Adding Produce to Diet

[Kat]

Hello!

I had a question in regards to the amount of produce to feed out to buns, though I’m sure there probably isn’t just one right answer! I really want to keep feeding my rabbits fresh produce everyday, but I also want to ensure that the amount is correct so that their digestion doesn’t get thrown out of wack!

I have two bunnies, one is a mini lop and the other I believe is a Netherlands Dwarf (I recently adopted him from a local animal shelter!)

Thank you

[Wick & Fable]

Do you know how old they are? Rabbits have sensitive digestive systems, so veggies are added usually around 6-7mo so their gut have enough time to develop good bacteria to break down fresh food. Some are introduced earlier, but either way, the key is a slow introduction– always a small amount of every new veggie. I usually do a thumb size of new veggies, a dime size of a new fruit/sugary food.

For Wick, who is a 10mo Netherland, he gets a bowlful of vegetables plus a third of that per day. It’s a small cereal bowl if that helps? I generally don’t measure, just eyeball it.

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[Deleted User]

my 8 month old bun gets 1 cup of spring mix each in the am and pm (2 cups total) as well as various herbs, bell pepper for snack, and maybe some carrots as treats. My 4 month gets the same regimen except 1/2 cup in the am and pm.

[joea64]

My own Panda (13 months approx.) and Fernando (7 months approx.) got 1 cup each of spring mix greens last evening and ate it all up; my current daily meal plan for them has a combined total of 1/4 cup of timothy pellets (Oxbow) for them in the morning (to be eaten while I’m having my morning cereal ), mixed hays throughout the day refreshed in the morning and evenings along with water, and spring mix in the evening, with a properly modest quantity of suitable treats. I don’t know if they like bell pepper, I might get one at my next grocery trip and give each of them a bit to see.

[Bam]

The important thing is to start slow and gradually increase the amount of veg. If you gradually wean a bun on to fresh veg, they can eat quite a bit, but the really dense stuff like carrots, parsnip, beetroot and broccoli stems should always be given in moderation.

My Bam gets a big heap of dandelion, yarrow, plantain and raspberry leaves, fresh grasses and the dill-like tops of fennel every day in the summer. He’s a mini lop. It’s difficult to say exact amount, the best thing is to keep an eye on your buns’ poop. Good poop means the food is agreeing with them.

[Author]

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