Bunnies are extremely cute and endearing when kept as pets. However, they’re also quite fragile and sensitive, which is why proper care and diet are important to ensure that they live as healthily as possible.

When it comes to deciding what types of food to feed your pet rabbit, it’s important to be selective and precise. Ensuring that you provide healthy proportions is also critical to ensure that they get the right nutrition they need.

So what types of food should you feed rabbits?
 

Grass hay

Fresh fibrous hay should make up at least 80% of your rabbit’s diet. You can choose to stick to one type of hay or mix up different types, as long as they are guaranteed to be fresh. Make sure that the hay you feed your rabbits are clean and free of molds and dust as these can contaminate the hay and make your pet rabbit sick. 

Also, avoid feeding adult rabbits with large portions of Alfalfa hay. They are legumes that are high in calcium and protein which may be detrimental to rabbits’ health. As much as possible, stick to grass types hay such as Wheaten, Paddock, Meadow or Timothy hay among others.
 

Greens

Apart from fibrous hay, it’s also recommended to incorporate fresh greens into your pet rabbit’s diet. This should comprise approximately 10-20% of their overall food intake. Brussel sprouts, broccoli, celery, bok choy, parsley, coriander, mint, and basil are among the best options to choose from. 

Adult rabbits should be given a maximum of two cups per day. Meanwhile, smaller rabbits should be given approximately one cup at most. Cucumber, carrot tops, bell peppers, zucchini, okra leaves, radish tops, and fennel are some of the best veggies to give rabbits on a daily. You can also give broccoli, kale, carrots, and spinach around one or two times per week.
 

Fruits

As tasty as they are, fruits should only be given to bunnies around once or twice per week at extremely small portions. As a rule of thumb, give your rabbits around a tablespoon or two of fruit every time.

Orange, papaya, peach, pineapple, apples, and bananas are great fruit options to include in your rabbit’s diet. Make sure that they are properly washed and that seeds are removed before they are fed to the rabbits.
 

Pellets

Like fruits, pellets should be given to rabbits at limited proportions. They are not critical to rabbits’ diet, so it is important to make sure that you only provide the right variety and amount to your pets

You can feed your little critters around 1 tablespoon of pellets per kilogram daily. Make sure that the pellets have more than 18% crude fibre and are specially produced for domestic rabbits.  Stay away from dried nuts, corn, and seeds as these can do more harm than good to your pets’ health.
 

Water

Rabbits need to stay hydrated throughout the day, so clean water must always be within their reach. Make sure to refill their water bowl every few hours, and clean their water bottles or bowls every few days.

As cute and irresistibly charming as they are, rabbits can be quite a fragile bunch. They require proper attention and care when taken in as pets. And as a pet owner, you have to be more responsible in how you keep, groom, and feed them.