Diet

Diet Breakdown

80% of an adult rabbit’s diet is hay. This helps to keep a rabbit’s ever-growing teeth worn down. We suggest Timothy hay; the first or second cut is our first choice, but most types of grass hay such as orchard grass are great too. We personally give our buns a variety of hay and grasses to forage through as they seem to enjoy the variety.

10% of a bun’s diet should be fresh veggies after the age of 6 months, and you can give you bunnies treats from time to time. This should be healthy treats. Rabbits are natural foragers, so veggies every 1-2 days is a must, however you will find they prefer it daily! Leafy greens are paramount. Every bun is different, so if your buns waste becomes runny, be sure to limit their veggie intake.

10% of a bun’s diet should be pellets. Only purchase a high quality pellet with the right amount of fiber, protein, and calcium, and avoid all products that contain soy.

Pellets

Pellet Composition

Protein: Protein content for adult bunnies should be 12-14% & 15-18% for Juniors or pregnant or nursing does and weaning to 6 month old babies.
Fat: Fat content should be low and around 1-4%.
Fiber: Fiber content should be high, at minimum ranging from 20-25%.

Brands To Look For

When it comes to pellets, we love Modesto, Oxbow & Sherwood brand pellets, along with other locally made pellets* that can be acquired!

Modesto Milling Organic Non-GMO
Oxbow Essentials Adult
Oxbow Essentials Young
Oxbow Garden Select Adult
Sherwood Adult Free-Choice
Sherwood Concentrated Adult

*If you are interested in our personal recommendations of local feed options, please inquire directly.

Water Bottles & Bowls

Water should be provided by bowl and bottle. I suggest a 32oz bottle with a bowl underneath or a small dog gravity water bowl. I refill the bottle when necessary and add a teaspoon-tablespoon of powdered probiotics & raw apple cider vinegar to help reduce the smell of their urine and help keep their gut and immune systems active. Naturally, rabbits like to drink more from the bowls. I refill the gravity water bowls every other day because they tend to get hay and grains in them or occasionally I’ll find a toy floating around in there.

** in moderation - high in sugar, calcium, or fat

Safe Veggies & Treats

It’s best to slowly introduce greens & fruits to make sure their gut is handling everything well. It’s suggested that kits aren’t introduced to greens until they’re 6 months old. I personally start introducing greens to my babies earlier because I feel that it helps their guts adjust easier. For example, if mama bun is getting her greens for the day, I allow the babies to nibble as well since they’re still transitioning to solids and rely partially on their mother’s milk. Once your bunny has been introduced to greens fully, feed at least 3 different types, twice daily so that you’re providing a variety of nutrients. Be sure to wash all of your produce before giving to your bunny. This will remove any dangerous pesticides as well as help hydrate your bun! The suggested amount to feed is 1 packed cup per 2lbs of body weight daily. You can feed this all at once or break it up into two feedings- one in the morning and one at night. Feed fruits & high calcium greens in moderation. Choose dark leafy greens over thin light colored greens like ice-burg lettuce. Fresh leafy greens provide fiber, vitamins, minerals, protein & carbohydrates. If you notice wet stool or diarrhea then cut back or limit fresh foods & stick to hay/ pellets for a couple days.

The good, the bad, the pee & the poo…

Urine

Bunny urine can vary from clear-pale yellow through various red-orange and brown cloudy colors. Cloudy urine indicates high calcium. Reddish-orange colored urine can come from harmless plant pigments or from medication. 1 table spoon of apple cider vinegar per 32oz of water helps reduce the smell in their urine as well as helps maintain a healthy gut and immune system.

Poo