High carb veggies safe for rabbits

[Rainbowbunnies]

 Does anyone know any high carb vegetables safe for rabbits, my bunny seems to be a little underweight and I don’t know exactly what to feed him, I’ve been giving him carrots every day but since they are high in sugar I’m trying to find an alternative. Also, can I give him oats to help gain weight and if so how much he only weighs 3 pounds.

[Bam]

You can give him some oats. I’d start with 1/2 tablespoon because he’s so tiny. Watch his poop, if he gets sticky poop, cut back on the oats,

High carb vegs would be for exampe beet root and carrot and parsnip. They’re all pretty high in sugars. I’d try the oats first. How old is he?

[Deleted User]

What breed and how old is your bunny? What makes you suspect he’s underweight?
The problem with anything high carb is that it’s naturally high in sugar. The best way to help a bunny gain weight is with alfalfa hay and alfalfa pellets. These are higher in certain nutrients, which help put weight on the bun. I wouldn’t feed a lot of high carb/sugar veggies or fruit (still give only once or twice a week) because it can cause gut problems and he can also produce excess cecals. Another alternative to alfalfa is giving him some critical care. a little everyday is fine.

[Rainbowbunnies]

 Hes an Astrex lop bunny and almost 5 months old, I’m suspecting hes underweight because his bones are more pronounced and sharp.

[Deleted User]

If he’s a dwarf lop he isn’t going to weigh more than 4 pounds as it is. Typical weight for a full grown dwarf lop is 3-4 pounds.

Like Bam said, oats are good but watch for sticky poos. Has a vet also confirmed he’s underweight? There could be an underlying issue if he is.

Here’s a good graphic too about underweight buns http://www.therabbithouse.com/diet/images/rabbitweightbodyscore.png

[DanaNM]

Can you take him to the vet to see why he is underweight? He could have a dental that is keeping him from eating enough, or something else.

And also describe his full diet?

. . . 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.  

[Rain]

I agree with DanaNM, I think before trying to help the bun gain weight you should check with a vet to see if there is an underlying problem and how to solve it. It’s very common for lops to have dental issues because of their smushed up face and genetics.

[LittlePuffyTail]

Agree with the others. If he’s eating the recommended amount of food for his weight and age and still underweight, I would have a vet look at him.

[Rainbowbunnies]

 Hes also been chewing on everything and refuses to eat hay so it might be a dental problem, he did eat most of the oats and is drinking water. But hes also grooming himself a lot so at first I thought it might have been stress. It also seems like when he lays down he has a hard time getting up.

[Rainbowbunnies]

 I’m put him on alfalfa and root veggies till tomorrow, so he can go to the vet.

[Deleted User]

As you know, hay is he most important part of a bunny diet and should be 80% of it. So it’s very important to get him to eat hay. The fact that he isn’t could mean the problem is dental related. Root veggies could also make his teeth hurt, if that’s the issue, I’d stick to leafy greens.

[Rainbowbunnies]

 Hes just a little underweight, but I’m worried about his urine since hes been eating the alfalfa it has calcium. I still have to give it to him but should I limit it to like a handful every other day or is he still okay with how I’m feeding it him, which is everyday. His urine isn’t sludge, just really white and chalky.

[Deleted User]

If he’s just a little underweight, he might not even really be underweight. Like I said, dwarf lops do typically weigh 3 pounds when fully grown. He’s still young, so there’s really no harm in giving it to him, but he’s getting old enough to soon be on full adult food. So I’d say still give it maybe every other day.

[Author]

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