Nutrition for your Rabbit For Immediate Release June 6, 2006 The House Rabbit Network would like to remind all rabbit owners of the importance of a proper diet for your bunny. Your rabbit is an important member of your family, who, with proper care and nutrition, can easily live 7-10 years. A healthy diet is the most critical step to ensuring your bunny’s good health. The most vital item in your rabbit’s diet is hay. Good Timothy hay (or another grass hay) provides the fiber needed to keep your bunny’s digestive tract working properly. Alfalfa hay is generally not recommended since it is higher in calcium, protein and fat. Fresh leafy greens should be given to your rabbit each day. Try feeding 2-3 different types of the following: kale, dandelion (greens, but the flowers are alright, too), collards, red and green leaf lettuce, romaine, escarole, chicory, dill, cilantro, parsley, swiss chard, oregano and mustard greens. Typically, your bunny should be offered 2 cups of greens per 5 pounds of body weight. Carrots, contrary to popular belief, are not very healthy for your rabbit and should be limited one-half of a medium carrot per day. The orange root is high and sugar and calories, however, the leafy tops can be fed in larger quantities Commercially sold rabbit pellets are the leading cause of obesity in rabbits and need to be fed in moderation. They do provide needed vitamins and minerals, but many rabbits tend to over-indulge. Adult rabbits should not be fed more than a fourth cup per 5 lbs. of weight. Do not buy the pellets with “treat” foods, such as seeds or other brightly colored items. Timothy hay pellets are strongly recommended. Fresh water in a clean bottle or crock (dish) should always be available. Make sure that you replace the water daily. Please do not feed your rabbit any human treats. Good rabbit treats include tiny pieces of banana, a thin slice of apple, or a couple of raisins or dried cranberries. Other fruits such as pineapple can be offered in small quantities. Avoid processed treats available in pet stores as the extra fat and sugar and compromise your rabbit’s digestive system. Check out the House Rabbit Network website, www.rabbitnetwork.org, for more information about your rabbit’s nutritional needs. Our “Bunny Basics” article briefly outlines proper rabbit care. There are numerous other articles on our site concerning every aspect of living with a house rabbit. The House Rabbit Network is a Massachusetts-based 501 ©3 non-profit, all-volunteer organization. We are dedicated to saving and adopting unwanted bunnies and educating the public about rabbit care. Do not forget that we have dozens of wonderful bunnies available for adoption! We also have many volunteer opportunities. Donations of any amount are accepted to fund our efforts to find loving, forever homes for each and every bunny. Thank you for your support!

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