Rabbit Diet Plan Is Highly More About Veggies, Water & Hay!
Knowing the correct rabbit diet can be challenging for new pet owners. Belonging to the category of animals that derive their nutrition from plants, rabbits are herbivores, also called “grazers”. Animals that are considered “grazers” have complex digestive systems and are very efficient at processing food. As a result, they also have precise dietary needs.
1. The usual diet of an average rabbit consists of mostly hay, some small vegetables and pellets.
2. However, hay is the most integral part of the rabbit diet. Grass hay is rich in dietary fibres. This makes it extremely healthy for a rabbit’s digestive tract. However, not all varieties of hay are beneficial. Alfalfa hay is not a good rabbit food for adult rabbits as it is too rich in protein and calcium.
3. Contrary to popular opinion, carrots are not that healthful for rabbits. They are too rich in carbohydrates and may upset the bacterial flora in a rabbit’s intestine. They must be an occasional treat rather than regular food for your pet. Sorry, Bugs bunny!
4. Though rabbits are highly efficient at processing food, they are poor at adapting to sudden diet changes. If introduced to new foods suddenly, the rabbit’s normal digestive bacteria will be disturbed. It can lead to an increase in the number of gas- and toxin-producing bacteria. Your little one may become very sick and possibly die. Take care of what rabbit food you choose, rabbit’s momma!
5. Timothy Pellets is an excellent option to include in the rabbit diet. However, it must be fed in moderation as over-consumption is a common cause of obesity and soft stool in adult rabbits.
6. As long as the vegetables are not rich in carbohydrates, they should supplement an adult rabbit diet. Rabbits can consume as many vegetables as they want in a single day without getting diarrhoea.
7. As opposed to the adults, young rabbits (below 7-8 months old) should be fed alfalfa hay. The extra protein and calcium are vital for their growth.
8. Rabbits practice coprophagy, i.e. they eat their faeces. Their faecal pellets serve as a rich source of proteins and vitamins B and K. So, let them eat their shit on their own while you deal with yours.
9. Engaging in coprophagy does not mean that rabbits require extra vitamins. They only need a high-fibre diet. High-fibre fresh fruits like apples can also be fed in moderation to your bunny.
Last but not least, rabbits need to continuously chew something to maintain their ever-growing teeth. Chew toys like wooden blocks and sticks should always be readily available to your rabbit.
Blog Edited By Ritika Gupta
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