Rabbits Small Pets

What to Feed Pet Rabbits

What to Feed Pet Rabbits
Written by Arlene S. Lane

What to feed rabbits is one of the most searched search terms by pet rabbit owners. Rabbits are one of the cutest animals to be kept as pets. A fluffy body, long ears, and an adorable face. However, they are also unique animals as well that have their own requirements when it comes to feeding. Now the question is “what to feed rabbits” despite the papular belief rabbits just don’t eat lettuce and carrots.

Unlike some other domestic pets, rabbits require a balanced diet that includes fruits, pellets, and fresh veggies. You will need to change your diet gradually and add new veggies and fruits to your diet. If you are wondering what can rabbits eat or how you should feed your pet rabbit then just continue reading the following for more information.

What To Feed Rabbits?

Wondering what can rabbits eat or what to feed a rabbits for their better health? continue reading the following.

Vegetables

One of the major parts of the rabbit diet is fresh vegetables. If you want your pet bunny to get the best diet then you will need to choose something fresh and make sure that they are pesticide-free. While looking for what does a pet rabbit eat, mind the fact that the best pet food should always be fresh and of a high standard. Before feeding the fresh vegetable give them a little wash. Always feed veggies to your bunnies in small quantities.

Observe them if they are fine with the portion you are providing them. Though veggies are a great diet for rabbits with that being said, you should mind the fact that not every plantation is good for rabbits. If you are about to feed them the house plants then there can be some poisonous for rabbits. If you want more information about the vegetable diet of rabbits as pets then the following list will do things.

  • Bok choy
  • Cilantro
  • Collard greens
  • Clover
  • Dill
  • Parsley
  • Kale
  • Mint
  • Celery
  • Basil
  • Dandelion leaves
  • Mustard greens
  • Watercress
  • romaine or dark leaf Lettuce (no iceberg lettuce and cabbage)
  • Broccoli leaves
  • Carrot tops (they have a high amount of calcium and should be given sparingly)

Hay: The Basics Of A Rabbit’s Diet

When we talk about the rabbit food pyramid then the bottom of it will be filled with this long-stemmed fiber. Hay makes up the major portion of the pet rabbit diet which is about 80-90%. Rabbits love to graze naturally and this is the reason why they need to have an unlimited supply of hay which should be fresh on daily basis.  If you are thinking about what bunnies eat without any hassle then hay is the answer you are looking for.

Hay such as orchard, brome timothy, and oat are considered the best type of hay for pet rabbits. You can either feed any of them individually or combine them to feed them, just make sure to buy fresh hay only. Also, check for dust and mold presence on the hay as they can make your bunny sick.

Alfalfa is a good hey but not a good choice to be fed to adult rabbits on a daily basis because it is way more nutrition-rich/ However if you are looking for an organic treat type for your bunnies then alfalfa can be used as a treat for pet rabbits. Younger rabbits can enjoy alfalfa without a problem but as they grow older switching to grass hay is recommended. It is even crucial if they are being fed with alfalfa pellets.

Pellets

One of the best food for pet rabbits is pallets. However, they should be purchased fresh only because they will never like stale ones. Your pet rabbits will require a pallet diet that is high in fiber and low in protein. A high protein pallet can obese your rabbit. They can also suffer from other health issues as well. Also, pellets with treat mix shouldn’t be given to rabbits such as dried corn. These can lead to digestive problems among rabbits. This is why these additives shouldn’t be a regular part of rabbits’ diets.

Fruits For Once Or Twice A Week

Do you know what a pet rabbit eats but it should be once or twice a week. Fruits. Yes, fruits are also rich in fiber and other nutrients. However, you should give them only once or twice a week. For an ideal diet, you should give them one tablespoon of fruit. Either in mixed or single fruit type but not more than one tablespoon. Contrary to vegetables, fruits should slowly be introduced to rabbits’ diets. The following are the most suitable fruit types for rabbits.

  • Apple without seeds
  • Papaya
  • Pineapple
  • Pear
  • Banana
  • Cherries no seeds
  • Grapes
  • Melon
  • Nectarine
  • Peach
  • Orange
  • Plum
  • Watermelon
  • Berries: (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, cranberries, blackberries)

Treats

Treats can be a great part of the diet of rabbits as pets but make sure you are giving them fruits and appropriate veggies as treats as well. Also, give them in small amounts. You should give them while training them such as using the litter box etc. A small number of fruits can be great treats such as pineapple Pisces, raspberries, bananas, seedless apples, and melons. You can include fresh veggies such as green paper, fresh carrots, and brussels sprouts. And again, don’t feed them without giving them a wash to remove any dust and pesticide (probably)

Fresh Water

Fresh is necessary for almost every pet ( some exotic pet types are an exception) Your rabbits should have fresh water around their food all the time. Add a hanging bottle if you are going to keep your pet bunny in a cage. However, you can add a water bowl as well they will drink from it as well. If you are living in a relatively hot climate then adding an ice cube to its water supply will be a great favor for them. You can also keep wet veggies and fruits if they aren’t drinking water adequately

The Donts of Rabbit Food

While searching for what to feed rabbits or what do bunnies eat! You should also look for what not to feed your rabbits. There are plenty of veggies and fruits that may sound appropriate for you but not for your rabbits. This is why they are dangerous foods for them. You should keep them away from the bunny’s reach. These foods include:

  • Enterotoxemia is a condition of growing bad bacteria in rabbits’ intestines. Yogurt can cause problems. They are dangerous for rabbits. You should avoid giving them to rabbits.
  • Avocado and rhubarb are poisonous to bunnies
  • Both raw rhubarb and avocado are poisonous diets to rabbits as pets.
  • Chocolate is a big no when it comes to treats for bunnies as well as dogs.
  • If your plan is to feed the houseplants then don’t even think about that because they are all poisonous to pet bunnies.

Major Tips For The Diet Of Rabbits As Pets

While looking for the diet of rabbits as pets you should understand the importance of fresh hey. Providing fresh water is also a crucial part of a healthy diet. If you want to find out more about the vegetable diet of rabbits as pets or talk to specific vets for a better idea.

Bottom Line

So, there you have it. Hope after reading this article you will get an idea of what do bunnies eat. Your rabbits will look attractive and even cuter if they are having a good amount of fresh diet. This is the reason that you should have a good idea regarding what bunnies eat. You will need to make sure that you are providing them with enough nutrition-filled diet and treats for the betterment of the health of your pet rabbits. You can follow our pet care blog for more pet feeding guides and tips and tricks.

About the author

Arlene S. Lane

Arlene S. Lane is a veterinary technician and hospital manager with over 12 years of experience. Arlene has been contributed expert content to The Pet's Rise for over 10 years.
Arlene has worked in veterinary medicine since 2017. Arlene's veterinary experience ranges from routine wellness care and preventive medicine to emergency and specialty care, where she has performed duties ranging from specialized nursing to clinical administration.

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