A RABBIT'S BASIC DIET:- Vegetables (optional - see below)
- Treats (optional - see below)
Note: Any changes to a rabbit’s diet should be done gradually to avoid upsetting their digestive system e.g. when changing pellet brands, mix the old brand with the new brand and gradually decrease the old brand while increasing the new brand, over the course of one week
BABY RABBITS (UP TO 6 MONTHS)- Birth to 3 weeks - mother's milk
- After 3 weeks - mother's milk, introduce alfalfa hay and pellets gradually (the higher calcium content of alfalfa hay is necessary for growing bones)
- After 4 weeks - mother's milk, unlimited alfalfa hay and pellets
- 8 weeks to 6 months - unlimited alfalfa hay and pellets
- 12 weeks and above - introduce vegetables, if desired (one type at a time, in small amounts. Monitor rabbit to ensure no soft stool, otherwise discontinue and try again another time or try a different type)
YOUNG ADULT RABBITS (6 MONTHS TO 1 YEAR)- Introduce timothy hay or other grass hay (e.g oat, brome or orchard hay)
- Reduce alfalfa hay until rabbit is solely on timothy hay (alfalfa hay is higher in protein and calcium, lower in fiber – not suitable for adult rabbits, unless your rabbit is underweight, recovering from surgery, pregnant or nursing)
- Decrease pellets to 1/8 to 1/4 cup per 5 lbs. body weight (1 cup = 250ml)
MATURE ADULT RABBITS (1 YEAR to 6 YEARS)- 1/8 to 1/4 cup per 5 lbs. body weight
SENIOR RABBITS (ABOVE 6 YEARS)- Continue adult diet if your rabbit does not have weight loss problems
- Increase pellet intake if weight loss occurs
- Alfalfa hay may be given to underweight rabbits, but only if calcium levels are normal. Blood works may be carried out to determine the level of calcium and other components of the blood
HAY- Hay is THE most important part of a rabbit's diet. Hay must always be available to a rabbit, 24/7
- Hay provided fiber/roughage to help the digestive system to function optimally and prevents blockage of the gut
- Rabbit's teeth never stop growing. Chewing on hay helps to wear their teeth down to a suitable length
- Different hay types require different chewing motion. Therefore, if possible, offer your rabbit different varieties of hay for to wear down its teeth evenly.
PELLETS
- Good pellets must be low in protein: 14% - 16%, high in fiber: min. 20%, fat & calcium contents should be around 1% each
- Avoid pellets with nuts, seeds, etc. in it, as these have high fat content
- Amongst the brands available locally at the moment, Oxbow has the best nutritional contents
VEGETABLES & TREATS
If you choose to include vegetables in your rabbit's diet, introduce one different type of vegetable at a time. Start with a small amount and monitor your rabbit's stool. If the stool remains firm and round, you may gradually increase the amount of that vegetable. If your rabbit gets soft stool, stop feeding that vegetable and try a different type after it's stool returns to normal.
Note: Contrary to popular belief, carrots are not supposed to be a big part of a rabbit's diet. Carrots are high in sugar and should only be given as treats.
Fruits are the healthiest treats. Treats should be given in small amounts, not more than 1-2 teaspoons per day. DO NOT feed treats which are high in protein, carbohydrate and fat e.g. cookies, cereals, nuts, breads and grains like crackers or pasta, etc. Chocolate is poisonous to rabbits.
As most rabbits love alfalfa hay, it may be given once in a while as treats for an adult rabbit.
Visit these sites for a list of safe vegetables and fruits for rabbits: