What’s the best rabbit food to feed my pet rabbits?
In general, good quality nuggets or pellets, along with feeding hay, is the ideal bunny food. This is because nuggets:
- Are high in beneficial fibre to keep their digestive system working correctly
- Contain vitamin A and vitamin C to support the immune system
- Contain vitamin D3, which has an important role in calcium absorption, vital to support bone and dental health
- Contain vitamin E, which has an antioxidant function that aids the body’s natural defences
- Are formulated with minerals such as zinc for healthy skin and coat, iron to support the blood, and copper for nerve function
- Are made with tasty, natural ingredients, such as mint or oregano, to ensure your bunnies absolutely love their yummy nuggets!
Although rabbit pellets should only make up 5% of your rabbits’ diet, they can play a vital role in making sure your bunnies get all the vitamins and minerals they need.
What foods should I avoid giving to my rabbits?
A rabbit diet that consists of nuggets, good quality feeding hay and the occasional treat should provide all the nutrients they need. But there are some foods and plants that should be avoided, including muesli, potatoes, cucumber, iceberg lettuce, whole carrots, avocado, beans and apple pips.
If your bunnies do consume any of these foods, it’s important to seek veterinary advice.
Are rabbits selective feeders?
Selective feeding is when rabbits eat the sugary and high starch elements of a muesli-style bunny food diet but leave behind the high fibre parts. This can lead to them developing all sorts of health issues including dental disease, obesity and problems with their digestion.
Choosing rabbit pellets or nuggets over other types of rabbit food is one of the best things you can do to help your buns stay healthy and happy, as it prevents selective feeding.
How do I choose the right type of rabbit pellets for my buns?
Look for a variety that’s suitable for your rabbits’ needs. Indoor rabbits can require a specialist diet with added vitamin D. Junior rabbits have a higher metabolic rate than adults, so look for a junior rabbit food with a higher protein level.
If you’ve got some golden oldies, they may benefit from mature rabbit food with added glucosamine to support healthy joints, and added ginseng for increased vitality. If you have rabbits that are prone to weight gain, ingredients such as L-carnitine can help to promote lean body mass.
Your buns will also enjoy chomping on nuggets with tasty natural flavours such as mint, oregano and cranberry, along with hedgerow ingredients such as dandelion, nettle and lemon balm.
What amount of rabbit pellets should I feed my rabbits and how often should I feed them?
As part of a healthy rabbit diet, RAWF – the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund – recommends around 1 egg-cup full of rabbit nuggets, fed twice a day, per rabbit.
The best way to ensure your rabbits get all the nutrition and fibre they need is by following the 5-step Excel Feeding Plan, developed in conjunction with one of the world’s leading small-animal vets.
High quality feeding hay or fresh grass should make up 85-90% of your rabbits’ diet. Supplement this with a small portion of rabbit nuggets and add the occasional healthy treat.
Each day, also provide a small handful of rabbit-safe fresh greens, such as broccoli, fennel, parsley and rocket, and plenty of fresh water. This will provide your buns with a perfect daily balance of fibre and nutrition.
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