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A Basic Diet for Rabbits-Part One

© Chandra Beal

Feeding your rabbit a proper diet is the most essential thing you can do to maintain their health, avoid illness, and enhance their mental and emotional well being. A balanced diet should consist of a good quality pellet, a constant supply of hay, a variety of fresh vegetables, and clean water. Treats and supplements can be included in limited amounts. This article will provide a basic overview of each part of the diet. In Part One we will address pellets, hay and water. In Part Two we'll talk about vegetables, supplements and treats.

Rabbits are crepuscular, which means that they are most active at dawn and dusk. Many caregivers find that feeding their rabbit at these times fits well with their work schedule, but all rabbits, and people, are different. Some rabbits eat only pellets in the morning and vegetables in the evening; others graze throughout the day. Your rabbit's individual needs and your lifestyle will dictate their feeding schedule. However, rabbits should never go more than 24 hours without eating. (If you rabbit stops eating, consider it a medical emergency and seek professional veterinary assistance immediately.)

Pellets

Almost all rabbits require a high quality pellet unless they are elderly or cannot tolerate alfalfa. Virtually all pellets are alfalfa-based, but Oxbow Hay (http://www.oxbowhay.com) makes a timothy-based pellet called Bunny Basics/T. Bunny Basics/T is a good alternative for rabbits that are trying to cut back on calcium and/or calories. Choose a national brand to ensure consistency in ingredients and portions. Major feed producers are more stringently and regularly tested for quality control. Avoid buying pellets from pet stores and grocery stores because their bags may sit longer in the warehouse and become stale. Pellets should contain 16-20% crude fiber and 14-16% protein. Commercial pellets were originally intended for breeding rabbits or those raised for meat or fur, so they are loaded with calcium and calories. House rabbits are generally living longer and just don't have the same nutritional requirements as breeding rabbits, so care must be taken to feed them for longevity.

Bunnies should be able to eat all the pellets they want up to eight months of age, then pellets should be rationed. How much you feed your rabbit daily depends on their size and ideal weight:

2-4 pounds = 1/8 cup 5-7 pounds = ¼ cup 8-10 pounds = ½ cup 11-15 pounds = ¾ cup

Rabbits who are trying to lose weight or who have special needs may require different amounts. For example, rabbits that get regular exercise may tolerate extra calories; a rabbit with a disability that cannot burn off the calories as quickly would need fewer pellets.

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