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Rabbit Diet

Hay: Hay is the MOST important part of a house rabbit's diet. It should be provided at all times. Hay provides healthy indigestible fiber and keeps the digestive tract working normally. Furthermore, it contains a variety of nutrients that are essential for good health. Grass hay is preferred and includes timothy, prairie, meadow, brome, Bermuda, and oat hay. Alfalfa is not suggested because of its high calorie content. Alfalfa CAN be used as a treat or for rabbits that are underweight.

Hay does more than keep you rabbit healthy. Because hay is so abrasive and harder to break down than pellets, it is the most important thing to keep your rabbit's teeth worn down. If hay is not provided, teeth can become overgrown. Grass hay also steers rabbit's away from chewing on other things around the house.

Vegetables: Vegetables and greens are the second most important thing to give your rabbit. They contain a lot of fiber that keeps the digestive tract functioning properly. One cup of greens and vegetables should be given daily. There should be a minimum of 3 different kinds given each day. Eight or more kinds should be introduced over time. Some vegetables that you can give are:

Arugula Asparagus Basil Beet tops Bell peppers Bok choy Broccoli Brussel sprouts Caraway Carrots (tops and root) Celery Chard Chick weed

Chives (in moderation) Cilantro Collard greens Cucumbers Dandelions Dill Endive Escarole Fennel Kale Lemon balm Lettuce (dark) Lilac

Marjoram Mint Mustard greens Parsley Peppermint leaves Radish tops Raspberry leaves Savory Spinach Turnip greens Watercress Zucchini

Vegetables, greens, and fruits that should NOT be given are:

Apple seeds Raw beans Rhubard Cabbage

Peach pits Apricot pits Nectarine pits Cauliflower

Potato Corn Iceberg lettuce Anything that is moldy or too old for you to eat

Pellets: Pellets are the least important thing to give your rabbit but should still be provided. Pellets should be of a good quality. They should be dust free and green in color. Do not buy pellets that contain vegetables, seeds and grains. If your rabbit is 2-4 lbs it should be served 1/8 cup pellets every day, 5-7 lbs ¼ cup, 8-10 lbs ½ cup, 11-15 lbs ¾ cup. Growing rabbits should have unlimited pellets as well as rabbits who need to gain weight.

Water: Fresh, cool water should be provided every day in a heavy bowl or hanging water bottle. Water should be changed daily and bowls/bottles should be thoroughly cleaned weekly.

Treats: If you want to, you can give your rabbit treats. Many fruits can be used for this purpose such as:

Apples (not seeds) Bananas Blackberries Blueberries Cantaloupe Dried fruits

Fresh papaya (not seeds) Grapes Honey dew melon Nectarines Peaches Pears

Pineapple Raisins Raspberries Strawberries Tomatoes (fruit only; greens are toxic) Watermelon