What to feed your pet rabbit
• When it comes to feeding rabbits, many people have it all wrong thanks to Bugs Bunny and every other image that pairs rabbits with carrots.
• In reality, domesticated rabbits thrive on a diet that consists of hay, leafy greens and grass-based pellets.
• Carrots are just a treat and should be offered sparingly.
• Hay should make up between 70 and 85 percent of a rabbit’s diet.
• The most common types of hay available in pet stores and feed stores are timothy and orchard grass. Both are great for rabbits.
• Another hay you will run into in pet stores is alfalfa hay. This type is good for young rabbits (younger than 6 months old) and lactating females but contains too much calcium and protein for other adult rabbits.
• Hay protects a rabbit’s intestines and prevents fur chewing, hairballs and overgrowth of bacteria that can lead to diarrhea.
• Hay also keeps a rabbit’s teeth healthy.
• A rabbit’s teeth grow continually throughout its life, and by chewing hay, they keep their teeth worn down to a healthy length. If a rabbit’s teeth grow too long, they can end up with mouth sores and infections.
• Domestic rabbits also benefit from eating a variety of fresh leafy vegetables and herbs.
• Fresh vegetables provide rabbits with important nutrients and water.
• Rabbits should be fed a minimum of 1 packed cup of green foods per 2 pounds of body weight each day, or about half the size of the rabbit if placed in a loose pile.
• Good greens for rabbits include mustard greens, parsley, beet greens, Swiss chard, radish tops, basil, cilantro, red lettuce, carrot tops and kale.
• High quality rabbit pellets can provide vitamins and minerals that a rabbit might not get if fed only hay and fresh vegetables.
• Too much pelleted food, can cause them to become obese. Pellets can also cause rabbits to stop eating hay, which is crucial to their health.
• Not all rabbit pellets are equally nutritious. Steer clear of pellets that contain dried fruit, seeds, nuts and colored bits, which can cause serious digestion problems.
• A good quality rabbit pellet should have at least 22 percent crude fiber and no more than 14 percent protein, 1 percent fat and 1 percent calcium
• It can be fun to feed your pets treats, but keep in mind that rabbits have sensitive digestive systems and can’t tolerate most of the foods that humans eat. Fruits are the best treats for rabbits.
• Papaya, peaches, pears, pineapple, raspberries and strawberries are all OK bunny treats but only in small amounts.
• A small slice or a couple small berries is all your rabbit should have in a day. If a rabbit eats too much sugar, it can cause an imbalance in its digestive system. It can also cause obesity.
• Rabbits require water and plenty of it. While rabbits will drink from a bottle or a bowl, they seem to prefer to drink open dishes.
• However, rabbits also tend to knock over dishes. To prevent this, try using a heavy bowl. Refresh the water every day.
• If you catch a rabbit eating its poop, do not worry. Rabbits produce a special type of dropping called a cecotrope, which is greenish, made up of several little balls and covered in mucus. Rich in nutrients, cecotropes are usually eaten by rabbits directly. Therefore, you likely won’t see them scattered around the cage.
• If your rabbit stops eating and pooping, it could be serious, and you may have a short window of time to act.
• A condition known as gastrointestinal stasis is fairly common in rabbits. This is when the rabbit’s intestines essentially stop working, and it can be fatal.
• If a rabbit hasn’t eaten or pooped for 12 hours, it should be taken to the veterinary clinic immediately for treatment.
• Having a relationship with a veterinarian who is knowledgeable about rabbits is important for all rabbit owners.
• In addition to helping in emergency situations, a veterinarian can offer advice on what to feed your rabbit and help you monitor its weight and overall health.
• While there are many good resources out there about rabbit care, sometimes consulting an expert is best.