What Can a Young Pet Rabbit Eat?

Feeding a young rabbit properly will help ensure it will grow and thrive. Beyond a fresh supply of water that should be served in a clean dish daily, rabbits should be given the correct amount and type of food based on their age and growing needs. Offer your young rabbit fresh, healthy food and you will enjoy a healthy pet rabbit for years.

  1. Formula

    • Kitten replacement formula provides proper nourishment for a young rabbit.

      Kitten replacement formula is specially formulated for a baby kitten. This formula works well for young rabbits as well. According to a report from the University of Miami's Biology Department, feed 1/2 cubic centimeter of warm formula every three hours to a young rabbit that has no fur yet and still has its eyes closed. For young rabbits with fur but eyes still closed, feed 2 cubic centimeters every 3 hours. An eye-dropper or kitten bottle works best for feeding young rabbits. Feed young rabbits slowly to keep the milk out of the baby's lungs. Adhere closely to the feeding guidelines as death of a young rabbit can occur from overfeeding.

    Hay

    • Hay helps keep a young rabbit's system healthy.

      Hay is vital to the health of a young rabbit, as it supplies the fiber needed to keep the intestines in good working order. According to Dana Krempels, Ph.D, of the University of Miami, rabbits like the taste of alfalfa or clover hays, but these are too rich in protein. Instead, opt for grass hays such as timothy, oat, coastal, brome, Bahia or wheat. Keep a fresh supply of hay available in a food dish at all times.

    Pellets

    • Rabbit pellets are formulated with vitamins and minerals.

      A good-quality rabbit pellet purchased from pet or animal supply stores provides rabbits with a small amount of necessary vitamins and minerals not found in hay or vegetables. Baby rabbits should be given an unlimited supply of rabbit pellets in their food dish. However, as the rabbit grows, the need for the nutrients in pellets diminishes. When a young rabbit reaches five pounds offer only 1/8 cup of rabbit pellets every day.

    Fruits and Vegetables

    • Vegetables are a favorite for many rabbits.

      Fresh greens will help keep your rabbit's body hydrated. A 2-month-old rabbit is ready to begin trying fresh vegetables. Begin with kale, romaine lettuce or carrots. Cut vegetables into 1-inch cubes and offer them in a clean food dish daily. Optionally, spritz the vegetables with a small amount of water to increase the water intake for the rabbit. If the young rabbit seems to tolerate the vegetables well after a few days, add a new vegetable. Broccoli, parsley, mint and any dark leaf lettuce are good choices as the rabbit grows. Fruit can be too harsh for a young rabbit's system. Refrain from offering fruits until the rabbit is at least five pounds and then only in small portions.