In addition, hay can keep your rabbit entertained, since he can sift through it and move it around his enclosure. [5] X Research source Grass hay (e. g. , timothy, oat) is higher in fiber than alfalfa or clover hays, and is thus the ideal type of hay to feed your rabbit. [6] X Research source Alfalfa and clover hays are high in protein and calcium, which can lead to kidney and bladder problems in older rabbits. [7] X Research source Good quality hay is green and fragrant, and is free of mold and dust. [8] X Research source Consider buying your hay from your local feed store. Compared with the hay at a pet store, hay at a feed store will likely be fresher and contain more of the nutrients your rabbit needs. [9] X Research source
Pellets should be approximately 18% to 20% crude fiber, 14% to 16% protein, and 1% each of fat and calcium. [10] X Research source [11] X Research source The pellets you feed your rabbit should be timothy-based, rather than alfalfa-based. [12] X Research source Avoid pellets sold through feed stores or markets that are not in sealed packaging. Exposure to the air degrades the vitamins and makes for reduced nutrition. Ideally, buy the smallest sealed bag of food possible since a large bag once opened will start to degrade.
There is often a concern that feeding vegetables gives rabbits diarrhea. This would mainly occur if you introduce multiple vegetable types to your rabbit’s diet simultaneously, rather than one at a time. Starchy vegetables, such as carrots, should be fed in moderation. [16] X Research source Fresh fruits are also good additions to your rabbit’s diet, but should be fed only as treats,[17] X Research source due to their high sugar content.
Be aware that your rabbit may continue to look well-hydrated on the outside, even when his intestines are not. [19] X Research source If your rabbit has not passed feces in 12 to 24 hours, his intestines are likely dehydrated — call your veterinarian immediately. [20] X Research source
These foods can cause a dangerous buildup of “bad” bacteria in your rabbit’s gut, leading to a serious condition called enterotoxemia. [23] X Research source They can also cause fatty liver disease and contribute to obesity. [24] X Research source Avoid feeding corn to your rabbit. Because rabbits cannot digest corn hulls, feeding your rabbit corn could lead to life-threatening intestinal blockage. [25] X Research source
Young rabbits that have been weaned from their mothers and are able to eat on their own should begin eating hay as soon as possible. [27] X Research source [28] X Research source Consider placing the hay at one end of your rabbit’s litter box. Your rabbit will likely enjoy being able to sit in a comfortable box and munch on hay at the same time. In addition, putting the hay in the litter box can help keep his cage clean. [29] X Research source
A high amount of pellets in your rabbit’s diet can lead to obesity. [32] X Research source Because pellets don’t contain much fiber, a diet that is high in pellets would cause your rabbit’s feces to become very mushy and get stuck in the hair around your rabbit’s anus (known as “poopy butt syndrome”). [33] X Research source Your rabbit may begin to prefer the pellets to the hay, which could lead to nutritional imbalances and digestive issues. [34] X Research source Baby rabbits can have an unlimited quantity of pellets—the high protein and calcium content will help their growth. If you have a baby rabbit, begin to decrease his pellet intake gradually at 3-4 months or age until he is down to the recommended adult amount. [35] X Research source
Serve the vegetables wet — the moistness will provide much-needed hydration to your rabbit’s intestines. [38] X Research source Divide the total amount of daily vegetables in half. Feed one-half in the morning and the other half in the evening. [39] X Research source Feed your rabbit three types of vegetables per day, with at least one vegetable being high in vitamin A. [40] X Research source The website rabbit. org/what-to-feed-your-rabbit/ has a list of vegetables that are high in vitamin A. Introduce new vegetables to your rabbit’s diet one at a time to prevent digestive upset. Remove any vegetables from his diet that cause soft stool or diarrhea. [41] X Research source If you have a baby rabbit, feed him vegetables in very small quantities. [42] X Research source Consult with your veterinarian if you are unsure what amount of vegetables to feed your baby rabbit. Rinse carrot tops and radish tops thoroughly before feeding them to your rabbit. [43] X Research source
Serve the vegetables wet — the moistness will provide much-needed hydration to your rabbit’s intestines. [38] X Research source Divide the total amount of daily vegetables in half. Feed one-half in the morning and the other half in the evening. [39] X Research source Feed your rabbit three types of vegetables per day, with at least one vegetable being high in vitamin A. [40] X Research source The website rabbit. org/what-to-feed-your-rabbit/ has a list of vegetables that are high in vitamin A. Introduce new vegetables to your rabbit’s diet one at a time to prevent digestive upset. Remove any vegetables from his diet that cause soft stool or diarrhea. [41] X Research source If you have a baby rabbit, feed him vegetables in very small quantities. [42] X Research source Consult with your veterinarian if you are unsure what amount of vegetables to feed your baby rabbit. Rinse carrot tops and radish tops thoroughly before feeding them to your rabbit. [43] X Research source
Examples of fruit you can feed your rabbit include mangoes, bananas, papayas, and cherries. [46] X Research source Rinse the fruit thoroughly before feeding it to your rabbit.
Change out your rabbit’s water at least once a day. You should also clean the water bowl with soap and hot water on daily basis. [49] X Research source Rabbits can also drink water from a sipper bottle. However, rabbits tend to prefer water bowls over sipper bottles. If your rabbit likes the sipper bottle, regularly check it to ensure the end is not leaky or blocked. [50] X Research source
