Introduction
Proper nutrition is crucial for the health and well-being of pet rabbits. Understanding their unique dietary needs can help you provide the best care for your furry friend. This article will guide you in understanding the nutritional needs of pet rabbits and offer tips to keep your bunny healthy and happy.
The Basics of Rabbit Nutrition
Rabbits have a unique digestive system designed to extract energy and nutrients from food that is low in both. Providing a rabbit with a high fat/high protein, low fiber diet can lead to health issues and even a shortened lifespan. A healthy rabbit who is spayed or neutered, gets a proper diet, and lives inside the home as a part of the family can live for eight to thirteen years.
What to Feed Your Pet Rabbits
The diet of a rabbit should include hay, pellets, fresh vegetables, and plenty of water.
Hay
Hay is the most important part of your rabbit’s diet. It is their prime source of fiber, which is instrumental in keeping the gut in good working order. Hay also provides entertainment for your bunny, as they love to rearrange it, dig it up, and place it “just so.” It’s also a great source of chewing material, which is necessary for keeping their teeth healthy.
Pellets
For rabbits under one year old, free feed a fresh, plain, high fiber (18-20%), mid-range protein (14% – 16%) pellet. Adult rabbits should get 1/4 cup of low protein (10% or lower), high fiber pellets per day, per five pounds of optimum body weight.
Fresh Vegetables
Feed two to four cups of fresh vegetables for each five pounds of optimum body weight. All vegetables should be fresh, washed, and organic whenever possible.
Water
Fresh water should always be available for your rabbit.
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Common Health Concerns Related to Diet
Diet is linked to dental health in rabbits. A rabbit’s teeth grow continuously throughout their life, and providing them with safe chewing materials such as hay and wooden chew toys can help keep them filed down. A rabbit with tooth problems is a rabbit on their way to having GI problems as well.
Digestive problems in rabbits can also be prevented with a proper diet. When a rabbit is fed an improper diet that is too low in fiber or too high in carbohydrates, the gastrointestinal (GI) tract cannot function properly and begins to shut down, causing various degrees of what is called GI stasis. GI stasis, if not taken care of immediately, can cause your rabbit to die a very painful death.
Conclusion
Feeding your rabbit a balanced diet of high fiber pellets, abundant fresh grass hays, and a daily assortment of fresh vegetables is key to keeping your rabbit healthy. Remember, exercise is just as important as diet in keeping the rabbit (gut) functioning and healthy. A rabbit should get a minimum of 3 – 5 hours out of cage exercise every day. By understanding the nutritional needs of pet rabbits, your pet rabbit can lead a long, healthy, and happy life.
References
- Cheeke, Peter R. Rabbit Feeding and Nutrition. Orlando: Academic Press, 1987. Jenkins, Jeffrey R., DVM. Feeding Recommendations for the House Rabbit. The Veterinary Clinics of North America, 1999. Krempels, Dana M., PhD. GastroIntestinal Stasis, The Silent Killer. 1997. Brown, Susan, DVM. Sluggish Motility in the Gastrointestinal Tract. Hand-out. Midwest Bird and Exotic Animal Hospital, Westchester, Ill.
