How to Keep Your Rabbit Healthy and Happy

Posted by Janet @ Alba on September 24th, 2024

Rabbits are delightful pets, known for their playful nature and adorable appearance. However, ensuring they have a proper diet is crucial for their health and wellbeing. This guide will help you understand what a rabbit needs to eat to stay healthy and happy.

The Importance of Hay

Hay is a crucial part of rabbit’s diet and should make up around 80-90% of their daily diet. It is the closest food you can give a pet rabbit that mimics a wild rabbit’s natural diet.

Rabbit Hay

A few of the reasons hay is essential in a rabbit’s diet are:

  1. Digestive Health: Hay provides the necessary fibre to keep a rabbit’s digestive system functioning smoothly. 
  2. Dental Health: Chewing hay is good for a rabbit’s dental health.
  3. Mental Stimulation: Rabbits need to be mentally stimulated for their wellbeing.  Foraging through hay can prevent boredom and keep them stimulated.  Forage boxes and mixes are ideal for mental stimulation too.

Rabbits can eat many types of hay including Timothy, Meadow, Oat, Rye Grass, Alfalfa and Green Wheat hay.

It is important to feed your rabbit the correct amount of hay.  A healthy rabbit will graze through a handful of hay a day.  If your rabbit isn’t doing this, you should try another type of hay and if they seem poorly, visit a vet.

Fresh Vegetables and Leafy Greens

In addition to hay, rabbits need a variety of fresh vegetables and leafy greens.  They should make up around 10-20% of their total food. Leafy greens are particularly important as they provide essential vitamins and minerals. Some good options include:

  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Broccoli
  • Parsley
  • Dandelion Leaves

It’s important to introduce new vegetables gradually and in small amounts to avoid upsetting your rabbit’s digestive system. Always wash vegetables thoroughly to remove any pesticides or chemicals.

Pellets

While hay and fresh vegetables should form the bulk of a rabbit’s diet, pellets can also be included in small amounts. Pellets should make up no more than 5% of their daily intake. Choose high-quality pellets that are high in fibre and low in protein and calcium. Avoid muesli-style mixes, as these can lead to selective feeding and nutritional imbalances.

Fresh Water

Rabbits need constant access to fresh, clean water. Water is essential for their overall health and helps keep their digestive system functioning properly. Use a heavy ceramic bowl or a drip-feed bottle, and ensure it is cleaned and refilled daily.

Rabbit Treats

Carrot Slices

Nutritious treats should be given sparingly. While rabbits love fruits and root vegetables like carrots, these should only be offered occasionally due to their high sugar content. Suitable treats include:

  • Apple slices (without seeds)
  • Banana slices
  • Carrot slices
  • Strawberries
  • Rose petals
  • Marigold flowers

Foods to Avoid

Certain foods can be harmful to rabbits and should be avoided. These include:

  • Chocolate
  • Avocado
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Potatoes
  • Rhubarb

These foods can be toxic and cause serious health issues.

Clean, comfortable bedding

Every pet needs a warm, comfortable place to sleep to rejuvenate.  Barley straw is ideal as it is very soft and perfect for pets that like to burrow.  It also traps the heat in like a big duvet to keep your pet warm and cosy.  The ideal temperature for rabbits is between 10-20 degrees.

Monitoring Your Rabbit’s Health

A healthy diet is crucial, but it’s also important to monitor your rabbit’s health regularly. Look out for signs of dental problems, such as drooling or difficulty eating, and ensure they are producing plenty of droppings, which indicates a healthy digestive system. Regular vet check-ups are also essential to catch any potential health issues early.

For more detailed information and tips on rabbit care, websites like The Hay Shed offer a wealth of resources to help you keep your furry friend in the best possible health. 

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Janet @ Alba

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Janet @ Alba
Joined: August 28th, 2018
Articles Posted: 21

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