House Rabbit Diet Information

This is one of the most important subjects because rabbits have very sensitive digestive systems,
and an unhealthy diet can lead to serious health issues.

I follow the House Rabbit Society's diet recommendations:

DIET FOR NON-BREEDING NEUTERED ADULTS (over 1 year):
Click here for HRS Guidelines for rabbits UNDER a year

UNLIMITED HAY

This is extremely important for a bunny's digestive system. Always have it available. My bunnies eat more hay when they have a variety.

HAY TIP: A great trick that encourages more hay consumption is add a little fresh hay on top of the existing hay, or take the hay that has been sitting there all day, put in back in the bag, mix it around and grab a new big handful. I don't know why this works - maybe the fresh scent of hay being resurfaced - For some reaason this entices them to eat more, even though they still had plenty of hay in their rack.

PELLETS: General Serving size - 1/4 to 1/2 cup pellets per 6 lb bunny

Recommended Nutrional Value: (Compare these against yours)

Fiber 18% minimum (20 -25% best)

Fat 1 - 2% max,

Protein 12 - 14% max (long-haired breeds,angoras, need higher)

Calcium 1% max

Avoid pellets with nuts & dried fruit. That's like putting M&M's on your salad everyday. Stick with pellets that are Timothy based. Some alfalfa based pellets do have a high fiber content, but most are too high in calories, protein, and calcium for many adult rabbits.

My personal favorite is Oxbow Bunny Basics T for adults.

PELLET TIP: A rabbit's system is meant for foraging. Instead of putting your bunny's pellets in a bowl that can quickly be consumed, spread his pellets out all over his pen or cage or hide in specific place. This way he can't consume everything at once and it will add a bit of exercise and entertainment.

GREENS/VEGGIES: (Minimum 3 different types)

Minimum 2 cups of chopped greens per 6 lbs See Veggie/Fruit List

Wash and keep greens wet to keep bunnies hydrated.

When introducing greens for the first time - offer just one at time. Add new one in after a few days.

If a bunny snubs a particular green or veggie. Just keep adding a little bit to the diet even if they have snubbed it before. I've done this thinking my bunnies would never eat it, but then one day they decide to try it and end up liking it.

But even if your bunny snubs one or two types permanently, there are plenty others to choose from.

FOR GREAT VEGGIE STORING TIPS CHECK OUT THIS FORUM DISCUSSION

FRUIT: 1 oz. to 2 oz. max per 6 lbs. body weight.

High in calories, but still a better treat than some of the "junkfood" treats that are sold at pet stores.

See Veggie/Fruit List

Diet Sources:
http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/diet.html, http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/treat.html, http://www.rabbit.org/journal/3-4/pellets.html

ALTERNATIVE DIETS

Some bunnies that have certain types of illnesses may require a specialized diet recommended by your rabbit-savvy vet. Below are what I have done with two of my bunnies. These are just for your reference only so you can consult with your vet and create the right diet for YOUR bunny if they are suffering from similar issues.

JACK

Bladder Stone Problems

Jack had a calcium oxalate stone removed.

A special diet was recommended to help prevent any reoccurance.

Check out Jack's story and his new diet plan.

BAILEY

Bailey was Chronic Poopybutter. AKA: Icky Sticky Stinky Poo Bum

She had a VERY sensitive tummy. She also suffered from e.cuniculi and aa crooked spine. Whether that played a part is not fully known, but we really had to go through major trial and error to get a diet that kept the bouts of poopybutt down. Check out our trial error to get to a diet that worked best for her.