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There are several different opinions as just what constitutes a healthy diet. However one thing that can be agreed upon is that the house/pet rabbit does better on a less protein and more fibre diet. Young rabbits, pregnant and/or lactating does and rabbits that are being bred for fur or meat all require diets that are higher in protein and fat. Rabbits that have GI Stasis problems require a diet higher in fibre and the less active and/or overweight rabbit requires a diet with less fat. The exact percentages of each diet is still debatable.
Many of the pet foods now available are specifically prepared for the pet rabbit therefore; one doesn't necessarily need to concern themselves too much over the exact percentages as long as your rabbit is happy and healthy.
These figures were based on my readings from various articles on rabbit nutrition and consultations with veterinarians
Pellets:
The main staple in a rabbit’s diet is the commercially produced rabbit pellet. It is always recommended that before purchasing any brand of pellets that you read the guaranteed analysis and the ingredient listing. If the ingredients are not listed on the package, request a listing from the manufacturer. Watch out for things such as artificial colour, flavour, animal fats and byproducts. Although these may not necessarily be harmful to your rabbit, do you really want to be feeding it to your beloved "vegetarian" pet rabbit? Another thing to watch out for is corn products, such as corn kernels, hulls or ground corn. Corn is harder to digest and some rabbits have experienced severe digestive problems after ingesting corn. One more important thing to watch out for is that some rabbit food contains peanuts and/or peanut oil, this is particularly important if you or someone you know has peanut allergies.
Where you live may influence the brands of pellets that are available in your area. No matter where you live, Oxbow 's Bunny Basic/T is an excellent pellet choice. There are other brands available, such as Martin’s, Kaytee, Hagen, Russel's, and Otter Co-op that are just as good. Remember the brands listed may not be available in your area and brands not mentioned may also be just as good for your rabbit..
Oxbow Bunny Basic/T is available through Oxbow Hay Company. Bunny Basic/T, it is a Timothy Hay based pellet versus the standard Alfalfa Hay based pellets. This equates to lower fat levels and higher fibre content. Bunny Basic/T has a minimum protein level of 14% and a maximum fibre level of 29%. In addition, this product has been specifically designed with the pet rabbit in mind.
Recommended Serving Size:
Feed your rabbit aprox., 1/4 cup per 5-7 lbs of adult weight. Young rabbits (under 1 year) and pregnant or lactating does should be free fed which means feed them as much as they can eat.
Hay:
Timothy or Grass Hays should be free feed to all rabbits. Alfalfa is high in protein and calcium as well as fat, which could lead to potential health problems. However, it can be fed in limited amounts as a treat food and to supplement the diet of both young rabbits and pregnant or lactating does.
Vegetables:
Some house rabbit owners have chosen to feed their rabbits a diet mainly of fresh greens and vegetables. Although, I don't disagree with this option I do have to mention that it is a diet that is not for everyone or every rabbit. This kind of diet requires a lot of preparation as a healthy medium size rabbit will require up to 3 large "salads" per day, each containing a variety of greens and vegetables in order to meet the minimum required nutrients and calories needed each day. As for the rabbit, this diet must be done gradually so as to not create any stomach upset and some rabbits, however, can not even look at fresh greens without getting diarrhea.
I personally, have chosen to feed fresh greens and vegetables as treats rather than the main diet, as many of my rabbits have had digestive problems and could not tolerate large amounts of fresh foods.
Treats:
Limit treat foods to no more than a tablespoon per day. Although, there seems to be some controversy as to what constitutes a "treat" food, my philosophy has always been "MODERATION". Good healthy items such as fruits and veggies are always a welcomed treat. Broccoli, carrot tops, kale, apple and dandelion leaves are among the favorite.
However, if your rabbit is running around the house you might find him/her interested in your food, even too the point as to looking into your mouth for food. I have given my rabbits treats such as, cheerios, crackers, toast, and granola bars but in very small amounts. The key to feeding any treat to your rabbit is keep it low in sugars, fats and salt; if it's not healthy for you, it’s probably not very good for bunny either
There is also a wide range of commercially made treat products available from your pet supply store.
Water:
Every rabbit should be supplied fresh water daily.
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