Rabbit - Nutrition
The nutrition of domestic rabbits is an important aspect of rabbit keeping.
If you have a rabbit as a pet, you should make sure that it receives a species-appropriate and balanced diet . Although rabbit nutrition is not very complicated compared to other pets such as dogs or cats, there can still be some mistakes that can negatively affect your rabbit's health and well-being.
An important fact to consider when feeding rabbits is that rabbits are folivores, which means they are mainly leaf eaters. In nature, wild rabbits feed mainly on fresh green plant parts, buds and leaf tips.
In addition, they also ingest roots and bark.
Our domestic rabbits are still dependent on this type of diet due to their short history of domestication.
Therefore, the diet of domestic rabbits should contain sufficient crude fiber to support the digestive process and promote good intestinal health.
It is important that rabbits have access to hay at all times as it is their main source of food.
In addition to hay, rabbits should always be given fresh vegetables and herbs to ensure a balanced diet.
However, it is important to ensure that the vegetables and herbs are given in appropriate amounts and in an appropriate combination to avoid digestive problems and diarrhea.
Crude fiber is important
In order for rabbits to digest their food, they need continuous access to food. They usually eat up to 80 small meals throughout the day to evenly load their gastrointestinal tract and avoid digestive disorders.
A healthy diet for rabbits consists of fresh meadow greens with wildflowers, grasses and herbs , as it contains all the necessary nutrients for their well-being.
However, since pets rarely have permanent access to a natural herb meadow, some rules must be observed when feeding domestic rabbits.
- The most important food for domestic rabbits is hay, grass and herbs . As a staple food, there should always be sufficient high-quality roughage available, as the high crude fiber content promotes healthy digestion.
A fiber-rich diet is very important for tooth wear in rabbits.
Due to the continuous growth of rabbit teeth (more than one centimeter per month), they must constantly grind food in order to wear down enough tooth substance.
Therefore, rabbits chew very intensively, making 120 chewing movements per minute.
If the teeth become too long, the animal can no longer eat and will starve. It is therefore important that domestic rabbits have small branches available in their enclosure in addition to roughage.
The best branches are from hazelnut and pome fruit trees, hornbeam, willow or maple.
In addition to hay and fresh water, fresh food is an important part of a species-appropriate diet for rabbits.
However, rabbits that are not yet used to fresh grass or leaf lettuce must be introduced to the new food slowly to avoid stomach bloating!
Summer feeding
Summer feeding rabbits can be a great way to ensure they get a varied and balanced diet.
In spring, summer and autumn there are numerous opportunities to collect plants from the meadow, twigs and leaves that can serve as healthy food for rabbits. This method of feeding is not only free, but also a natural and healthy way of feeding.
If you keep rabbits outdoors, they can also graze on the food themselves and have some variety at the same time.
In this case, it is only necessary to collect the picked greens for the night.
It is important to collect a mixture of two-thirds grasses and one-third mixed meadow herbs to ensure a balanced diet. This combination provides the rabbits with a variety of nutrients and ensures optimal digestion.
There are some tips to keep in mind when feeding rabbits in summer.
- For example, beginners should learn how to pick grasses and herbs in the meadow. A poster that can be printed and taken away can help with this.
- Support groups such as those on Facebook can also be very helpful.
Overall, summer feeding is a great way to ensure rabbits get a varied and balanced diet.
It is important to collect the right plants and herbs and ensure that rabbits are fed the right mix of grasses and meadow herbs. By using various tips and tools, rabbit owners can ensure that their animals receive a healthy diet and remain happy and healthy.
You can also read our other articles from our HoppelWiki .
Winter feeding
If you do not have the opportunity to pick fresh greens directly from nature or cannot find enough, then purchased green fodder is a good alternative for feeding domestic rabbits.
Cabbage:
Brassica vegetables are particularly suitable as food for rabbits, although they often have a bad reputation.
It is indispensable for winter nutrition and very healthy. Popular varieties are kohlrabi leaves, kale/brown cabbage, savoy cabbage, broccoli, pointed cabbage and cauliflower , but many other types of cabbage can also be offered.
However, you should stop feeding them commercial dry food before feeding them cabbage! Brassica vegetables must be introduced slowly , starting with one leaf and doubling the amount every day until the animals are used to it. Then you can put whole heads of cabbage in the enclosure.
Whether frozen or thawed, rabbits like to eat brassicas because they can withstand frost and retain their structure. Brassicas are also very healthy for digestion and are an ideal winter feed!
Leafy cabbage such as kale, savoy cabbage, pointed cabbage or Chinese cabbage should make up about 10% of the ration when kept indoors; when kept outdoors, it can be more!
Salads:
Salads with bitter substances, such as endive, frisée and chicory , are particularly recommended here.
These salads have a positive effect on digestion and tooth wear.
Another interesting option for rabbit owners is dandelion as a salad.
This can often be bought fresh in Turkish shops and offers a welcome change from the usual green fodder. Dandelion contains many vitamins and minerals and also supports healthy digestion.
However, you should make sure that you feed the lettuce slowly and increase the amount gradually to avoid stomach bloating. You should also make sure that the lettuce is always fresh and clean to avoid possible germs and pathogens.
Kitchen herbs:
Culinary herbs are not only important for human cuisine, but also for rabbit nutrition.
Although they are often more expensive than conventional food, they have high nutritional value and promote the health of rabbits.
Unlike dry food or vegetables, herbs contain a high density of nutrients, vitamins and minerals that are of great importance for rabbits.
They can be given in small quantities as a supplement to the main food and serve as a variety and additional source of flavour. All kitchen herbs that are suitable for humans are also suitable for rabbits.
These include, for example:
- Parsley
- coriander
- dill
- basil
- chervil
- mint
- sage
When feeding herbs, care should be taken to ensure that they are fresh and given in small portions .
Culinary herbs can also be fed, but should make up less than 10% of the ration.
Complementary foods:
In winter, it can be difficult for rabbits to find enough food because many plants are no longer available at this time of year.
To ensure that your rabbit has enough energy, you should offer him fruit in addition to his regular food.
Local fruits such as apples and pears are particularly suitable for this and can be handed out regularly in small quantities.
However, if temperatures drop very sharply in winter, falling below -10 degrees Celsius, or if your rabbit is a larger breed, it may be more difficult to get enough energy.
In these cases, you can also offer your rabbit fruit a few days in a row.
- However, you should always make sure that your rabbit tolerates the fruit well and that no diarrhea or other digestive problems occur! To ensure this, you should keep an eye on your rabbit's stool.
In summary, it can be said that local fruit is an important source of energy for rabbits in winter and can be offered regularly in small quantities.
In extreme cases, such as very low temperatures or large breeds of rabbit, fruit can also be given for a few days in a row as a supplement to the normal food. It is always important to pay attention to the rabbit's tolerance and, if necessary, to seek veterinary advice.