Food & Nutrition

🌿 1. Hay – The Main Food (80% of the Diet)

Why it’s important:
Hay is the most essential food for rabbits. It keeps their digestive system working properly and helps wear down their teeth (which grow continuously).

Best types of hay:

• Timothy hay (most common and balanced)
• Orchard grass hay (soft and sweet-smelling)
• Meadow hay (a natural mix of grasses)
• Alfalfa hay (for young rabbits under 6 months only — it’s high in calcium and protein)

Tip: Always keep hay available — fresh, dry, and clean. Replace it daily.

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🥬 2. Fresh Vegetables – Daily Nutrients

Why it’s important:
Fresh greens provide essential vitamins and minerals.

Safe veggies to feed daily:

• Romaine lettuce
• Kale (in small amounts)
• Spinach (occasionally)
• Parsley
• Cilantro
• Carrot tops
• Basil
• Dandelion greens

Avoid: Iceberg lettuce (too watery, little nutrition).

Serving size:
About 1 cup of mixed greens per 2 lbs of body weight each day.

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🥕 3. Pellets – Small but Important Portion (5–10%)

Why it’s important:
Pellets provide concentrated nutrients, but too many can cause obesity.

Choose:

• High-fiber pellets (at least 18% fiber)
• No added seeds, nuts, or colored bits

Serving size:

• Adult rabbit: ¼ cup per 5 lbs body weight daily
• Baby rabbit: unlimited until 6 months old

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🍎 4. Fresh Fruits – Occasional Treats Only (5%)

Why it’s important:
Fruits are high in sugar and should be given sparingly — as treats, not meals.

Safe fruits (1–2 tsp per day):

• Apple (no seeds)
• Banana
• Blueberries
• Strawberries
• Papaya
• Pineapple

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💧 5. Fresh Water – Always Available

Why it’s important:
Rabbits need clean water all day to stay hydrated.

Tips:

• Use a water bowl (preferred) or a bottle (if your rabbit likes it).
• Refill with fresh, cool water daily.

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⚠️ 6. Foods to Avoid (Toxic or Dangerous)

Never feed your rabbit these foods:
🚫 Bread, rice, pasta
🚫 Chocolate or sweets
🚫 Onion, garlic
🚫 Avocado
🚫 Potatoes
🚫 Nuts or seeds

These can upset digestion or even be life-threatening.

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🧠 Bonus Tip: Feeding Schedule

• Morning: Hay + small portion of pellets
• Evening: Fresh vegetables + hay
• Anytime: Unlimited hay + water

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💡 Summary Table:

Food Type	Amount	Frequency	Notes
Hay	Unlimited	Always	Main diet
Fresh Vegetables	1 cup/2 lbs body weight	Daily	Variety is key
Pellets	¼ cup/5 lbs body weight	Daily	High fiber only
Fruits	1–2 tsp	2–3 times/week	Treat only
Water	Unlimited	Always	Fresh and clean