excellent rabbit diet will help your pet live a happy and healthy life
What do rabbits eat?
About 80 per cent of a rabbit diet should consist of good quality hay and the amount should be about the size of their body.
The hay should be clean and free from mould or dust. It shouldn’t smell sweet.
Feeding your rabbit fresh grass is a good alternative. It’s essential for good dental health and to keep their digestive system healthy.
Avoid feeding your rabbit lawn clippings, which can lead to serious digestive problems and can even be fatal.
What are the best fruits and vegetables for rabbits?
The best rabbit diet includes a handful of leafy greens once daily. Appropriate leafy greens include:
- Cabbage
- Rocket
- Mixed salad leaves (not iceberg lettuce)
- Broccoli
- Leafy carrot tops
- Kale
- Basil
- Spinach
- Parsley
Feed your rabbit fruit and sweet veggies (carrot) sparingly – a small piece once to twice a week as treats.
Can my rabbit’s diet include pellets?
Rabbit diets can also include rabbit pellets.
Feed no more than 25g of rabbit pellets per day. Oxbow has the best nutritional value.
What are the problems with including processed food in my pet’s diet?
Too much processed food in your rabbit’s diet can lead to:
- Obesity
- Dental disease
- Digestive disease
- Boredom
- Behavioural problems
What are the other foods to avoid in my rabbit’s diet?
Your rabbit’s diet shouldn’t include any foods containing seeds, barley, oats or corn. These foods are too starchy for rabbits to digest.
When should I take my rabbit to the vet?
Signs your rabbit needs to see a vet for dietary issues include:
- Reduced appetite, which can be life-threatening.
- A change in their droppings such a frequency, quality and consistency
Contact us to discuss your rabbit’s diet and general wellbeing, or book an online appointment today.