Rabbit feeding hay
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Rabbit feeding hay

The key to a happy and healthy rabbit inside and out, begins with your furry friend’s diet.

What is the best hay for my rabbit?

Good quality feeding hay should make up 85-95% of your rabbit’s daily diet, which means the average domestic pet should be eating around 1kg of hay every week. 

Eating enough hay is important as it helps rabbits maintain both a healthy gut function and healthy teeth, as well as preventing obesity which can lead to significant health problems. It can be a challenge to encourage your bunny to choose the healthy hay option, especially if he or she is used to less nutritious treats.

High in fibre and low in sugar, our high quality homegrown Timothy Hay is ideal for your rabbit as it’s not only packed with naturally tasty goodness but we also process it to increase purity and to offer stem lengths that take time to chew and prevent boredom, just as nature intended! Small pets across the country certainly give our natural varieties the ‘paws up’! 

What and how much should I feed my rabbit?

After dogs and cats, rabbits are the third most popular pet in the UK, with 2% of the population owning around 1 million of our furry friends. 

However a rabbit’s anatomy and digestive system is very different to that of a cat or dog, so rabbit lovers must be careful with the type and quantity of food provided to ensure optimum health and wellbeing of their pet rabbits.  

Top tips for your rabbit’s diet

  • 85-95% premium feeding hay or grass – don’t be fooled by Bugs Bunny and his carrot grazing antics, hay is hands down the best food for your bunny’s digestive system.
  • 5-15% cereals, fruit and veg – should be given only as ‘treats’ as rabbits don’t eat these in their natural habitat, and they contain natural sugars which can damage their teeth.
  • Look after their teeth - rabbits’ teeth grow continuously throughout their life and need to be worn down and kept at the correct length and shape by eating grass, hay and leafy green plants. If they eat the wrong diet it can lead to serious dental disease.
  • Long grazing periods – rabbits naturally eat or graze for long periods of time, mostly at dusk and dawn which helps to alleviate boredom as well as satisfy their appetite, so keep an eye on hay disappearing quickly or being leftover and adjust accordingly.
  • Monitor food quantities – how much rabbits eat depends on various factors such as lifestyle, size, age and general health. Every rabbit is different so always check with an expert first, then get to know your rabbit and monitor their food intake.
  • Fresh water – always make sure your rabbit has clean fresh water. Check and change daily to avoid dehydration which can lead to serious illness.
  • Moist pellets – rabbits produce two types of droppings – hard, dry pellets and softer, moist pellets that they eat directly from their bottoms. These provide essential fibre for a healthy digestive system, so eating these is completely normal.
  • Never feed them lawnmower cuttings - these can seriously damage their digestive systems.

Five step rabbit health check

In addition to an annual vet’s check-up, it’s a good idea to groom your rabbit daily to avoid them self-grooming and swallowing fur.

Follow these 5 simple checks whilst grooming to keep your bunny in tip-top condition... and if you notice anything unusual always consult your vet.

Eyes

Check they’re shiny, free of discharge and mites and fleas. Damp, dull or swollen eyes could be a sign of illness which can lead to blindness.

Teeth

Check for drooling and unusual redness around the gum line, but be careful! Rabbits don’t like their mouths being examined and might bite!

Bottom

Check it’s clean, especially in warmer months to prevent a nasty condition common to rabbits called fly strike. Remove any moist droppings, clean gently and dry thoroughly.

Feet

Check for injury, new lumps and bumps, and overgrown nails – seek a vet’s advice if nails need trimming or you notice anything unusual.

Fur

Check for bald patches and signs of fleas, mites or injury. Your rabbit’s skin is delicate so use a soft brush designed for rabbit fur when grooming.