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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.

Here are some more tips:

  • 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.

  • Rabbits can be given up to 1 cup of greens daily (see list below).

  • Rabbits should never be given foods with seeds in it.

  • 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.

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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
-
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This rescue is based out of Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.
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