Rabbits’ digestive system is as delicate as they are from outside with their silky fur. And that is why it becomes important that we are fully aware of what sits well with their gut and what does not.
So, what do rabbits eat on an everyday basis? The more important question is what should you feed them or what should you not. This guide aims to answer that so let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
What Should You Feed Them?
As a rabbit owner or someone considering adopting one, understanding the primary components of a rabbit’s diet is paramount. Let’s go through them:
Hay
Hay is the single most important part of their diet which should make up 90% of their daily food intake.
Rabbits have a unique digestive system that requires a high-fibre diet to function correctly.
The high fibre content in hay ensures that food moves efficiently through the digestive tract, preventing common but deadly issues such as gastrointestinal stasis (GI stasis), a condition where the digestive system slows down or stops.
In addition to digestive benefits, hay plays a vital role in maintaining dental health.
Rabbits have continuously growing teeth, and without proper wear, their teeth can become overgrown, leading to dental problems like malocclusion, where the teeth don’t align correctly.
This can cause pain, difficulty eating, and other serious health issues.
Chewing on hay helps to naturally grind down a rabbit’s teeth, keeping them at a healthy length and preventing dental complications.
Several varieties of hay are suitable for your bunny, such as Timothy, Alfalfa, and Orchard. I prefer feeding Timothy hay to my bunny because it is low in protein, which aligns well with their dietary needs since rabbits don’t require a lot of protein.
When my bunny was younger, I fed him Alfalfa hay, which is higher in protein and supports the growth needs of young rabbits. As he grew older, I switched to Timothy hay, which is more appropriate for adult rabbits due to its lower protein content.
Water
Hydration plays a pivotal role in the overall health and well-being of rabbits. Just like humans, a significant portion of a rabbit’s body is made up of water, making it essential for various biological processes, including temperature regulation, waste elimination, and digestion.
I keep water bowls near their hutch and one near their playing area so it is easily accessible to them. Accessibility becomes more important, especially during summers when there is more risk of dehydration.
Vegetables
While hay should make up the majority of a rabbit’s diet, vegetables play an important role in providing essential nutrients, hydration, and enrichment.
However, the frequency and quantity of vegetables should be carefully considered.
You can share 1 cup of vegetables daily so they meet their dietary requirements. They don’t need more than that because they get most of the nutrients from eating hay and cecotropes.
Even when it comes to vegetables, it’s essential to make informed choices because not all vegetables and greens are safe or beneficial for rabbits.
Safe Leafy Greens For Your Bunnies
- Artichoke
- Arugula
- Asparagus
- Beet greens
- Bok Choy
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Celery
- Chives
- Collard greens
- Dill leaves
- Fennel greens
- Kale
- Lettuce (except for Iceberg Lettuce)
- Parsley
- Spinach
- Swiss chard
- Turnip greens
- Watercress
Safe Non-Leafy Greens For Your Bunnies
- Bell peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Brussel sprouts
- Cucumber
- Zucchini
- Celery
- Snap peas
- Butternut squash
- Pumpkin
- Turnips
- Radishes
- Green beans
- Cauliflower
Green Your Bunny Should Always Avoid
Rabbits can’t have certain vegetables because these can contain harmful compounds that are toxic to their system, lead to digestive problems, cause gas and bloating, or interfere with nutrient absorption.
- Garlic
- Green onions
- Iceberg lettuce
- Kelp
- Leeks
- Mushrooms
- Olives
- Onions
- Potatoes
- Rhubarb
- Sweet potatoes
Fruits
Fruits can be a fun and juicy addition to their diet.
Fruits are not only a source of enjoyment for rabbits but also offer a variety of vital nutrients, antioxidants, and vitamins that contribute to their overall health and wellbeing.
When introducing fruits to your rabbit’s diet, it’s crucial to remember that fruits are treats and not daily sustenance. They are high in sugar, which in large amounts is not good for your bunny’s digestive system and can lead to obesity and other health issues.
Additionally, it’s best to avoid giving fruits to very young rabbits. Their digestive systems are still developing and are primarily adapted to digesting hay.
You can start introducing fruits once they’re over 12 weeks old. But even then, fruits should be introduced slowly and should not be a regular part of their daily diet. Ideally, offer fruits 1 to 2 times a week.
Safe Fruits For Your Bunnies
- Apples
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Mango
- Pineapple
- Papaya
- Pear
- Cantaloupe
- Honeydew
- Kiwi
- Plums
- Currants
- Peach
- Blackberries
- Apricots
- Nectarines
- Cherries
- Grapes
- Oranges
Fruits Your Bunny Should Avoid
- Avocado
- Oranges
- Lime
- Grapefruit
- Coconut
Pellets: An Optional Addition
While hay and water form the primary components of a rabbit’s diet, pellets can be introduced as a supplementary option for a variety of reasons:
- Nutrient Boost: Quality pellets can offer additional vitamins and minerals. They should, however, be given in moderation as too many can lead to weight gain and other health issues.
- Choosing the Right Pellets: Choose pellets that are high in fibre and free from added sugars or unnecessary fillers. The primary ingredient should ideally be hay.
Foods Your Bunny Should Avoid Completely
Carbohydrates
Rabbits have a digestive system that’s optimized for processing fibrous foods, primarily grasses and hay. When it comes to human foods like bread, pasta, and cereal, these high-carb items can be difficult for rabbits to digest and might lead to obesity and other health issues.
List of foods:
- Bread (all types including white, whole grain, and multi-grain)
- Pasta (all types)
- Cereals (especially those high in sugars and artificial ingredients)
- Crackers
- Pastries
Sugary treats
Sugar is not a natural part of a rabbit’s diet. Consuming sugary treats can lead to digestive problems, dental issues, and obesity in rabbits. Always steer clear of offering these treats to ensure their optimum health.
- Cookies
- Cakes
- Ice cream
- Sugary drinks (like sodas)
- Commercially available rabbit treats with added sugars
- All types of chocolates (dark, milk, white)
- Candies
- Gummies
- Marshmallows
Meat and Dairy Products
Rabbits are strictly herbivores and their digestive systems are not designed to process animal-derived foods. Consuming meat or dairy can lead to severe digestive issues and can have serious repercussions for their health.
- All types of meat (beef, chicken, pork, fish, etc.)
- Eggs
- Milk and milk products (cheese, yoghurt, butter, etc.)
- Any products containing animal-derived ingredients
Processed foods
Introduction:
Processed foods often contain additives, preservatives, and other chemicals that are not suitable for rabbits. These can disturb their digestive systems and lead to long-term health issues.
List of foods:
- Chips
- Canned foods
- Deli meats
- Ready-to-eat meals
- Store-bought rabbit treats with artificial ingredients
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are high in fats and can be difficult for rabbits to digest. Consuming these can lead to obesity and other health complications, making them unsuitable for a rabbit’s diet.
List of foods:
- Almonds
- Peanuts
- Walnuts
- Cashews
- Hazelnuts
Caffeinated and Alcoholic Beverages
Any beverage containing caffeine or alcohol is toxic for rabbits. These can cause severe health complications, including heart issues, seizures, and even death.
List of drinks:
- Coffee
- Tea (with caffeine)
- Energy drinks
- Alcoholic beverages of any kind
What Do Baby Rabbits Eat
Proper nutrition is paramount for the healthy growth and development of baby rabbits (kits). Understanding their unique dietary needs is essential:
- Mother’s Milk: For the first few weeks of life, baby rabbits primarily consume their mother’s milk, which is rich in the essential nutrients needed for healthy growth and development. Kits typically nurse from their mother for about three to four weeks.
- Introduction to Hay: Around the age of two to three weeks, you can start to introduce kits to timothy hay or meadow hay. It is crucial to their diet as it is high in fibre and aids in digestive health.
- Pellets: High-fiber pellets can be introduced in small amounts after three weeks. Ensure they are specifically formulated for young rabbits.
- Vegetables: Introduce fresh, rabbit-safe vegetables into their diet around 12 weeks of age. Start with small amounts and monitor for any digestive issues.
- Water: Ensure kits have access to fresh, clean water as soon as they start eating solid food.
It’s important to note that baby rabbits have delicate digestive systems, so new foods should be introduced slowly and in moderation, always observing for any signs of digestive upset or allergies.
What Do Wild Rabbits Eat?
Wild rabbits’ diet significantly differs from that of domestic rabbits, as they have access to a diverse array of foods found in nature. Here’s a glance at their dietary habits:
- Grasses and Hay: Much like their domestic counterparts, wild rabbits predominantly consume grasses, hay, and other similar plant materials. The high fibre content in these foods is crucial for maintaining their digestive health.
- Leafy Greens: Wild rabbits forage for fresh, leafy greens. They might consume a variety of weeds, herbs, and other green plants available in their natural habitat.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Although not a significant part of their diet, wild rabbits may occasionally eat fruits and vegetables they come across. However, they consume these in much smaller quantities compared to domestic rabbits.
- Bark and Woody Plants: During colder months when other food sources are scarce, wild rabbits may eat bark, twigs, and buds from trees and shrubs.
Understanding what wild rabbits eat can offer insights into optimizing the diet for domestic rabbits, ensuring it is as natural and nutritionally balanced as possible.
Tips For Introducing New Food For Rabbits
Rabbits, like humans, have individual tastes and digestive systems that can be sensitive to dietary changes. Therefore, when introducing new foods to your rabbit’s diet, it’s vital to do so gradually and with care. Here are some tips to ensure a safe and positive experience for your furry friend.
- Start Slowly: When trying a new food with your rabbit, begin with a small amount. This will allow you to gauge their interest and also monitor for any adverse reactions.
- Monitor Their Digestion: After introducing a new food, keep an eye on your rabbit’s faeces. Changes in consistency, size, or frequency can indicate that a particular food might not agree with them.
If you notice soft or mushy stools, it might be wise to reduce the amount of the new food or remove it entirely and see if that helps.
- Limit One New Food at a Time: To accurately determine how a specific food affects your rabbit, only introduce one new food at a time. This way, if there’s an adverse reaction, you’ll have a clearer idea of the culprit.
- Wash Foods Thoroughly: Always ensure that any fresh foods, especially fruits, vegetables, or greens, are washed thoroughly to remove pesticides or other contaminants.
- Remove Uneaten Fresh Foods: Rabbits can be picky eaters at times. If they haven’t eaten the fresh food you’ve introduced within 24 hours, remove it from their enclosure to prevent spoilage and potential health risks.
- Consult Rabbit-Friendly Lists: Before introducing any new food, always refer to lists of rabbit-safe foods. This will help you avoid foods that are toxic or harmful to rabbits, such as onions, chocolate, or certain plants.
- Take Note of Their Preferences: Every rabbit is unique, and they will have their likes and dislikes. Pay attention to what they enjoy and what they tend to avoid. Over time, this will help you curate a diet that’s both nutritious and palatable for your rabbit.
- Avoid Sugary or High-Calorie Foods: Even if a food is safe for rabbits, it doesn’t mean it’s beneficial in large quantities. Foods high in sugars or calories, such as fruits, should be given sparingly as treats rather than regular diet components.
- Seek Veterinary Advice: When in doubt, consult with a veterinarian knowledgeable about rabbit care. They can offer guidance tailored to your specific rabbit’s health, age, and dietary needs.
Common Diet-Related Health Issues in Rabbits
The right diet is crucial for a rabbit’s well-being, but an inappropriate diet can cause a myriad of health problems. These issues can range from gastrointestinal disorders to dental problems and obesity.
Let’s explore some of the common diet-related health issues in rabbits and understand their causes and prevention.
Gastrointestinal Stasis
Gastrointestinal (GI) stasis is a serious and potentially fatal condition where a rabbit’s digestive system slows down or comes to a halt.
Causes:
- Low-Fiber Diet: A diet low in fibre can prevent the necessary movement of food through the rabbit’s digestive system. This can be fixed by putting them on a diet rich in fibre. I give my bunny Timothy hay which works wonders.
- Dehydration: Inadequate water intake can lead to hard, dry faeces that are difficult to pass. Always ensure they have easy access to an unlimited supply of water.
- Stress: Stressful conditions or environments can negatively affect the digestive system.
Overgrown Teeth Due to Poor Diet
Rabbits’ teeth continuously grow, and they need to be worn down naturally through the chewing of fibrous foods.
A lack of fibrous foods, such as hay, can lead to insufficient chewing and subsequently overgrown teeth in rabbits. Diets heavy in soft foods that don’t require much chewing can exacerbate this problem. To prevent overgrown teeth, it’s essential to make hay the primary component of your rabbit’s diet and provide appropriate chew toys or wooden blocks to help wear down their teeth naturally.
Obesity
Obesity is a common diet-related health issue in rabbits, often caused by diets high in sugary treats, fruits, or pellets and low in fibrous foods like hay. Excess weight can lead to mobility issues, making it difficult for rabbits to move, groom, and eat their nutrient-rich cecotropes. It also increases the risk of arthritis, respiratory and cardiovascular problems, and fatty liver disease.
To prevent obesity, ensure your rabbit’s diet is primarily composed of hay, with fresh vegetables in moderation and minimal sugary treats. Providing ample space for exercise is also crucial. Regularly monitoring your rabbit’s weight and adjusting their diet accordingly can help maintain their health and prevent obesity-related complications.