DIETARY FACT SHEET - Rabbits
Rabbits are herbivores and eat only grasses, grain, vegetables and fruit.
For a balanced diet, rabbits need dry feed, hay, fresh fruit and vegetables and water.
Dry Feed: Peters rabbit foods are specially formulated for all breeds of adult rabbits. The ingredients in our product range are carefully selected for their taste and texture, shape, size and colour, to provide variety and interest in your pet’s diet.
Hay: Hay is very important for maintaining your rabbit’s health. Hay provides essential roughage that aids digestion and reduces the risk of hairballs and other internal blockages. It also helps to satisfy the chewing urge and helps to wear down the constantly growing teeth. Feed Peters Pasture Hay or Timothy Hay daily in generous amounts.
Hay is also ideal for bedding; your rabbit will enjoy burrowing into a generous nest of hay for warmth and comfort. Always ensure your pet’s bedding is clean and fresh by replacing it regularly.
Fruit & Vegetables: Offer a variety of fresh vegetables and fruit each day. Your pet may enjoy the following selection:-
Apples, broccoli, beans, carrots, celery, cucumber, green and red peppers, parsley, peas, pears, silver beet, spinach, sweet potatoes and turnips.
Too much lettuce and cabbage can cause diarrhoea so feed sparingly.
Ensure the fruit and vegetables are fresh and washed clean. Place the roughly chopped food in a heavy ceramic bowl that can’t be tipped over. Introduce new foods slowly and in small amounts to avoid stomach upsets. This will also help you to identify your pet’s favourites.
Rhubarb is toxic to rabbits as are a number of plants so beware of feeding plants or shrubs from the garden. Do not feed any mouldy or spoiled food.
Treats: Peters small animal treats will provide hours of contented nibbling activity when your rabbit is confined to its enclosure. Great as a reward or training aid, Peters treats can be hung in the enclosure or mixed into the dry feed to add variety and interest to your pet’s diet.
Rabbits also enjoy sultanas, apples and bananas which may be offered as an occasional treat.
Water: Ensure your rabbit has plenty of fresh water. We recommend a gravity flow plastic bottle with a metal tube (sipper tube) as this keeps water clean. Replace daily.