What to include (and leave out of) a pet rabbit’s diet

Every pet deserves a loving and respectful home: please only consider acquiring a pet if you will be able to take care of its long-term needs. Also, consider choosing your animal companion from a shelter, where there are so many wonderful furry friends who need a forever home.

To live a long and healthy life with you, your rabbit companions need a diet that supports their ultra-sensitive digestion. Digestive illnesses are common in rabbits and can be fatal if they’re not dealt with quickly.

For a healthy and balanced diet, 80 per cent of what a rabbit should consume daily should be grass-based hay. Hay is very high in fibre, which is essential to a rabbit’s diet. Because of the rabbit’s foraging ancestors, their long digestive tract is set up to break down fibrous vegetation.

They should also receive one to three cups of fresh, leafy greens every day, which provide them with the nutrients they need to thrive, and a quarter- to a half-cup of fortified pellets.

Treats (such as carrots, apples and bananas) should only be given in small amounts.

Conversely, rabbits should have unlimited access to fresh water. You should replenish their water bowl or water bottle with fresh water on a daily basis, and check to ensure there is no dirt or mould building up.

For more details on a healthy rabbit diet, you can read the video’s accompanying blog post here.

View the original video here.

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