Healthy Diet for Rabbits

What should you feed your bunny?

There are many misconceptions about rabbits and their diet, some of which you probably wouldn't have even thought of before. With this easy diet plan you will be able to ensure that your rabbits will be at their healthiest and happiest!

A diet for a pet rabbit should be as close as you can get to their natural diet in the wild as they spend 80% of their time foraging for food.

Hay and Grass 

• Unlimited good quality, fresh hay is the best foundation for a healthy diet. A rabbit should consume at least its body size in hay a day, its keeps them occupied for long periods of time, prevents behavioural problems, keeps teeth trim and provides much needed fibre to maintain a healthy gut movement.
• Farms all around the country sell bales of fresh hay which is much cheaper than buying from a store and much more nutrient rich for your rabbits than bags which you can buy in the pet shops.
• Grass is the most natural food source you can provide for your rabbit, so letting your bunny graze your lawn is a great way for them to maintain a healthy intake of grass/hay, as well as reducing the need for you to get the mower out!

Pellets

• Pellets are recommended over muesli mix as they can cause selective eating. Pellets contain all the vital nutrients which are needed. Only a small handful of pellets should be given between a pair of rabbits per day. If you get they 'I'm starved'!' look.... they answer is hay, hay and more hay!

Vegtables 

• Rabbits also enjoy a variation of vegetables and fruit, fresh or dried. There are some vegetables and fruit which are harmful and poisonous to rabbits, you can check out which ones here. Something which you should bear in mind is that fruit and some vegetables (e.g. carrots) contain a high amounts of sugar and should be given occassionally, and in small quantaties.

Foraging Material 

• Forage mixes work well to keep rabbits entertained especially if stuffed within a empty toilet roll holder, as this provides entertainment and stops them becoming bored with minimal cost.

Extra Treats 

• Rabbits love treats and will happily tuck into human food if given half the chance! This is very bad for them and will cause many problems. They can have rabbit based treats, but remember these should be given sparingly to ensure a balanced diet all the way through.

Water 

• Fresh clean drinking available at all times. This should be checked at least 2 times a day and more so in winter to ensure it doesn't freeze.