What’s the best choice of treats and how much?

[bunmom2020]

I have a hard time figuring out what treats to give my little guy and in what quantity.

I’ve read people for example saying that carrots are extremely bad and basically all treats are very big risks to a bunnys health, it makes me very worried and anxious.

My bun loves carrots, it’s his favorite treat, but i’m limiting them to the weekend now so maybe once or twice a week. I’m also very anxious about picking dandelion leaves from outside for him since i’ve read bunnies can die due to rabbit pest and stuff. Luckily I don’t live in the part of my country where the risk is high for a rabbit to catch rabbit pest, I think the risk counts as low where I live, but it’s still worrying. Everytime i’ve brought leaves in i’ve washed them before he eats them but I don’t know if that helps.

I want my bunny to be happy not just to have amazing health. It’s so lovely seeing him get so happy and excited when he gets a special treat. I’m trying to teach him stuff like coming when called and for now i’m training him with his regular pellets, since I know they’re really good because i’ve invested in the best kind, and it works really well since he’s crazy about them but in the long run maybe it will get a little boring.. The breeder I got him from claimed you can feed rabbits apple and carrot everyday but not according to what i’ve read so I don’t dare to trust that 😯

[bunmom2020]

bUMP

[BZOO]

I feed a lot of dandelions from my yard, we don’t use chemicals on the lawn.  Also if you have chemical free roses, you can feed the petals.

I think a baby carrot or two is just fine, as well as a slice of my apple.  Pick one and feed every other day.

For store bought treats, look for those based on hay and have no sugar.

Leafy greens, a few blueberries, things like that.  Moderation is the key.

[DanaNM]

A small slice of carrot once or twice a week is fine, just keep an eye on your bun’s poops and hay intake. If the poops get weird, he eats less hay, or shows signs of gas, then he might not be handling the treats well.

I don’t tend to feed most treats (small bites of fruit or a thin slice of carrot) on a schedule, they are a very occasional thing. I do give mine an oxbow joint support treat usually once a day as I have some seniors that seem to benefit from them.

You can also use just regular rabbit pellets as training treats if you do training before feeding their pellet ration.

. . . 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.  

[LBJ10]

Yes, I give a joint supplement daily as a “treat”. A daily small sliver of fruit is OK for most buns. You just want to make sure it doesn’t upset anything first.

[Author]

Messages