Many people make the mistake of feeding their rabbit only commercial rabbit pellets. This does not provide a balanced source of nutrition for your pet. In fact, your rabbit should only be given 1/8 - 1/4 cup of high fiber pellets daily per 5 pounds of body weight. The majority of the diet should consist of hay. Timothy or mixed grass hay are best. Alfalfa hay is too rich in calories and calcium. This can lead to obesity and urinary problems. Rabbits are continuous feeders. This means that they need to eat small amounts frequently. For this reason hay should be available to the rabbit at all times.
It is also important to provide your rabbit with a variety of greens. Kale, carrot tops, dandelion and mustard greens, collards, alfalfa sprouts, romaine lettuce, spinach, endive, parsley, and basil are good choices. Avoid greens in the cabbage family such as cabbage and brussel sprouts. These produce gas that the bunny cannot eliminate. Legumes such as beans and peas should also be avoided. New vegetables should be introduced gradually. Watch your bunny carefully for signs of digestive upset whenever you introduce a new food.
NEVER give your bunny foods rich in carbohydrates, fats, or sugars. These foods can upset the sensitive digestive system of the rabbit even if they are only given as occasional treats.
For more information on rabbit nutrition, please refer to Harelines Volume 3 Number 1 (Winter 1999) http://www.ohare.org/vol3_1.htm#appetit, “Bon Appetit Bunny.” This publication is available through Buckeye House Rabbit Society. Ask our staff for a reprint of the article or check it out online.
Rodent Nutrition
Pelleted Diet
Pelleted diets are available to buy for each animal species. While nutritional requirements are similar, there are differences in required protein and fat content and vitamin needs. For this reason it is recommended that you choose a diet specifically formulated for your animal species. If your local pet store does not carry such food, commercial diet foods can be purchased off of the Internet. The following are sites from reputable companies with a good rodent diet selection: www.oxbowhay.com www.mazuri.com
The doctors at Clermont Animal Hospital recommend using a uniform pelleted diet as the primary food source for your pet. “Gourmet” mixtures containing seeds, corn and other ingredients are not as good for your pet. This is because rodents tend to eat the more tasty seeds and other calorie-dense components while avoiding the nutritious pellets. This can lead to obesity, calcium deficiency, stomach problems and/or malnutrition. It is far better to feed a plain pelleted diet and offer very small quantities of seed, corn, grains and cereals as an occasional treat.
It is best to buy pelleted diets in small quantities in order to avoid prolonged storage. Some of the vitamins, including the Vitamin C in Guinea pig pellets, will degrade over time. Open a new package of pellets at least monthly.
Hay
Guinea pigs, chinchillas and prairie dogs need a continuous supply of fresh hay. This provides the high fiber needed in these species. This is not a required part of the diet of the smaller rodents. Timothy hay and mixed grass hay are the best types to feed your pet. Alfalfa hay is too high in calcium and is not recommended for routine, long-term feeding. Hay is available packaged in the small animal section of most local pet stores. A cheaper alternative is to buy it directly from a local farmer. Be sure to store the hay in an airtight container away from any moisture.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
In addition to hay, Guinea pigs, chinchillas and prairie dogs need fresh vegetables to maintain a balanced diet. While these are not necessary for the smaller rodents, they can be used as an occasional treat and to provide some variety in the diet. Dark leafy vegetables such as kale, parsley, beet greens, chicory, spinach and romaine lettuce are the most important. Tomatoes, bell peppers (all colors) and other brightly-colored vegetables also provide important vitamins and minerals. In general, fruits are too calorie-dense for your pet. With the exception of oranges (used for Vitamin C in Guinea pigs), fruits should only be used in small quantities as an occasional treat. Apples, oranges, grapes and kiwi are appetizing to most pocket pets. If diarrhea occurs following these tasty snacks, however, they should not be used.Many rodents are reluctant to try new foods. It is important to make any diet changes slowly, adding only one new food at a time. Offer the new food at the time of day that your pet seems the hungriest (this will vary with both individuals and species). Do not be surprised if your pet totally ignores the new food. It is also important to watch for diarrhea following the introduction of new fruits or vegetables. If this occurs, do not feed that particular food item in the future.
