Healthy Eating for Happy Bunnies: A Guide to Rabbit Nutrition

This presentation provides a complete guide to feeding rabbits a balanced and nutritious diet to ensure their overall health and well-being. It explains the importance of essential food groups such as hay, fresh vegetables, fruits, and pellets, detailing how each contributes to a rabbit’s daily nutrition. The slides also highlight foods that are safe for rabbits, along with a list of toxic items that should be strictly avoided to prevent digestive and health issues. Additionally, practical feeding tips, hydration guidelines, and portion recommendations are included to help rabbit owners create a well-balanced meal plan. With engaging visuals and easy-to-follow advice, this presentation is perfect for anyone looking to provide their rabbits with the best possible diet for a happy and healthy life.

1. Healthy Eating for Happy Bunnies: A Guide to Rabbit Nutrition A complete guide to feeding your bunny the right way

2. Why Proper Nutrition is Important for Rabbits A balanced diet keeps rabbits healthy, energetic, and prevents diseases . Poor diet can cause digestive issues and dental problems . Understanding what to feed (and what to avoid) is crucial for their well-being.

3. What Do Rabbits Eat in the Wild? Rabbits are herbivores and their diet consists mostly of hay, fresh vegetables, and herbs. Wild rabbits rely on grasses, leaves, and occasional fruits. Domesticated rabbits need a similar diet for optimal health.

4. Why Hay is the Most Important Part of a Rabbit’s Diet Provides essential fiber for digestion. Keeps teeth naturally trimmed. Should make up 80-90% of a rabbit’s daily diet. Types of hay: Timothy, Orchard, Meadow, Alfalfa (for young rabbits only).

5. Vegetables That Rabbits Can Eat Safe vegetables: Romaine lettuce, spinach (in moderation), bell peppers, parsley, cilantro, carrots (small amounts). Avoid: Potatoes, onions, garlic, iceberg lettuce (too much water, low nutrients). Can rabbits eat cauliflower ? Yes, but in small amounts! Too much can cause gas and bloating.

6. How Much Fruit Should a Rabbit Eat? Fruits should only be given as occasional treats due to high sugar content. Safe fruits: Apples (without seeds), bananas, strawberries, blueberries. Avoid: Grapes, cherries (pits are toxic), citrus fruits (too acidic). Limit fruit intake to 1-2 tablespoons per day .

7. Do Rabbits Need Pellets in Their Diet? Pellets should be only a small part of a rabbit’s diet. Choose high-fiber, no-added sugar pellets. Avoid pellets with seeds, nuts, or dried fruits (they can cause obesity). Ideal portion: ¼ cup per day for small rabbits, ½ cup for large rabbits.

8. What Should You Never Feed Your Rabbit? Processed foods (bread, pasta, chips, cookies). Dairy products (cheese, milk – rabbits are lactose intolerant). Meat (rabbits are strict herbivores). Avocados (toxic), chocolate (poisonous), iceberg lettuce (causes diarrhea).

9. Keeping Your Bunny Hydrated and Healthy Rabbits need fresh, clean water available at all times. Water bowls are better than bottles (more natural drinking posture). Feeding routine: Feed hay unlimited, veggies daily, pellets in moderation. Observe eating habits – sudden changes could indicate illness.

10. Summary & Final Tips A healthy diet consists of 80% hay, 10% veggies, 5% pellets, 5% fruit/treats . Avoid toxic foods and introduce new foods slowly . Always provide fresh water and regular vet checkups . Happy Bunny = Healthy Bunny! 🐰💚