Like every other pet, rabbits also need a balanced diet. Contrary to what we have always read in our childhood comic books, carrots are unsuitable for rabbits. However, they can be offered as treats every once in a while.
Too many fruits or carrots should be avoided as they are high in calories and can lead to obesity.
A rabbit needs a proper diet comprising hay, pellets, fresh vegetables/and 5% pellets. Feeding your bunny correctly and giving it the proper nutrition will keep its digestive system working. Any rapid transformation to a different diet is difficult for rabbits.
Adaptation to another diet should always be natural and gradual. Rabbits generally do not have many ways of showing their discomfort, if any. So it is imperative to have a keen eye and notice any subtle behavioral changes they might lead to.
HAY
Good quality hay or grass should be the majority of their diet. It has much fiber and keeps them from becoming obese. Some rabbits are reluctant to have hay as they are offered excessive pelleted food.
Most rabbits prefer pellets to hay. Rabbit pellets are predominantly made of carbohydrates. Like most people, rabbits love their carbs and will choose them over fiber. Healthy adult rabbits can get all their nutrition from good quality hay and sometimes don't even need pellets.
Rabbits tend to develop dental and digestive problems, so if they are not eating as much as they usually do, You should immediately take them to a vet.
PELLETS
While your rabbit should primarily consume hay, pellets contain carbohydrates. They can help thin aid rabbits to maintain or gain weight. Pellets are fine to feed in limited quantities but should not be provided to the degree that they discourage your rabbit from eating its hay.
They are also sources of protein, vitamins, fiber, and minerals. Pellets can be a small part of your rabbit's diet, but it is equally important. A wild rabbit's diet consists of much low-nutrient food.
Therefore, it is essential to follow feeding guidelines closely to ensure they receive as balanced a diet as possible.
Rabbits need continuous access to fresh water. You should regularly change the water in the bowl. You should also try to clean the water dish. Water is essential for your bunny to keep everything moving in the gut.
VEGGIES & FRUITS
When your bunny is around three months old, you can introduce fresh vegetables to him one at a time. If you notice any vegetable causing some digestive problem, avoid feeding it to them in the future. Here is a list of veggies and fruits for your bunny-
Beetroot tops
Carrot tops
Bell peppers
Radish tops
Pea Pods
Spinach (in a limited amount)
Broccoli (mostly leaves/stems; in limited amounts as it can cause gas) Brussels sprouts
Celery
Parsley
Apple
Pineapple
Banana
Melon
Orange
Pear
Papaya
Blueberries
Plums
Strawberries
FOODS TO AVOID
Chocolate, crackers, pasta, yogurt, cookies, bread, avocado, iceberg lettuce, breakfast cereal, or sugary processed food.
THE FOOD WE RECOMMEND
ZUPREEM TIMOTHY HAY
It is an essential staple for the diet of rabbits. For rabbits seven months or older, hay should make up 80% of their diet. Timothy is very high in fiber which promotes high-toned muscles.
Do not leave moistened food or fodder lying around for more than 2 hrs. Store it in a cool place away from pests and hay.
VITAPOL KARMEO RABBIT FOOD
This is specially formulated for rabbits. It is easily digestible and is enriched with vegetables, vitamins, and minerals.
It maintains the ideal weight of rabbits and is an easily digestible food. It has natural fiber for better intestinal peristalsis.
TIMOTHY NATURALS RABBIT FOOD
It contains sun-cured timothy hay, soybean hulls, dried alfalfa meal, wheat middling, dried molasses, flaxseeds, Salt, calcium, biotin, Vitamin B12 supplement, Vitamin D3 supplement, and a lot more. It gives your bunny a complete and balanced meal.
VITAPOL ECONOMIC FOOD FOR RABBIT
This wholesome formula provides complete health and nutrition for your rabbit. The essential nutrients needed for your bunny are included & balanced to suit the physiology of your rabbit in this formula.
It has crude fiber with high-quality ingredients that facilitate digestion. Packed with the help of the controlled atmosphere technique, the food is fresh and packed with nutrition. The healthy meal is free of preservatives and helps to maintain a healthy fur and build a robust immune system for your bunny.