Rabbit Diet 101
What Every Bunny Owner Should Know
Hello, bunny lovers! Welcome back to Nibble & Gnaw’s blog. Today, we're diving into the essentials of rabbit nutrition to help keep your fluffy friend happy, healthy, and hopping with joy. Let’s dig in!
Hay: The Cornerstone of a Rabbit’s Diet
Did you know that hay should make up 80–90% of your rabbit’s daily intake? It’s packed with fibre, essential for digestion and keeping those ever-growing teeth in check. At Nibble & Gnaw, we offer a delightful selection of Timothy hay to suit every bunny’s needs:
Ensuring unlimited access to fresh hay helps prevent digestive issues and keeps your bunny’s health in top shape.
Fresh Greens: A Splash of Colour and Nutrition
In addition to hay, fresh leafy vegetables are an important part of your rabbit's diet. Safe greens for rabbits provide essential vitamins and hydration and can be offered daily. These can include:
Safe Vegetables for Rabbits
- Leafy greens like romaine lettuce, spring greens, and kale (in moderation)
- Bell peppers
- Carrot tops (the greens, not the actual carro, Bugs Bunny isn't real!)
- Broccoli (mainly the leaves; florets in moderation)
- Celery, Cucumber, Bok Choy, Radish Tops, Watercress
Vegetables to Feed in Moderation
- Carrots (high in sugar, so only as occasional treats)
- Spinach (contains oxalates, so limit consumption)
- Cabbage (can cause gas)
- Brussels sprouts (can cause gas)
Vegetables/Foods to Avoid:
- Iceberg lettuce (no nutritional value and can cause diarrhoea)
- Onions, garlic, leeks, chives
- Potato plants (leaves and stems)
- Rhubarb, Avocado, Mushroom
Introduce vegetables slowly and watch for any signs of digestive discomfort.
Pellets: Less is More
You won’t find rabbits nibbling pellets in the wild, and there’s a reason for that. When fed a natural, varied diet of hay and fresh vegetables, rabbits get all the nutrients they need without the added extras.
Many sources suggest offering high-quality pellets, but let’s be honest: even the “best” pellets are the bunny version of ultra-processed food. Packed with fillers, binders, and synthetic ingredients you wouldn’t recognise from your garden or kitchen, they’re far from natural.
So, if you must give them, do so very sparingly, just a small sprinkle. Your rabbit’s delicate digestive system will be much happier with a diet rooted in nature.
Treats: A Little Extra Love
Who doesn’t love a tasty treat? While rabbits enjoy the occasional snack, moderation is crucial. Treats should only make up a small portion of your bunny’s diet.
Here are some safe and healthy options:
- Fresh fruits (small portions of apple, banana, or berries)
- Herbs like basil, mint, or dill
- Dried flowers (such as chamomile or rose petals)
Avoid sugary, processed, or high-fat treats, as these can lead to digestive issues and weight gain. Check out our healthy rabbit treats for safe and delicious options!
Keeping Your Bunny Happy and Healthy
Crafting the perfect diet for your bunny takes a little research and a lot of love. By providing a balanced mix of hay, fresh greens, and quality pellets, you’re setting the stage for a happy, healthy rabbit.
A few final tips:
- Always ensure your rabbit has access to fresh, clean water at all times.
- Avoid feeding harmful plants—some can be toxic to rabbits.
- Monitor your rabbit’s weight and digestion to ensure their diet is working for them.
- Pay attention to your rabbit’s poop! Rabbits are prey animals and instinctively hide signs of illness or weakness. If you notice their stools aren’t uniform, round, dry, and firm (about the size of peas), it may indicate a digestive issue that needs prompt attention.
Explore our full range of rabbit-friendly products at Nibble & Gnaw to keep your bunny bouncing with joy! If you have any questions or need personalised advice, don’t hesitate to reach out.