Pet Habitat South Africa

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05 Jun 2014

Common Rabbit Diet Myths

Posted By : Guest

Filed Under : Nutrition | Rabbits | Rabbit Food | Pet Care

Rabbits eat mainly carrots, right? Wrong! There are lots of misconceptions about what rabbits should eat. Find out what rabbits really should eat to stay healthy!

Myth #1 - Rabbits eat carrots

Carrots shouldn’t be main source of food. Rabbits don't naturally eat root vegetables/fruit. Carrots/fruit are high in sugar and should only be fed in small amounts as occasional treats. Rabbits need mainly hay and/or grass, some leafy greens and a small, measured amount of pellets.

Myth #2 - Hay is just bedding

Hay isn’t just bedding. Fresh, dust–free hay should be their main source of food available at all times. We recommend Timothy hay because it is high in protein and other nutrients and has lots of beneficial fibre.

Myth #3 - Rabbits eat lettuce

Diets shouldn’t be lettuce based. Rabbits shouldn’t eat some lettuces (e.g. iceberg) as they contain laudanum which can be harmful in large quantities. Some lettuce is "worse" than others - light-coloured varieties are high in water and have very little nutritional value, so are not recommended.

Darker, more leafy and fibrous varieties (e.g. romaine lettuce) should be fed, as they are higher in fibre and actual nutrients. Introduce gradually to avoid digestive problems. Large amounts of lettuce, for a rabbit unused to it, can cause digestive upsets.

Myth #4 - Rabbits should be fed big bowlfuls of commercial food

Eating too much commercial food (pellets/nuggets/muesli) can cause weight gain and prevent eating enough hay and/or grass. Muesli-style foods shouldn’t be fed as they cause teeth and tummy problems.

Rabbits can be fed small, measured amount of pellets/nuggets each day, ensuring they get all the vitamins and minerals they need.

Remember hay and/or grass are much more important and should make up the majority of diet. Eating lots of hay/grass helps wear down rabbits' constantly growing teeth and keeps tummies healthy.

It allows foraging and grazing; important normal behaviours. If given highly palatable commercial food, rabbits eat quickly, have nothing else to do, so may become bored.