The Best Food to Give to Pet Rabbits
People have been keeping rabbits as pets for some time now, although the practice hasn’t always been common. Today, however, more and more families are deciding to take rabbits into their homes. And, with that, they’re asking themselves what the best food to give pet rabbits is. In the article to follow, we’ll help answer that exact question.
The best foods to give to pet rabbits
There is a wide variety of specially manufactured foods on the market to meet the nutritional needs of rabbits. However, there are many pet owners who prefer to complement commercial foods with natural ingredients.
Today, we want to tell you about the BARF diet. This diet is based on raw foods and is suitable for all animals, including rabbits. However, the primordial foods in their diet must be feed and hay.
First of all, hay is beneficial to the intestinal tract of rabbits. What’s more, it also strengthens their teeth, helps them adapt to their food, and maintains proper oral hygiene. Feed, on the other hand, provides different nutrients, including the vitamins that are necessary for good health and energy.
So, when it comes to the best foods to give to pet rabbits, the foundation of their diet must consist of feed and hay. However, you can also incorporate the following:
Vegetables
Remember that rabbits are herbivores, meaning they can’t consume meat, fish, or any of their derivatives… Not even a little bit. Among the vegetables that rabbits can eat, there’s a wide variety. As for the amount, rabbits should consume portions of 1.6 ounces of vegetables for each pound they weigh. Additionally, they should consume at least 5 ounces of hay and 1 ounce of feed.
Everybody knows that rabbits like to eat carrots, but many think they can eat as much of this vegetable as they want. However, that’s not entirely the case. Yes, it’s true that rabbits love to eat carrots, but not in the way we tend to see them portrayed in movies and cartoons.
The part of the carrot that rabbits can eat without any trouble is their leaves. When it comes to the root, which is what we refer to as the carrot itself, rabbits should consume a smaller amount. The same is true with other vegetables as well. Chard leaves, chicory, watercress, lamb’s lettuce, arugula, Chinese cabbage, dandelion, clover, borage, escarole, and endive.
Other vegetables that rabbits can eat in limited quantities are cucumbers, beets, artichokes, peppers, celery, and green beans. In even smaller quantities, they can also consume spinach, cabbage, tomato, broccoli, carrots, lettuce, and aromatic herbs like peppermint and basil. As for potatoes, cauliflower, onions, and garlic, rabbits should not consume them at all.
Fruits
Fruits are another perfect option when it comes to giving the best food to give to pet rabbits. However, not all of them are beneficial to their health. For example, they can eat peaches, cherries, kiwis, strawberries, tangerines, oranges, apples, mangos, papayas, watermelon, pineapple, pear, and persimmons. On the other hand, rabbits should never eat fruits like plums, custard apples, apricots, figs, loquats, and bananas.
If you have any doubts about what rabbits can and cannot eat, talk it over with your veterinarian. There are many other fruits and vegetables out there, but you should talk to a professional before giving them to your pet.
About rabbit feed…
Whatever feed you purchase for rabbits should be specifically designed for these animals. And if should go without saying that you should only give your rabbit good quality feed. Find out what your rabbit needs in order to be healthy so that you can compare different options regarding their nutritional content.
Just as with dogs, baby rabbits shouldn’t eat the same diet as adult rabbits. Rather, you should adjust your rabbit’s diets over time depending on its age. If you follow the advice in today’s article, we’ll sure you’ll have a healthy and happy pet.
This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.