What Do I Feed a Bunny?

What Do I Feed a Bunny? A bunny’s diet should consist primarily of fresh hay, supplemented by vegetables, pellets, and fresh water to ensure they receive the necessary nutrients for their health.

Feeding bunnies the right balance of fiber, vitamins, and minerals is essential to their digestive system, dental health, and overall well-being.

The Essential Components of a Bunny’s Diet

Bunnies are herbivores, meaning their diet should be plant-based. To keep your rabbit healthy, it’s important to feed them a well-balanced diet that mimics what they would naturally eat in the wild. Here are the core components of a rabbit’s diet:

Hay: The Most Important Staple

Fresh hay should make up the majority of a bunny’s diet, accounting for about 80-90% of their daily intake. Hay is critical for their digestion and dental health, as it provides fiber that keeps their digestive system functioning properly and helps wear down their constantly growing teeth.

• Types of hay: The best hay for bunnies is grass hay, such as timothy, oat, or orchard grass. Young rabbits may be given alfalfa hay, but adult rabbits should avoid it due to its high calcium content, which can lead to urinary issues.

• Feeding schedule: Hay should always be available for your bunny, ensuring they can graze throughout the day.

According to House Rabbit Society, hay is critical to a rabbit’s health and should always be available in unlimited quantities to promote proper digestion and prevent dental problems.

Vegetables: Adding Nutrients and Variety

In addition to hay, rabbits should be given a variety of fresh vegetables daily. Leafy greens are an excellent choice, providing vitamins and minerals essential to a bunny’s health. It’s important to introduce new vegetables gradually to avoid digestive upset.

• Safe vegetables: Some of the best vegetables for bunnies include romaine lettuce, cilantro, parsley, kale, and spinach. Non-leafy veggies like bell peppers and carrots can also be offered but in moderation.

• Portion size: A good rule of thumb is to feed your rabbit about 1 cup of fresh vegetables per 2 pounds of body weight each day.

For more detailed information, see our guide to safe vegetables for rabbits.

Pellets: A Supplementary Food

Pellets can provide additional nutrients, but they should only make up a small portion of your bunny’s diet—around 5-10%. Choose high-quality pellets that are high in fiber and low in protein to support your rabbit’s digestion.

• Pellet quality: Look for pellets that are free from artificial additives, seeds, or dried fruits, as these can be harmful to your bunny’s health.

• Pellet quantity: Adult rabbits should be fed around 1/4 cup of pellets per 5 pounds of body weight daily.

Fresh Water: A Vital Necessity

Always provide fresh, clean water for your bunny. Water is essential for digestion, temperature regulation, and overall health. You can offer water in a bowl or a water bottle, but make sure it’s changed daily.

• Hydration tips: Some rabbits prefer bowls, while others drink more from water bottles. Whichever method you choose, ensure that it’s kept clean and easily accessible.

Foods to Avoid for Bunnies

While many foods are safe for rabbits, some should be avoided due to their potential harm.

Fruits like apples, bananas, and berries are fine as occasional treats but should be limited due to their high sugar content, which can cause obesity and digestive problems.

Processed foods, including bread, crackers, and sugary snacks, as well as grains like oats and corn, should be avoided, as they can lead to digestive issues.

Toxic foods such as onions, garlic, potatoes, and rhubarb are especially dangerous and can cause serious illness or death, requiring immediate veterinary attention if ingested.

The RSPCA highlights the importance of avoiding sugary and processed foods, as they can lead to health issues like obesity and digestive blockages in rabbits.

Essential Tips for Maintaining Your Rabbit’s Health

• Monitor Your Rabbit’s Weight: Adjust their food based on their age, lifestyle, and overall health to prevent obesity or underweight issues. Consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

• Keep Track of Their Eating and Drinking Habits: Any changes in your rabbit’s dietary intake could indicate a serious health issue, so consult your vet promptly if you notice anything unusual.

• Understand Their Droppings: Rabbits produce two types of droppings: hard, dry pellets and softer moist pellets called caecotrophs, which they eat to absorb more nutrients. Sticky droppings found in their living area or fur may indicate that they aren’t consuming the caecotrophs, potentially leading to digestive issues or flystrike. Any changes in the consistency of the hard droppings can be a sign of illness, so monitor your rabbit closely. If you observe diarrhea or soft feces, schedule a vet appointment immediately, especially if changes in droppings persist for more than 24 hours.

Creating a Balanced Diet for Your Bunny

To keep your bunny healthy, a balanced diet is key.

Provide unlimited fresh hay, which should make up 80-90% of their diet, alongside 1-2 cups of leafy greens and vegetables daily.

Include 1/4 cup of high-fiber pellets per 5 pounds of body weight, and always ensure fresh water is available.

Monitor your rabbit’s health by observing their eating habits and stool consistency.

If they show signs of discomfort, such as reduced appetite or small, hard stools, consult a veterinarian promptly.

Feeding a bunny involves providing a well-balanced diet primarily consisting of fresh hay, along with vegetables, a small amount of pellets, and fresh water.

Avoid processed or sugary foods, and always ensure your rabbit has access to safe, nutritious options to promote their health and well-being.

By understanding what to feed a bunny and following proper guidelines, you can ensure that your pet thrives and lives a long, happy life.

FAQs

Fruits should be offered as occasional treats, limited to 1-2 small pieces a few times a week due to their high sugar content.

The best vegetables for bunnies include leafy greens like romaine lettuce, kale, and spinach, with non-leafy options like bell peppers and carrots given in moderation.

Hay is a crucial part of a bunny’s diet, making up 80-90%, and should always be available in unlimited amounts to support digestion and dental health.