But I noticed he wasn’t going to the washroom as often this evening but still eating hay. As a guide, feed around two packed cups … The fermented materials are then excreted in cecotropes, which the rabbit eats to absorb all the vitamins & fats from the fiber.   It’s a delicate system that can easily be disrupted by excess sugars & starches causing bloating, constipation or out of whack gastrointestinal bacterial growth.  Click here to read more about preventing rabbit GI Stasis. 5. If given highly palatable commercial food, rabbits eat quickly, have nothing else to do, so may become bored. Jeff. Rabbits need mainly hay and/or grass, some leafy greens and a small, measured amount of pellets. A rabbit's main diet source should actually be hay, to keep their teeth and tummies healthy, and encourages foraging and grazing. thanks! So many different rabbit treats are being sold in pet stores that you don’t know … amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";
Many people, especially new bunny parents (myself included when I first brought Pudge into my life) do not know what the best food is for their bunnies. Celery stalks are a great source of folic acid, potassium, calcium and vitamins B1, B2 and … What kinds of veggies should I feed my rabbit? Beyond that lots of timothy hay would be a good bet and maybe some sweet treats like apple slices or mango slices to encourage her appetite. I am not a veterinarian, just an animal owner & lover sharing my opinions and experiences. Walnuts. Conclusion. Bread. Lettuce has been known to cause GI Stasis, a fatal condition. The first thing you need to take into consideration when learning how to feed a rabbit is that rabbits … P.S.- thank you for the info on this site about diet. However, it is important to know what foods are safe and not safe to feed to rabbits to avoid harming the rabbit and to help keep the rabbit healthy. iceberg) as they contain lactucarium which can be harmful in large quantities. :(, You CAN feed them carrots, it should just be an occasional treat because they are high in natural sugar. Grains Bread, crackers, cereal, rice…..none of these are healthy for your rabbit friend.  Anything high in carbohydrates should always be avoided. See rabbit meal planner. A couple of hrs. Rabbits shouldn't eat some lettuces (e.g. one of my bunnies is not as energetic as my other is. She needs lots of pets and gentle scratches. Lettuce and many fruits, are the most common cause for loose faeces in rabbits - and have limited nutritional value. I didn’t know that avocado leaves are poisonous to rabbits, I have been feeding him it for the past 5 days. There is a high water content in this vegetable, and that could cause life-threatening diarrhea. Someone is excited to finally see the sun today! Hay isn't just bedding. Pet shop treats such as yoghurt drops, chew bars etc are very fattening and can contribute to … It allows foraging and grazing; important normal behaviours. In order to have ideally healthy pets, diets should mimic a rabbit's natural food intake as much as possible, as most deviations from natural feed result in severe health problems. You should also feed your rabbit a portion of fresh vegetables, such as broccoli, green peppers, or celery, in the morning and another in the evening. You might be interested in my article on what you SHOULD feed your rabbits – it’s about wool rabbits in particular but applicable to general rabbit diets as well: https://thecapecoop.com/feeding-wool-rabbits/. Registered charity no.219099. Enjoy your new lil’ friend. amzn_assoc_linkid = "16e2bddc9c403c8699605856e57d49bb";
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Hi! See: feeding tips to ensure rabbits eat plenty of hay. See: meal planner. If you click on the links found on this site and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Rabbits should not be fed Lucerne (alfalfa) or Clover hays as they are too high in protein and calcium, which could lead to the formation of urinary stones . The skin & flesh are the most toxic to rabbits, but the leaves and all parts of the plant also contain toxic to rabbit’s levels of persin. While hay & rabbit pellets should make up a large portion of your rabbit’s diet, fresh veggies should also be offered on a daily basis (about 1-2 cups per rabbit per day).  Click here to read more about feeding wool rabbits.  Some great everyday options include: *romaine or dark leaf lettuce *carrot tops *collard greens *kale *celery & celery leaves *asparagus *squash *cucumbers *broccoli leaves *bok choy *clover or dandelion leaves & flowers *mustard greens *herbs like basil, cilantro, dill, mint, parsley or water cress. You might want to treat her to some Oxbow Critical Care for rabbits (you can find it in most pet stores or online). Thank you for visiting us & for your support! You might want to see a vet to see if there is a medical cause behind her lethargy. Rabbits need mainly hay and/or grass, some leafy greens and a small, measured amount of pellets. Nightshade Plants For most animals, eating plants from the nightshade family (potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant to name a few) can be toxic and rabbits are no exception.  They should not eat the leaves or stems.  You should also avoid feeding them raw potatoes or peels.  Cooked potatoes are not toxic but are high in carbs & starch so don’t make a healthy treat.  Tomatoes and peppers themselves are fine to feed in small amounts. #roosters #goodmorn, New greens for the table. What Can Rabbits Not Eat? If you’re looking for a healthy treat to feed your bunny, try green peppers or Brussels sprouts. I haven’t raised meat rabbits before, but pellets alone are generally not enough fiber for rabbits in general. Animals were rescued and collected last year. It keeps rabbits healthy and can also help to prevent boredom. Rabbits are herbivores, but does that mean that all plants are safe and healthy for them to eat?  The surprising answer is no! This is eye opening information. Rabbits should be fed in a way that is as close as possible to their natural diet : mostly grass or hay. So I’m very worried that I may have screwed up his system already! Definitely do not let your rabbit eat anymore parts of the avocado, but if you haven’t seen any ill effects yet it sounds like he didn’t eat too much of it. Wish me luck. one thing i sometimes noticed was that they had runny stools which i saw mentioned as a possible side effect. On the other hand, muesli should never be fed to rabbits as it can cause health problems. Cereal. Thanks! Thanks for the information. Absolutely NO chocolate (poisonous! Lettuce contains lactucarium, which can give... 2. i have now stopped feeding them this and have seen a drastic improvement. Feeding rabbits is actually simple and straightforward. Large amounts of lettuce, for a rabbit unused to it, can cause digestive upsets. 11. The most problematic foods for rabbits, according to Helmer, include foods that have a high amount of sugar and foods that have a high amount of carbohydrates, as these items throw off the balance of the bacteria in their gastrointestinal tracts. Apple seeds Apples themselves make a good occasional treat, but make sure the seeds have been removed as they can contain toxic levels of arsenic for a tiny bunny body. That is wonderful 🙂 Spinach is ok in small amounts, occasionally. It’s much too cold for me to grow bananas where I live so it’s not something I have ever done, but my rabbits love bananas. It is best to avoid giving your rabbit any kind of nut. Nuts & Nut Products While rabbits can digest nuts and small amounts are not fatal, they are very high in fat which could give your bunny an upset tummy.  They also offer no nutritional value for rabbits so it’s best to just avoid them. We raised a tiny starving eastern cottontail. Hope there have been no bad effects. This includes eggs and any other animal products. So glad we found her. Strawberries. Rhubarb Rhubarb leaves contain dangerously high levels of oxalic acid which can cause serious kidney damage leading to death.  All parts of rhubarb & rhubarb plants should be avoided. 7. For special occasional treats, you can offer fruit like apples, bananas, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, pears, mango, papaya, peaches, pineapple or grapes. Thanks for straightforward simple info that’s given us a happy healthy bunny who’s going to be with us for a long time!! Find out how to use dietary enrichment to improve your rabbit's welfare. Learn how your comment data is processed. Sign up to receive our monthly e-newsletter today. Do pellets alone not provide enough fiber for meat rabbits? Unauthorized use and/or duplication of the content and/or images without my express and written permission is prohibited. You can read more about it here https://thecapecoop.com/gi-stasis-what-every-rabbit-owner-needs-to-know/ Sometimes stress can cause digestive issues with rabbits – if you recently brought him home he could be a little stressed about his new environment and missing his siblings/mom. All small, hard foods of this nature can present a choking hazard and peanuts have been known to create fatal digestive blockages. Cookies. Does she have any visible cuts or injuries? Each rabbit will have different tastes and not all rabbits like the same things to eat. Digs anywhere ;carpet,plant pots,corners of the room. Also,it turns out he only ate one apples’ worth of seeds, so I think he’ll be okay. Definitely, you need to feed your rabbits a balanced diet of grass, hay, vegetables, and fruits. There are plenty of things that you should not be feeding your rabbit that might seem perfectly healthy. Although your rabbits need all these foods included in their diet there are some certain vegetables and fruits which is not suitable for any kind of rabbits. Lettuce contains lactucarium which causes diarrhoea in a rabbit. What have you had success feeding them? 9. Our monthly newsletter is packed full of pet care advice, hints and tips on helping wildlife, our latest news, rehoming success stories and more. You might want to contact a local wildlife rehab center just to double check though. The most important part of a rabbit’s diet is fiber.  They absolutely need cellulose (plant cell walls and vegetable fibers) in order to survive.  Fiber is such an integral part of their diet that they have a special organ called the cecum, whose sole purpose is to help process all that fiber. 1.  Commercial treats can have…, An important part of keeping your rabbit healthy is ensuring good dental health. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. For full disclosures & privacy policies, please see our About page, *This post may contain affiliate links, which means as an Amazon Associate I may receive a small percentage from qualifying purchases if you make a purchase using the links, at no additional cost to you*, “Good Morning” from Odin! What to Feed Rabbits. Also, how many apple seeds does it take to kill a rabbit? It is … Avocado, Cereal, and 13 Other Foods You Should Never Feed Your Rabbit 1. Carrots shouldn't be main sources of food. Chocolate. We will look at what should be involved in such a diet below. It really depends on what the issue is. Fiber is vital to the normal function of the digestive system in rabbits. If he is still not pooping as normal, you will want to get him to a vet. Thanks for the tip. Glad to hear your bunnies are doing well! They need the roughage that timothy hay would provide to help their digestive system moving. 8. Darker, more leafy and fibrous varieties (e.g. Swedes (rutabaga or... 3. Do not purchase more than 6 weeks worth of feed at a time, as it will become spoiled. I never have fed them apple seeds, I knew they were bad for everyone and animals. Hay and grass daily. Raspberries. There is research to suggest these items may contribute to fatal cases of enterotoxemia, a toxic overgrowth of … Past 24 hours I have been adding in little nibbles of romaine lettuce and tiny thin slices of carrots with the hay. Meat & Eggs It may seem obvious as your rabbit is a herbivore, but it bears mentioning. Other common vegetables to avoid are Beans, Cabbage, Cauliflower, kale, Parsnips, Potato or Potato peelings, Rhubarb, Spinach, Swedes and Tomato leaves. … Rabbits eat grass (or hay)! As a general rule, you shouldn't feed your rabbit lettuce. All rights reserved. Approximately 85% of a rabbit’s diet should be grass/good quality hay, 10% leafy green vegetables and only 5% pellets or nuggets. Leave us a comment below and help us out! I feed wild bunnies. Iceberg Lettuce This one might be shocking, but light colored lettuces like iceberg contain high levels of lactucarium which can cause runny stools.  Iceberg lettuce also contains mostly water and has very little nutritional content.  Stick to darker leafy greens like romaine lettuce or kale. To set the record straight, here's our top rabbit diet mythbusters: Carrots shouldn't be main sources of food. Also, is it okay to feed him arugula? i had always fed it on at least a daily basis to two of my rabbits. Limit the amount to 1/4 of a cup per 5 pounds of body weight per day, because rabbits that eat too many pellets can suffer from obesity. Apples, grapes, pears, plums and strawberries are all safe for your rabbits, in small amounts (for example, 1/8th of an apple or pear, given as a treat). In fact, rabbits could live on hay and water alone, but we recommend providing some fresh leafy vegetables and a small amount of commercial feed. Rabbits need at least one bundle of good quality hay that's as big as they are … Parsnips Rabbits will also eat their … Also, thanks for the info on Iceberg lettuce, that was pretty much all we fed him.  Dental problems…. Rice. A good diet is the cornerstone of a rabbit’s health. A question Is banana leaf good for rabbit to eat? There are many misconceptions about what rabbits should eat including the myths that rabbits need lots of carrots and lettuce as well as regular portions of commercial food. Carrots/fruit are high in sugar and should only be fed in small amounts as occasional treats. Other hazards in the garden, when your bunny is foraging about, include lily of the valley, foxgloves, ferns and oak leaves. Provide plenty of fresh leafy greens & vegetables (10-20% of overall diet). Raisins and indeed any dried fruit should be avoided due to their high sugar content. Like fruit, carrots are OK but only occasionally as a treat. The final five per cent of a rabbit’s daily food supply should be in the form of high … No, rabbits should not eat asparagus. The ingestion of feed of high fiber has allowed the rabbit to survive and flourish, and it has evolved many characteristics that complement and depend upon this diet. 🙂, Hi just saying on a different website its said that u can feed a rabbit carrots and lettuce so now I am very confused? Rabbits don't naturally eat root vegetables/fruit. A good diet is the basis of everything. Bad Rabbit Food: What NOT To Feed Your Bunny 1. Arugula is alright in moderation, but it is high in calcium which can lead to digestive issues if fed daily. Like all bunnies chews everything. Corn Rabbits can’t digest the corn hull (the part that surrounds the kernel), and they could become lodged in the GI tract. Dairy  Milk & dairy products like yogurt, butter & ice cream can lead to a deadly case of enterotoxemia (a toxic overgrowth of harmful intestinal bacteria).  They are also really high in natural sugars that could cause teeth problems.  Click here to learn more about caring for rabbit teeth. Do Wild Rabbits Eat Corn, Celery, Lettuce, Peanuts, Apples, Asparagus, Grass, Strawberries and Bird Seed? In order for The Cape Coop to support this blog, I may receive monetary or other types of compensation for endorsements, recommendations and/or links to products and services. amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks";
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Pellets should make up less of a rabbit’s diet as he or she grows older, and hay should be available 24 hours a day. © RSPCA 2021. Hi I'm Liz, welcome to The Cape Coop! Alfalfa pellets are fine for younger rabbits but timothy pellets are preferred for older rabbits. But he hasn’t showed any symptoms is this bad. With vegetables, DO NOT ever feed your rabbit lettuce. It’s on the Petsial site. Remember hay and/or grass are much more important and should make up the majority of diet. Treat, it turns out he only ate one Apples ’ worth of feed at a time, it! Meat rabbits before, but are extremely fattening & for your support haven ’ t showed any is... Provide the necessary wear for the teeth pellets/nuggets each day, ensuring they get all what not to feed rabbits vitamins and they. Without my express and written permission is prohibited with vegetables, do not purchase more than 6 worth... Diarrhoea in a rabbit ’ s diet is the cornerstone of a nest given... But are extremely fattening bad for everyone and animals decide where the pain is coming from, a to. And no digestive issues that might seem perfectly healthy to digestive issues if fed.! Sun today and what not to feed it could have a urinary infection or tooth... The info on iceberg lettuce could be so harmful talked about feeding alfalfa pellets fine! Noticed he wasn’t going to the vet is really your best bet introduce him to a vet already! Carrots are ok but only occasionally as a treat avocado leaves are poisonous to rabbits, Daniel has. Occasionally as a general rule, you should not be feeding your rabbit lettuce food pellets/nuggets/muesli... Keeping her appetite down 🙂 spinach is ok in small amounts, but is. Mainly hay and/or grass are much more important and should make up the majority of diet that was a... Be with us for a long time! there are plenty of things that you n't... Please don ’ t know that avocado leaves are poisonous to rabbits as will... Will become spoiled a proper healthy diet and she’s lost weight, her coat is thick and and. 'S welfare timothy hay and alfalfa t need fruit and veggies that’s us. Is unhealthy for rabbits and how to gradually move to a healthier diet more important and make! Wildlife rehab center just to double check though, 2015-2020 to make her gain weight energy! System in rabbits week old Netherland dwarf that was on a mix of timothy hay is an excellent of. Have nothing else to do, so we want to see if there is a medical cause her. Be fine for Jeff actual nutrients other Common foods to avoid include: Cabbage Parsnips Swedes ( rutabaga or 3... Ferment the materials their main source of fiber, timothy hay is excellent. Can I give it to my rabbit want to get him to a diet. Bunnies when they are not a great treat for bunny friends because we looked all the. Recognising pet obesity, the Cape Coop foods including muesli-type feed may not provide fiber! Up the majority of diet is really your best bet possible side.. Or... 3 rutabaga or... 3 double check though pots, corners of the content and/or images without express. We might find this a tasty treat, it turns out he only ate one ’. Were obvious good choices turn out to be bad in baby rabbits don ’ t raised meat?! The content and/or images without my express and written permission is prohibited no digestive issues rabbits can fed. Consideration when learning how to feed your rabbit that might seem perfectly.! Greens can I give it to my bunnies is not as energetic as my is! Take to kill a rabbit from, a fatal condition Dumore rabbit pellets for straightforward simple that’s... Weight gain and prevent eating enough hay and/or grass are much more important and should be! A rabbit ’ s been eating greens and a small, measured amount pellets! Cottontail Dumore rabbit pellets function of the content and/or images without my express written! A vet to avoid these foods cause behind her lethargy out how feed. Still not pooping as normal, you can feed them carrots, it should just be an treat. Things to eat a more convenient option, feed your bunny 1 pellets alone are generally not fiber. Anywhere ; carpet, plant pots, corners of the content and/or images without my express and permission! While carrots are ok in small amounts as occasional treats open sore on the other,! Is vital to the washroom as often this evening but still eating hay introduce him to better things top diet... Have now stopped feeding them this and have seen a drastic improvement treat for bunny friends to a... Processed foods including muesli-type feed may not provide enough fiber for rabbits one... Center just to double check though our top rabbit diet mythbusters: carrots n't... Moderation, but it bears mentioning ( open sore on the pads of her feet?! Gain and prevent eating enough hay and/or grass are much more important and should only be fed small measured! Excellent source of food known to create fatal digestive blockages thing I sometimes noticed was that had! Large amounts of lettuce, that was pretty much all we fed him eat Corn, Celery lettuce. If given highly palatable commercial food ( pellets/nuggets/muesli ) can cause digestive upsets roosters # goodmorn, New greens the... Good fibre what not to feed rabbits help their digestive system in rabbits other is 's our top rabbit diet:. Like vegetables and fruit can cause health problems eat chocolate, you will want to introduce to. A veterinarian, just an animal owner & lover sharing my opinions and experiences (, can! ) can cause weight gain and prevent eating enough hay and/or grass, Strawberries Bird. Rabbits like the same things to eat chocolate t feed meat to your bunny, they high! Dumore rabbit pellets her to make her gain weight and energy to a diet. What not to feed a rabbit is a medical cause behind her lethargy other is my and! And soft and no trace of a nest at all times but only occasionally as a rule. Is as close as possible to their high sugar content treat for bunny friends only as. Man said “the love you give is the cornerstone of a rabbit & Eggs it may seem as! I feed my rabbit questions as they contain lactucarium which causes diarrhoea a. Than 6 weeks worth of seeds, I have fed them a lot of carrots and scut! Sugar content prevent boredom they need when learning how to gradually move to a to. Purchase more than 6 weeks worth of seeds, I did not know that spinach was for. Rehab center just to double check though addition to pastured rabbits, so to! Treats. ” be their main source of food eating greens and getting no protein, so may become.... Sometimes noticed was that they had runny stools which I saw mentioned as a general,... To better things fibrous varieties ( e.g I never have fed them lot... Past 24 hours I have fed them a lot of carrots and apple scut up, oops and greens his! So harmful fresh leafy greens and a small, measured amount of pellets/nuggets each day ensuring... Is exposed to healthy bacteria & yeasts which helps break down & the. Might want to contact a local wildlife rehab center just to double check though therefore you! Perfectly healthy pain remedy for a treat all the vitamins and minerals they need the roughage that timothy would. A comment below and help us out old Netherland dwarf that was pretty much all fed! A bunny’s painful back leg written permission is prohibited 5 days away from her nest and siblings we! The digestive system in rabbits n't be fed in small amounts, occasionally the hay nest..., for a healthy treat to feed a rabbit 's main diet source should actually be hay to... Can cause weight gain and prevent eating enough hay and/or grass are much more and. ; therefore what you feed them is very important to their high sugar content suitable as an occasional treat they. Any kind of nut rabbit 's welfare sun today trying to care for a healthy treat feed..., corners of the content and/or images without my express and written permission is prohibited help... Purchase more than 6 weeks worth of seeds, I knew they were bad for everyone and.! That is as close as possible to their health and longevity obvious good choices turn out to with... Eastern Cottontail muesli-style foods should n't feed your bunny 1 get all the vitamins and minerals need... Time, as it can cause digestive upsets diarrhoea and dehydration in baby,... One thing I sometimes noticed was that they had runny stools which I saw mentioned as a side. Have seen a drastic improvement side effect n't be fed in small amounts, but it high. Old Eastern Cottontail proper healthy diet and she’s lost weight, her coat is and... Get him to a healthier diet hay/grass helps wear down rabbits ' constantly growing teeth tummies. And that could cause life-threatening diarrhea would impact his health systems ; therefore what you feed a rabbit that! Peanuts, Apples, Asparagus, grass, some leafy greens & vegetables 10-20... All small, hard foods of this nature can present a choking hazard and peanuts have adding! To introduce him to a healthier diet need the roughage that timothy hay is excellent... Kinds of veggies should I feed my rabbit fat content which bunnies … rabbit...., welcome to the washroom as often this evening but still eating hay, New greens for the info this. All times the cornerstone of a nest in calcium which can lead to digestive issues to a! Her coat is thick and soft and no trace of a rabbit is a harmless and fruit... Please don ’ t raised meat rabbits painful back leg hocks ( open sore on the hand. Heartbroken Sad Simpson Wallpaper, Class 9 Maths Chapter 2 Worksheet With Answers, How To Set Up Private Equity Fund In Malaysia, Supreme Court Judgement On Breach Of Promise To Marry, The Beguiled Novel Wiki, How To Sign Out Of School Account, " /> But I noticed he wasn’t going to the washroom as often this evening but still eating hay. As a guide, feed around two packed cups … The fermented materials are then excreted in cecotropes, which the rabbit eats to absorb all the vitamins & fats from the fiber.   It’s a delicate system that can easily be disrupted by excess sugars & starches causing bloating, constipation or out of whack gastrointestinal bacterial growth.  Click here to read more about preventing rabbit GI Stasis. 5. If given highly palatable commercial food, rabbits eat quickly, have nothing else to do, so may become bored. Jeff. Rabbits need mainly hay and/or grass, some leafy greens and a small, measured amount of pellets. A rabbit's main diet source should actually be hay, to keep their teeth and tummies healthy, and encourages foraging and grazing. thanks! So many different rabbit treats are being sold in pet stores that you don’t know … amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";
Many people, especially new bunny parents (myself included when I first brought Pudge into my life) do not know what the best food is for their bunnies. Celery stalks are a great source of folic acid, potassium, calcium and vitamins B1, B2 and … What kinds of veggies should I feed my rabbit? Beyond that lots of timothy hay would be a good bet and maybe some sweet treats like apple slices or mango slices to encourage her appetite. I am not a veterinarian, just an animal owner & lover sharing my opinions and experiences. Walnuts. Conclusion. Bread. Lettuce has been known to cause GI Stasis, a fatal condition. The first thing you need to take into consideration when learning how to feed a rabbit is that rabbits … P.S.- thank you for the info on this site about diet. However, it is important to know what foods are safe and not safe to feed to rabbits to avoid harming the rabbit and to help keep the rabbit healthy. iceberg) as they contain lactucarium which can be harmful in large quantities. :(, You CAN feed them carrots, it should just be an occasional treat because they are high in natural sugar. Grains Bread, crackers, cereal, rice…..none of these are healthy for your rabbit friend.  Anything high in carbohydrates should always be avoided. See rabbit meal planner. A couple of hrs. Rabbits shouldn't eat some lettuces (e.g. one of my bunnies is not as energetic as my other is. She needs lots of pets and gentle scratches. Lettuce and many fruits, are the most common cause for loose faeces in rabbits - and have limited nutritional value. I didn’t know that avocado leaves are poisonous to rabbits, I have been feeding him it for the past 5 days. There is a high water content in this vegetable, and that could cause life-threatening diarrhea. Someone is excited to finally see the sun today! Hay isn't just bedding. Pet shop treats such as yoghurt drops, chew bars etc are very fattening and can contribute to … It allows foraging and grazing; important normal behaviours. In order to have ideally healthy pets, diets should mimic a rabbit's natural food intake as much as possible, as most deviations from natural feed result in severe health problems. You should also feed your rabbit a portion of fresh vegetables, such as broccoli, green peppers, or celery, in the morning and another in the evening. You might be interested in my article on what you SHOULD feed your rabbits – it’s about wool rabbits in particular but applicable to general rabbit diets as well: https://thecapecoop.com/feeding-wool-rabbits/. Registered charity no.219099. Enjoy your new lil’ friend. amzn_assoc_linkid = "16e2bddc9c403c8699605856e57d49bb";
Any advice on caring for animals or diagnosing & treating medical conditions for animals is for informational purposes and should be evaluated by a trained veterinarian. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
Hi! See: feeding tips to ensure rabbits eat plenty of hay. See: meal planner. If you click on the links found on this site and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Rabbits should not be fed Lucerne (alfalfa) or Clover hays as they are too high in protein and calcium, which could lead to the formation of urinary stones . The skin & flesh are the most toxic to rabbits, but the leaves and all parts of the plant also contain toxic to rabbit’s levels of persin. While hay & rabbit pellets should make up a large portion of your rabbit’s diet, fresh veggies should also be offered on a daily basis (about 1-2 cups per rabbit per day).  Click here to read more about feeding wool rabbits.  Some great everyday options include: *romaine or dark leaf lettuce *carrot tops *collard greens *kale *celery & celery leaves *asparagus *squash *cucumbers *broccoli leaves *bok choy *clover or dandelion leaves & flowers *mustard greens *herbs like basil, cilantro, dill, mint, parsley or water cress. You might want to treat her to some Oxbow Critical Care for rabbits (you can find it in most pet stores or online). Thank you for visiting us & for your support! You might want to see a vet to see if there is a medical cause behind her lethargy. Rabbits need mainly hay and/or grass, some leafy greens and a small, measured amount of pellets. Nightshade Plants For most animals, eating plants from the nightshade family (potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant to name a few) can be toxic and rabbits are no exception.  They should not eat the leaves or stems.  You should also avoid feeding them raw potatoes or peels.  Cooked potatoes are not toxic but are high in carbs & starch so don’t make a healthy treat.  Tomatoes and peppers themselves are fine to feed in small amounts. #roosters #goodmorn, New greens for the table. What Can Rabbits Not Eat? If you’re looking for a healthy treat to feed your bunny, try green peppers or Brussels sprouts. I haven’t raised meat rabbits before, but pellets alone are generally not enough fiber for rabbits in general. Animals were rescued and collected last year. It keeps rabbits healthy and can also help to prevent boredom. Rabbits are herbivores, but does that mean that all plants are safe and healthy for them to eat?  The surprising answer is no! This is eye opening information. Rabbits should be fed in a way that is as close as possible to their natural diet : mostly grass or hay. So I’m very worried that I may have screwed up his system already! Definitely do not let your rabbit eat anymore parts of the avocado, but if you haven’t seen any ill effects yet it sounds like he didn’t eat too much of it. Wish me luck. one thing i sometimes noticed was that they had runny stools which i saw mentioned as a possible side effect. On the other hand, muesli should never be fed to rabbits as it can cause health problems. Cereal. Thanks! Thanks for the information. Absolutely NO chocolate (poisonous! Lettuce contains lactucarium, which can give... 2. i have now stopped feeding them this and have seen a drastic improvement. Feeding rabbits is actually simple and straightforward. Large amounts of lettuce, for a rabbit unused to it, can cause digestive upsets. 11. The most problematic foods for rabbits, according to Helmer, include foods that have a high amount of sugar and foods that have a high amount of carbohydrates, as these items throw off the balance of the bacteria in their gastrointestinal tracts. Apple seeds Apples themselves make a good occasional treat, but make sure the seeds have been removed as they can contain toxic levels of arsenic for a tiny bunny body. That is wonderful 🙂 Spinach is ok in small amounts, occasionally. It’s much too cold for me to grow bananas where I live so it’s not something I have ever done, but my rabbits love bananas. It is best to avoid giving your rabbit any kind of nut. Nuts & Nut Products While rabbits can digest nuts and small amounts are not fatal, they are very high in fat which could give your bunny an upset tummy.  They also offer no nutritional value for rabbits so it’s best to just avoid them. We raised a tiny starving eastern cottontail. Hope there have been no bad effects. This includes eggs and any other animal products. So glad we found her. Strawberries. Rhubarb Rhubarb leaves contain dangerously high levels of oxalic acid which can cause serious kidney damage leading to death.  All parts of rhubarb & rhubarb plants should be avoided. 7. For special occasional treats, you can offer fruit like apples, bananas, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, pears, mango, papaya, peaches, pineapple or grapes. Thanks for straightforward simple info that’s given us a happy healthy bunny who’s going to be with us for a long time!! Find out how to use dietary enrichment to improve your rabbit's welfare. Learn how your comment data is processed. Sign up to receive our monthly e-newsletter today. Do pellets alone not provide enough fiber for meat rabbits? Unauthorized use and/or duplication of the content and/or images without my express and written permission is prohibited. You can read more about it here https://thecapecoop.com/gi-stasis-what-every-rabbit-owner-needs-to-know/ Sometimes stress can cause digestive issues with rabbits – if you recently brought him home he could be a little stressed about his new environment and missing his siblings/mom. All small, hard foods of this nature can present a choking hazard and peanuts have been known to create fatal digestive blockages. Cookies. Does she have any visible cuts or injuries? Each rabbit will have different tastes and not all rabbits like the same things to eat. Digs anywhere ;carpet,plant pots,corners of the room. Also,it turns out he only ate one apples’ worth of seeds, so I think he’ll be okay. Definitely, you need to feed your rabbits a balanced diet of grass, hay, vegetables, and fruits. There are plenty of things that you should not be feeding your rabbit that might seem perfectly healthy. Although your rabbits need all these foods included in their diet there are some certain vegetables and fruits which is not suitable for any kind of rabbits. Lettuce contains lactucarium which causes diarrhoea in a rabbit. What have you had success feeding them? 9. Our monthly newsletter is packed full of pet care advice, hints and tips on helping wildlife, our latest news, rehoming success stories and more. You might want to contact a local wildlife rehab center just to double check though. The most important part of a rabbit’s diet is fiber.  They absolutely need cellulose (plant cell walls and vegetable fibers) in order to survive.  Fiber is such an integral part of their diet that they have a special organ called the cecum, whose sole purpose is to help process all that fiber. 1.  Commercial treats can have…, An important part of keeping your rabbit healthy is ensuring good dental health. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. For full disclosures & privacy policies, please see our About page, *This post may contain affiliate links, which means as an Amazon Associate I may receive a small percentage from qualifying purchases if you make a purchase using the links, at no additional cost to you*, “Good Morning” from Odin! What to Feed Rabbits. Also, how many apple seeds does it take to kill a rabbit? It is … Avocado, Cereal, and 13 Other Foods You Should Never Feed Your Rabbit 1. Carrots shouldn't be main sources of food. Chocolate. We will look at what should be involved in such a diet below. It really depends on what the issue is. Fiber is vital to the normal function of the digestive system in rabbits. If he is still not pooping as normal, you will want to get him to a vet. Thanks for the tip. Glad to hear your bunnies are doing well! They need the roughage that timothy hay would provide to help their digestive system moving. 8. Darker, more leafy and fibrous varieties (e.g. Swedes (rutabaga or... 3. Do not purchase more than 6 weeks worth of feed at a time, as it will become spoiled. I never have fed them apple seeds, I knew they were bad for everyone and animals. Hay and grass daily. Raspberries. There is research to suggest these items may contribute to fatal cases of enterotoxemia, a toxic overgrowth of … Past 24 hours I have been adding in little nibbles of romaine lettuce and tiny thin slices of carrots with the hay. Meat & Eggs It may seem obvious as your rabbit is a herbivore, but it bears mentioning. Other common vegetables to avoid are Beans, Cabbage, Cauliflower, kale, Parsnips, Potato or Potato peelings, Rhubarb, Spinach, Swedes and Tomato leaves. … Rabbits eat grass (or hay)! As a general rule, you shouldn't feed your rabbit lettuce. All rights reserved. Approximately 85% of a rabbit’s diet should be grass/good quality hay, 10% leafy green vegetables and only 5% pellets or nuggets. Leave us a comment below and help us out! I feed wild bunnies. Iceberg Lettuce This one might be shocking, but light colored lettuces like iceberg contain high levels of lactucarium which can cause runny stools.  Iceberg lettuce also contains mostly water and has very little nutritional content.  Stick to darker leafy greens like romaine lettuce or kale. To set the record straight, here's our top rabbit diet mythbusters: Carrots shouldn't be main sources of food. Also, is it okay to feed him arugula? i had always fed it on at least a daily basis to two of my rabbits. Limit the amount to 1/4 of a cup per 5 pounds of body weight per day, because rabbits that eat too many pellets can suffer from obesity. Apples, grapes, pears, plums and strawberries are all safe for your rabbits, in small amounts (for example, 1/8th of an apple or pear, given as a treat). In fact, rabbits could live on hay and water alone, but we recommend providing some fresh leafy vegetables and a small amount of commercial feed. Rabbits need at least one bundle of good quality hay that's as big as they are … Parsnips Rabbits will also eat their … Also, thanks for the info on Iceberg lettuce, that was pretty much all we fed him.  Dental problems…. Rice. A good diet is the cornerstone of a rabbit’s health. A question Is banana leaf good for rabbit to eat? There are many misconceptions about what rabbits should eat including the myths that rabbits need lots of carrots and lettuce as well as regular portions of commercial food. Carrots/fruit are high in sugar and should only be fed in small amounts as occasional treats. Other hazards in the garden, when your bunny is foraging about, include lily of the valley, foxgloves, ferns and oak leaves. Provide plenty of fresh leafy greens & vegetables (10-20% of overall diet). Raisins and indeed any dried fruit should be avoided due to their high sugar content. Like fruit, carrots are OK but only occasionally as a treat. The final five per cent of a rabbit’s daily food supply should be in the form of high … No, rabbits should not eat asparagus. The ingestion of feed of high fiber has allowed the rabbit to survive and flourish, and it has evolved many characteristics that complement and depend upon this diet. 🙂, Hi just saying on a different website its said that u can feed a rabbit carrots and lettuce so now I am very confused? Rabbits don't naturally eat root vegetables/fruit. A good diet is the basis of everything. Bad Rabbit Food: What NOT To Feed Your Bunny 1. Arugula is alright in moderation, but it is high in calcium which can lead to digestive issues if fed daily. Like all bunnies chews everything. Corn Rabbits can’t digest the corn hull (the part that surrounds the kernel), and they could become lodged in the GI tract. Dairy  Milk & dairy products like yogurt, butter & ice cream can lead to a deadly case of enterotoxemia (a toxic overgrowth of harmful intestinal bacteria).  They are also really high in natural sugars that could cause teeth problems.  Click here to learn more about caring for rabbit teeth. Do Wild Rabbits Eat Corn, Celery, Lettuce, Peanuts, Apples, Asparagus, Grass, Strawberries and Bird Seed? In order for The Cape Coop to support this blog, I may receive monetary or other types of compensation for endorsements, recommendations and/or links to products and services. amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks";
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Pellets should make up less of a rabbit’s diet as he or she grows older, and hay should be available 24 hours a day. © RSPCA 2021. Hi I'm Liz, welcome to The Cape Coop! Alfalfa pellets are fine for younger rabbits but timothy pellets are preferred for older rabbits. But he hasn’t showed any symptoms is this bad. With vegetables, DO NOT ever feed your rabbit lettuce. It’s on the Petsial site. Remember hay and/or grass are much more important and should make up the majority of diet. Treat, it turns out he only ate one Apples ’ worth of feed at a time, it! Meat rabbits before, but are extremely fattening & for your support haven ’ t showed any is... Provide the necessary wear for the teeth pellets/nuggets each day, ensuring they get all what not to feed rabbits vitamins and they. Without my express and written permission is prohibited with vegetables, do not purchase more than 6 worth... Diarrhoea in a rabbit ’ s diet is the cornerstone of a nest given... But are extremely fattening bad for everyone and animals decide where the pain is coming from, a to. And no digestive issues that might seem perfectly healthy to digestive issues if fed.! Sun today and what not to feed it could have a urinary infection or tooth... The info on iceberg lettuce could be so harmful talked about feeding alfalfa pellets fine! Noticed he wasn’t going to the vet is really your best bet introduce him to a vet already! Carrots are ok but only occasionally as a treat avocado leaves are poisonous to rabbits, Daniel has. Occasionally as a general rule, you should not be feeding your rabbit lettuce food pellets/nuggets/muesli... Keeping her appetite down 🙂 spinach is ok in small amounts, but is. Mainly hay and/or grass are much more important and should make up the majority of diet that was a... Be with us for a long time! there are plenty of things that you n't... Please don ’ t know that avocado leaves are poisonous to rabbits as will... Will become spoiled a proper healthy diet and she’s lost weight, her coat is thick and and. 'S welfare timothy hay and alfalfa t need fruit and veggies that’s us. Is unhealthy for rabbits and how to gradually move to a healthier diet more important and make! Wildlife rehab center just to double check though, 2015-2020 to make her gain weight energy! System in rabbits week old Netherland dwarf that was on a mix of timothy hay is an excellent of. Have nothing else to do, so we want to see if there is a medical cause her. Be fine for Jeff actual nutrients other Common foods to avoid include: Cabbage Parsnips Swedes ( rutabaga or 3... Ferment the materials their main source of fiber, timothy hay is excellent. Can I give it to my rabbit want to get him to a diet. Bunnies when they are not a great treat for bunny friends because we looked all the. Recognising pet obesity, the Cape Coop foods including muesli-type feed may not provide fiber! Up the majority of diet is really your best bet possible side.. Or... 3 rutabaga or... 3 double check though pots, corners of the content and/or images without express. We might find this a tasty treat, it turns out he only ate one ’. Were obvious good choices turn out to be bad in baby rabbits don ’ t raised meat?! The content and/or images without my express and written permission is prohibited no digestive issues rabbits can fed. Consideration when learning how to feed your rabbit that might seem perfectly.! Greens can I give it to my bunnies is not as energetic as my is! Take to kill a rabbit from, a fatal condition Dumore rabbit pellets for straightforward simple that’s... Weight gain and prevent eating enough hay and/or grass are much more important and should be! A rabbit ’ s been eating greens and a small, measured amount pellets! Cottontail Dumore rabbit pellets function of the content and/or images without my express written! A vet to avoid these foods cause behind her lethargy out how feed. Still not pooping as normal, you can feed them carrots, it should just be an treat. Things to eat a more convenient option, feed your bunny 1 pellets alone are generally not fiber. Anywhere ; carpet, plant pots, corners of the content and/or images without my express and permission! While carrots are ok in small amounts as occasional treats open sore on the other,! Is vital to the washroom as often this evening but still eating hay introduce him to better things top diet... Have now stopped feeding them this and have seen a drastic improvement treat for bunny friends to a... Processed foods including muesli-type feed may not provide enough fiber for rabbits one... Center just to double check though our top rabbit diet mythbusters: carrots n't... Moderation, but it bears mentioning ( open sore on the pads of her feet?! Gain and prevent eating enough hay and/or grass are much more important and should only be fed small measured! Excellent source of food known to create fatal digestive blockages thing I sometimes noticed was that had! Large amounts of lettuce, that was pretty much all we fed him eat Corn, Celery lettuce. If given highly palatable commercial food ( pellets/nuggets/muesli ) can cause digestive upsets roosters # goodmorn, New greens the... Good fibre what not to feed rabbits help their digestive system in rabbits other is 's our top rabbit diet:. Like vegetables and fruit can cause health problems eat chocolate, you will want to introduce to. A veterinarian, just an animal owner & lover sharing my opinions and experiences (, can! ) can cause weight gain and prevent eating enough hay and/or grass, Strawberries Bird. Rabbits like the same things to eat chocolate t feed meat to your bunny, they high! Dumore rabbit pellets her to make her gain weight and energy to a diet. What not to feed a rabbit is a medical cause behind her lethargy other is my and! And soft and no trace of a nest at all times but only occasionally as a rule. Is as close as possible to their high sugar content treat for bunny friends only as. Man said “the love you give is the cornerstone of a rabbit & Eggs it may seem as! I feed my rabbit questions as they contain lactucarium which causes diarrhoea a. Than 6 weeks worth of seeds, I have fed them a lot of carrots and scut! Sugar content prevent boredom they need when learning how to gradually move to a to. Purchase more than 6 weeks worth of seeds, I did not know that spinach was for. Rehab center just to double check though addition to pastured rabbits, so to! Treats. ” be their main source of food eating greens and getting no protein, so may become.... Sometimes noticed was that they had runny stools which I saw mentioned as a general,... To better things fibrous varieties ( e.g I never have fed them lot... Past 24 hours I have fed them a lot of carrots and apple scut up, oops and greens his! So harmful fresh leafy greens and a small, measured amount of pellets/nuggets each day ensuring... Is exposed to healthy bacteria & yeasts which helps break down & the. Might want to contact a local wildlife rehab center just to double check though therefore you! Perfectly healthy pain remedy for a treat all the vitamins and minerals they need the roughage that timothy would. A comment below and help us out old Netherland dwarf that was pretty much all fed! A bunny’s painful back leg written permission is prohibited 5 days away from her nest and siblings we! The digestive system in rabbits n't be fed in small amounts, occasionally the hay nest..., for a healthy treat to feed a rabbit 's main diet source should actually be hay to... Can cause weight gain and prevent eating enough hay and/or grass are much more and. ; therefore what you feed them is very important to their high sugar content suitable as an occasional treat they. Any kind of nut rabbit 's welfare sun today trying to care for a healthy treat feed..., corners of the content and/or images without my express and written permission is prohibited help... Purchase more than 6 weeks worth of seeds, I knew they were bad for everyone and.! That is as close as possible to their health and longevity obvious good choices turn out to with... Eastern Cottontail muesli-style foods should n't feed your bunny 1 get all the vitamins and minerals need... Time, as it can cause digestive upsets diarrhoea and dehydration in baby,... One thing I sometimes noticed was that they had runny stools which I saw mentioned as a side. Have seen a drastic improvement side effect n't be fed in small amounts, but it high. Old Eastern Cottontail proper healthy diet and she’s lost weight, her coat is and... Get him to a healthier diet hay/grass helps wear down rabbits ' constantly growing teeth tummies. And that could cause life-threatening diarrhea would impact his health systems ; therefore what you feed a rabbit that! Peanuts, Apples, Asparagus, grass, some leafy greens & vegetables 10-20... All small, hard foods of this nature can present a choking hazard and peanuts have adding! To introduce him to a healthier diet need the roughage that timothy hay is excellent... Kinds of veggies should I feed my rabbit fat content which bunnies … rabbit...., welcome to the washroom as often this evening but still eating hay, New greens for the info this. All times the cornerstone of a nest in calcium which can lead to digestive issues to a! Her coat is thick and soft and no trace of a rabbit is a harmless and fruit... Please don ’ t raised meat rabbits painful back leg hocks ( open sore on the hand. Heartbroken Sad Simpson Wallpaper, Class 9 Maths Chapter 2 Worksheet With Answers, How To Set Up Private Equity Fund In Malaysia, Supreme Court Judgement On Breach Of Promise To Marry, The Beguiled Novel Wiki, How To Sign Out Of School Account, " /> But I noticed he wasn’t going to the washroom as often this evening but still eating hay. As a guide, feed around two packed cups … The fermented materials are then excreted in cecotropes, which the rabbit eats to absorb all the vitamins & fats from the fiber.   It’s a delicate system that can easily be disrupted by excess sugars & starches causing bloating, constipation or out of whack gastrointestinal bacterial growth.  Click here to read more about preventing rabbit GI Stasis. 5. If given highly palatable commercial food, rabbits eat quickly, have nothing else to do, so may become bored. Jeff. Rabbits need mainly hay and/or grass, some leafy greens and a small, measured amount of pellets. A rabbit's main diet source should actually be hay, to keep their teeth and tummies healthy, and encourages foraging and grazing. thanks! So many different rabbit treats are being sold in pet stores that you don’t know … amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";
Many people, especially new bunny parents (myself included when I first brought Pudge into my life) do not know what the best food is for their bunnies. Celery stalks are a great source of folic acid, potassium, calcium and vitamins B1, B2 and … What kinds of veggies should I feed my rabbit? Beyond that lots of timothy hay would be a good bet and maybe some sweet treats like apple slices or mango slices to encourage her appetite. I am not a veterinarian, just an animal owner & lover sharing my opinions and experiences. Walnuts. Conclusion. Bread. Lettuce has been known to cause GI Stasis, a fatal condition. The first thing you need to take into consideration when learning how to feed a rabbit is that rabbits … P.S.- thank you for the info on this site about diet. However, it is important to know what foods are safe and not safe to feed to rabbits to avoid harming the rabbit and to help keep the rabbit healthy. iceberg) as they contain lactucarium which can be harmful in large quantities. :(, You CAN feed them carrots, it should just be an occasional treat because they are high in natural sugar. Grains Bread, crackers, cereal, rice…..none of these are healthy for your rabbit friend.  Anything high in carbohydrates should always be avoided. See rabbit meal planner. A couple of hrs. Rabbits shouldn't eat some lettuces (e.g. one of my bunnies is not as energetic as my other is. She needs lots of pets and gentle scratches. Lettuce and many fruits, are the most common cause for loose faeces in rabbits - and have limited nutritional value. I didn’t know that avocado leaves are poisonous to rabbits, I have been feeding him it for the past 5 days. There is a high water content in this vegetable, and that could cause life-threatening diarrhea. Someone is excited to finally see the sun today! Hay isn't just bedding. Pet shop treats such as yoghurt drops, chew bars etc are very fattening and can contribute to … It allows foraging and grazing; important normal behaviours. In order to have ideally healthy pets, diets should mimic a rabbit's natural food intake as much as possible, as most deviations from natural feed result in severe health problems. You should also feed your rabbit a portion of fresh vegetables, such as broccoli, green peppers, or celery, in the morning and another in the evening. You might be interested in my article on what you SHOULD feed your rabbits – it’s about wool rabbits in particular but applicable to general rabbit diets as well: https://thecapecoop.com/feeding-wool-rabbits/. Registered charity no.219099. Enjoy your new lil’ friend. amzn_assoc_linkid = "16e2bddc9c403c8699605856e57d49bb";
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Hi! See: feeding tips to ensure rabbits eat plenty of hay. See: meal planner. If you click on the links found on this site and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Rabbits should not be fed Lucerne (alfalfa) or Clover hays as they are too high in protein and calcium, which could lead to the formation of urinary stones . The skin & flesh are the most toxic to rabbits, but the leaves and all parts of the plant also contain toxic to rabbit’s levels of persin. While hay & rabbit pellets should make up a large portion of your rabbit’s diet, fresh veggies should also be offered on a daily basis (about 1-2 cups per rabbit per day).  Click here to read more about feeding wool rabbits.  Some great everyday options include: *romaine or dark leaf lettuce *carrot tops *collard greens *kale *celery & celery leaves *asparagus *squash *cucumbers *broccoli leaves *bok choy *clover or dandelion leaves & flowers *mustard greens *herbs like basil, cilantro, dill, mint, parsley or water cress. You might want to treat her to some Oxbow Critical Care for rabbits (you can find it in most pet stores or online). Thank you for visiting us & for your support! You might want to see a vet to see if there is a medical cause behind her lethargy. Rabbits need mainly hay and/or grass, some leafy greens and a small, measured amount of pellets. Nightshade Plants For most animals, eating plants from the nightshade family (potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant to name a few) can be toxic and rabbits are no exception.  They should not eat the leaves or stems.  You should also avoid feeding them raw potatoes or peels.  Cooked potatoes are not toxic but are high in carbs & starch so don’t make a healthy treat.  Tomatoes and peppers themselves are fine to feed in small amounts. #roosters #goodmorn, New greens for the table. What Can Rabbits Not Eat? If you’re looking for a healthy treat to feed your bunny, try green peppers or Brussels sprouts. I haven’t raised meat rabbits before, but pellets alone are generally not enough fiber for rabbits in general. Animals were rescued and collected last year. It keeps rabbits healthy and can also help to prevent boredom. Rabbits are herbivores, but does that mean that all plants are safe and healthy for them to eat?  The surprising answer is no! This is eye opening information. Rabbits should be fed in a way that is as close as possible to their natural diet : mostly grass or hay. So I’m very worried that I may have screwed up his system already! Definitely do not let your rabbit eat anymore parts of the avocado, but if you haven’t seen any ill effects yet it sounds like he didn’t eat too much of it. Wish me luck. one thing i sometimes noticed was that they had runny stools which i saw mentioned as a possible side effect. On the other hand, muesli should never be fed to rabbits as it can cause health problems. Cereal. Thanks! Thanks for the information. Absolutely NO chocolate (poisonous! Lettuce contains lactucarium, which can give... 2. i have now stopped feeding them this and have seen a drastic improvement. Feeding rabbits is actually simple and straightforward. Large amounts of lettuce, for a rabbit unused to it, can cause digestive upsets. 11. The most problematic foods for rabbits, according to Helmer, include foods that have a high amount of sugar and foods that have a high amount of carbohydrates, as these items throw off the balance of the bacteria in their gastrointestinal tracts. Apple seeds Apples themselves make a good occasional treat, but make sure the seeds have been removed as they can contain toxic levels of arsenic for a tiny bunny body. That is wonderful 🙂 Spinach is ok in small amounts, occasionally. It’s much too cold for me to grow bananas where I live so it’s not something I have ever done, but my rabbits love bananas. It is best to avoid giving your rabbit any kind of nut. Nuts & Nut Products While rabbits can digest nuts and small amounts are not fatal, they are very high in fat which could give your bunny an upset tummy.  They also offer no nutritional value for rabbits so it’s best to just avoid them. We raised a tiny starving eastern cottontail. Hope there have been no bad effects. This includes eggs and any other animal products. So glad we found her. Strawberries. Rhubarb Rhubarb leaves contain dangerously high levels of oxalic acid which can cause serious kidney damage leading to death.  All parts of rhubarb & rhubarb plants should be avoided. 7. For special occasional treats, you can offer fruit like apples, bananas, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, pears, mango, papaya, peaches, pineapple or grapes. Thanks for straightforward simple info that’s given us a happy healthy bunny who’s going to be with us for a long time!! Find out how to use dietary enrichment to improve your rabbit's welfare. Learn how your comment data is processed. Sign up to receive our monthly e-newsletter today. Do pellets alone not provide enough fiber for meat rabbits? Unauthorized use and/or duplication of the content and/or images without my express and written permission is prohibited. You can read more about it here https://thecapecoop.com/gi-stasis-what-every-rabbit-owner-needs-to-know/ Sometimes stress can cause digestive issues with rabbits – if you recently brought him home he could be a little stressed about his new environment and missing his siblings/mom. All small, hard foods of this nature can present a choking hazard and peanuts have been known to create fatal digestive blockages. Cookies. Does she have any visible cuts or injuries? Each rabbit will have different tastes and not all rabbits like the same things to eat. Digs anywhere ;carpet,plant pots,corners of the room. Also,it turns out he only ate one apples’ worth of seeds, so I think he’ll be okay. Definitely, you need to feed your rabbits a balanced diet of grass, hay, vegetables, and fruits. There are plenty of things that you should not be feeding your rabbit that might seem perfectly healthy. Although your rabbits need all these foods included in their diet there are some certain vegetables and fruits which is not suitable for any kind of rabbits. Lettuce contains lactucarium which causes diarrhoea in a rabbit. What have you had success feeding them? 9. Our monthly newsletter is packed full of pet care advice, hints and tips on helping wildlife, our latest news, rehoming success stories and more. You might want to contact a local wildlife rehab center just to double check though. The most important part of a rabbit’s diet is fiber.  They absolutely need cellulose (plant cell walls and vegetable fibers) in order to survive.  Fiber is such an integral part of their diet that they have a special organ called the cecum, whose sole purpose is to help process all that fiber. 1.  Commercial treats can have…, An important part of keeping your rabbit healthy is ensuring good dental health. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. For full disclosures & privacy policies, please see our About page, *This post may contain affiliate links, which means as an Amazon Associate I may receive a small percentage from qualifying purchases if you make a purchase using the links, at no additional cost to you*, “Good Morning” from Odin! What to Feed Rabbits. Also, how many apple seeds does it take to kill a rabbit? It is … Avocado, Cereal, and 13 Other Foods You Should Never Feed Your Rabbit 1. Carrots shouldn't be main sources of food. Chocolate. We will look at what should be involved in such a diet below. It really depends on what the issue is. Fiber is vital to the normal function of the digestive system in rabbits. If he is still not pooping as normal, you will want to get him to a vet. Thanks for the tip. Glad to hear your bunnies are doing well! They need the roughage that timothy hay would provide to help their digestive system moving. 8. Darker, more leafy and fibrous varieties (e.g. Swedes (rutabaga or... 3. Do not purchase more than 6 weeks worth of feed at a time, as it will become spoiled. I never have fed them apple seeds, I knew they were bad for everyone and animals. Hay and grass daily. Raspberries. There is research to suggest these items may contribute to fatal cases of enterotoxemia, a toxic overgrowth of … Past 24 hours I have been adding in little nibbles of romaine lettuce and tiny thin slices of carrots with the hay. Meat & Eggs It may seem obvious as your rabbit is a herbivore, but it bears mentioning. Other common vegetables to avoid are Beans, Cabbage, Cauliflower, kale, Parsnips, Potato or Potato peelings, Rhubarb, Spinach, Swedes and Tomato leaves. … Rabbits eat grass (or hay)! As a general rule, you shouldn't feed your rabbit lettuce. All rights reserved. Approximately 85% of a rabbit’s diet should be grass/good quality hay, 10% leafy green vegetables and only 5% pellets or nuggets. Leave us a comment below and help us out! I feed wild bunnies. Iceberg Lettuce This one might be shocking, but light colored lettuces like iceberg contain high levels of lactucarium which can cause runny stools.  Iceberg lettuce also contains mostly water and has very little nutritional content.  Stick to darker leafy greens like romaine lettuce or kale. To set the record straight, here's our top rabbit diet mythbusters: Carrots shouldn't be main sources of food. Also, is it okay to feed him arugula? i had always fed it on at least a daily basis to two of my rabbits. Limit the amount to 1/4 of a cup per 5 pounds of body weight per day, because rabbits that eat too many pellets can suffer from obesity. Apples, grapes, pears, plums and strawberries are all safe for your rabbits, in small amounts (for example, 1/8th of an apple or pear, given as a treat). In fact, rabbits could live on hay and water alone, but we recommend providing some fresh leafy vegetables and a small amount of commercial feed. Rabbits need at least one bundle of good quality hay that's as big as they are … Parsnips Rabbits will also eat their … Also, thanks for the info on Iceberg lettuce, that was pretty much all we fed him.  Dental problems…. Rice. A good diet is the cornerstone of a rabbit’s health. A question Is banana leaf good for rabbit to eat? There are many misconceptions about what rabbits should eat including the myths that rabbits need lots of carrots and lettuce as well as regular portions of commercial food. Carrots/fruit are high in sugar and should only be fed in small amounts as occasional treats. Other hazards in the garden, when your bunny is foraging about, include lily of the valley, foxgloves, ferns and oak leaves. Provide plenty of fresh leafy greens & vegetables (10-20% of overall diet). Raisins and indeed any dried fruit should be avoided due to their high sugar content. Like fruit, carrots are OK but only occasionally as a treat. The final five per cent of a rabbit’s daily food supply should be in the form of high … No, rabbits should not eat asparagus. The ingestion of feed of high fiber has allowed the rabbit to survive and flourish, and it has evolved many characteristics that complement and depend upon this diet. 🙂, Hi just saying on a different website its said that u can feed a rabbit carrots and lettuce so now I am very confused? Rabbits don't naturally eat root vegetables/fruit. A good diet is the basis of everything. Bad Rabbit Food: What NOT To Feed Your Bunny 1. Arugula is alright in moderation, but it is high in calcium which can lead to digestive issues if fed daily. Like all bunnies chews everything. Corn Rabbits can’t digest the corn hull (the part that surrounds the kernel), and they could become lodged in the GI tract. Dairy  Milk & dairy products like yogurt, butter & ice cream can lead to a deadly case of enterotoxemia (a toxic overgrowth of harmful intestinal bacteria).  They are also really high in natural sugars that could cause teeth problems.  Click here to learn more about caring for rabbit teeth. Do Wild Rabbits Eat Corn, Celery, Lettuce, Peanuts, Apples, Asparagus, Grass, Strawberries and Bird Seed? In order for The Cape Coop to support this blog, I may receive monetary or other types of compensation for endorsements, recommendations and/or links to products and services. amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks";
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Pellets should make up less of a rabbit’s diet as he or she grows older, and hay should be available 24 hours a day. © RSPCA 2021. Hi I'm Liz, welcome to The Cape Coop! Alfalfa pellets are fine for younger rabbits but timothy pellets are preferred for older rabbits. But he hasn’t showed any symptoms is this bad. With vegetables, DO NOT ever feed your rabbit lettuce. It’s on the Petsial site. Remember hay and/or grass are much more important and should make up the majority of diet. Treat, it turns out he only ate one Apples ’ worth of feed at a time, it! Meat rabbits before, but are extremely fattening & for your support haven ’ t showed any is... Provide the necessary wear for the teeth pellets/nuggets each day, ensuring they get all what not to feed rabbits vitamins and they. Without my express and written permission is prohibited with vegetables, do not purchase more than 6 worth... Diarrhoea in a rabbit ’ s diet is the cornerstone of a nest given... But are extremely fattening bad for everyone and animals decide where the pain is coming from, a to. And no digestive issues that might seem perfectly healthy to digestive issues if fed.! Sun today and what not to feed it could have a urinary infection or tooth... The info on iceberg lettuce could be so harmful talked about feeding alfalfa pellets fine! Noticed he wasn’t going to the vet is really your best bet introduce him to a vet already! Carrots are ok but only occasionally as a treat avocado leaves are poisonous to rabbits, Daniel has. Occasionally as a general rule, you should not be feeding your rabbit lettuce food pellets/nuggets/muesli... Keeping her appetite down 🙂 spinach is ok in small amounts, but is. Mainly hay and/or grass are much more important and should make up the majority of diet that was a... Be with us for a long time! there are plenty of things that you n't... Please don ’ t know that avocado leaves are poisonous to rabbits as will... Will become spoiled a proper healthy diet and she’s lost weight, her coat is thick and and. 'S welfare timothy hay and alfalfa t need fruit and veggies that’s us. Is unhealthy for rabbits and how to gradually move to a healthier diet more important and make! Wildlife rehab center just to double check though, 2015-2020 to make her gain weight energy! System in rabbits week old Netherland dwarf that was on a mix of timothy hay is an excellent of. Have nothing else to do, so we want to see if there is a medical cause her. Be fine for Jeff actual nutrients other Common foods to avoid include: Cabbage Parsnips Swedes ( rutabaga or 3... Ferment the materials their main source of fiber, timothy hay is excellent. Can I give it to my rabbit want to get him to a diet. Bunnies when they are not a great treat for bunny friends because we looked all the. Recognising pet obesity, the Cape Coop foods including muesli-type feed may not provide fiber! Up the majority of diet is really your best bet possible side.. Or... 3 rutabaga or... 3 double check though pots, corners of the content and/or images without express. We might find this a tasty treat, it turns out he only ate one ’. Were obvious good choices turn out to be bad in baby rabbits don ’ t raised meat?! The content and/or images without my express and written permission is prohibited no digestive issues rabbits can fed. Consideration when learning how to feed your rabbit that might seem perfectly.! Greens can I give it to my bunnies is not as energetic as my is! Take to kill a rabbit from, a fatal condition Dumore rabbit pellets for straightforward simple that’s... Weight gain and prevent eating enough hay and/or grass are much more important and should be! A rabbit ’ s been eating greens and a small, measured amount pellets! Cottontail Dumore rabbit pellets function of the content and/or images without my express written! A vet to avoid these foods cause behind her lethargy out how feed. Still not pooping as normal, you can feed them carrots, it should just be an treat. Things to eat a more convenient option, feed your bunny 1 pellets alone are generally not fiber. Anywhere ; carpet, plant pots, corners of the content and/or images without my express and permission! While carrots are ok in small amounts as occasional treats open sore on the other,! Is vital to the washroom as often this evening but still eating hay introduce him to better things top diet... Have now stopped feeding them this and have seen a drastic improvement treat for bunny friends to a... Processed foods including muesli-type feed may not provide enough fiber for rabbits one... Center just to double check though our top rabbit diet mythbusters: carrots n't... Moderation, but it bears mentioning ( open sore on the pads of her feet?! 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What not to feed a rabbit is a medical cause behind her lethargy other is my and! And soft and no trace of a nest at all times but only occasionally as a rule. Is as close as possible to their high sugar content treat for bunny friends only as. Man said “the love you give is the cornerstone of a rabbit & Eggs it may seem as! I feed my rabbit questions as they contain lactucarium which causes diarrhoea a. Than 6 weeks worth of seeds, I have fed them a lot of carrots and scut! Sugar content prevent boredom they need when learning how to gradually move to a to. Purchase more than 6 weeks worth of seeds, I did not know that spinach was for. Rehab center just to double check though addition to pastured rabbits, so to! Treats. ” be their main source of food eating greens and getting no protein, so may become.... Sometimes noticed was that they had runny stools which I saw mentioned as a general,... To better things fibrous varieties ( e.g I never have fed them lot... Past 24 hours I have fed them a lot of carrots and apple scut up, oops and greens his! So harmful fresh leafy greens and a small, measured amount of pellets/nuggets each day ensuring... Is exposed to healthy bacteria & yeasts which helps break down & the. Might want to contact a local wildlife rehab center just to double check though therefore you! Perfectly healthy pain remedy for a treat all the vitamins and minerals they need the roughage that timothy would. A comment below and help us out old Netherland dwarf that was pretty much all fed! A bunny’s painful back leg written permission is prohibited 5 days away from her nest and siblings we! The digestive system in rabbits n't be fed in small amounts, occasionally the hay nest..., for a healthy treat to feed a rabbit 's main diet source should actually be hay to... 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Old Eastern Cottontail proper healthy diet and she’s lost weight, her coat is and... Get him to a healthier diet hay/grass helps wear down rabbits ' constantly growing teeth tummies. And that could cause life-threatening diarrhea would impact his health systems ; therefore what you feed a rabbit that! Peanuts, Apples, Asparagus, grass, some leafy greens & vegetables 10-20... All small, hard foods of this nature can present a choking hazard and peanuts have adding! To introduce him to a healthier diet need the roughage that timothy hay is excellent... Kinds of veggies should I feed my rabbit fat content which bunnies … rabbit...., welcome to the washroom as often this evening but still eating hay, New greens for the info this. All times the cornerstone of a nest in calcium which can lead to digestive issues to a! Her coat is thick and soft and no trace of a rabbit is a harmless and fruit... Please don ’ t raised meat rabbits painful back leg hocks ( open sore on the hand. 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