A HOUSE RABBIT'S DIET

One of the most important things you can do for the health of your companion rabbit is make sure he has a truly healthy diet.  Rabbits have sensitive digestive systems and are prone to gi stasis (when their digestive tract slows and/or stops). This is a very serious condition that can happen over time, or within 24 hours.  Either way, the results can be deadly if not treated in time. This condition can happen when a bunny's diet is too rich and/or when it gets too many rabbit treats that are high in sugar, starches and fats.   . 

Here are some guidelines and tips to help you find what's best for your bunny:

TREATS:

• Treats:  Rabbits love sugar! Store bought treats and even raw natural treats, like bananas, carrots and raisins, can all be very high in sugar. When giving these kinds of treats, make portions extremely small! And mix in treats that are healthy, like mint, rosemary, and basil. Sample of a healthy treat

      HAY, PELLETS, GREENS

• Hay: Bunnies should have access to hay 24/7 to help keep their digestive tract moving.  Look for hay that is high in fiber.  Timothy is a favorite among many because it's also lower in protein.(as too much protein is also not good for your bunny either)  There are other kinds of hays that are good too: Brome, Orchard, Fescue, Rye, Blue, Meadow.  Mixing them all together can make it even tastier for your bunny.  Alfalfa is good for baby bunnies under 7 months but it can be too rich for adults.

• Pellets:  Pellets that are free of corn, nuts and dried fruit are best in maintaining a healthy bunny.  According to the House Rabbit Society, pellets should be a minimum of 18% in fiber, and low in fat (1% -2%), and alfalfa based pellets should be weaned to Timothy around 7 months of age.

• Fresh Veggies:  Fresh greens, like dandelion, parsley, bok choy, cilantro, radish tops, escarole, romaine and red leaf lettuce should be slowly introduced at around 3 months of age.  I like to go to the farmers market and buy a whole bunch at a great price, and then I store them in tupperware and baggies meant to keep veggies fresh for longer.

Now that people are learning more about rabbit care and what goes into a healthy diet, rabbits are living to be 10 years and older!  So look for things that will promote a long and healthy life so you can spend more time with your cute fuzzy faced companion.

Most important tip: Rabbits are the best beggars for sugary treats.  Be strong! Look away! Don't fall under the spell of bunny cuteness!