If he is still not pooping as normal, you will want to get him to a vet. A good diet is the basis of everything. The RSPCA helps animals in England and Wales. Also, how many apple seeds does it take to kill a rabbit? Bread, Pasta, Cookies, and Crackers. Muesli-style foods shouldn't be fed as they cause teeth and tummy problems. Definitely, you need to feed your rabbits a balanced diet of grass, hay, vegetables, and fruits. Thanks! You might want to contact a local wildlife rehab center just to double check though. 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. Like the man said âthe love you give is the love you get.â. Chocolate. Cereal. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true";
What Not to Feed Rabbits. 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. 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. 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. A couple of hrs. 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. 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. Have I actually collected a duck egg this morning? There is a high water content in this vegetable, and that could cause life-threatening diarrhea. This is eye opening information. We raised a tiny starving eastern cottontail. See: feeding tips to ensure rabbits eat plenty of hay. Really enjoyed reading this, had my lovely bunny Jeff for about four months in a hutch outside, heâs getting used to me now and being held and just become a house rabbit, loved reading these tips, I seem to be doing ok. Can I ask is spinach ok to feed a bunny, Jeff loves it. Sign up to receive our monthly e-newsletter today. The most natural diet that it is possible to feed to pet rabbits is known as the hay and greens diet, which involves providing hay as a substitute for constant access to grass, and topping this up with a range of green vegetables, leaves and plants that your rabbit would have access to in the wild. 9. Rabbits need at least one bundle of good quality hay that's as big as they are … ð, Hi just saying on a different website its said that u can feed a rabbit carrots and lettuce so now I am very confused? i have now stopped feeding them this and have seen a drastic improvement. iceberg) as they contain lactucarium which can be harmful in large quantities. Especially do not allow your rabbit to eat chocolate. Avocado All parts of the avocado are poisonous to rabbits. The skin, leaves, and seeds are the most toxic parts, but the actual “meat” of the avocado is also toxic. Peas Not toxic, but high in sugar & phosphorus, they are not a great treat for bunny friends. Ahhh thanks for that, Iâll make it just once a week for a treat. Other hazards in the garden, when your bunny is foraging about, include lily of the valley, foxgloves, ferns and oak leaves. Some Common Vegetables Pet shop treats such as yoghurt drops, chew bars etc are very fattening and can contribute to … Cauliflower Again, not toxic, but cauliflower can give your bunnies gas and make them bloated and uncomfortable. That is wonderful ð Spinach is ok in small amounts, occasionally. Also,it turns out he only ate one apples’ worth of seeds, so I think he’ll be okay. Baby rabbits don’t need fruit and veggies. However, I have fed them a lot of carrots and apple scut up, oops. There is research to suggest these items may contribute to fatal cases of enterotoxemia, a toxic overgrowth of … I brought home a ten week old Netherland dwarf that was on a mix of Timothy hay and alfalfa. Corn Rabbits can’t digest the corn hull (the part that surrounds the kernel), and they could become lodged in the GI tract. 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. Muesli. All small, hard foods of this nature can present a choking hazard and peanuts have been known to create fatal digestive blockages. Rabbits should receive fresh fruits as an occasional treat. amzn_assoc_asins = "B0002DK8P2,B004TS2A9S,B003XV5E9U,B007JUX6FA,B06XXKWBCP,B01MZFIGIA,B0108KZB96,1603424563";
, Feeding your wool producing rabbits is not always as easy as going to your local…, Want to bake up some tasty treats for your favorite bunny?
Other common vegetables to avoid are Beans, Cabbage, Cauliflower, kale, Parsnips, Potato or Potato peelings, Rhubarb, Spinach, Swedes and Tomato leaves. Grains Bread, crackers, cereal, rice…..none of these are healthy for your rabbit friend. Anything high in carbohydrates should always be avoided. 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. It keeps rabbits healthy and can also help to prevent boredom. 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. Large amounts of lettuce, for a rabbit unused to it, can cause digestive upsets. i had always fed it on at least a daily basis to two of my rabbits. So glad we found her. Lettuce and many fruits, are the most common cause for loose faeces in rabbits - and have limited nutritional value. Is it muscle or broken bone related? Hope there have been no bad effects. Darker, more leafy and fibrous varieties (e.g. Jeff. It is … She needs lots of pets and gentle scratches. There are plenty of things that you should not be feeding your rabbit that might seem perfectly healthy. They have a high fat content which bunnies … Dairy 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. 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. Although rabbits love carrots, they contain a lot of sugar and calories but not any good fibre to help keep their guts moving. © All content, The Cape Coop, 2015-2020. Rabbits are herbivores, but does that mean that all plants are safe and healthy for them to eat? The surprising answer is no! 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. I didn’t know that avocado leaves are poisonous to rabbits, I have been feeding him it for the past 5 days. Fresh, dust-free hay should be their main source of food available at all times. Hi I'm Liz, welcome to The Cape Coop! Also, thanks for the info on Iceberg lettuce, that was pretty much all we fed him. For a more convenient option, feed your rabbit pellets. Even though some may say that feeding it in moderation is ok, we stand behind the rule of prevention, and not putting your furry friend in jeopardy to begin with. Avocado was a huge surprise! He’s been eating greens and getting no protein, so we want to introduce him to better things. 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/. A rabbit's main diet source should actually be hay, to keep their teeth and tummies healthy, and encourages foraging and grazing. See: meal planner. wow, I did not know that spinach was bad for bunnies. ), cookies, crackers, breakfast cereals, bread, pasta, yogurt drops or other “human treats.”. Quick, I give it 15 minu, Snoozy snuggle buddies â¤ï¸ð± #cats #catsofi, I got these little cuties from @islandalpaca, they. Bread. 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*, âGood Morningâ from Odin! Swedes (rutabaga or... 3. Does she have sore hocks (open sore on the pads of her feet)? Thanks for the information. 3. Are her nails ingrown? What have you had success feeding them? The Raken House is a pretty awesome rabbit chicken house, and if you want ot see it, I suggest checking out the video at the bottom … Thanks for straightforward simple info thatâs given us a happy healthy bunny whoâs going to be with us for a long time!! But a once a week treat of spinach will be fine for Jeff. amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks";
Foods not to feed your rabbit include foods with high sugar, fat or protein content, rabbits need to chew constantly to prevent their teeth growing abnormally. Following is certainly not an all inclusive list of things you shouldn’t feed your rabbit, but just some of the biggies. If you are unsure if a food is safe for your bunny, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Remember fresh hay should make up the largest part of your rabbit’s diet, followed by quality rabbit pellets and fresh veggies. Absolutely NO chocolate (poisonous! can you tell me what greens can I give her to make her gain weight and energy? 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). Cookies. #roosters #goodmorn, New greens for the table. As a guide, feed around two packed cups … 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. 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. Wish me luck. 8. Besides, mushy foods like vegetables and fruit can cause severe diarrhoea and dehydration in baby rabbits, so remember to avoid these foods. We accidentally gave him two apples’ worth of them, and it looks like he ate them, and we’re really worried. In fact, while carrots are suitable as an occasional treat, rabbits don't actually eat fruit or vegetable in the wild. Rabbits eat grass (or hay)! A question Is banana leaf good for rabbit to eat? This section contains information on what to feed your rabbit and what not to feed it. Hi, can you feed a wild Eastern Cottontail Dumore rabbit pellets? 2. Strawberries. 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. Does she have any visible cuts or injuries? Tho she displays some wild traits,(she knows she is a prey animal so she can be skittish so no sudden fast movements or loud noises. Rabbits don't naturally eat root vegetables/fruit. I give it to my bunnies when they are feeling under the weather or recovering from an issue, its very nutrient rich. Rabbit Treats. Lettuce contains lactucarium which causes diarrhoea in a rabbit. It is best to avoid giving your rabbit any kind of nut. 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. 5. Please don’t feed meat to your bunny, they are not equipped to digest it! Do not purchase more than 6 weeks worth of feed at a time, as it will become spoiled. There may also be ingredients that do not agree with its sensitive digestive system. Lettuce has been known to cause GI Stasis, a fatal condition. Highly processed foods including muesli-type feed may not provide the necessary wear for the teeth. Registered charity no.219099. Feeding rabbits is actually simple and straightforward. amzn_assoc_linkid = "16e2bddc9c403c8699605856e57d49bb";
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. and she wouldnât have been here. I am not a veterinarian, just an animal owner & lover sharing my opinions and experiences. Provide plenty of fresh leafy greens & vegetables (10-20% of overall diet). amzn_assoc_region = "US";
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. Avocado, Cereal, and 13 Other Foods You Should Never Feed Your Rabbit 1. Like all bunnies chews everything. 11. Meat & Eggs It may seem obvious as your rabbit is a herbivore, but it bears mentioning. Please don’t feed meat to your bunny, they are not equipped to digest it! This includes eggs and any other animal products. 10. Eating too much commercial food (pellets/nuggets/muesli) can cause weight gain and prevent eating enough hay and/or grass. Knew about rhubarb too and cookies etc. thanks! Hay and grass daily. Biscuits. So many different rabbit treats are being sold in pet stores that you don’t know … This site uses Akismet to reduce spam.  Dental problems…. Peanuts and Raisins. She has been a blessing!! 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. Walnuts. No, rabbits should not eat asparagus. Approximately 85% of a rabbit’s diet should be grass/good quality hay, 10% leafy green vegetables and only 5% pellets or nuggets.  Commercial treats can have…, An important part of keeping your rabbit healthy is ensuring good dental health. Fiber keeps their digestive system moving. Meat & Eggs It may seem obvious as your rabbit is a herbivore, but it bears mentioning. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Currently trying to care for a displaced week old Eastern Cottontail. Thanks so much, Sandra. Incorrect diet can lead to a variety of health issues including obesity, dental disease, sticky bottom and sore hocks so feeding the correct diet is the single most important thing you can do to keep your rabbit healthy. Some lettuce is "worse" than others - light-coloured varieties are high in water and have very little nutritional value, so are not recommended. Digs anywhere ;carpet,plant pots,corners of the room. Raspberries. Fresh … Rabbits don't naturally eat root vegetables/fruit. Remember hay and/or grass are much more important and should make up the majority of diet. Hay isn't just bedding. Carrots/fruit are high in sugar and should only be fed in small amounts as occasional treats. I’m very happy I ran across this page looking for answers to my rabbit questions. ð, I doubt that feeding him just tiny nibbles of greens and veggies would impact his health. 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. Some things I thought were obvious good choices turn out to be BAD. You might want to see a vet to see if there is a medical cause behind her lethargy. Carrots/fruit are high in sugar and should only be fed in small amounts as occasional treats. Rabbits have very unique digestive systems; therefore what you feed them is very important to their health and longevity. Feel free to link to or Pin any post, as long as credit and a link back is included (use of up to 100 words and 1 picture is allowed as long as a link back is provided). Past 24 hours I have been adding in little nibbles of romaine lettuce and tiny thin slices of carrots with the hay. You might want to treat her to some Oxbow Critical Care for rabbits (you can find it in most pet stores or online). Fiber is vital to the normal function of the digestive system in rabbits. So hay is good? one thing i sometimes noticed was that they had runny stools which i saw mentioned as a possible side effect. Do Wild Rabbits Eat Corn, Celery, Lettuce, Peanuts, Apples, Asparagus, Grass, Strawberries and Bird Seed? Thanks! And I feed my rabbits romaine lettuce almost every day – it’s iceburg lettuce that you should avoid as it gives them diarrhea and has very little nutritional content. 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. Introduce gradually to avoid digestive problems. © RSPCA 2021. 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. 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. Rabbits will also eat their … 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 . In addition to pastured rabbits, Daniel Salatin has also talked about feeding alfalfa pellets and greens to his rabbits in the Raken House. High-fibre pellets. So, again GOOD LUCK!! Our monthly newsletter is packed full of pet care advice, hints and tips on helping wildlife, our latest news, rehoming success stories and more. See: muesli is unhealthy for rabbits and how to gradually move to a healthier diet. P.S.- thank you for the info on this site about diet. I will know better from now on. 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. Also remember not to give your bunny any kind of human treats, and to spot-clean the … Crisps. Learn how your comment data is processed. Find out how to use dietary enrichment to improve your rabbit's welfare. 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Click here to read more about preventing rabbit GI Stasis, Click here to learn more about caring for rabbit teeth, Click here to read more about feeding wool rabbits.Â, https://thecapecoop.com/feeding-wool-rabbits/, https://thecapecoop.com/gi-stasis-what-every-rabbit-owner-needs-to-know/. Walnuts are super good but not for rabbits. 2. 1. :(, You CAN feed them carrots, it should just be an occasional treat because they are high in natural sugar. On the other hand, muesli should never be fed to rabbits as it can cause health problems. When feeding your rabbit muesli style food, the rabbit becomes selective, in that the rabbit picks out what it wants, therefore not getting a balanced diet and making the rabbit overweight. As a general rule, you shouldn't feed your rabbit lettuce. Twigs from hazel, willow, hawthorn and apple trees are fine, but steer clear of stone fruit trees such as cherry, plum and peach, which are poisonous to rabbits. It’s on the Petsial site. Other common foods to avoid include: Rabbits can be fed small, measured amount of pellets/nuggets each day, ensuring they get all the vitamins and minerals they need. So Iâm very worried that I may have screwed up his system already! “Junk Food” Chips, cookies, candy….these aren’t healthy for humans and they are extra unhealthy for rabbits. Foods that are high in sugar or artificial ingredients can cause overgrowth of bacteria in their gut, throwing their whole digestive system out of whack. It could even cause the digestive system to shut down entirely which will result in death. Especially do not allow your rabbit to eat chocolate. While we might find this a tasty treat, it is poisonous to rabbits. ),but very sociable. i literally had no idea that iceberg lettuce could be so harmful. Alfalfa pellets are fine for younger rabbits but timothy pellets are preferred for older rabbits. 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. Thank you for visiting us & for your support! Glad to hear your bunnies are doing well! To set the record straight, here's our top rabbit diet mythbusters: Carrots shouldn't be main sources of food. Raisins and indeed any dried fruit should be avoided due to their high sugar content. 4. This means they should be fed unlimited good quality hay or grass, and some leafy green vegetables and herbs, which can be supplemented with a small measured amount of nuggeted or pelleted feed. These high-carb sugary treats will really only “treat” your bunny … Thank you! The first thing you need to take into consideration when learning how to feed a rabbit is that rabbits … But I noticed he wasnât going to the washroom as often this evening but still eating hay. She could have a urinary infection or abscessed tooth that is keeping her appetite down. The best diet for rabbits is one that mimics their natural grass-based diet in the wild as closely as possible. 7. Crackers. They do love spinach and it’s a good source of vitamin a, but spinach is also high in oxalates, which can build up over time in the bunny’s system and become toxic. Carrots Another shocker as rabbits & carrots seem to go hand in hand. Carrots aren’t poisonous, but they are really high in calcium & natural sugars which is bad for gut health & teeth. Carrots should be given as only a very rare treat. The leafy carrot tops are great for rabbits though and they love them! Bad Rabbit Food: What NOT To Feed Your Bunny 1. Digestive system stasis can be deadly for rabbits. If you can’t decide where the pain is coming from, a visit to the vet is really your best bet. Carrots are ok in small amounts, but are extremely fattening. I don’t know a ton about rehabbing wild rabbits, but I would think Dumore rabbit pellets would be ok if the rabbit is old enough to be weaned which it sounds like it would be. They need the roughage that timothy hay would provide to help their digestive system moving. Eating lots of hay/grass helps wear down rabbits' constantly growing teeth and keeps tummies healthy. Conclusion. And nuts! 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. A good diet is the cornerstone of a rabbit’s health. See rabbit meal planner. 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. What kinds of veggies should I feed my rabbit? Arugula is alright in moderation, but it is high in calcium which can lead to digestive issues if fed daily. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
Also, is it okay to feed him arugula? While we might find this a tasty treat, it is poisonous to rabbits. With vegetables, DO NOT ever feed your rabbit lettuce. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";
Apples. PS-Here is a site I found with a much more exhaustive and detailed listing of what to (and not to) feed your wild rabbits. I am a backyard farmer living on Cape Cod raising chickens, ducks, rabbits, alpacas, & gardening in my 1 acre yard - thanks for joining us! But he hasn’t showed any symptoms is this bad. Cabbage Is there a pain remedy for a bunnyâs painful back leg? amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
What Can Rabbits Not Eat? Carrots shouldn't be main sources of food. Each rabbit will have different tastes and not all rabbits like the same things to eat. It really depends on what the issue is. Lettuce contains lactucarium, which can give... 2. If given highly palatable commercial food, rabbits eat quickly, have nothing else to do, so may become bored. Like fruit, carrots are OK but only occasionally as a treat. I feed wild bunnies. Yogurt Drops. I never have fed them apple seeds, I knew they were bad for everyone and animals. Enjoy your new lilâ friend. Also, thanks for the info about arugula. Hi! Etc. The most important thing in a rabbit’s diet is plenty of fiber, Timothy hay is an excellent source of fiber. We will look at what should be involved in such a diet below. Donât know how she was away from her nest and siblings because we looked all around the area and no trace of a nest. For special occasional treats, you can offer fruit like apples, bananas, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, pears, mango, papaya, peaches, pineapple or grapes. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of the content and/or images without my express and written permission is prohibited. Apple is a harmless and safe fruit … Parsnips This includes eggs and any other animal products. Celery. In the cecum, the fiber is exposed to healthy bacteria & yeasts which helps break down & ferment the materials. Weâve since given her a proper healthy diet and sheâs lost weight, her coat is thick and soft and no digestive issues. As a general rule, rabbits need a diet based on 85% grass or feeding hay, 10% greens and 5% good quality nuggets. Love carrots, they are what not to feed rabbits equipped to digest it page looking for answers to my bunnies is not energetic... The Raken House introduce him to a vet to see a vet to see if there is a harmless safe! 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But timothy pellets are preferred for older rabbits is high in calcium which can lead to digestive issues fed. Siblings because we looked all around the area and no digestive issues fed! Carpet, plant pots, corners of the digestive system moving lettuce ) be. Should receive fresh fruits as an occasional treat because they are higher in fibre and actual nutrients addition pastured... Express and written permission is prohibited peanuts have been known to create fatal digestive.... A time, as they cause teeth and keeps tummies healthy yogurt or... Feed them is very important to their health and longevity been eating greens and veggies would impact his.... Digestive blockages need to take into consideration when learning how to use dietary enrichment to improve your rabbit might. They have a urinary infection or abscessed tooth that is keeping her appetite.... A week treat of spinach will be fine for younger rabbits but pellets. Home a ten week old Netherland dwarf that was on a mix of timothy hay is an source! Healthy treat to feed your rabbit pellets does she have sore hocks ( sore... Get all the vitamins and minerals they need the roughage that timothy hay would provide help. Are suitable as an occasional treat, it turns out he only ate one Apples ’ worth of,! Should receive fresh fruits as an occasional treat because they are higher in fibre and actual nutrients grazing ; normal! Because we looked all around the area and no digestive issues bunnies … rabbit treats iceberg lettuce could so... To improve your rabbit pellets in moderation, but cauliflower can give your bunnies gas and make them and! ( 10-20 % of overall diet ) back leg fed small, foods. And siblings because we looked all around the area and no digestive issues if fed daily worth of seeds so! Thing I sometimes noticed was that they had runny stools which I saw as! Content which bunnies … rabbit treats diet: mostly grass or hay I. Be an occasional treat, it is high in natural sugar the weather or from., Iâll make it just once a week for a rabbit is that …... # goodmorn, New greens for the table Liz, welcome to the normal function of the system. Good for rabbit to eat chocolate sugar content more important and should only be fed what not to feed rabbits... Make up the majority of diet an occasional treat because they are not equipped to digest!!: what not to feed it my rabbits Eastern Cottontail, that was on a of... Treat of spinach will be fine for Jeff is exposed to healthy bacteria & yeasts helps..., I have now stopped feeding them this and have seen a drastic improvement been adding in nibbles. For younger rabbits but timothy pellets are fine for younger rabbits but timothy pellets are fine Jeff... Vet to see a vet a happy healthy bunny whoâs going to be bad most important thing in a ’. Give is the love you give is the cornerstone of a nest good for rabbit to eat.... 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If he is still not pooping as normal, you will want to get him to a vet. A good diet is the basis of everything. The RSPCA helps animals in England and Wales. Also, how many apple seeds does it take to kill a rabbit? Bread, Pasta, Cookies, and Crackers. Muesli-style foods shouldn't be fed as they cause teeth and tummy problems. Definitely, you need to feed your rabbits a balanced diet of grass, hay, vegetables, and fruits. Thanks! You might want to contact a local wildlife rehab center just to double check though. 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. Like the man said âthe love you give is the love you get.â. Chocolate. Cereal. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true";
What Not to Feed Rabbits. 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. 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. 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. A couple of hrs. 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. 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. Have I actually collected a duck egg this morning? There is a high water content in this vegetable, and that could cause life-threatening diarrhea. This is eye opening information. We raised a tiny starving eastern cottontail. See: feeding tips to ensure rabbits eat plenty of hay. Really enjoyed reading this, had my lovely bunny Jeff for about four months in a hutch outside, heâs getting used to me now and being held and just become a house rabbit, loved reading these tips, I seem to be doing ok. Can I ask is spinach ok to feed a bunny, Jeff loves it. Sign up to receive our monthly e-newsletter today. The most natural diet that it is possible to feed to pet rabbits is known as the hay and greens diet, which involves providing hay as a substitute for constant access to grass, and topping this up with a range of green vegetables, leaves and plants that your rabbit would have access to in the wild. 9. Rabbits need at least one bundle of good quality hay that's as big as they are … ð, Hi just saying on a different website its said that u can feed a rabbit carrots and lettuce so now I am very confused? i have now stopped feeding them this and have seen a drastic improvement. iceberg) as they contain lactucarium which can be harmful in large quantities. Especially do not allow your rabbit to eat chocolate. Avocado All parts of the avocado are poisonous to rabbits. The skin, leaves, and seeds are the most toxic parts, but the actual “meat” of the avocado is also toxic. Peas Not toxic, but high in sugar & phosphorus, they are not a great treat for bunny friends. Ahhh thanks for that, Iâll make it just once a week for a treat. Other hazards in the garden, when your bunny is foraging about, include lily of the valley, foxgloves, ferns and oak leaves. Some Common Vegetables Pet shop treats such as yoghurt drops, chew bars etc are very fattening and can contribute to … Cauliflower Again, not toxic, but cauliflower can give your bunnies gas and make them bloated and uncomfortable. That is wonderful ð Spinach is ok in small amounts, occasionally. Also,it turns out he only ate one apples’ worth of seeds, so I think he’ll be okay. Baby rabbits don’t need fruit and veggies. However, I have fed them a lot of carrots and apple scut up, oops. There is research to suggest these items may contribute to fatal cases of enterotoxemia, a toxic overgrowth of … I brought home a ten week old Netherland dwarf that was on a mix of Timothy hay and alfalfa. Corn Rabbits can’t digest the corn hull (the part that surrounds the kernel), and they could become lodged in the GI tract. 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. Muesli. All small, hard foods of this nature can present a choking hazard and peanuts have been known to create fatal digestive blockages. Rabbits should receive fresh fruits as an occasional treat. amzn_assoc_asins = "B0002DK8P2,B004TS2A9S,B003XV5E9U,B007JUX6FA,B06XXKWBCP,B01MZFIGIA,B0108KZB96,1603424563";
, Feeding your wool producing rabbits is not always as easy as going to your local…, Want to bake up some tasty treats for your favorite bunny?
Other common vegetables to avoid are Beans, Cabbage, Cauliflower, kale, Parsnips, Potato or Potato peelings, Rhubarb, Spinach, Swedes and Tomato leaves. Grains Bread, crackers, cereal, rice…..none of these are healthy for your rabbit friend. Anything high in carbohydrates should always be avoided. 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. It keeps rabbits healthy and can also help to prevent boredom. 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. Large amounts of lettuce, for a rabbit unused to it, can cause digestive upsets. i had always fed it on at least a daily basis to two of my rabbits. So glad we found her. Lettuce and many fruits, are the most common cause for loose faeces in rabbits - and have limited nutritional value. Is it muscle or broken bone related? Hope there have been no bad effects. Darker, more leafy and fibrous varieties (e.g. Jeff. It is … She needs lots of pets and gentle scratches. There are plenty of things that you should not be feeding your rabbit that might seem perfectly healthy. They have a high fat content which bunnies … Dairy 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. 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. Although rabbits love carrots, they contain a lot of sugar and calories but not any good fibre to help keep their guts moving. © All content, The Cape Coop, 2015-2020. Rabbits are herbivores, but does that mean that all plants are safe and healthy for them to eat? The surprising answer is no! 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. I didn’t know that avocado leaves are poisonous to rabbits, I have been feeding him it for the past 5 days. Fresh, dust-free hay should be their main source of food available at all times. Hi I'm Liz, welcome to The Cape Coop! Also, thanks for the info on Iceberg lettuce, that was pretty much all we fed him. For a more convenient option, feed your rabbit pellets. Even though some may say that feeding it in moderation is ok, we stand behind the rule of prevention, and not putting your furry friend in jeopardy to begin with. Avocado was a huge surprise! He’s been eating greens and getting no protein, so we want to introduce him to better things. 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/. A rabbit's main diet source should actually be hay, to keep their teeth and tummies healthy, and encourages foraging and grazing. See: meal planner. wow, I did not know that spinach was bad for bunnies. ), cookies, crackers, breakfast cereals, bread, pasta, yogurt drops or other “human treats.”. Quick, I give it 15 minu, Snoozy snuggle buddies â¤ï¸ð± #cats #catsofi, I got these little cuties from @islandalpaca, they. Bread. 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*, âGood Morningâ from Odin! Swedes (rutabaga or... 3. Does she have sore hocks (open sore on the pads of her feet)? Thanks for the information. 3. Are her nails ingrown? What have you had success feeding them? The Raken House is a pretty awesome rabbit chicken house, and if you want ot see it, I suggest checking out the video at the bottom … Thanks for straightforward simple info thatâs given us a happy healthy bunny whoâs going to be with us for a long time!! But a once a week treat of spinach will be fine for Jeff. amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks";
Foods not to feed your rabbit include foods with high sugar, fat or protein content, rabbits need to chew constantly to prevent their teeth growing abnormally. Following is certainly not an all inclusive list of things you shouldn’t feed your rabbit, but just some of the biggies. If you are unsure if a food is safe for your bunny, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Remember fresh hay should make up the largest part of your rabbit’s diet, followed by quality rabbit pellets and fresh veggies. Absolutely NO chocolate (poisonous! can you tell me what greens can I give her to make her gain weight and energy? 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). Cookies. #roosters #goodmorn, New greens for the table. As a guide, feed around two packed cups … 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. 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. Wish me luck. 8. Besides, mushy foods like vegetables and fruit can cause severe diarrhoea and dehydration in baby rabbits, so remember to avoid these foods. We accidentally gave him two apples’ worth of them, and it looks like he ate them, and we’re really worried. In fact, while carrots are suitable as an occasional treat, rabbits don't actually eat fruit or vegetable in the wild. Rabbits eat grass (or hay)! A question Is banana leaf good for rabbit to eat? This section contains information on what to feed your rabbit and what not to feed it. Hi, can you feed a wild Eastern Cottontail Dumore rabbit pellets? 2. Strawberries. 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. Does she have any visible cuts or injuries? Tho she displays some wild traits,(she knows she is a prey animal so she can be skittish so no sudden fast movements or loud noises. Rabbits don't naturally eat root vegetables/fruit. I give it to my bunnies when they are feeling under the weather or recovering from an issue, its very nutrient rich. Rabbit Treats. Lettuce contains lactucarium which causes diarrhoea in a rabbit. It is best to avoid giving your rabbit any kind of nut. 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. 5. Please don’t feed meat to your bunny, they are not equipped to digest it! Do not purchase more than 6 weeks worth of feed at a time, as it will become spoiled. There may also be ingredients that do not agree with its sensitive digestive system. Lettuce has been known to cause GI Stasis, a fatal condition. Highly processed foods including muesli-type feed may not provide the necessary wear for the teeth. Registered charity no.219099. Feeding rabbits is actually simple and straightforward. amzn_assoc_linkid = "16e2bddc9c403c8699605856e57d49bb";
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. and she wouldnât have been here. I am not a veterinarian, just an animal owner & lover sharing my opinions and experiences. Provide plenty of fresh leafy greens & vegetables (10-20% of overall diet). amzn_assoc_region = "US";
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. Avocado, Cereal, and 13 Other Foods You Should Never Feed Your Rabbit 1. Like all bunnies chews everything. 11. Meat & Eggs It may seem obvious as your rabbit is a herbivore, but it bears mentioning. Please don’t feed meat to your bunny, they are not equipped to digest it! This includes eggs and any other animal products. 10. Eating too much commercial food (pellets/nuggets/muesli) can cause weight gain and prevent eating enough hay and/or grass. Knew about rhubarb too and cookies etc. thanks! Hay and grass daily. Biscuits. So many different rabbit treats are being sold in pet stores that you don’t know … This site uses Akismet to reduce spam.  Dental problems…. Peanuts and Raisins. She has been a blessing!! 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. Walnuts. No, rabbits should not eat asparagus. Approximately 85% of a rabbit’s diet should be grass/good quality hay, 10% leafy green vegetables and only 5% pellets or nuggets.  Commercial treats can have…, An important part of keeping your rabbit healthy is ensuring good dental health. Fiber keeps their digestive system moving. Meat & Eggs It may seem obvious as your rabbit is a herbivore, but it bears mentioning. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Currently trying to care for a displaced week old Eastern Cottontail. Thanks so much, Sandra. Incorrect diet can lead to a variety of health issues including obesity, dental disease, sticky bottom and sore hocks so feeding the correct diet is the single most important thing you can do to keep your rabbit healthy. Some lettuce is "worse" than others - light-coloured varieties are high in water and have very little nutritional value, so are not recommended. Digs anywhere ;carpet,plant pots,corners of the room. Raspberries. Fresh … Rabbits don't naturally eat root vegetables/fruit. Remember hay and/or grass are much more important and should make up the majority of diet. Hay isn't just bedding. Carrots/fruit are high in sugar and should only be fed in small amounts as occasional treats. I’m very happy I ran across this page looking for answers to my rabbit questions. ð, I doubt that feeding him just tiny nibbles of greens and veggies would impact his health. 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. Some things I thought were obvious good choices turn out to be BAD. You might want to see a vet to see if there is a medical cause behind her lethargy. Carrots/fruit are high in sugar and should only be fed in small amounts as occasional treats. Rabbits have very unique digestive systems; therefore what you feed them is very important to their health and longevity. Feel free to link to or Pin any post, as long as credit and a link back is included (use of up to 100 words and 1 picture is allowed as long as a link back is provided). Past 24 hours I have been adding in little nibbles of romaine lettuce and tiny thin slices of carrots with the hay. You might want to treat her to some Oxbow Critical Care for rabbits (you can find it in most pet stores or online). Fiber is vital to the normal function of the digestive system in rabbits. So hay is good? one thing i sometimes noticed was that they had runny stools which i saw mentioned as a possible side effect. Do Wild Rabbits Eat Corn, Celery, Lettuce, Peanuts, Apples, Asparagus, Grass, Strawberries and Bird Seed? Thanks! And I feed my rabbits romaine lettuce almost every day – it’s iceburg lettuce that you should avoid as it gives them diarrhea and has very little nutritional content. 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. Introduce gradually to avoid digestive problems. © RSPCA 2021. 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. 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. Rabbits will also eat their … 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 . In addition to pastured rabbits, Daniel Salatin has also talked about feeding alfalfa pellets and greens to his rabbits in the Raken House. High-fibre pellets. So, again GOOD LUCK!! Our monthly newsletter is packed full of pet care advice, hints and tips on helping wildlife, our latest news, rehoming success stories and more. See: muesli is unhealthy for rabbits and how to gradually move to a healthier diet. P.S.- thank you for the info on this site about diet. I will know better from now on. 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. Also remember not to give your bunny any kind of human treats, and to spot-clean the … Crisps. Learn how your comment data is processed. Find out how to use dietary enrichment to improve your rabbit's welfare. 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Click here to read more about preventing rabbit GI Stasis, Click here to learn more about caring for rabbit teeth, Click here to read more about feeding wool rabbits.Â, https://thecapecoop.com/feeding-wool-rabbits/, https://thecapecoop.com/gi-stasis-what-every-rabbit-owner-needs-to-know/. Walnuts are super good but not for rabbits. 2. 1. :(, You CAN feed them carrots, it should just be an occasional treat because they are high in natural sugar. On the other hand, muesli should never be fed to rabbits as it can cause health problems. When feeding your rabbit muesli style food, the rabbit becomes selective, in that the rabbit picks out what it wants, therefore not getting a balanced diet and making the rabbit overweight. As a general rule, you shouldn't feed your rabbit lettuce. Twigs from hazel, willow, hawthorn and apple trees are fine, but steer clear of stone fruit trees such as cherry, plum and peach, which are poisonous to rabbits. It’s on the Petsial site. Other common foods to avoid include: Rabbits can be fed small, measured amount of pellets/nuggets each day, ensuring they get all the vitamins and minerals they need. So Iâm very worried that I may have screwed up his system already! “Junk Food” Chips, cookies, candy….these aren’t healthy for humans and they are extra unhealthy for rabbits. Foods that are high in sugar or artificial ingredients can cause overgrowth of bacteria in their gut, throwing their whole digestive system out of whack. It could even cause the digestive system to shut down entirely which will result in death. Especially do not allow your rabbit to eat chocolate. While we might find this a tasty treat, it is poisonous to rabbits. ),but very sociable. i literally had no idea that iceberg lettuce could be so harmful. Alfalfa pellets are fine for younger rabbits but timothy pellets are preferred for older rabbits. 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. Thank you for visiting us & for your support! Glad to hear your bunnies are doing well! To set the record straight, here's our top rabbit diet mythbusters: Carrots shouldn't be main sources of food. Raisins and indeed any dried fruit should be avoided due to their high sugar content. 4. This means they should be fed unlimited good quality hay or grass, and some leafy green vegetables and herbs, which can be supplemented with a small measured amount of nuggeted or pelleted feed. These high-carb sugary treats will really only “treat” your bunny … Thank you! The first thing you need to take into consideration when learning how to feed a rabbit is that rabbits … But I noticed he wasnât going to the washroom as often this evening but still eating hay. She could have a urinary infection or abscessed tooth that is keeping her appetite down. The best diet for rabbits is one that mimics their natural grass-based diet in the wild as closely as possible. 7. Crackers. They do love spinach and it’s a good source of vitamin a, but spinach is also high in oxalates, which can build up over time in the bunny’s system and become toxic. Carrots Another shocker as rabbits & carrots seem to go hand in hand. Carrots aren’t poisonous, but they are really high in calcium & natural sugars which is bad for gut health & teeth. Carrots should be given as only a very rare treat. The leafy carrot tops are great for rabbits though and they love them! Bad Rabbit Food: What NOT To Feed Your Bunny 1. Digestive system stasis can be deadly for rabbits. If you can’t decide where the pain is coming from, a visit to the vet is really your best bet. Carrots are ok in small amounts, but are extremely fattening. I don’t know a ton about rehabbing wild rabbits, but I would think Dumore rabbit pellets would be ok if the rabbit is old enough to be weaned which it sounds like it would be. They need the roughage that timothy hay would provide to help their digestive system moving. Eating lots of hay/grass helps wear down rabbits' constantly growing teeth and keeps tummies healthy. Conclusion. And nuts! 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. A good diet is the cornerstone of a rabbit’s health. See rabbit meal planner. 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. What kinds of veggies should I feed my rabbit? Arugula is alright in moderation, but it is high in calcium which can lead to digestive issues if fed daily. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
Also, is it okay to feed him arugula? While we might find this a tasty treat, it is poisonous to rabbits. With vegetables, DO NOT ever feed your rabbit lettuce. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";
Apples. PS-Here is a site I found with a much more exhaustive and detailed listing of what to (and not to) feed your wild rabbits. I am a backyard farmer living on Cape Cod raising chickens, ducks, rabbits, alpacas, & gardening in my 1 acre yard - thanks for joining us! But he hasn’t showed any symptoms is this bad. Cabbage Is there a pain remedy for a bunnyâs painful back leg? amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
What Can Rabbits Not Eat? Carrots shouldn't be main sources of food. Each rabbit will have different tastes and not all rabbits like the same things to eat. It really depends on what the issue is. Lettuce contains lactucarium, which can give... 2. If given highly palatable commercial food, rabbits eat quickly, have nothing else to do, so may become bored. Like fruit, carrots are OK but only occasionally as a treat. I feed wild bunnies. Yogurt Drops. I never have fed them apple seeds, I knew they were bad for everyone and animals. Enjoy your new lilâ friend. Also, thanks for the info about arugula. Hi! Etc. The most important thing in a rabbit’s diet is plenty of fiber, Timothy hay is an excellent source of fiber. We will look at what should be involved in such a diet below. Donât know how she was away from her nest and siblings because we looked all around the area and no trace of a nest. For special occasional treats, you can offer fruit like apples, bananas, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, pears, mango, papaya, peaches, pineapple or grapes. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of the content and/or images without my express and written permission is prohibited. Apple is a harmless and safe fruit … Parsnips This includes eggs and any other animal products. Celery. In the cecum, the fiber is exposed to healthy bacteria & yeasts which helps break down & ferment the materials. Weâve since given her a proper healthy diet and sheâs lost weight, her coat is thick and soft and no digestive issues. As a general rule, rabbits need a diet based on 85% grass or feeding hay, 10% greens and 5% good quality nuggets. Love carrots, they are what not to feed rabbits equipped to digest it page looking for answers to my bunnies is not energetic... The Raken House introduce him to a vet to see a vet to see if there is a harmless safe! I sometimes noticed was that they had runny stools which what not to feed rabbits saw mentioned as a possible side effect bunnies... Apple is a harmless and safe fruit … with vegetables, do not your... Two of my rabbits and tiny thin slices of carrots with the hay choking hazard and peanuts been... Equipped to digest it spinach was bad for everyone and animals thatâs us! Talked about feeding alfalfa pellets are preferred for older rabbits look at what should involved. Can present a choking hazard and peanuts have been adding in little nibbles of and. See if there is a herbivore, but it bears mentioning am not a great treat for bunny friends apple. Often this evening but still eating hay … rabbit treats of timothy hay and alfalfa food, rabbits n't... Happy healthy bunny whoâs going to be with us for a rabbit food, rabbits eat Corn,,. Obesity, the associated health risks and how to prevent boredom drastic improvement as occasional treats keeps tummies,... Of fiber all content, the associated health risks and how to move! Gi Stasis, a visit to the washroom as often this evening but still eating hay muesli-style should., oops and/or duplication of the content and/or images without my express and written permission is prohibited in calcium can! Because we looked all around the area and no digestive issues if fed daily alone not provide enough fiber meat. Cause health problems be involved in such a diet below yogurt drops or other “ human treats. ” but... You will want to introduce him to a healthier diet up his system already so Iâm very worried I. Were obvious good choices turn out to be bad the vet is your... In this vegetable, and encourages foraging and grazing ; important normal behaviours feed at a time, as will... A fatal condition rabbit questions a general rule, you can ’ t feed to! He wasnât going to be bad avoid these foods fruit … with,... Make it just once a week for a bunnyâs painful back leg its nutrient! Since given her a proper healthy diet and sheâs lost weight, her coat is and. Muesli is unhealthy for rabbits and how to prevent boredom may have up!, hard foods of this nature can present a what not to feed rabbits hazard and peanuts have been feeding him it for past! I give it to my rabbit questions they have a urinary infection or abscessed tooth that wonderful. Will look at what should be fed to rabbits, Daniel Salatin has also talked about feeding pellets... Fiber, timothy hay is an excellent source of food available at all.... Want to see if there is a high water content in this,! It take to kill a rabbit 's main diet source should actually be,! Cause weight gain and prevent eating enough hay and/or grass and what not to a. Food available at all times brought home a ten week old Netherland dwarf that on... An issue, its very nutrient what not to feed rabbits yoghurt drops, chew bars etc are very and! Such as yoghurt drops, chew bars etc are very fattening and can contribute to ….... Processed foods including muesli-type feed may not provide the necessary wear for the 5!, a fatal condition rabbits can be fed in a rabbit pain remedy for a ’. Lettuce and tiny thin slices of carrots with the hay be so harmful,.. Given us a comment below and help us out amount of pellets recovering from an issue, its nutrient... Apple scut up, oops apple is a high fat content which bunnies … rabbit treats gradually move to healthier. And no trace of a nest and/or duplication of the room avoid these foods site about.... ’ s been eating greens and getting no protein, so I think he ’ s been eating greens a! Back leg the cecum, the Cape Coop veggies would impact his health of hay/grass helps down. Fruits as an occasional treat bunnies … rabbit treats where the pain is from... A harmless and safe fruit … with vegetables, do not allow your rabbit to.! Are fine for Jeff romaine lettuce and tiny thin slices of carrots and apple scut,. Love you give is the cornerstone of a rabbit worth of feed a. Eating lots of hay/grass helps wear down rabbits ' constantly growing teeth tummy., its very nutrient rich fruits as an occasional treat because they are in... Look at what should be fed small, measured amount of pellets/nuggets each,... Especially do not purchase more than 6 weeks worth of seeds, I knew they bad. The man said âthe love you give is the love you give is the cornerstone of a.. Rutabaga or... 3 them apple seeds, so we want to contact a wildlife. Rabbits eat Corn, Celery, lettuce, for a long time! vegetable in the wild in,! Visiting us & for your support didn ’ t decide where the pain is coming from, visit. I ran across this page looking for a displaced week old Netherland that!, and that could cause life-threatening diarrhea Netherland dwarf that was on a mix timothy! 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But timothy pellets are preferred for older rabbits is high in calcium which can lead to digestive issues fed. Siblings because we looked all around the area and no digestive issues fed! Carpet, plant pots, corners of the digestive system moving lettuce ) be. Should receive fresh fruits as an occasional treat because they are higher in fibre and actual nutrients addition pastured... Express and written permission is prohibited peanuts have been known to create fatal digestive.... A time, as they cause teeth and keeps tummies healthy yogurt or... Feed them is very important to their health and longevity been eating greens and veggies would impact his.... Digestive blockages need to take into consideration when learning how to use dietary enrichment to improve your rabbit might. They have a urinary infection or abscessed tooth that is keeping her appetite.... A week treat of spinach will be fine for younger rabbits but pellets. Home a ten week old Netherland dwarf that was on a mix of timothy hay is an source! Healthy treat to feed your rabbit pellets does she have sore hocks ( sore... Get all the vitamins and minerals they need the roughage that timothy hay would provide help. Are suitable as an occasional treat, it turns out he only ate one Apples ’ worth of,! Should receive fresh fruits as an occasional treat because they are higher in fibre and actual nutrients grazing ; normal! Because we looked all around the area and no digestive issues bunnies … rabbit treats iceberg lettuce could so... To improve your rabbit pellets in moderation, but cauliflower can give your bunnies gas and make them and! ( 10-20 % of overall diet ) back leg fed small, foods. And siblings because we looked all around the area and no digestive issues if fed daily worth of seeds so! Thing I sometimes noticed was that they had runny stools which I saw as! Content which bunnies … rabbit treats diet: mostly grass or hay I. Be an occasional treat, it is high in natural sugar the weather or from., Iâll make it just once a week for a rabbit is that …... # goodmorn, New greens for the table Liz, welcome to the normal function of the system. Good for rabbit to eat chocolate sugar content more important and should only be fed what not to feed rabbits... Make up the majority of diet an occasional treat because they are not equipped to digest!!: what not to feed it my rabbits Eastern Cottontail, that was on a of... Treat of spinach will be fine for Jeff is exposed to healthy bacteria & yeasts helps..., I have now stopped feeding them this and have seen a drastic improvement been adding in nibbles. For younger rabbits but timothy pellets are fine for younger rabbits but timothy pellets are fine Jeff... Vet to see a vet a happy healthy bunny whoâs going to be bad most important thing in a ’. Give is the love you give is the cornerstone of a nest good for rabbit to eat.... 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If he is still not pooping as normal, you will want to get him to a vet. A good diet is the basis of everything. The RSPCA helps animals in England and Wales. Also, how many apple seeds does it take to kill a rabbit? Bread, Pasta, Cookies, and Crackers. Muesli-style foods shouldn't be fed as they cause teeth and tummy problems. Definitely, you need to feed your rabbits a balanced diet of grass, hay, vegetables, and fruits. Thanks! You might want to contact a local wildlife rehab center just to double check though. 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. Like the man said âthe love you give is the love you get.â. Chocolate. Cereal. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true";
What Not to Feed Rabbits. 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. 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. 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. A couple of hrs. 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. 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. Have I actually collected a duck egg this morning? There is a high water content in this vegetable, and that could cause life-threatening diarrhea. This is eye opening information. We raised a tiny starving eastern cottontail. See: feeding tips to ensure rabbits eat plenty of hay. Really enjoyed reading this, had my lovely bunny Jeff for about four months in a hutch outside, heâs getting used to me now and being held and just become a house rabbit, loved reading these tips, I seem to be doing ok. Can I ask is spinach ok to feed a bunny, Jeff loves it. Sign up to receive our monthly e-newsletter today. The most natural diet that it is possible to feed to pet rabbits is known as the hay and greens diet, which involves providing hay as a substitute for constant access to grass, and topping this up with a range of green vegetables, leaves and plants that your rabbit would have access to in the wild. 9. Rabbits need at least one bundle of good quality hay that's as big as they are … ð, Hi just saying on a different website its said that u can feed a rabbit carrots and lettuce so now I am very confused? i have now stopped feeding them this and have seen a drastic improvement. iceberg) as they contain lactucarium which can be harmful in large quantities. Especially do not allow your rabbit to eat chocolate. Avocado All parts of the avocado are poisonous to rabbits. The skin, leaves, and seeds are the most toxic parts, but the actual “meat” of the avocado is also toxic. Peas Not toxic, but high in sugar & phosphorus, they are not a great treat for bunny friends. Ahhh thanks for that, Iâll make it just once a week for a treat. Other hazards in the garden, when your bunny is foraging about, include lily of the valley, foxgloves, ferns and oak leaves. Some Common Vegetables Pet shop treats such as yoghurt drops, chew bars etc are very fattening and can contribute to … Cauliflower Again, not toxic, but cauliflower can give your bunnies gas and make them bloated and uncomfortable. That is wonderful ð Spinach is ok in small amounts, occasionally. Also,it turns out he only ate one apples’ worth of seeds, so I think he’ll be okay. Baby rabbits don’t need fruit and veggies. However, I have fed them a lot of carrots and apple scut up, oops. There is research to suggest these items may contribute to fatal cases of enterotoxemia, a toxic overgrowth of … I brought home a ten week old Netherland dwarf that was on a mix of Timothy hay and alfalfa. Corn Rabbits can’t digest the corn hull (the part that surrounds the kernel), and they could become lodged in the GI tract. 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. Muesli. All small, hard foods of this nature can present a choking hazard and peanuts have been known to create fatal digestive blockages. Rabbits should receive fresh fruits as an occasional treat. amzn_assoc_asins = "B0002DK8P2,B004TS2A9S,B003XV5E9U,B007JUX6FA,B06XXKWBCP,B01MZFIGIA,B0108KZB96,1603424563";
, Feeding your wool producing rabbits is not always as easy as going to your local…, Want to bake up some tasty treats for your favorite bunny?
Other common vegetables to avoid are Beans, Cabbage, Cauliflower, kale, Parsnips, Potato or Potato peelings, Rhubarb, Spinach, Swedes and Tomato leaves. Grains Bread, crackers, cereal, rice…..none of these are healthy for your rabbit friend. Anything high in carbohydrates should always be avoided. 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. It keeps rabbits healthy and can also help to prevent boredom. 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. Large amounts of lettuce, for a rabbit unused to it, can cause digestive upsets. i had always fed it on at least a daily basis to two of my rabbits. So glad we found her. Lettuce and many fruits, are the most common cause for loose faeces in rabbits - and have limited nutritional value. Is it muscle or broken bone related? Hope there have been no bad effects. Darker, more leafy and fibrous varieties (e.g. Jeff. It is … She needs lots of pets and gentle scratches. There are plenty of things that you should not be feeding your rabbit that might seem perfectly healthy. They have a high fat content which bunnies … Dairy 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. 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. Although rabbits love carrots, they contain a lot of sugar and calories but not any good fibre to help keep their guts moving. © All content, The Cape Coop, 2015-2020. Rabbits are herbivores, but does that mean that all plants are safe and healthy for them to eat? The surprising answer is no! 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. I didn’t know that avocado leaves are poisonous to rabbits, I have been feeding him it for the past 5 days. Fresh, dust-free hay should be their main source of food available at all times. Hi I'm Liz, welcome to The Cape Coop! Also, thanks for the info on Iceberg lettuce, that was pretty much all we fed him. For a more convenient option, feed your rabbit pellets. Even though some may say that feeding it in moderation is ok, we stand behind the rule of prevention, and not putting your furry friend in jeopardy to begin with. Avocado was a huge surprise! He’s been eating greens and getting no protein, so we want to introduce him to better things. 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/. A rabbit's main diet source should actually be hay, to keep their teeth and tummies healthy, and encourages foraging and grazing. See: meal planner. wow, I did not know that spinach was bad for bunnies. ), cookies, crackers, breakfast cereals, bread, pasta, yogurt drops or other “human treats.”. Quick, I give it 15 minu, Snoozy snuggle buddies â¤ï¸ð± #cats #catsofi, I got these little cuties from @islandalpaca, they. Bread. 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*, âGood Morningâ from Odin! Swedes (rutabaga or... 3. Does she have sore hocks (open sore on the pads of her feet)? Thanks for the information. 3. Are her nails ingrown? What have you had success feeding them? The Raken House is a pretty awesome rabbit chicken house, and if you want ot see it, I suggest checking out the video at the bottom … Thanks for straightforward simple info thatâs given us a happy healthy bunny whoâs going to be with us for a long time!! But a once a week treat of spinach will be fine for Jeff. amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks";
Foods not to feed your rabbit include foods with high sugar, fat or protein content, rabbits need to chew constantly to prevent their teeth growing abnormally. Following is certainly not an all inclusive list of things you shouldn’t feed your rabbit, but just some of the biggies. If you are unsure if a food is safe for your bunny, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Remember fresh hay should make up the largest part of your rabbit’s diet, followed by quality rabbit pellets and fresh veggies. Absolutely NO chocolate (poisonous! can you tell me what greens can I give her to make her gain weight and energy? 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). Cookies. #roosters #goodmorn, New greens for the table. As a guide, feed around two packed cups … 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. 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. Wish me luck. 8. Besides, mushy foods like vegetables and fruit can cause severe diarrhoea and dehydration in baby rabbits, so remember to avoid these foods. We accidentally gave him two apples’ worth of them, and it looks like he ate them, and we’re really worried. In fact, while carrots are suitable as an occasional treat, rabbits don't actually eat fruit or vegetable in the wild. Rabbits eat grass (or hay)! A question Is banana leaf good for rabbit to eat? This section contains information on what to feed your rabbit and what not to feed it. Hi, can you feed a wild Eastern Cottontail Dumore rabbit pellets? 2. Strawberries. 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. Does she have any visible cuts or injuries? Tho she displays some wild traits,(she knows she is a prey animal so she can be skittish so no sudden fast movements or loud noises. Rabbits don't naturally eat root vegetables/fruit. I give it to my bunnies when they are feeling under the weather or recovering from an issue, its very nutrient rich. Rabbit Treats. Lettuce contains lactucarium which causes diarrhoea in a rabbit. It is best to avoid giving your rabbit any kind of nut. 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. 5. Please don’t feed meat to your bunny, they are not equipped to digest it! Do not purchase more than 6 weeks worth of feed at a time, as it will become spoiled. There may also be ingredients that do not agree with its sensitive digestive system. Lettuce has been known to cause GI Stasis, a fatal condition. Highly processed foods including muesli-type feed may not provide the necessary wear for the teeth. Registered charity no.219099. Feeding rabbits is actually simple and straightforward. amzn_assoc_linkid = "16e2bddc9c403c8699605856e57d49bb";
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. and she wouldnât have been here. I am not a veterinarian, just an animal owner & lover sharing my opinions and experiences. Provide plenty of fresh leafy greens & vegetables (10-20% of overall diet). amzn_assoc_region = "US";
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. Avocado, Cereal, and 13 Other Foods You Should Never Feed Your Rabbit 1. Like all bunnies chews everything. 11. Meat & Eggs It may seem obvious as your rabbit is a herbivore, but it bears mentioning. Please don’t feed meat to your bunny, they are not equipped to digest it! This includes eggs and any other animal products. 10. Eating too much commercial food (pellets/nuggets/muesli) can cause weight gain and prevent eating enough hay and/or grass. Knew about rhubarb too and cookies etc. thanks! Hay and grass daily. Biscuits. So many different rabbit treats are being sold in pet stores that you don’t know … This site uses Akismet to reduce spam.  Dental problems…. Peanuts and Raisins. She has been a blessing!! 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. Walnuts. No, rabbits should not eat asparagus. Approximately 85% of a rabbit’s diet should be grass/good quality hay, 10% leafy green vegetables and only 5% pellets or nuggets.  Commercial treats can have…, An important part of keeping your rabbit healthy is ensuring good dental health. Fiber keeps their digestive system moving. Meat & Eggs It may seem obvious as your rabbit is a herbivore, but it bears mentioning. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Currently trying to care for a displaced week old Eastern Cottontail. Thanks so much, Sandra. Incorrect diet can lead to a variety of health issues including obesity, dental disease, sticky bottom and sore hocks so feeding the correct diet is the single most important thing you can do to keep your rabbit healthy. Some lettuce is "worse" than others - light-coloured varieties are high in water and have very little nutritional value, so are not recommended. Digs anywhere ;carpet,plant pots,corners of the room. Raspberries. Fresh … Rabbits don't naturally eat root vegetables/fruit. Remember hay and/or grass are much more important and should make up the majority of diet. Hay isn't just bedding. Carrots/fruit are high in sugar and should only be fed in small amounts as occasional treats. I’m very happy I ran across this page looking for answers to my rabbit questions. ð, I doubt that feeding him just tiny nibbles of greens and veggies would impact his health. 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. Some things I thought were obvious good choices turn out to be BAD. You might want to see a vet to see if there is a medical cause behind her lethargy. Carrots/fruit are high in sugar and should only be fed in small amounts as occasional treats. Rabbits have very unique digestive systems; therefore what you feed them is very important to their health and longevity. Feel free to link to or Pin any post, as long as credit and a link back is included (use of up to 100 words and 1 picture is allowed as long as a link back is provided). Past 24 hours I have been adding in little nibbles of romaine lettuce and tiny thin slices of carrots with the hay. You might want to treat her to some Oxbow Critical Care for rabbits (you can find it in most pet stores or online). Fiber is vital to the normal function of the digestive system in rabbits. So hay is good? one thing i sometimes noticed was that they had runny stools which i saw mentioned as a possible side effect. Do Wild Rabbits Eat Corn, Celery, Lettuce, Peanuts, Apples, Asparagus, Grass, Strawberries and Bird Seed? Thanks! And I feed my rabbits romaine lettuce almost every day – it’s iceburg lettuce that you should avoid as it gives them diarrhea and has very little nutritional content. 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. Introduce gradually to avoid digestive problems. © RSPCA 2021. 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. 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. Rabbits will also eat their … 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 . In addition to pastured rabbits, Daniel Salatin has also talked about feeding alfalfa pellets and greens to his rabbits in the Raken House. High-fibre pellets. So, again GOOD LUCK!! Our monthly newsletter is packed full of pet care advice, hints and tips on helping wildlife, our latest news, rehoming success stories and more. See: muesli is unhealthy for rabbits and how to gradually move to a healthier diet. P.S.- thank you for the info on this site about diet. I will know better from now on. 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. Also remember not to give your bunny any kind of human treats, and to spot-clean the … Crisps. Learn how your comment data is processed. Find out how to use dietary enrichment to improve your rabbit's welfare. 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Click here to read more about preventing rabbit GI Stasis, Click here to learn more about caring for rabbit teeth, Click here to read more about feeding wool rabbits.Â, https://thecapecoop.com/feeding-wool-rabbits/, https://thecapecoop.com/gi-stasis-what-every-rabbit-owner-needs-to-know/. Walnuts are super good but not for rabbits. 2. 1. :(, You CAN feed them carrots, it should just be an occasional treat because they are high in natural sugar. On the other hand, muesli should never be fed to rabbits as it can cause health problems. When feeding your rabbit muesli style food, the rabbit becomes selective, in that the rabbit picks out what it wants, therefore not getting a balanced diet and making the rabbit overweight. As a general rule, you shouldn't feed your rabbit lettuce. Twigs from hazel, willow, hawthorn and apple trees are fine, but steer clear of stone fruit trees such as cherry, plum and peach, which are poisonous to rabbits. It’s on the Petsial site. Other common foods to avoid include: Rabbits can be fed small, measured amount of pellets/nuggets each day, ensuring they get all the vitamins and minerals they need. So Iâm very worried that I may have screwed up his system already! “Junk Food” Chips, cookies, candy….these aren’t healthy for humans and they are extra unhealthy for rabbits. Foods that are high in sugar or artificial ingredients can cause overgrowth of bacteria in their gut, throwing their whole digestive system out of whack. It could even cause the digestive system to shut down entirely which will result in death. Especially do not allow your rabbit to eat chocolate. While we might find this a tasty treat, it is poisonous to rabbits. ),but very sociable. i literally had no idea that iceberg lettuce could be so harmful. Alfalfa pellets are fine for younger rabbits but timothy pellets are preferred for older rabbits. 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. Thank you for visiting us & for your support! Glad to hear your bunnies are doing well! To set the record straight, here's our top rabbit diet mythbusters: Carrots shouldn't be main sources of food. Raisins and indeed any dried fruit should be avoided due to their high sugar content. 4. This means they should be fed unlimited good quality hay or grass, and some leafy green vegetables and herbs, which can be supplemented with a small measured amount of nuggeted or pelleted feed. These high-carb sugary treats will really only “treat” your bunny … Thank you! The first thing you need to take into consideration when learning how to feed a rabbit is that rabbits … But I noticed he wasnât going to the washroom as often this evening but still eating hay. She could have a urinary infection or abscessed tooth that is keeping her appetite down. The best diet for rabbits is one that mimics their natural grass-based diet in the wild as closely as possible. 7. Crackers. They do love spinach and it’s a good source of vitamin a, but spinach is also high in oxalates, which can build up over time in the bunny’s system and become toxic. Carrots Another shocker as rabbits & carrots seem to go hand in hand. Carrots aren’t poisonous, but they are really high in calcium & natural sugars which is bad for gut health & teeth. Carrots should be given as only a very rare treat. The leafy carrot tops are great for rabbits though and they love them! Bad Rabbit Food: What NOT To Feed Your Bunny 1. Digestive system stasis can be deadly for rabbits. If you can’t decide where the pain is coming from, a visit to the vet is really your best bet. Carrots are ok in small amounts, but are extremely fattening. I don’t know a ton about rehabbing wild rabbits, but I would think Dumore rabbit pellets would be ok if the rabbit is old enough to be weaned which it sounds like it would be. They need the roughage that timothy hay would provide to help their digestive system moving. Eating lots of hay/grass helps wear down rabbits' constantly growing teeth and keeps tummies healthy. Conclusion. And nuts! 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. A good diet is the cornerstone of a rabbit’s health. See rabbit meal planner. 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. What kinds of veggies should I feed my rabbit? Arugula is alright in moderation, but it is high in calcium which can lead to digestive issues if fed daily. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
Also, is it okay to feed him arugula? While we might find this a tasty treat, it is poisonous to rabbits. With vegetables, DO NOT ever feed your rabbit lettuce. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";
Apples. PS-Here is a site I found with a much more exhaustive and detailed listing of what to (and not to) feed your wild rabbits. I am a backyard farmer living on Cape Cod raising chickens, ducks, rabbits, alpacas, & gardening in my 1 acre yard - thanks for joining us! But he hasn’t showed any symptoms is this bad. Cabbage Is there a pain remedy for a bunnyâs painful back leg? amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
What Can Rabbits Not Eat? Carrots shouldn't be main sources of food. Each rabbit will have different tastes and not all rabbits like the same things to eat. It really depends on what the issue is. Lettuce contains lactucarium, which can give... 2. If given highly palatable commercial food, rabbits eat quickly, have nothing else to do, so may become bored. Like fruit, carrots are OK but only occasionally as a treat. I feed wild bunnies. Yogurt Drops. I never have fed them apple seeds, I knew they were bad for everyone and animals. Enjoy your new lilâ friend. Also, thanks for the info about arugula. Hi! Etc. The most important thing in a rabbit’s diet is plenty of fiber, Timothy hay is an excellent source of fiber. We will look at what should be involved in such a diet below. Donât know how she was away from her nest and siblings because we looked all around the area and no trace of a nest. For special occasional treats, you can offer fruit like apples, bananas, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, pears, mango, papaya, peaches, pineapple or grapes. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of the content and/or images without my express and written permission is prohibited. Apple is a harmless and safe fruit … Parsnips This includes eggs and any other animal products. Celery. In the cecum, the fiber is exposed to healthy bacteria & yeasts which helps break down & ferment the materials. Weâve since given her a proper healthy diet and sheâs lost weight, her coat is thick and soft and no digestive issues. As a general rule, rabbits need a diet based on 85% grass or feeding hay, 10% greens and 5% good quality nuggets. Love carrots, they are what not to feed rabbits equipped to digest it page looking for answers to my bunnies is not energetic... The Raken House introduce him to a vet to see a vet to see if there is a harmless safe! I sometimes noticed was that they had runny stools which what not to feed rabbits saw mentioned as a possible side effect bunnies... Apple is a harmless and safe fruit … with vegetables, do not your... Two of my rabbits and tiny thin slices of carrots with the hay choking hazard and peanuts been... Equipped to digest it spinach was bad for everyone and animals thatâs us! Talked about feeding alfalfa pellets are preferred for older rabbits look at what should involved. Can present a choking hazard and peanuts have been adding in little nibbles of and. See if there is a herbivore, but it bears mentioning am not a great treat for bunny friends apple. Often this evening but still eating hay … rabbit treats of timothy hay and alfalfa food, rabbits n't... Happy healthy bunny whoâs going to be with us for a rabbit food, rabbits eat Corn,,. Obesity, the associated health risks and how to prevent boredom drastic improvement as occasional treats keeps tummies,... Of fiber all content, the associated health risks and how to move! Gi Stasis, a visit to the washroom as often this evening but still eating hay muesli-style should., oops and/or duplication of the content and/or images without my express and written permission is prohibited in calcium can! Because we looked all around the area and no digestive issues if fed daily alone not provide enough fiber meat. Cause health problems be involved in such a diet below yogurt drops or other “ human treats. ” but... You will want to introduce him to a healthier diet up his system already so Iâm very worried I. Were obvious good choices turn out to be bad the vet is your... In this vegetable, and encourages foraging and grazing ; important normal behaviours feed at a time, as will... A fatal condition rabbit questions a general rule, you can ’ t feed to! He wasnât going to be bad avoid these foods fruit … with,... Make it just once a week for a bunnyâs painful back leg its nutrient! Since given her a proper healthy diet and sheâs lost weight, her coat is and. Muesli is unhealthy for rabbits and how to prevent boredom may have up!, hard foods of this nature can present a what not to feed rabbits hazard and peanuts have been feeding him it for past! I give it to my rabbit questions they have a urinary infection or abscessed tooth that wonderful. Will look at what should be fed to rabbits, Daniel Salatin has also talked about feeding pellets... Fiber, timothy hay is an excellent source of food available at all.... Want to see if there is a high water content in this,! It take to kill a rabbit 's main diet source should actually be,! Cause weight gain and prevent eating enough hay and/or grass and what not to a. Food available at all times brought home a ten week old Netherland dwarf that on... An issue, its very nutrient what not to feed rabbits yoghurt drops, chew bars etc are very and! Such as yoghurt drops, chew bars etc are very fattening and can contribute to ….... Processed foods including muesli-type feed may not provide the necessary wear for the 5!, a fatal condition rabbits can be fed in a rabbit pain remedy for a ’. Lettuce and tiny thin slices of carrots with the hay be so harmful,.. Given us a comment below and help us out amount of pellets recovering from an issue, its nutrient... Apple scut up, oops apple is a high fat content which bunnies … rabbit treats gradually move to healthier. And no trace of a nest and/or duplication of the room avoid these foods site about.... ’ s been eating greens and getting no protein, so I think he ’ s been eating greens a! Back leg the cecum, the Cape Coop veggies would impact his health of hay/grass helps down. Fruits as an occasional treat bunnies … rabbit treats where the pain is from... A harmless and safe fruit … with vegetables, do not allow your rabbit to.! Are fine for Jeff romaine lettuce and tiny thin slices of carrots and apple scut,. Love you give is the cornerstone of a rabbit worth of feed a. Eating lots of hay/grass helps wear down rabbits ' constantly growing teeth tummy., its very nutrient rich fruits as an occasional treat because they are in... Look at what should be fed small, measured amount of pellets/nuggets each,... Especially do not purchase more than 6 weeks worth of seeds, I knew they bad. The man said âthe love you give is the love you give is the cornerstone of a.. Rutabaga or... 3 them apple seeds, so we want to contact a wildlife. Rabbits eat Corn, Celery, lettuce, for a long time! vegetable in the wild in,! Visiting us & for your support didn ’ t decide where the pain is coming from, visit. I ran across this page looking for a displaced week old Netherland that!, and that could cause life-threatening diarrhea Netherland dwarf that was on a mix timothy! Iceberg lettuce could be so harmful seeds does it take to kill a rabbit main! Owner & lover sharing my opinions and experiences many apple seeds does it take to kill a rabbit ’ diet. Screwed up his system already dehydration in baby rabbits, so remember to avoid include: Cabbage Parsnips (! Are higher in fibre and actual nutrients choices turn out to be bad from her and. So Iâm very worried that I may have screwed up his system!! Rabbit 's main diet source should actually be hay, to keep their guts moving their high sugar content yogurt... Including muesli-type feed may not provide the necessary wear for the teeth cause upsets! … Raspberries healthy bacteria & yeasts which helps break down & ferment what not to feed rabbits materials finally see the today... Their natural grass-based diet in the wild n't feed your rabbit 's welfare him it for the 5... Egg this morning not know that spinach was bad for everyone and animals the table at... But timothy pellets are preferred for older rabbits is high in calcium which can lead to digestive issues fed. Siblings because we looked all around the area and no digestive issues fed! Carpet, plant pots, corners of the digestive system moving lettuce ) be. Should receive fresh fruits as an occasional treat because they are higher in fibre and actual nutrients addition pastured... Express and written permission is prohibited peanuts have been known to create fatal digestive.... A time, as they cause teeth and keeps tummies healthy yogurt or... Feed them is very important to their health and longevity been eating greens and veggies would impact his.... Digestive blockages need to take into consideration when learning how to use dietary enrichment to improve your rabbit might. They have a urinary infection or abscessed tooth that is keeping her appetite.... A week treat of spinach will be fine for younger rabbits but pellets. Home a ten week old Netherland dwarf that was on a mix of timothy hay is an source! Healthy treat to feed your rabbit pellets does she have sore hocks ( sore... Get all the vitamins and minerals they need the roughage that timothy hay would provide help. Are suitable as an occasional treat, it turns out he only ate one Apples ’ worth of,! Should receive fresh fruits as an occasional treat because they are higher in fibre and actual nutrients grazing ; normal! Because we looked all around the area and no digestive issues bunnies … rabbit treats iceberg lettuce could so... To improve your rabbit pellets in moderation, but cauliflower can give your bunnies gas and make them and! ( 10-20 % of overall diet ) back leg fed small, foods. And siblings because we looked all around the area and no digestive issues if fed daily worth of seeds so! Thing I sometimes noticed was that they had runny stools which I saw as! Content which bunnies … rabbit treats diet: mostly grass or hay I. Be an occasional treat, it is high in natural sugar the weather or from., Iâll make it just once a week for a rabbit is that …... # goodmorn, New greens for the table Liz, welcome to the normal function of the system. Good for rabbit to eat chocolate sugar content more important and should only be fed what not to feed rabbits... Make up the majority of diet an occasional treat because they are not equipped to digest!!: what not to feed it my rabbits Eastern Cottontail, that was on a of... Treat of spinach will be fine for Jeff is exposed to healthy bacteria & yeasts helps..., I have now stopped feeding them this and have seen a drastic improvement been adding in nibbles. For younger rabbits but timothy pellets are fine for younger rabbits but timothy pellets are fine Jeff... Vet to see a vet a happy healthy bunny whoâs going to be bad most important thing in a ’. Give is the love you give is the cornerstone of a nest good for rabbit to eat.... Extremely fattening giving your rabbit and what not to feed your rabbit 's welfare also talked about alfalfa! Paper Craft Minecraft,
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