Dwarf Rabbit Diet

Providing a healthy, balanced diet is key to successful dwarf rabbit raising. Although commercial feeds have become the choice of many rabbit owners, it is not necessarily the best choice for good nutrition. Dwarf rabbits require a balanced ration of protein, minerals, vitamins, fiber and carbohydrates. A rabbit's digestive system is very sensitive and can easily be disrupted. For proper health and a long life, a dwarf rabbit requires a diet that is low in fat and protein and high in fiber.

  1. Proteins

    • Young dwarf rabbits generally need a feed ration that provides 14 to 16 percent protein. Active breeding does usually need a feed that provides 17 to 18 percent protein. Mature rabbits' protein intake should be less--about 10 percent.

    Salt

    • Salt is important to a balanced feed. The commercial pellets include enough salt to meet the dwarf rabbit's needs, making salt spools unnecessary.

    Fiber

    • Dwarf rabbits enjoy good-quality timothy or grass hay. It is the most important part of a bunny's diet, adding the proper amount of fiber to keep the digestive system working properly. Be sure to check the hay before you feed it to your rabbit. It should smell good, be free of mold and dust, and have a bright green color. It is best to place a hay manger in the cage if you are feeding hay regularly to keep it from getting soiled and wasted. Mature rabbits and developing young require 20 to 27 percent fiber, whereas pregnant and nursing does need 15 to 20 percent fiber.

    Fat

    • The commercial feed you choose should contain 2 to 3.5 percent fat for mature rabbits and 3 to 5.5 percent fat for nursing or pregnant does.

    Vegetables and Fruits

    • Feeding a mixture of vegetables daily to your rabbit ensures that it will receive the right amount of vitamin A in its diet. Your rabbit requires 2 to 4 cups of fresh vegetables per 5 lbs. of body weight. Feed only clean, fresh vegetables; organic vegetables are the best choice. Feed fruits in smaller amounts a few times per week, avoiding fruits that are high in sugar, such as bananas and grapes. If your rabbit is overweight, avoid fruits altogether.