Rabbit Nutrition: Building the Perfect Diet

The Nutrition Mistakes I Made (And How You Can Avoid Them)

When I first started caring for rabbits, I thought I was doing everything right. I bought the "premium" pellets, gave them fresh vegetables daily, and even splurged on those cute little treat bags at the pet store. Boy, was I wrong about what rabbits actually need to thrive.

My wake-up call came when my rabbit Luna developed digestive issues that required multiple vet visits. The vet asked about her diet, and I proudly listed all the "healthy" foods I was feeding her. That's when I learned that what I thought was good nutrition was actually causing problems.

What I Wish I Knew About Rabbit Digestion

Rabbits have a completely different digestive system than humans or even other pets. Their digestive tract is designed to process large amounts of fiber continuously. When I was feeding Luna mostly pellets and treats, I was essentially starving her digestive system of what it needed most.

The key thing I learned is that rabbits need to eat constantly - not because they're greedy, but because their digestive system requires constant movement to function properly. When they stop eating, even for a few hours, their gut can shut down completely.

The 80-15-5 Rule That Changed Everything

80% Hay - The Foundation

Hay should make up 80% of your rabbit's diet, and I mean unlimited hay. I used to think I was being generous by filling Luna's hay rack once a day, but rabbits need access to fresh hay 24/7. They eat about their body size in hay every day - that's a lot of hay!

I've tried every type of hay available, and here's what I've learned: Timothy hay is the gold standard for adult rabbits. It's high in fiber, low in protein and calcium, and most rabbits love it. Orchard grass and meadow hay are also excellent choices. I avoid alfalfa for adult rabbits because it's too high in protein and calcium.

15% Fresh Vegetables - The Daily Variety

Fresh vegetables should make up about 15% of your rabbit's diet. I aim for at least 3 different types of vegetables daily, and I try to rotate them throughout the week. This ensures your rabbit gets a variety of nutrients and keeps their diet interesting.

My go-to vegetables include dark leafy greens like romaine lettuce, kale, and spinach. I also include herbs like cilantro, parsley, and basil - my rabbits go crazy for these. Root vegetables like carrots are fine in small amounts, but they're high in sugar so I limit them to occasional treats.

5% Pellets - The Supplement

Pellets should only make up about 5% of your rabbit's diet. This was the hardest lesson for me to learn because I thought pellets were the main food. I was feeding Luna way too many pellets, which led to obesity and digestive problems.

When choosing pellets, look for ones that are high in fiber (at least 18%) and low in protein (around 12-14%). Avoid pellets with colorful pieces, seeds, or nuts - these are just marketing gimmicks that can cause health problems.

The Vegetables That Actually Work

Daily Staples

These are the vegetables I feed almost every day because they're safe, nutritious, and most rabbits love them:

• Romaine lettuce: High in water content and fiber, low in calories
• Kale: Packed with vitamins A and C, but feed in moderation
• Cilantro: Great for digestive health and most rabbits love the taste
• Parsley: High in vitamin C and helps with urinary health
• Dandelion greens: Free if you have a pesticide-free yard, and rabbits love them

Weekly Treats

These vegetables I feed 2-3 times per week as variety and treats:

• Carrots: High in sugar, so I limit to small amounts
• Bell peppers: Great source of vitamin C, all colors are safe
• Broccoli: Can cause gas in some rabbits, so introduce slowly
• Brussels sprouts: Another gas-causing vegetable, feed sparingly
• Herbs: Basil, mint, and oregano are all safe and loved by most rabbits

What I Learned About Feeding Schedules

Morning Routine

I start every day by checking Luna's hay supply and adding fresh hay if needed. Then I give her a small amount of pellets (about 1/4 cup for a 5-pound rabbit) and a variety of fresh vegetables. I try to do this at the same time every day because rabbits thrive on routine.

Evening Check

Before bed, I check her hay again and give her another small serving of vegetables. I also make sure her water bottle is full and clean. This ensures she has everything she needs for the night.

Weekly Variety

I plan Luna's weekly menu in advance to ensure she gets variety. Monday might be romaine and cilantro, Tuesday could be kale and parsley, and so on. This prevents her from getting bored with her food and ensures she gets a wide range of nutrients.

Common Nutrition Mistakes to Avoid

Overfeeding Pellets

This is the most common mistake I see. Pellets are designed to be a supplement, not the main food. Too many pellets can lead to obesity, dental problems, and digestive issues. Stick to the 5% rule and you'll avoid most nutrition-related health problems.

Not Enough Hay

Rabbits need unlimited access to fresh hay. I used to think I was being generous by filling the hay rack once a day, but rabbits eat constantly. I now keep multiple hay sources around Luna's enclosure and refill them as needed throughout the day.

Feeding the Wrong Vegetables

Not all vegetables are safe for rabbits. I learned this the hard way when I gave Luna some iceberg lettuce, which has almost no nutritional value and can cause digestive problems. Always research before feeding new vegetables.

Signs of Good Nutrition

When your rabbit is getting proper nutrition, you'll notice several positive signs:

• Consistent, well-formed droppings
• Good appetite and interest in food
• Healthy weight maintenance
• Shiny, soft fur
• Good energy levels and activity

If you notice any changes in these areas, it might be time to reassess your rabbit's diet. I keep a simple log of what Luna eats each day, which helps me track patterns and identify any issues early.

The Bottom Line

Proper rabbit nutrition isn't complicated, but it does require understanding their unique needs. Focus on unlimited hay, a variety of fresh vegetables, and limited pellets. Pay attention to your rabbit's individual preferences and adjust accordingly.

Remember, every rabbit is different. What works for Luna might not work for your rabbit. The key is to be observant, flexible, and always prioritize your rabbit's health over convenience. Trust me, the effort is worth it when you see your rabbit thriving on a proper diet.

## Related Reading If you found this article helpful, you might also enjoy: • [Rabbit Dental Health: Prevention and Early Detecti... Health: Prevention and Early Detection](/blog/rabbit-dental-health-prevention-early-detection) - Essential guide to maintaining your rabbit's dental health, including signs of problems, preventive care strategies, and when to seek veterinary attention. These articles explore similar themes and can help deepen your understanding of the topic.

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