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Types of Rabbit Food

Approximately 1.4 million households in the United States own rabbits. Thousands of rabbits are purchased around Easter time as household pets, however many of these animals end up being abandoned or killed to due to ignorance about what it means to own and care for a rabbit.Owning a rabbit is no different than owning a cat or dog, it takes time, patience, care and money. Understanding the types of food a rabbit eats is important to providing a healthy and balanced diet.

Hay
- Hay is one of the most important types of rabbit food. Hay provides rabbits with essential dietary fiber needed to promote healthy digestion. The chewing motion that rabbits use to break down hay is important for wearing down a rabbit's teeth, which continue to grow, and cause health problems if they get too long. Hay for rabbit food should be made of high quality grasses that are fresh and free of dust and mold. Hay such as alfalfa and clover hay is too rich for rabbits. They contain high amounts of protein and calcium and minerals that can cause bladder stones and lead to obesity in rabbits.
Pellets
- Pet stores sell many varieties of pellet rabbit food. Pellets provide rabbits with vitamins and minerals that they cannot get from other foods. Pellets are considered a secondary food for rabbits, with hay being the primary food. If a rabbit eats too many pellets, they may ignore hay, which is more important for their diets.Your vet can help recommend a good quality rabbit pellet. A high quality rabbit pellet will be free of colors, seeds and nuts in addition to having high fiber and low protein.
Vegetables
- Rabbits can eat a variety of fresh vegetables. Even though carrots are viewed as a classic food for rabbits, they contain high amounts of starch. Starchy vegetables should be consumed in moderation, as they can create health problems if too many are consumed. Rabbits are able to dine on fresh greens, such as dark leaf lettuce and kale. These greens help hydrate the rabbit's intestinal tract, promoting good digestion. Rabbits can also eat broccoli, parsley, endive, escarole, dill, mint, basil, cilantro, tomato, spinach and celery.
Fruit
- Fruit is another type of food for rabbits when given in small quantities as a treat. Small quantities are important because the sugars and starches in fruits can cause digestive troubles and intestinal complications if given too liberally. Rabbits can eat apricots, apples, peaches, mango, bananas, pineapples, plums, cherries, as well as, blueberries and papaya.

Animals & Science