There are lots of misconceptions about what rabbits should eat.
Here are some of the most common rabbit diet myths, and tips on what your pet really should eat to stay healthy.
Myth 1: Rabbits eat carrots
Bugs Bunny was never without a carrot in his mouth, but believe it or not, carrots should not be main sources of food for your rabbit. Rabbits don't naturally eat root vegetables or fruit. Carrots are high in sugar and should only be fed in small amounts as occasional treats. Rabbits need mainly hay and/or grass, some leafy greens and a small, measured amount of pellets.
Myth 2: Hay is just for bedding
Hay isn’t just bedding. Fresh, dust-free hay should be their main source of food available at all times. Eating lots of hay or grass helps wear down rabbits' constantly growing teeth and keeps tummies healthy. It allows foraging and grazing - important normal behaviours.
Myth 3: Rabbits eat lettuce
Your rabbit’s diet shouldn’t be lettuce based. Rabbits shouldn’t eat some lettuces at all, for example iceberg, as they contain laudanum which can be harmful in large quantities. Some lettuce is worse than others - light-coloured varieties are high in water and have very little nutritional value, so are not recommended. Darker, more leafy and fibrous varieties, for example, romaine lettuce, should be fed, as they are higher in fibre and actual nutrients. Introduce these gradually to your rabbit to avoid digestive problems. Large amounts of lettuce, for a rabbit unused to it, can cause digestive upsets.
Myth 4: Rabbits should be fed big bowlfuls of food
Eating too much commercial food (pellets/nuggets/muesli) can cause weight gain and prevent eating enough hay and/or grass. Muesli-style foods shouldn’t be fed as they cause teeth and tummy problems. Rabbits can be fed small, measured amount of pellets/nuggets each day, ensuring they get all the vitamins and minerals they need. If given highly palatable commercial food, rabbits eat quickly, have nothing else to do, so may become bored.
Image via Pinterest.
