Rabbit Food
Many health problems in rabbits can be avoided
through an appropriate diet. Rabbits have a somewhat complicated
digestive system that requires food that is adapted to it. Rabbits are
strict herbivores. A typical rabbit diet should consist of the
following:
(i) Hay—provides
the necessary fiber that aids the digestive system of rabbits in
functioning.
(ii) Green
shoots and vegetables—for example, leaf lettuces, parsley and other
greens.
(iii) Fruits—these
are treats for the animal. Most rabbits enjoy apples as they are sweet
and have a hard surface that they can use to grind their teeth on.
(iv)
Pellets—commercial feeds should form only a fraction of the total
diet. Rabbits cannot survive healthily on pellets alone.
(v)
Water—should be available ad lib. The water should be changed at
least once a day.
There are certain foods to avoid at all costs.
Tomatoes, cabbage, corn, beans, peas, potatoes, beets, onions, bamboo,
and seeds hurt the digestive system of the rabbit. Chocolate, candy and
other human foods are also unsuitable.
The rabbit enjoys variety almost as a human would.
Repeating the same diet every day would reduce appetite and lead to
health problems. It is recommended to have at least three different
types of vegetables in the diet every day.
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