Understanding what to feed your bunny is crucial for their health and happiness. Rabbits have delicate digestive systems, and a proper diet is essential to prevent illness and ensure they live a long, vibrant life. Just like us, a balanced diet for rabbits includes a variety of food types, but knowing exactly what those are can be confusing. This guide will break down everything you need to know about what bunnies eat, ensuring your furry friend gets the nutrition they need.
Vegetables: The Cornerstone of a Bunny’s Diet
Vegetables are a vital part of a rabbit’s daily intake, offering essential vitamins and minerals. Most leafy greens you find in your local supermarket are safe for rabbits, but moderation and variety are key. While rabbits love their veggies, it’s important to remember that they should only make up a portion of their overall diet, alongside hay and a limited amount of pellets.
Daily Vegetables for Rabbits
These vegetables can be offered to your rabbit every day as part of their fresh food portion. Remember to introduce new vegetables slowly and in small quantities to monitor for any digestive upset.
- Bell peppers: A good source of Vitamin C.
- Bok choy: A leafy green that’s easy to digest.
- Brussels sprouts: Offer in moderation due to potential for gas.
- Carrot tops: The leafy green tops are preferable to the carrots themselves, which are high in sugar.
- Cucumber: High in water content, good for hydration, but offer in moderation due to lower nutritional value.
- Endive & Escarole: Nutritious leafy greens that are well-tolerated by rabbits.
- Fennel: The bulb and fronds are safe and can aid digestion.
- Herbs: Aromatic and flavorful, herbs are a great way to add variety. Safe options include:
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Dill
- Mint
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Thyme
- Lettuces: Opt for darker leaf varieties, which are more nutritious. Safe choices include:
- Romaine lettuce
- Green leaf lettuce
- Red leaf lettuce
- Boston bibb lettuce
- Arugula
- Butter lettuce
- Avoid iceberg lettuce as it is mostly water and offers little nutritional value, and can cause digestive issues.
- Okra leaves: A less common but safe leafy green.
- Radicchio: A slightly bitter but nutritious leafy vegetable.
- Radish tops: Similar to carrot tops, the leafy greens are better than the radish itself.
- Sprouts: Nutrient-rich and easily digestible in small amounts. Good options include:
- Alfalfa sprouts
- Radish sprouts
- Clover sprouts
- Watercress: A peppery green packed with nutrients.
- Wheatgrass: A healthy and fibrous green.
- Zucchini: Offer in moderation; the green parts are preferable.
Vegetables to Feed Sparingly (1-2 times per week)
These vegetables should be given in smaller quantities and less frequently due to their higher sugar, starch, or calcium content, which can cause digestive upset or other health problems if overfed.
- Broccoli (stems and leaves only): Can cause gas if given in large amounts; stems and leaves are safer than florets.
- Carrots: High in sugar, so consider them more of a treat. Carrot tops are a better daily option.
- Chard: Offer in moderation due to oxalic acid content.
- Clover: Can be given sparingly, but ensure it is pesticide-free.
- Collard greens: Offer in moderation due to calcium content.
- Dandelion greens (pesticide-free): Nutritious and rabbits often enjoy them, but ensure they are free from pesticides and herbicides.
- Flowers (edible, pesticide-free): A fun treat in small amounts. Safe options include:
- Calendula
- Chamomile
- Daylily
- Dianthus
- English daisy
- Hibiscus
- Honeysuckle
- Marigold
- Nasturtium
- Pansy
- Rose
- Kale: High in calcium and can cause gas if overfed.
- Spinach: Offer in moderation due to oxalic acid content.
Portion Sizes for Vegetables:
It’s important to control the amount of fresh vegetables you give your rabbit daily.
- Adult rabbits: No more than 2 cups of fresh vegetables per day.
- Dwarf breeds and rabbits under 5 pounds: Just 1 cup of fresh veggies per day.
- Variety is key: Offer a mix of two to three different vegetables daily for a balanced nutrient intake.
Fruits: Sweet Treats in Moderation
Fruits are like candy for rabbits – they love the sweetness, but they are high in sugar and should be given sparingly as occasional treats. Too much fruit can lead to obesity, dental problems, and digestive issues.
Recommended Fruits for Rabbits (1-2 times per week)
Offer these fruits in small portions, no more than once or twice a week. Always remove seeds and pits, as they can be toxic.
- Apple (no seeds): A small slice of apple is a good treat.
- Banana: Very high in sugar, offer only a small piece.
- Berries: Rabbits enjoy berries and they are relatively lower in sugar compared to some other fruits. Safe options include:
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Cranberries
- Cherries (no pits): Ensure pits are removed as they contain cyanide.
- Grapes: Offer in very small quantities due to high sugar content.
- Melon: Watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew can be given in small amounts.
- Nectarine, Peach, Pear, Plum: Stone fruits are safe in small, pitted portions.
- Orange (peeled): A small segment of orange, peeled, can be offered.
- Papaya & Pineapple: These tropical fruits can be given in very small quantities.
Fruit Serving Size:
The appropriate serving size for fruit is very small.
- General guideline: 1 to 2 tablespoons of fruit (total, either one type or a mix) per 5 pounds of body weight, once or twice a week.
Rabbit Treats: Healthy Options and What to Avoid
While rabbits enjoy treats, it’s important to choose healthy options and avoid sugary, processed snacks. The majority of a rabbit’s diet should be hay, followed by vegetables and a small amount of pellets. Treats should be a very small part of their overall intake.
Healthy Treat Ideas:
- Small pieces of approved fresh or freeze-dried fruit: Refer to the list of fruits above and keep portions tiny.
- Natural, unprocessed mixes: Look for mixes specifically designed for rabbits that contain hay and dried flowers (from the approved flower list).
- Oxbow brand rabbit treats: A reputable brand that offers treats formulated for rabbit health.
What to Avoid in Rabbit Treats:
Always read ingredient lists on store-bought treats carefully. Avoid treats that contain:
- Added sugar: Harmful to their digestive system and teeth.
- Preservatives & Artificial coloring: Unnecessary and potentially harmful chemicals.
- Human treats: Cookies, crackers, chips, chocolate, and other human snacks are not safe for rabbits and can be toxic.
Foods Absolutely Forbidden for Rabbits
Some foods are toxic or very harmful to rabbits and should never be given under any circumstances. These foods can cause serious digestive problems, illness, and even death.
- Human treats: This includes all sugary snacks, processed foods, chocolate, etc.
- Beans, Peas, Legumes: Difficult to digest and cause gas and bloating.
- Beet greens & Mustard greens & Turnip greens: High in oxalic acid and can be toxic in large quantities.
- Cabbage & Cauliflower: Can cause severe gas and bloating.
- Cereal, Crackers, Pasta: Too high in carbohydrates and offer no nutritional value for rabbits.
- Chocolate: Toxic to rabbits.
- Corn & Corn-cob treats: Difficult to digest, and the cob can cause intestinal blockages.
- Iceberg lettuce: Offers minimal nutrients and can cause diarrhea.
- Nuts & Seeds: High in fat and difficult to digest; can be a choking hazard.
- Potatoes: Starchy and difficult to digest; can be toxic in raw form.
- Rhubarb: Toxic to rabbits.
- Sugar: Avoid added sugar in all forms.
- Yogurt: Rabbits are lactose intolerant and yogurt is not a natural part of their diet.
Hydration is Key: Fresh Water
Just like any living creature, rabbits need constant access to fresh, clean water. Hydration is vital for their overall health and digestive function.
- Unlimited supply: Ensure your rabbit always has access to fresh water.
- Daily changes: Change their water daily to keep it clean and fresh.
- Clean containers: Wash water bowls or bottles with soap and water every few days.
- Bowls are better than bottles: Bowls are easier to clean and more natural for rabbits to drink from. Heavy ceramic bowls are ideal as they are less likely to tip over.
By understanding what to feed your bunny and what to avoid, you can ensure they enjoy a healthy and happy life. Always introduce new foods slowly and monitor their droppings for any changes, which can indicate digestive upset. When in doubt about a specific food, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and consult with a veterinarian experienced in rabbit care.
