& How Do Domestic & Wild Rabbits Differ In Rabbit Food?
Whether you’re caring for a domestic bunny or simply curious about those adorable wild rabbits hopping through your garden, understanding what rabbits eat is essential for their health and happiness. Let’s hop into the wonderful world of rabbit nutrition and discover what keeps these delightful creatures healthy and bouncing with joy!
The Best Diet for Pet Rabbits
What Do Domestic Rabbits Eat?
Just like their wild cousins, domestic rabbits thrive on a diet that mirrors their natural feeding habits. The foundation of every happy bunny’s diet should be:
Fresh, Green Hay!
Hay isn’t just a snack – it’s the main bulk of rabbit nutrition! Your bunny should have unlimited access to fresh, sweet-smelling hay, making up about 80% of their diet. Think of hay as nature’s perfect package, providing essential fibre for digestion and helping maintain those ever-growing teeth. Our locally sourced timothy and meadow hay offers exactly what your bunny needs for optimal health.
Buns Need Their 5 a Day Too
Nature’s Daily Vitamins Those adorable whiskers will twitch with delight at the sight of fresh vegetables! Offer a variety of leafy greens daily, such as:
- Fresh herbs like basil and parsley
- Crisp romaine lettuce
- Nutritious carrot tops
- Fresh spring greens
- Crunchy celery leaves
Remember to introduce new vegetables gradually to avoid upsetting those sensitive tummies!
Pellets: The Supplementary Boost While not the main event, high-quality pellets provide concentrated nutrition that complements a hay-based diet. Think of them as your rabbit’s daily multivitamin – important but not the star of the show.
What Do Wild Rabbits Eat?
Our garden visitors have their own natural buffet that changes with the seasons. Wild rabbits are expert foragers, enjoying:
Spring Delicacies
- Fresh grass shoots
- Young tree bark
- Early spring flowers
- Tender plant shoots
- Wild herbs
Summer Feasting
- Abundant grasses
- Wild flowers
- Leafy weeds
- Garden vegetables (much to gardeners’ dismay!)
- Clover and plantain
Autumn Offerings
- Fallen fruit
- Dry grasses
- Hardy weeds
- Remaining garden produce
- Tree bark
Winter Survival During the challenging winter months, wild rabbits adapt their diet to include:
- Twigs and bark
- Dried grass and plants
- Any remaining vegetation
- Tree buds and needles
Bunny Rabbit Foods to Avoid
Whether wild or domestic, certain foods can be harmful to rabbits. Keep these away from your furry friends:
- Processed human foods
- Chocolate and sweets
- Avocado
- Onions and garlic
- Bread and crackers
- Iceberg lettuce
Creating the Perfect Feeding Schedule
For pet rabbits, establishing a regular feeding routine helps maintain optimal health:
Morning
- Fresh hay top-up
- Small portion of pellets
- Fresh water change
Afternoon
- Fresh vegetables
- Hay check and refresh if needed
- Water check
Evening
- Another hay refresh
- Small portion of pellets
- Final water check
Special Treats and Enrichment
While maintaining a healthy diet is crucial, the occasional treat can make your bunny’s day extra special. Safe rabbit treats include:
- Small pieces of apple (without seeds)
- Tiny carrot portions
- Fresh herbs
- Natural dried fruit (in very small amounts)
Natural Rabbit toys
Remember, treats should make up no more than 10% of your rabbit’s daily diet – think of them as rabbit-sized desserts!
The Importance of Fresh Water
Whether wild or domestic, all rabbits need constant access to fresh, clean water. For pet rabbits, check and refresh water at least twice daily, and ensure outdoor water sources don’t freeze during winter months.
By understanding what rabbits eat and providing the right nutrition, we can help ensure these delightful creatures stay healthy and happy. Whether you’re caring for a domestic bunny or appreciating the wild rabbits in your garden, remember that a natural, hay-based diet is always best. After all, a well-fed rabbit is a happy rabbit!
Want to give your bunny the very best? Check out our selection of locally sourced hay and natural treats – because every bunny deserves the finest nature has to offer!