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The digestive system of a rabbit is very susceptible to serious upsets if the diet is inappropriate.

A house rabbit’s diet will normally consist of a limited amount of:

• A high quality Timothy hay based pellet (Alfalfa is for very young rabbits)
• A nice selection of vegetables
• Unlimited hay, this accounts for the majority of their diet
• A small amount of fruit
• Unlimited water

Pellets

Choose a fresh, good quality pellet. The House Rabbit Society recommends a minimum of 20-25% fiber, around 14% protein (with no animal protein), and less than 1% Calcium for most house rabbits (spayed/neutered). For adults, the amount should be carefully regulated, depending on the size (weight) of the rabbit. As a rule, give about 1/4 cup for rabbits 5-7 lb, 1/2 cup for 8-10 lb rabbits, and 3/4 cup for 11-15b lb rabbits. Baby rabbits can be fed pellets free choice (available at all times), decreasing to 1/2 cup per 6 lb. of body weight by around 6 months.

Some pellets were made for putting weight on “feed” rabbits, those bred for human consumption. That’s not our goal when we are feeding a pet, as it can result in an overweight rabbit.

Vegetables

Vegetable should make up a large portion of the diet. Depending on the size of the rabbit, 2-4 cups of fresh veggies should be given per day. A variety must be fed daily (at least 3 different veggies) to ensure a balanced diet. Wash vegetables first to insure they are free from pesticides and do not give your bunny any veggie that isn’t fresh. Feeding bad vegetables can result in a sick bunny. Vegetables should be introduced to bunnies around 12 weeks of age, in small quantities and one at a time. As more vegetable are added watch for diarrhea and discontinue the most recently added vegetable if this occurs.

Suggested vegetable include: alfalfa, basil, beet greens (tops)*, broccoli (mostly leaves/stems)*, brussels sprouts, carrot & carrot tops*, celery, cilantro, dandelion greens and flowers (no pesticides)*, endive*, escarole, green peppers, mint, romaine lettuce (no iceberg or light colored leaf)*

*at least one of these daily

Avoid giving your rabbit: beans, cauliflower, cabbage, and potatoes which may cause problems and rhubarb should also be avoided (it’s toxic).

Hay

Rabbits do a lot of grooming and hay (grass hays such as timothy or oat hay) is necessary to push ingested fur thru the digestive track as it can not be coughed up. It is absolutely essential for proper digestion and should be available at all times.

The House Rabbit Society recommends starting baby bunnies on alfalfa hay and introducing grass hays by 6-7 months, gradually decreasing the alfalfa until the rabbit is solely on grass hays by 1 year. Alfalfa hay is higher in calcium and protein and lower fiber than the grass hays, although many owners find their rabbits prefer alfalfa hays. If your adult rabbit is used to alfalfa hay, try mixing alfalfa with a grass hay to start and gradually reduce the amount of alfalfa.

Fruit

Rabbits love sugar and fruit should be seen as a treat and given in small quantities. The House Rabbit Society recommends 1-2 tablespoons of fresh fruits a day. Suggested fruits include: apple (remove stem and seeds), blueberries, melon, orange (without the peel), papaya, peach, pear, pineapple, plums, raspberries, strawberries. Sugary fruits such as bananas and grapes should be used only sparingly, as occasional treats.

Treats sold in pet stores marketed for rabbits are generally unnecessary and in some cases could cause digestive problems due to their high carbohydrate or sugar content.

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