In the wild, rabbits thrive on a diet of grasses, leaves, and hay, but domesticated bunnies require a similar yet slightly different approach to stay healthy.
What Do Bunnies Eat? Lots of Grass, Not a Lot of Carrots
Bunnies live on a healthy diet of grass, hay, and the occasional treat. There’s a common image of a bunny munching on a carrot, but carrots aren’t even that good for bunnies; they have a lot of sugar.
Hay: The Foundation of a Rabbit‘s Diet
A rabbit‘s digestive system is designed to process fibrous foods, which means their diet needs to be packed with hay, leafy greens, and other plant-based goodies. Wild bunnies eat a variety of grasses and leaves and even a little bark, while domesticated rabbits typically rely on a mix of fresh hay, greens, and pellets.
The rabbit's digestive system is specially designed to break down and extract nutrients from plant-based foods.
Rabbits have a large cecum, a specialized pouch in their intestines that houses a diverse community of microbes.
These microbes help to ferment and extract nutrients from cellulose in plant cell walls.
This unique adaptation allows rabbits to thrive on a diet high in fiber and low in protein.
Fresh hay, especially Timothy hay, provides the fiber needed to keep a rabbit‘s digestive system running smoothly. It also keeps their teeth in check and provides other essential nutrients to keep them active and healthy. Orchard grass can be mixed into a rabbit‘s hay supply to provide dietary diversity.
Timothy hay is a type of legume hay commonly used as animal feed.
It is rich in fiber, protein, and energy, making it an ideal food source for livestock such as horses, cattle, and sheep.
Timothy hay is grown from the timothy grass plant (Phleum pratense) and is known for its high digestibility and palatability.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), timothy hay is one of the most widely used hay types in the world.
It is also a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, and potassium.
Leafy Greens and Fresh Vegetables
Bunnies love their greens. Leafy green vegetables like romaine lettuce, kale, and parsley provide vitamins and hydration, and they should make up the bulk of the bunnies’ fresh food intake. Fresh vegetables like bell peppers, artichoke leaves, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and peas can also be given in moderation.
Leafy greens are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium, iron, and potassium.
These nutrients support healthy bones, red blood cells, and cardiovascular function.
Dark leafy greens like kale and spinach contain antioxidants that protect against cell damage and inflammation.
According to the USDA, leafy greens account for 10% of daily vegetable intake in the US.
Regular consumption can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
Avoid starchy vegetables such as potatoes and corn. Focus on fiber-rich options for the best results. Carrot tops are a better option than carrots themselves.
Rabbit Pellets: A Supplement, Not a Staple
High-quality pellets (rabbit food shaped as pellets) are good for rabbits, but they should only make up a small portion of a rabbit‘s diet. Wild counterparts get all their nutrients from plants, so pet rabbits should also stick to a primarily plant-based diet.
A few pellets a day can help fill in any nutritional gaps. It’s essential to choose pellets with natural ingredients and no added fillers.
A Balanced Diet to Raise a Healthy Bunny
A bunny‘s diet isn’t just about what they eat; it’s also about how much and how often. Hay should make up the majority of their diet, so it’s fine to have it available to your bunny at all times.
Offer fresh greens once or twice daily. You can aim for 1 to 2 cups (8 to 16 ounces) per 4 pounds (1.8 kilograms) of body weight. Offer a small amount of high-quality rabbit pellets once or twice daily. Ensure the bunnies have access to fresh water, changing it daily or even twice daily.
Other factors to consider when determining how much food to give a rabbit include age (younger bunnies require more pellets and hay), activity level, health, and breed. Consult a veterinarian for any specific dietary guidance.
- howstuffworks.com | What Do Bunnies Eat? Lots of Grass, Not a Lot of Carrots
