Food for Domestic Rabbits

Feeding a rabbit takes more time and consideration than many other domestic animals. These mammals are herbivores. For your rabbit to grow and stay healthy it needs a variety of fresh vegetation to eat daily. When choosing food for your domestic rabbit you'll need to have a few different things on the menu.

  1. Pellets

    • Rabbit pellets from pet stores are a necessity in a rabbit's diet. Get pellets that are timothy-based and contain 22 percent crude fiber, 14 percent protein and around 1 percent fat. Administer 1/8 cup of pellets daily for every 5 lbs. of rabbit.

    Hay

    • You can feed the rabbit unlimited amounts of hay every day. Hay from timothy, oat and brome is the best for your rabbit. Avoid alfalfa hay and clover because of the calcium and protein content. Fresh barrels are available at pet stores and local nurseries.

    Vegetables

    • Rabbits love fresh vegetables. Green leafy vegetables are the best for your rabbit, along with carrots and tomatoes. Always wash the vegetables thoroughly for pesticides. Introduce new vegetables to your rabbit slowly. You can give rabbits fresh vegetables once a day.

    Fruits

    • Rabbits love fruit but you should only give it as a treat. Fruits are very high in sugar and can be unhealthy for your rabbit. Fresh bananas, cherries, peaches, apricots, berries and apples can be rewards for rabbit training. Wash the fruit carefully and remove stems or large pits and seeds.

    Boxed Treats

    • Avoid boxed treats available at pet stores. These foods are lacking nutritional value and can upset your pet's stomach. Instead give fresh fruits, hay or vegetables.