Rabbits have a very fragile digestive system and if it gets out of balance it can become critical. The good news is that with a healthy diet following the food pyramid you can help keep your rabbit from experiencing any digestion issues. Fresh clean water should be always be readily available 24/7. (Don’t forget water if you take your bunny outside or on a trip in the car).

The Food Pyramid

80% HAY

Rabbits are made to consume a fibrous diet and hay is the number one most important ingredient in a rabbits daily diet. It should make up 80% of their intake not just for digestion purposes, but it also helps to maintain their dental health and gives them important nutrients for a healthy body and high energy. Hay promotes a healthy gut by preventing fur blockage, keeps the cecal flora in balance and produces those perfect golden nugget poops! It also helps to satisfy their urge to chew while encouraging a natural tendency to forage. This activity helps to keep boredom at bay.

Types of Hay:

There are a whole host of varieties of hay. Grass hay is best as it is rich in in protein, vitamin A & D and other nutrients. Bluegrass, brome, fescue, marsh, oat, orchard, ryegrass and timothy are some varieties. Once you try them your bunny will let you know which they prefer. Variety is the spice of life so mix it up! Alfalfa is another hay you may come across, but that should be for babies only as it is high in calories.

The next thing to know about hay is the type of cutting. There are 3 different harvest cuttings. The first is high fiber, low fat with course with stems and seed heads. This is best for gut health and wearing down bunny’s teeth. The second is softer with leaves and less stems has a standard level of fat, protein and fiber making it perfect for adults. Side note: second cutting is better for people that have allergies! The Third is low in fiber, but high in protein and fat that is perfect for underweight bunnies and it’s soft texture makes it ideal for bunnies with mouth pain.

You will see small bags of hay in the pet store or online that are costly, but I learned a pro-tip 3 years ago when I got my rescues. Buy local from a farm! Currently I pay $10 for a bale of first cutting hay for 5 bunnies that lasts 3 months!!!! If only I knew this the 12 1/2 years I had Chester I would have saved SO much money! Plus you are helping a local small business. Store in a cool dark place. If you are in a city or not near any local farm there are many farms online that ship!

Rabbit hay food guide

Hay and dental health: Rabbits teeth are continually growing just like fingernails. Munching on fibrous coarse hay helps to grind down their teeth so they don’t become overgrown.

10% Leafy Greens & 5% Veggies

Fresh leafy greens, herbs and vegetables should be given daily to your bunny in order for the to consume the proper quantity of nutrients. They are loaded with anti-oxidants, minerals (iron, zinc & copper) and vitamins such as A, B, C, and K. Leafy greens also have a high water content which bunny needs. 1 Cup of greens per 2 pounds of body weight or 1 adult sized handful should do the trick. Give your bunny a variety to keep them from getting bored with their meals.

Dicing up some herbs and veggies amongst your greens will help their natural instinct to forage. Make sure to give high fiber, low sugar veggies. Contrary to popular belief, rabbits should not intake large quantities of carrots as they are high in sugar! This goes for other root vegetables as well.

When introducing any new food care should be taken. Do it gradually by adding one item at a time and watch to see how your bunny enjoys it and how they tolerate it. Also take into consideration age and health factors. Baby bunnies should not be given any fresh foods until 3 months of age. A rabbit that has bladder problems should not be given foods high in oxalates as these could exasperate the issue. If you have a bunny prone to GI Stasis and gas, you will want to stay away from veggies like broccoli.

5% PELLETS

You make think that bunnies just consume pellet food, but ideally they should only be 5% of your rabbits diet. Pellets are high in carbs and low in fiber which can create obesity and softer stools when given in large quantities. Ideally a bunny should be given 1/8- 1/4 cup per 5 lbs of body weight. A great way to give pellets is amongst a snuffle mat, in a dog/cat styled food puzzle or by spreading them out on the floor. This allows bunny to forage and eat slower.

When purchasing pellets, look for ones that are higher in fiber (16-18%) and buy smaller packages so they don’t go bad. Alfalfa pellets are fine for baby bunnies up to 12 weeks old, but timothy based pellets should be given after 3 months to all rabbits.

FRUIT & TREATS

Of course bunnies love fruit…it’s a nice sugary treat! Which is why I personally place it within the treat section of the food pyramid. It is this reason that fruit should ideally be given only 1-3 times a week. (and maybe not so much to an overweight rabbit).

Treats are for special occasion in my house. I love to make my own using ingredients such as oat flour, ground pellets and hay along with veggies or fruit. Check out my Pumpkin Treat article to make your own! If you are not a baker, or have no time, there are many terrific small companies that make wholesome treats. You can find a list of them on my resource page.

Now that you have a clear idea of the food pyramid for your bunny, have fun exploring different foods and hay with your bunny. Remember to add gradually and keep note of what bunny likes and tolerates. If you have a question about foods, please reach out to me!