Can rabbits eat horse feed?

FORUM

What are we about? Please read about our Forum Culture and check out the Rules.

BUNNY 911 – If your rabbit hasn’t eaten or pooped in 12-24 hours, call a vet immediately! Don’t have a vet? Check out VET RESOURCES

The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.

BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

This topic has 2sd replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 7 years ago by LittlePuffyTail.

Viewing 2 reply threads

Author

Messages
- 02/26/2019 at 8:56 AM
  Randomxfox
  Participant
  10 posts
  I don’t have a specific feed in mind yet but I now live and work at a horse barn. I already knew horses and rabbits have the same stomach so I’ve been wondering can my rabbits eat horse feed as long as I give them mineral suplaments? The only thing I found online was that horse feed is sometimes missing some important vitamins and minerals because horses are outside more. But other than that I read that other people will feed rabbit feed to horses and horse feed to rabbits with no ill effects. I’m really curious so I wanted to know if anyone on here has any experience with it? Also can rabbits eat hay soup? (We take Timothy hay pellets and soak them until it’s a thick mush. Our older horses get it and sick horses and one gets it as a treat. The horses LOVE it.)
- 02/26/2019 at 4:20 PM
  Doodler
  Participant
  337 posts
  Personally I wouldn’t give horse feed to a rabbit. Feed is designed based on the needs of specific animals and I can’t think of any reason why they should be interchanged, even with supplements. Horses can eat whole corn and sweet feed. Bunnies shouldn’t be fed these things so there are clearly some differences along with some similarities.
  
  I have heard of people making hay tea for sick bunnies, but usually people use something like Critical Care or pellets (which is usually mainly hay anyway) mixed with water/liquid to make a mash type product. I also wouldn’t do something like this for bunnies just as a treat. The main purpose of hay is to give them fiber and to wear their teeth down. Dry hay is great for both of these things. People also give bran mash to horses and I wouldn’t give this to rabbits either.
  
  Why would it be easier to research and buy the correct supplements to give the bunny instead of just buying the correct food?
- 02/26/2019 at 6:01 PM
  LittlePuffyTail
  Moderator
  18092 posts
  Agree with Doodles 100%. I’m a horse girl too but would never feed my buns anything meant for the horses or ponies. So many different kinds of horse feed for different needs. Bunnies and horses are similar, for sure, but I still wouldn’t risk it.
Author

Messages

Viewing 2 reply threads

You must be logged in to reply to this topic.