Are we overfeeding?

[FooFoosMommy2]

We recently got into a debate over whether or not we are feeding Foo Foo too much. When we went to the vet, we were and were given written instructions that said since Foo is 3.8 pounds, she can have unlimited water and timothy hay, 1/4 cup of pellets and 1/2 cup of green veggies a day. This is what I’ve been giving her, along with an occasional treat, which consists of carrots because we haven’t found anything else she really likes yet. We got treats from the pet store, but Foo won’t touch them. Anyway, Ryan is saying that we aren’t supposed to give her all that during that day, and I’m saying that I’m 99.9% sure that’s what the our vet meant- 1/2 cup veggies, 1/4 of pellets each day. Does this sound right to everyone else? When we take her back in a couple months to have her teeth checked (she wouldn’t let the vet look at the first visit), I am going to verify but I am asking for in the meantime and I don’t want to make Foo fat.  Thanks!!

[IsabellaRobyn]

That sounds right to me, what age is she? I give Belle 1/3 of a cup of pellets but my pellets are really rich and would give her an upset tummy if I gave her too many. If she’s an adult rabbit she could probably get more fresh greens. This is a good site for reference – http://www.rabbit.org/care/veggies.html

[FooFoosMommy2]

That’s the problem, we aren’t sure how old she is since we found her. The vet said that when we take her back, they could guess at how old she is after looking at her teeth? Foo isn’t that big, her teeth aren’t that big and she doesn’t look old. If I had to guess I’d say she’s not older than 2.

[IsabellaRobyn]

I know that giving a young bunny too many greens can be bad but Belle is only 14weeks so I mean really young. I think you’re doing a great job and I’m sure if I’m wrong others on here will correct me. It sounds right though and if that is what the vet said then you’re good to go.

[FooFoosMommy2]

Thanks, I feel better. The link you posted was super useful and I’ll have to keep it in mind when feeding and trying new stuff with her.

[CinnabunMom]

The only thing that stuck out at me was the 1/2 cup veggies. I believe the recommend amount by HRS and BB is 2 cups fresh greens a day, even with pellets, though there are a lot of people who reduce the amounts of pellets further and offer more greens. I give Cinnabun less than 1/4 cup of pellets a day and between 3 1/2-4 cups of fresh greens everyday. You said FooFoo was not older than 2 but she must be older than 7 months if your vet is telling you to reduce the pellet amount to 1/4 cup a day (rule of thumb is 1/4 cup of pellets per 4 pounds of bun). You might try at least 1 cup of veggies. Veggies are more important in a bun’s diet than pellets, plus there a great source of water. Just a thought.

[CinnabunMom]

Oh. If you do up the amount of veggies and keep the pellets at the same amount and then notice runny poos, I’d lower the pellet amount slowly since, like I mentioned, veggies are more important for buns.

[TH004]

Unlimited hay is the biggest part. As for pellets, that sounds right. Keep an eye on your buns weight. If it stays steady, you are good. You don’t want him to gain/lose too much. My buns now eats a lot more than suggested, but he eats even more salad and hay (2 piles, bigger than him) a day. He is super active and burns all the calories. I have to say, I’m jealous ;P

(As for keeping an eye on the weight, you can get a kitchen food scale. Put a basket on the scale and hit the zero out button. Then put buns in the basket. One second later you have the weight. It is good to have something like that to make sure she isn’t slowly losing/gaining weight. Just like with people, it is easier to manage when caught early!)

[Monkeybun]

My buns get 1/8 cup pellets, and at least 2 to 3 cups veggies each a night. thats what my vet suggested, and they aren’t at all fat

Moose, my largest bun, is about the same weight as Foo Foo, for comparison.

[FooFoosMommy2]

Foo normally gets veggies for the first time in the morning before we go to work. Then when I get home in the afternoon, she gets her pellets, and more veggies at bedtime as a snack. She has hay and water all day. She’s pretty active for the most part, whenever we are home she’s out running around or playing. I’ll definitely try to get some more veggies added to her diet and try to switch up what kind she’s eating. She’ll be happy about more veggies, I’m sure. =)

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