HAY, HAY AND MORE HAY! - 80%

Unlimited good quality hay is the foundation of a healthy diet for a pet rabbit. It not only keeps them occupied for long periods of time, which reduces boredom and helps prevent behavioural problems, but it also keeps the teeth trim, the jaw strong and provides fibre to maintain healthy gut movement. Hay should make up 80% of your rabbit's diet

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FRESH FOOD/VEGETABLES - 15%

Rabbits will love a portion of fresh vegetables each day, it also helps to add water to their diet as well as added nutrients and mental enrichment. There are a variety of lists available for fresh vegetables and forage that are safe for rabbits, but please be aware that all rabbits are different and not all will tolerate the same foods, always introduce new foods in small amounts. If you are adopting from us, we can tell you which foods your bunny is used to. Please fine the RWAF safe foods list here.

 

PELLETS - 5%

Pellets are recommended over a food mix, especially for rabbits feeding together as it prevents selective feeding. Rabbit mix only provides a balanced diet if the rabbit eats all of it, but some rabbits tend to pick out their favourite bits and two or more rabbits together eat different components of the mix. A pair of rabbits should have no more than a small handful of pellets between them a day. It is possible to overfeed your rabbit even on a good pellet. Don't fall for the "I am starved" story .... hay, hay and more hay is the answer!

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WATER

Fresh water should be available to them at all times either via a drinking bottle or bowl. Bowls and bottles should be cleaned and re-filled at least once a day.

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TREATS

Rabbits love their treats but over indulgence can lead to serious problems; excess sugars and starchy treats can cause an imbalance of healthy bacteria in the gut and lead to fatal digestive problems and/or obesity. Healthy treats can be a small chunk of carrot or apple or you can take a few pellets out of their daily allowance and feed as treats throughout the day. If your rabbit is suffering from a dirty bottom one question to ask is "Is my rabbit over weight?" If the answer is possibly yes then a strict diet could be the answer!

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CONSISTENCY

Never change a rabbit's diet suddenly as this can trigger digestive upset, especially in babies or rabbits that are stressed (eg from a move), which can be fatal. Take at least 1-2 weeks to gradually change over and feed lots of hay making small changes and additions one at a time, giving the bun 24hours before deeming the new food suitable for your rabbit. Remember what suits one rabbit's digestive system may not suit anothers so take it slow and steady. If the new food results in an excess of sticky poos then either remove from the diet or alternatively cut back the amount and try again once your rabbit's system has returned to normal.

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