Rabbits
Diet (part 4)
Here is a list of some of the green foods you might consider:

Broccoli (leaves and top) Brussels sprouts Bok choy
Cabbage (red, green, Chinese) Celery (leaves are good Chickory
Chickory Collard greens Dock
Dandelion greens (and flower) Borage Basil
Swiss chard (any color) Endive Escarole
Parsley (Italian or flat leaf best) Mustard greens Kale
Romaine lettuce Leaf lettuce Baby greens
Water cress Raddichio Carrot/beet tops
Fruits and Other Vegetables (Treat Foods)

Depending on the time of year, rabbits in the wild would have access to additional foods such as fruits, vegetables and flowers. Since these items do not make up the majority of the diet, we recommend feeding these special items in limited quantities. Another reason for limiting the amount is because some rabbits like these foods so well, that they will eat them to the exclusion of all others thereby creating a potential for health problems. Foods from this list can be fed daily and you may even wish to use them as part of a reward or training system. These treat foods are far healthier (and less expensive) that the commercial treat foods sold for rabbits. Commercial treat foods should be totally avoided because they are loaded with starch and fat and if fed in quantity can cause serious health problems. Stick to “natural” and healthy treats for your pet.

Follow the same guidelines as listed for selecting and using green foods with the exception of the amount. You can feed your pet a total of 1 heaping tablespoon per 2 pounds of body weight per day of any combination of the foods below:

Kiwi Fruit Strawberries Blueberries
Raspberries Blackberries Apple
Pear Peach Papaya
Pineapple Cactus fruit Melons
Bean or alfalfa sprouts Green or red bell peppers Mango
Pea pods (flat, NO peas) Cherries Cranberries
Edible flowers from the garden (organically grown and NOT from a florist) such as roses, nasturtiums, day lilies, pansies and snap dragons
Dried fruit can be used as well, but since it is so concentrated, use only half the amount as fresh. We do not recommend feeding bananas and grapes as rabbits sometimes become “addicted” to these foods. If you do chose to feed them, watch your pet carefully to ensure he/she is also eating sufficient quantities of green foods and hay.

Forbidden Foods

A diet of grass hay and green foods with small amounts of fruits and vegetables contains all the nutrition necessary for the pet rabbit. Unfortunately there are many commercial treat foods sold for rabbits that contain high levels of starch and fat. In addition, some people still feel that it is necessary to feed rabbits high starch foods. Although a pet rabbit can eat very small amounts of starchy or fatty foods, without ill effect, the problem is that people often feed excess amounts because the rabbits eat these foods so greedily. Our recommendation is to completely avoid high starch and/or fat foods for your pet. In this way you will avoid any potential problems these foods can cause including obesity and serious GI disease. It is always easier to prevent than to treat a disease.

Examples of high fat and/or starch foods to AVOID include:
Beans (of any kind) Peas Corn
Breads Cereals Nuts
Seeds Oats Wheat
Chocolate
Refined sugar
Any other grains
© 2004 Midwest Bird and Exotic Animal Hospital