Rabbits can make excellent pets and loving companions; however, their dietary needs are very different from most pets.  In order for your rabbit to live a long, healthy life, the proper diet is very important!  Please read the following instructions carefully and make sure to call a qualified exotic animal veterinarian if you have any questions.

Rabbit Digestion

The rabbits’ digestive system is very different from ours, or even from those of dogs and cats.  Rabbits are called, “Hind Gut Fermenters”.  This means they have a special digestive system that allows them to consume plant material and digest it into protein and vitamins much the way horses do.  Rabbits are also great recyclers!  At night, rabbits produce a special kind of stool called cecotrophs.  These “night pellets” are eaten by your rabbit and are recycled.  This is why you may see your rabbit eating its own feces.  If your rabbit were to get too fat and were not able to reach its hind end, it could become nutritionally deficient because it could not eat its cecotrophs.

 Diet

A healthy diet for your rabbit should be high in fiber and low in protein.  This is important for maintaining good health of the kidneys and other organs, as well as for proper growth and weight.  Rabbits that are fed improperly can experience digestive shut down which is often fatal!  The diet should consist of three major components:

1. Rabbit pellets with NO seeds (seeds can be dangerous for bunnies)
2. Dark leafy greens
3. Hay (except Alfalfa)

Commercial rabbit pellets are suitable as the main part of the diet for young rabbits only, (until about 4-6 months old).  As your rabbit matures, the pellet portion of its diet should be reduced to the smallest part of the diet, only 1/8-1/4 cup per day. Keep in mind that rabbits in the wild do not eat pellets!

 Every day, your rabbit should be offered a salad of dark leafy greens.  These consist of several varieties of greens, but not lettuces, not even romaine lettuce.  Kale, Chard, Spinach, Parsley, and any of the vegetables that contain the word “greens” in their name (i.e. Collard Greens, Mustard Greens, Dandelion Greens, etc.) are acceptable.  Very small amounts of fresh fruit can be offered as well.  Small pieces of apple and banana are usually favored.  The largest part of your rabbit’s diet should be Hay.  Timothy Hay, Bermuda Hay, Fescue or any of the “grass hays” are suitable.  Hay should be made available at all times, and your rabbit can eat as much hay as it wants.  Alfalfa hat should be avoided, as it is too high in protein, not high enough in fiber.

 Following these dietary guidelines, along with regular visits to a qualified exotic animal veterinarian will help your rabbit live a long and healthy life!