What Can Rabbits Eat?

With their big ears and twitching noses, rabbits are irresistibly cute – and as responsible pet owners, it’s our job to ensure they get the proper nutrition they need to remain healthy and happy. But knowing the right type and amount of food to give to rabbits can sometimes be tricky. Understanding what rabbits can and cannot eat is the first step to providing our furry friends with the nutritional balance they require.

A Varied Rabbit Diet

The basis of a healthy diet for rabbits includes fresh hay and water, plus fresh vegetables and a limited amount of rabbit pellets. Hay should always be available to rabbits and is essential as it supplies the fiber necessary for healthy digestion and your rabbit’s digestion process will slow down without it. When it comes to vegetables, think variety. Try to give your rabbit a good balance of at least five different vegetables per day, but be sure to introduce vegetables gradually and in small quantities so that your rabbit’s digestive system can adjust. For example, a few tablespoons of vegetables per 2 lbs of the rabbit’s bodyweight is enough.

Treats

Let’s be honest, no pet owner can resist an adorable bunny face itching for a treat. Treats should be used sparingly and only to reward your pet’s good behavior. A few natural treats you can offer your rabbit include apples, pears, bananas, strawberries and blueberries. Just avoid the seeds and stems as they can make your rabbit sick. Other tasty treats you can give your rabbit are fresh or dried herbs such as parsley, basil, mint, dandelion greens and cilantro. Also, offer your rabbit a few favorite grains, such as barley, oats, buckwheat and quinoa.

When it comes to rabbits, the old adage ‘Less is more’ is an important one to remember. As a general guideline, treats should never make up more than 10% of your rabbit’s daily diet. Remember, too much of a good thing is never a good idea and can lead to serious problems.

By following the guidelines above, you will be well on your way to providing your rabbit with the healthy diet it needs in order to stay healthy. While it can definitely be confusing at first, a little research and dedication goes a long way when it comes to your rabbit’s nutrition. With the right diet, you can make sure your little bundle of fluff has a long and happy life.