Proper nutrition is essential for the health and well-being of your rabbit. Understanding their eating habits and following best practices for feeding can ensure your bunny leads a healthy, happy life. Here is a comprehensive guide to bunny eating habits and the best practices to follow.

Bunny Eating Habits

1. Grazers by Nature:
   • Continuous Grazing: Rabbits are natural grazers, meaning they eat small amounts of food throughout the day.
   • High Fiber Diet: Their diet primarily consists of high-fiber foods like hay, which is crucial for their digestive health.
2. Selective Eaters:
   • Preference for Fresh Greens: Rabbits often prefer fresh greens and vegetables and can be selective about their food choices.
   • Avoidance of Certain Foods: Some bunnies may refuse certain foods, especially those they aren’t accustomed to.
3. Chewing Behavior:
   • Need to Chew: Rabbits have a constant need to chew to wear down their continuously growing teeth. Providing appropriate chewing materials is vital.
4. Coprophagy:
   • “Eating Cecotropes: Rabbits produce two types of droppings: hard fecal pellets and soft cecotropes. They re-ingest cecotropes to absorb essential nutrients, a normal and healthy behavior.” – writes Wassam, a seasoned vet in his article on “What do Bunnies Eat” 

      

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Best Practices for Feeding Your Rabbit

1. Unlimited Hay:
   • Primary Diet Component: Hay should make up the majority of your rabbit’s diet (around 80-90%).
   • Types of Hay: Timothy hay, orchard grass, and meadow hay are excellent choices. Alfalfa hay is suitable for young rabbits but should be limited for adults due to its high calcium content.
2. Fresh Vegetables:
   • Daily Intake: Fresh vegetables should be a daily part of your rabbit’s diet.
   • Variety: Offer a variety of leafy greens like romaine lettuce, kale, and parsley. Introduce new vegetables gradually to monitor for digestive upset.
   • Safe Vegetables: Carrots (in moderation due to high sugar content), bell peppers, broccoli (leaves and stems), and cilantro are also good options.
3. Pellets:
   • Quality Pellets: Choose high-quality rabbit pellets that are high in fiber and low in protein and calcium.
   • Limited Quantity: Adult rabbits should have a limited amount of pellets daily (about 1/4 cup per 5 pounds of body weight). Young rabbits can have unlimited pellets.
4. Fresh Water:
   • Constant Supply: Ensure your rabbit has access to fresh, clean water at all times.
   • Water Bottle vs. Bowl: Some rabbits prefer drinking from a water bottle, while others prefer a bowl. Ensure whichever method you use is always clean.

1. Treats:
   • Healthy Options: Treats should be given sparingly and should be healthy options like small pieces of fruit (apple, banana, berries) or special rabbit treats from pet stores.
   • Avoid Sugary and Processed Foods: Avoid giving your rabbit sugary, processed foods, and human snacks, as these can cause serious health issues.
2. Monitor Eating Habits:
   • Regular Eating: Rabbits should eat regularly throughout the day. A decrease in appetite can be a sign of health issues and should be addressed by a vet.
   • Poop Monitoring: Keep an eye on your rabbit’s droppings. Consistent size, shape, and amount are indicators of good health.
3. Avoid Harmful Foods:
   • Toxic Foods: Avoid feeding your rabbit foods like iceberg lettuce, onions, garlic, and rhubarb, as these can be toxic.
   • Limit High-Sugar Foods: Foods high in sugar, such as fruits and certain vegetables like carrots, should be given in moderation.
4. Proper Feeding Environment:
   • Safe Space: Feed your rabbit in a quiet, stress-free environment.
   • Clean Bowls: Regularly clean food and water bowls to prevent contamination.

Example Daily Feeding Schedule

• Morning:
  • Fresh hay replenished
  • Small portion of pellets
  • Fresh water
• Midday:
  • A handful of mixed leafy greens
  • Fresh hay
• Evening:
  • Fresh hay replenished
  • Small portion of vegetables
  • Fresh water
• Occasional Treats:
  • Small piece of fruit or a healthy rabbit treat

Understanding and adhering to the proper feeding habits and best practices for your rabbit ensures they receive the nutrition they need for a healthy and happy life. Providing a diet rich in hay, fresh vegetables, limited pellets, and fresh water, while avoiding harmful foods, will help maintain your bunny’s digestive health, dental health, and overall well-being. Regular monitoring and adjustments based on your rabbit’s individual needs and preferences will also contribute to their optimal health.

Further Reading: Bunny Vault