Have you recently decided to get a bunny? Congratulations! Bunnies are not only almost unbearably cute, they are full of personality and make absolutely wonderful pets. In order to keep your little furball happy and healthy, you’ll need to provide a suitable habitat, plenty of toys, things to chew on, and of course, nutritious food. In this article, your Lawrenceville vet discusses proper bunny nutrition.
Hay
Bunnies need hay in order to properly digest their food, so without it, your pet may get very sick. Make sure your rabbit always has unlimited fresh, clean hay available. Baby bunnies can have alfalfa, but rabbits over seven months should have Timothy, orchard grass, and/or oat hay. If you have allergies, try to find hay from a second cutting. Second cuttings have less seeds and stems, which are often what cause reactions.
Pellets
Floppy can have pellets daily for her main meals. These will provide her with trace nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Ask your vet for recommended serving sizes. Always check the ingredients before choosing a brand. You’ll want to avoid pellets that have high amounts of dried fruit, seeds, and nuts. If your rabbit is young, ask your vet for recommendations, as too many pellets can be bad for baby bunnies.
Other Foods
Floppy will need some fruits, veggies, and herbs to complete her menu. There are many different things you can feed your furball. Broccoli, celery, beets, carrots, Brussels sprouts, spinach, Bok Choy, and dark leafy greens are some of the veggies she can have. Small amounts of fruits are also acceptable. Live organic herbs like Basil, dill, mint, and parsley are good options as well. You can even grow little pots of organic herbs and give Floppy the whole pot!
Treats
Bunnies love treats! Just be sure not to overdo it when feeding Floppy snacks. 1-2 tablespoons of sweet potatoes or berries are good choices. Dandelions are a big hit with bunnies!
What To Avoid
Don’t give bunnies grains, nuts, or seeds. Corn, beans, and peas are best avoided, as are breads and biscuits. You’ll also want to avoid sweets, junk food, overly processed food, cereal, and chocolate. Always research specifics food to be sure they are safe before giving them to Floppy.
Does your bunny need an examination? Please contact us for your pet’s veterinary care needs. As your Lawrenceville veterinary clinic, we are happy to help!
