
Rabbit Diet
Rabbits have very sensitive digestive tracts and very specific dietary needs. Rabbits do not have the ability to vomit, so they must have a continuous supply of food to keep things moving through. Their primary food source should be an unlimited amount of hay, preferably timothy hay, orchard hay, or some other sort of grass hay. Alfalfa hay is acceptable for baby bunnies (< 7 months old) or when there is a need for an adult rabbit to gain weight.
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Here are some more tips:
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Rabbit food pellets are the primary source of unhealthy weight gain in rabbits. Only babies should have unlimited access to food pellets. An adult rabbit (> 6 months old) that weighs 3 pounds or more should get a maximum of 1/4 cup per day. The healthiest pet store brand of pellets is Oxbow.
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Rabbits can be given up to 1 cup of greens daily (see list below).
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Rabbits should never be given foods with seeds in it.
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Grains, such as corn and oats, should be avoided unless the rabbit is underweight. Thoroughly check pet store treat ingredients prior to purchase. Just because there is a picture of a rabbit on the packaging does not mean that it is suitable for rabbits.

Produce Must Be Free Of Chemicals, Pesticides, and Animal Urine & Feces
Food | Frequency | Tips & Comments |
---|---|---|
Alfalfa Sprouts | Occasionally | Every 2 to 3 days on rotation. |
Apple | Occasionally | 1 to 2 times a week. Be sure all seeds and pits are removed. |
Arugula | Frequently | Avoid the light-coloured hearts. |
Asparagus | Frequently | - |
Bananas | Occasionally | High in sugar, which can cause diabetes and other issues. |
Basil | Frequently | - |
Beet Greens | Frequently | - |
Bell Peppers | Frequently | No seeds! |
Bibb Lettuce | Frequently | Avoid the light-coloured hearts. |
Blackberries | Occasionally | Feed fruits in small amounts, as lots of sugar can cause diabetes and other issues. |
Blueberries | Occasionally | Feed fruits in small amounts, as lots of sugar can cause diabetes and other issues. |
BokChoy | Frequently | - |
Boston Lettuce | Frequently | Avoid the light-coloured hearts. |
Broccoli | Occasionally | Can cause gas in large amounts. |
Brussel Sprouts | Occasionally | Can cause gas in large amounts. |
Butter Lettuce | Frequently | Avoid the light-coloured hearts. High in acids. |
Butternut Squash | Frequently | - |
Carrot Tops | Frequently | - |
Carrots | Occasionally | High in sugar, which can cause diabetes and other issues. |
Celery | Occasionally | Remove strings and/or cut into very small pieces. |
Cilantro | Frequently | - |
Clover | Frequently | Ensure it is free of chemicals and animal excrement. |
Clover Sprouts | Frequently | Ensure it is free of chemicals and animal excrement. |
Collard Greens | Occasionally | High in calcium. |
Dandelion Greens | Frequently | Ensure it is free of chemicals and animal excrement. |
Dill | Frequently | - |
Eggplant | Frequently | - |
Endive | Frequently | - |
Escarole | Frequently | - |
Fennel | Occasionally | - |
Grass | Frequently | Ensure it is free of chemicals and animal excrement. |
Green Leaf Lettuce | Frequently | Avoid the light-coloured hearts. |
Hibiscus | Occasionally | - |
Kale | Occasionally | High in oxalates, feed sparingly. |
Lavender | Occasionally | - |
Lemon Balm | Occasionally | - |
Melon | Occasionally | Ensure all seeds and pits are removed. |
Mint | Frequently | - |
Mustard Greens | Frequently | - |
Okra Leaves | Frequently | - |
Papaya | Occasionally | Ensure all seeds and pits are removed. |
Parsley | Frequently | - |
Pea Pods | Frequently | - |
Peach | Occasionally | Ensure all seeds and pits are removed. |
Pears | Occasionally | Ensure all seeds and pits are removed. |
Peppermint Leaves | Frequently | - |
Pineapple | Occasionally | Remove skin. |
Plum | Occasionally | Ensure all seeds and pits are removed. |
Pumpkin | Occasionally | - |
Pumpkin Leaves | Frequently | - |
Radish Sprouts | Frequently | - |
Raspberries | Occasionally | - |
Raspberry Leaves | Frequently | - |
Red Leaf Lettuce | Frequently | - |
Romaine Lettuce | Frequently | Avoid the light-coloured hearts. |
Roses | Occasionally | - |
Strawberries | Occasionally | - |
Strawberry Leaves | Frequently | - |
Swiss Chard | Frequently | - |
Thyme | Occasionally | - |
Turnip Greens | Occasionally | - |
Watercress | Frequently | - |
Wheat Grass | Frequently | - |
Yellow Squash | Frequently | - |
Zucchini | Frequently | - |
