Rabbits eat a lot! They are either eating or sleeping. There is lots of misinformation out about a bunnies diet (thanks Bugs Bunny!)
Many people think bunnies just need a carrot or two, and while they do love carrot, they are very high in sugar. It's like humans eating only sweets. Instead, a rabbits diet should be:
- 85% high-quality timothy or meadow hay
- 5% high-quality nuggets
- such as Burgess Excel or Science Selective. Never give a muesli mix as this encourages selective eating.
- 10% Greens/Veg
- Occasional treat or piece of fruit
- Unlimited fresh water
What happens if bunnies are fed the wrong foods?
GI Stasis
Bunnies can get gastrointestinal (GI) stasis for a number of reasons, but one can be when they are fed a high starch, low fibre diet. GI Stasis occurs when the digestive system slows down or stops. Bacteria can then build up in the gut, making it painful. This means bunnies don't want to eat or drink, making the stasis worse. If you think your bunny has stasis, you must call a vet immediately. Rabbits can die from GI stasis very quickly, but with the correct medicine and help, it is treatable.
Teeth Problems
Rabbits' teeth never stop growing. They are worn down through eating hay and chewing on wood (and furniture). If fed an incorrect diet without hay, their teeth can grow very long and cause us a lot of pain. This pain can then make it hard for a rabbit to eat and result in GI Stasis.
What Foods are safe
Introduce any new foods slowly and check your bunnies' droppings. Any changes, stop new foods and contact a vet. If changing pellets, do so slowly over a week and check for any changes.
Leafy Greens
- Beetroot greens
- Cabbage (dark green varieties)
- Carrot tops and roots as a treat
- Cauliflower including the leaves
- Curly kale
- Kale
- Radish greens and roots
- Rocket
- Spinach
- Spring greens
Herbs
- Basil
- Coriander
- Dill
- Fennel
- Mint
- Parsley
- Thyme
- Watercress
Fruits and Veg
Suitable in small, 10p piece size
- Apple (not the core as pips are poisonous)
- Banana
- Broccoli
- Carrot
- Cauliflower including the leaves
- Celeriac
- Celery
- Grapes, including stalk
- Jerusalem Artichoke
- Marrow
- Pepper
- Pumpkin
- Raisins
- Radish greens and roots
- Sweet Potato
- Squash (including cucumber)
Treats
Treats should be fed in moderation. Many treats marketed towards rabbits are not bunny safe. Treats should not contain sugar, honey, nuts, seeds, or whole corn. We love the Burgess Excel Nature Snacks and the Selective Naturals Loops and Sticks. Dried forage, such as Dandelion and Rose Petals are also great healthy treats. Handmade Treats by JJRabbitHouse are always a hit, and 100% natural made from oats and fruit and veg.